Ep. 16 | Huntington Beach, CA: Surfing, Huntington State Beach, Oceanfront Hotels

Ep. 16 | Huntington Beach, CA: Surfing, Huntington State Beach, Oceanfront Hotels

Huntington Beach is a beach city in Southern California, known as Surf City, that has a laid-back vibe with a variety of water sports, a lively downtown across from the state beach, an outdoor mall, a walkable pier, and hotels overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  Guest: Clara Tsang, VP of PR and Communications, Visit Huntington Beach  https://www.surfcityusa.com [https://www.surfcityusa.com/]  Must-Do’s: * Kimpton Shorebreak [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/kimpton-shorebreak-huntington-beach-resort/16/] * Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach [https://www.surfcityusa.com/meetings/resorts-hotels/the-hb-collection/hyatt-regency-huntington-beach-resort-spa/] * International Surfing Museum [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/huntington-beach-international-surfing-museum/40/] * Duke’s Huntington Beach [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/dukes/207/] * Huntington Beach Pier [https://www.surfcityusa.com/things-to-do/attractions/huntington-beach-pier/] * Surf lessons at McKinnon Surf & SUP Lessons [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/mckinnon-surf-%26-sup-lessons/894/] * US Open of Surfing [https://www.surfcityusa.com/events/annual-events-festivals/us-open-of-surfing/] * Biking along 10 miles of beaches [https://www.surfcityusa.com/things-to-do/outdoors-recreation/biking/] * 500+ Bonfires on the beach [https://www.surfcityusa.com/things-to-do/beaches/beach-bonfires/] * Corgi Beach Day [https://www.surfcityusa.com/events/annual-events-festivals/so-cal-corgi-beach-day/]  What’s New in Huntington Beach: * Boardriders Café [https://www.instagram.com/boardriderscafehb/] * For a sweet treat, Uncle Fluffy [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/uncle-fluffy/2846/] and Parlor Doughnuts [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/parlor-doughnuts/2942/] * Bolsa Chica Wetlands [https://www.surfcityusa.com/things-to-do/outdoors-recreation/nature-parks/bolsa-chica-ecological-reserve/] * Jolie [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/jolie/2694/] * Offshore9 [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/offshore-9-rooftop-lounge/823/] * Sushi Nigiriba [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/sushi-nigiriba/2944/] * A Great Day in the Stoke [https://www.surfcityusa.com/events/annual-events-festivals/a-great-day-in-the-stoke/] * Sticks and Stone Clubhouse [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/sticks-and-stones-clubhouse/2960/] * SeaSalt Honky Tonk at the Beach [https://www.surfcityusa.com/listing/seasalt-honky-tonk-at-the-beach/708/] * Huntington Harbour [https://www.surfcityusa.com/things-to-do/attractions/huntington-harbour/] * Taste of Napa [https://www.surfcityusa.com/event/taste-of-napa-in-huntington-beach/25033/] and California Wine Festival [https://www.surfcityusa.com/events/annual-events-festivals/huntington-beach-california-wine-festival/] at Pasea Hotel & Spa [https://www.paseahotel.com]  Thanks for tuning in to Sharael Travels. If you enjoyed the journey, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite travel buddies. Want to pitch a destination or connect with Sharael? Head to sharael.com. [http://www.sharael.com/] Follow her on social media @SharaelTravels: * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sharaeltravels] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sharaeltravels/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sharaeltravels] * X [https://x.com/sharaeltravels]

Ep. 15 | Buellton, CA: Wine Tasting, Outdoor Adventure, Animal Encounters

Buellton is a small town just off Pacific Coast Highway in Central California that offers wine tasting, outdoor adventure, animal encounters, and quirky charm. Guest: Kathy Vreeland, Director of Discover Buelltonhttps://discoverbuellton.com/ https://discoverbuellton.com [https://discoverbuellton.com/] Must-Do’s·      * Highline Adventures [https://highlineadventures.com/]: Biggest and fastest zipline in California and Ropes Course.      * Ostrichland USA [https://www.ostrichlandusa.com/]: Feed ostriches and emus * Go horseback riding with Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides [https://www.syvhorsebackrides.com/] * Mendenhall Museum [https://www.mendenhallmuseum.com/] of Gasoline Pumps * Stroll through the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden [https://santaynezvalleybotanicgarden.org/], explore the butterfly garden and willow maze, or add a wish to the wishing tree * Vega Vineyard & Farm [https://www.vegavineyardandfarm.com/]: Wine tasting, restaurant, petting zoo, gift shop, vineyards What’s New in Buellton: Buellton annual events: * Buellton Fall Fest [https://www.buelltonfallfest.com/]: November * Buellton Winter Fest: December [https://discoverbuellton.com/buellton-winter-fest/] New activities: * Wine Wednesday in Buellton * The Skynet Playground [https://highlineadventures.com/adventures/skynet-playground] at Highline Adventures * Buellton's new farmers' market [https://ediblesantabarbara.com/departments/edible-notables/buelltons-new-farmers-market/] * Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum [https://www.syvchildrensmuseum.org/] Where to Stay: * Sideways Inn [https://sidewaysinn.com/] * Flying Flags RV Park [https://flyingflags.com/] * Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn [https://www.peasoupandersens.com/] * Hotel Hygge [https://www.hotelhyggebuellton.com/]· * Alisal Ranch [https://www.alisalranch.com/] Where to Eat: * Nana Thai [https://www.nanathaisyv.com/]· * Firestone Walker Brewing Company [https://www.firestonewalker.com/buellton/] * Industrial Eats [https://industrialeats.com/] * AJ Spurs Saloon [https://www.ajspurs.com/] * Figueroa Mountain Brew Co. [https://www.figmtnbrew.com/buellton] * Hitching Post 2 [https://www.hitchingpost2.com/] Thanks for tuning in to Sharael Travels. If you enjoyed the journey, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite travel buddies. Want to pitch a destination or connect with Sharael? Head to sharael.com. [http://www.sharael.com/] Follow her on social media @SharaelTravels: * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sharaeltravels] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sharaeltravels/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sharaeltravels] * X [https://x.com/sharaeltravels]

Ep. 14 | Las Vegas, NV: Luxury Resorts, Thrilling Entertainment, World-Class Dining

Las Vegas is one of the most vibrant cities with world-class dining and celebrity restaurants, entertaining concerts and musical shows, and lavish resorts.  Guest: Heidi Hayes, Director of Public Relations, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority https://www.visitlasvegas.com [https://www.visitlasvegas.com/]  Must-Do’s: 1. Watch Fountains at Bellagio [https://bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/fountains-of-bellagio.html] 2. Stroll the Strip [https://www.visitlasvegas.com/las-vegas-strip/] at night 3. See a show (The Sphere [https://www.thesphere.com/]; Awakening [https://www.wynnlasvegas.com/entertainment/awakening] at Wynn Las Vegas) 4. Ride the High Roller Observation Wheel [https://www.caesars.com/linq/things-to-do/attractions/high-roller] 5. Visit Fremont Street [https://vegasexperience.com/] 6. Explore the Neon Museum [https://neonmuseum.org/] 7. Take a day trip to Red Rock Canyon [https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/], Mt. Charleston [https://www.gomtcharleston.com/], Valley of Fire State Park [https://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire], Lake Mead National Recreation Area [https://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm], or Seven Magic Mountains [https://sevenmagicmountains.com/] 8. Try a thrill ride (STRAT SkyJump [https://thestrat.com/attractions/skyjump], STRAT X-Scream [https://thestrat.com/attractions/thrill-rides/x-scream], Big Apple Coaster [https://newyorknewyork.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/the-big-apple-coaster-and-arcade.html]) 9. Snap a selfie at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign 10. Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart [https://meowwolf.com/visit/las-vegas] 11. Get a spa treatment (Lapis Spa & Wellness [https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/wellness/lapis-spa-and-wellness/] at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Awana Spa [https://www.rwlasvegas.com/health-wellness/awana-spa] at Resorts World) 12. Splurge on a dining experience [https://www.visitlasvegas.com/restaurants-and-nightlife/] * Orla [https://mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/orla.html?ecid=GMB] at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino * Chyna Club [https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/dining/restaurants/chyna-club/] at Fontainebleau Las Vegas * The Bedford by Martha Stewart [https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas/restaurants/the-bedford-by-martha-stewart/] at Paris Las Vegas * NOBU [https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas/restaurants/nobu/] at Paris Las Vegas * COMO Poolside Café & Bar [https://applewebdata//43874816-F2B8-432D-B563-395440D2E749/COMO%20Poolside%20Cafe%CC%81%20&%20Bar] at Bellagio Resort & Casino Pool * Vanderpump à Paris [https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas/restaurants/vanderpump-a-paris/] at Paris Las Vegas * Superfrico [https://spiegelworld.com/restaurants/superfrico/] at the Cosmopolitan * Crossroads Kitchen [https://www.crossroadslasvegas.com/] in Resorts World Las Vegas   What’s New: 1. The Vanderpump Hotel [https://www.caesars.com/vanderpump-hotel] opens in May 2. Cantina Contramar [https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/dining/restaurants/cantina-contramar/] at Fontainebleau Las Vegas 3. Maroon by chef Kwame [https://www.saharalasvegas.com/restaurants-bars/maroon-sem?dining_lead_source=google_search_kwame&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22318349728&gbraid=0AAAAADKA6RAqz03SpPy0ZpirGFuWNwgwR&gclid=CjwKCAjwhqfPBhBWEiwAZo196qDOs0WqnEDmjheddvKX-qoezjj_KcRNYDA1tLq_izJE6bfWoLNVHxoC8msQAvD_BwE] at SAHARA 4. New direct flights announce from Paris and Sydney 5. Inclusive packages from MGM Resorts [https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/offers/all-inclusive-experience.html], Caesars [https://www.caesars.com/las-vegas/hotels/deals/inclusive-summer-package?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=LVM-PMAX-Travel-Goals-Occ-Brand-9FA&utm_term=&utm_content=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22569094066&gbraid=0AAAAADkAkvNgprodN9hdIkqjI2X_02Hvb&gclid=CjwKCAjwhqfPBhBWEiwAZo196pN6XKCreH_Hi3KYt5qHXkbEeTcF1AQPewmne4ln_vQGVlxozxuH6RoCJg4QAvD_BwE], Resorts World Las Vegas [https://www.rwlasvegas.com/offers/summer/] 6. Super Bowl 63 just announced for 2029 7. A’s baseball with new stadium coming in 2028  Semi-private flight to Las Vegas: JSX airline [https://www.jsx.com/]  Thanks for tuning in to Sharael Travels. If you enjoyed the journey, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite travel buddies. Want to pitch a destination or connect with Sharael? Head to sharael.com. [http://www.sharael.com/] Follow her on social media @SharaelTravels: * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sharaeltravels] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sharaeltravels/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sharaeltravels] * X [https://x.com/sharaeltravels]

Ep. 13 | Sonoma County, CA: Wine Tasting, Redwoods, Wellness

Sonoma County is known for world-class wine, but you can also hike in the Redwoods, float down the Russian River, get a relaxing spa treatment, or visit a California mission. Guest: Birgitt Vaughan, Director of Public Relations, Sonoma County Tourism    https://www.sonomacounty.com [https://www.sonomacounty.com/]   Must-Dos: 1.    Explore the Redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/guide-to-armstrong-redwoods-state-natural-reserve/].  2.    Visit the Historic Sonoma Plaza— [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/guide-wine-tasting-sonoma-plaza/] the largest town square in California and home to the last Spanish-Mexican mission. 3.    Experience the Sonoma Coast from Bodega Bay to Jenner. Drive. Hike at Bodega Head and get  [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/definitive-guide-exploring-bodega-head/]fresh seafood at Spud Point Crab Company [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/lunch-bodega-bay/] or Fishetarian Fish Market [https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/fishetarian-fish-market/]. 4.    Tour World-Class Wineries. Sonoma County boasts over 425 wineries, including Buena Vista Winery,  [https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/buena-vista-winery-2/]Iron Horse Vineyards, and  [https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/iron-horse-vineyards/]Francis Ford Coppola Winery [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/sonoma-county-wine-tasting-road-trip-itinerary/]  5.    Go on Safari and behind the scenes at Safari West— [https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/behind-the-scenes-at-safari-west/]a slice of Africa in Wine Country at this 400-acre wildlife preserve, home to giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and more.  6.    Visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum— [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/explore-snoopy-and-peanuts-sonoma-county-2-day-itinerary/]dedicated to the creator of the Peanuts comic strip. 7,   Stroll through Downtown Healdsburg and dine at 3 MICHELIN Star [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/48-hours-healdsburg-california/] SingleThread [https://www.sonomamag.com/singlethread-named-among-best-restaurants-in-the-world/] restaurant focusing on hyperlocal ingredients, farm biodiversity, energy efficiency, and staff well-being. 8.   Explore the “Santa Rosa Art Walk [https://www.srcity.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3103],” a new temporary public art exhibition designed to transform Downtown Santa Rosa and Historic Railroad Square into an open-air gallery. What’s New in Sonoma County: 1.    You don't have to drink to enjoy Sonoma County. Explore Sonoma County beyond the bottle. [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/beyond-the-bottle-sonoma-county-winery-experiences-without-the-alcohol/] From hot air ballooning to bike riding, from petting animals to tasting olive oil, from walking among the tallest trees to enjoying the most beloved cartoonist characters. 2.    Sonoma County Signature Experiences, [https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/sonoma-county-signature-experiences/] is a collection of curated, bookable experiences, such as a behind-the-scenes tour at Safari West [https://safariwest.com/plan-your-experience/wild-experiences/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], Taste of coastal foraging tour,  [https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/taste-of-coastal-foraging/]“The remarkable Redwoods [https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/the-remarkable-redwoods/],” and “Secrets of Sonoma: A Culinary Wine Pairing Journey [https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/secrets-of-sonoma/].”  3.    Become a certified U.C. California Naturalist [https://stewardscr.org/events/2026-u-c-california-naturalist-certification-winter-spring/] and a steward of the Sonoma Coast and Redwoods!   4.    Sonoma County offers the perfect backdrop for memory-rich getaways that blend old-fashioned charm with modern comforts. Take a road trip [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/dream-drives-perfect-day-trips-experience-spring/] along scenic Highway 1, stay at vintage-inspired lodgings [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/4-historic-sonoma-county-hotels-check-summer/], share multigenerational traditions [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/summer-family-road-trip-sonoma-county/], and create new memories. [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/how-re-create-childhood-trip-sonoma-county-adult/] 5.     Sonoma County may be world-famous for its wines, but it’s also a popular destination for wellness activities. [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/perfect-2-day-itinerary-focus-wellness/] 6.     Events  [https://www.sonomacounty.com/events/]include the Great Sonoma Crab & Wine Fest [https://sonomafb.org/crab-feed/], the California Artisan Cheese Festival [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/biggest-and-best-annual-sonoma-county-festivals/], the Butter and Egg Days Parade and Festival [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/what-petaluma-famous/], the Sonoma International Film Festival [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/guide-film-festivals-sonoma-county/], Country Summer Music Festival [https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/summer-concerts-and-music-festivals-wine-country/], and Healdsburg Jazz Festival [https://www.sonomacounty.com/events/healdsburg-jazz-winter-festival/].  7.    Taste of Sonoma will evolve into an expanded Pour & Explore  [https://sonomawine.com/pour-explore/]tasting series produced by Sonoma County Vintners.  8.     Sonoma County’s natural diversity — from redwood groves to coastal bluff trails to estuaries — means you can return again and again and still explore new landscapes. 9.     Add festivals and events, new gastronomy, retreat experiences, and retail opportunities, and you will always be surprised and amazed by the community that makes a visit to Sonoma County so special.  Thanks for tuning in to Sharael Travels. If you enjoyed the journey, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite travel buddies. Want to pitch a destination or connect with Sharael? Head to sharael.com. [http://www.sharael.com/] Follow her on social media @SharaelTravels: * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sharaeltravels] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sharaeltravels/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sharaeltravels] * X [https://x.com/sharaeltravels]

Ep. 12 | Grindelwald, Switzerland: World-Class Skiing, Ice Palace, Michelin Dining

Grindelwald, Switzerland is home to world-class skiing in the Swiss Alps, five-star accommodations, Michelin dining, and the Top of Europe adventures.  Guest: Melanie Trummer, Product Manager, Grindelwald Tourism  Winter Must-Dos:  * Grindelwald-First: Skiing and visiting the “Top of Adventure” [https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/grindelwaldfirst/] with the First Glider included in the Ski Pass. * Skiing in the Jungfrau Ski Region [https://grindelwald.swiss/en/experiences/winter-activities/skiing.html] (Covering three ski areas) * Winter Hike to Bachalpsee [https://grindelwald.swiss/en/experiences/winter-activities/winter-hiking.html] (Lake) * Jungfraujoch [https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/jungfraujoch-top-of-europe/] – Top of Europe (Lindt, Ice Bar. Ice palace, Restaurant Crystal) * Night Sledding [https://grindelwald.swiss/en/experiences/winter-activities/sledging.html] at the Eiger Run (fondue at Berghaus Alpiglen [https://alpiglen.ch/index.php?userlang=en&page=home]) or at Bussalp ·       Where to Stay and Dine: Hotel Fiescherblick [https://hotel-fiescherblick.ch/en/], Glace Restaurant [https://www.theglacier.ch/dining/], Hotel Bergwelt [https://bergwelt-grindelwald.com/en/]  What’s New in Grindelwald: * The Grindellodge [https://www.theglacier.ch/grindellodge/]: The former Hotel Lauberhorn in Grindelwald underwent extensive renovations and reopened as the “Grindellodge” in January 2025. Local hoteliers Justine and Jan Pyott acquired the property in October 2024 from Conny and Beni Kaufmann, who had managed it for 19 years. The Grindellodge offers 20 rooms of varying sizes, from single rooms to family suites. Additionally, the ground floor featurs “Umami,” Grindelwald’s first Japanese restaurant, specializing in Japanese ramen and sushi, operated by Tokyo-born chef Shota Hasegawa. * The Regina Project [https://www.immobilienbusiness.ch/en/regionen/2025-06-10/grindelwald-baugesuch-fuer-fortimo-projekt/#:~:text=The%20real%20estate%20developer%20Fortimo%20has%20submitted,by%20the%20Fortimo%20subsidiary%20Revier%20Hospitality%20Group.]: The Fortimo Group acquired the historic Grand Hotel Regina in Grindelwald, Switzerland. The company plans to redevelop the site into a unified tourism project, featuring a five-star hotel with approximately 100 rooms, a New-Generation Hotel under the Revier brand with around 120 rooms, and a chalet resort comprising about 60 apartments. The development aims to blend modern amenities with the site's rich heritage, enhancing Grindelwald's appeal as a premier destination. The opening is scheduled for 2030, but everything depends on the progress of the building permit approval. * New Michelin-star: Hotel Fiescherblick [https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/bern-region/grindelwald/restaurant/fiescherblick] * Top Taste of Grindelwald [https://grindelwald.swiss/en/discover/events/detail/alpine-excellence-food-festival-2.html], Land Art Festival [https://grindelwald.swiss/en/discover/events/detail/grindelwald-land-art-festival.html] * Velogemel World Championships [https://grindelwald.swiss/en/discover/events/detail/velogemel-world-championships.html] Thanks for tuning in to Sharael Travels. If you enjoyed the journey, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your favorite travel buddies. Want to pitch a destination or connect with Sharael? Head to sharael.com. [http://www.sharael.com/] Follow her on social media @SharaelTravels: * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sharaeltravels] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sharaeltravels/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sharaeltravels] * X [https://x.com/sharaeltravels]