California

Water, Water Nowhere

Water, Water Nowhere

The historic drought has thrown the Colorado River and its water system into crisis, with federal officials warning that serious conservation is the only way out.

Central Coast Chillin’

Central Coast Chillin’

When you need a break and relaxing activities that are relatively safe in the pandemic, try California's Central Coast.

Mining Towns of the Old West

Mining Towns of the Old West

Colorful Western mining towns where the ancestors of many Americans once flocked to seek their fortunes have become upscale tourist meccas for outdoor adventure.

La Purisima Mission

La Purisima Mission

The history of La Purisima Mission in Lompoc, California, is a cautionary tale about the consequences of environmental damage, epidemics and racial inequality.

The History of Race in America

The History of Race in America

The racial history of the United States belongs to us all, with the responsibility to resolve the accompanying outstanding problems.

Dispatches from the Home Front

Dispatches from the Home Front

This photo essay shows what it is like to be a typical American family sheltering at home during the COVID-19 crisis.

Lighthouse, Tide Pools and Seals

Lighthouse, Tide Pools and Seals

Yaquina Head, Ore., has one of the Pacific Coast’s premier tide pool observation sites, a lighthouse and seal and seabird colonies.

Sustainable Tourism for Holidays

Sustainable Tourism for Holidays

Packing for travel this holiday season should include a primer on how to be responsible, sustainable tourists. Here it is.

California’s Sea Monsters

California’s Sea Monsters

In fall and winter, tens of thousands of elephant seals make a migration to California's coastal rockeries to breed and give birth.

Eating Food in Season

Eating Food in Season

Eating locally grown food in season is a great strategy for weight loss, good health, saving money and protecting the environment.

Din Tai Fung Sightings

Din Tai Fung Sightings

Din Tai Fung restaurants' delicious takes on common Taiwanese foods, especially steamed dumplings, have brought a devoted global following.

China’s  Export Porcelain

China’s Export Porcelain

Chinese porcelain is durable and branded with its history, so it is used to trace China’s trade and cultural ties with other nations.

The River That Keeps on Giving

The River That Keeps on Giving

The mammoth Colorado River is the lifeblood of the southwest United States, supplying water and power for cities and agriculture.

The Elephant Needs the Room

The Elephant Needs the Room

Despite tough bans on ivory trade, Africa's elephants are declining in numbers because of poaching and trafficking of illegal ivory.

Have a Cookie

Have a Cookie

Embossed shortbread cookies with our round door logo were the theme for gift cookie boxes with a custom wax stamp and calligraphy.

Illuminated Manuscripts

Illuminated Manuscripts

Illuminated medieval manuscripts preserved culture and religious beliefs and set a foundation for book design and art styles.

What does it mean to be Hispanic?

What does it mean to be Hispanic?

What does it mean to be Latino or Hispanic in the United States? This blog explores the ambiguous origins of these two terms.

Elements of a Japanese Garden

Elements of a Japanese Garden

Imagine you're sitting in Los Angeles traffic on a hot day. Take a break and head for a cool green oasis - Suihoen Japanese Garden

Time Travel Lunch

Time Travel Lunch

Hunger. Nostalgia. Orange, California. It’s a perfect time to stop for lunch at this old-time pharmacy.

California’s Danish Village

California’s Danish Village

Solvang, California's Danish village, is the perfect place to take an afternoon stroll and enjoy pastries and art galleries.

The Road Less Traveled

The Road Less Traveled

There's an alternative to the standard boring I-15 southern and I-80 northern routes across Nevada.

Barbecue Santa Maria Style

Barbecue Santa Maria Style

Santa Maria's scrumptious grilling is California's premier barbecue style.

The Land of Junipero Serra

The Land of Junipero Serra

Junipero Serra's "sainthood" is controversial, but the extent of his cultural impact on California is indisputable.

Arroyo Grande’s Amazing Signs

Arroyo Grande’s Amazing Signs

Arroyo Grande's signs are the handiwork of an extraordinary artist.

Cornish Pasties

Cornish Pasties

Cornish pasties, a specialty of Grass Valley, CA, were introduced by Cornish gold miners.

Why Isn’t Every Town Like Carmel?

Why Isn’t Every Town Like Carmel?

Carmel, California, demonstrates how design, planning and environmentalism can enhance a small town.

Salt Water Cure, Change of Scene

Salt Water Cure, Change of Scene

Changes in the air, the light and the sounds all add up to a new perspective.