Thank you .. ‘Dirt du Jour’

for the glowing review! "Go ask Alice ... where all the best vineyard gardens are. She's an erudite charmer; you'll have fun!"

Desert Travel

The Desert in Bloom

Anza Borrego Hawk Canyon Photo © Alice Joyce

Stunning natural settings to trendy eateries: When my travels include vigorous workouts in rugged terrain, I look forward to indulging my foodie cravings, accompanied by a glass of excellent wine. Known as one of the top U.S. sites for spring wildflower displays, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park did not disappoint. I’d hoped to visit since moving to California, and finally found time for a mid-March getaway. Myriad conditions must be in harmony for wildflowers to appear in this magnificent setting: A matter of rain, sun, wind, and temperature: all in harmony during the prior year and the season leading up to Spring. 2011 is proving to be noteworthy, with vast swathes of lupine, dune evening primrose, brittlebush, and ocotillo (Fouqueria splendens), to name but a few. Set in the midst of Anza-Borrego State Park is Borrego Springs .. a town that comes to life most vividly during the wildflower season. A small, friendly oasis, Borrego Springs offers a limited number of rooms available in a comfy resorts, motels and no-nonsense hotels, campgrounds, and the lovely Borrego Valley Inn.

Continue reading The Desert in Bloom: Spring in Southern California

Desert Travel

Breathing Space: Tucson's Arizona Inn

Arizona Inn Succulents Photo © Alice Joyce

The Arizona Inn has provided a welcoming retreat for travelers to Tucson since the 1930s. Although the historic 14-acre property now features all mod cons – contemporary amenities that seem so necessary, I wonder how I functioned without wi-fi – the hotel accommodations and landscaped gardens have retained a genteel quietude and gracious ambiance guests associate with the notable surroundings.

Continue reading Breathing Space: Tucson’s Arizona Inn

California Wine Country

Bardessono Lucy Restaurant

lucy in Blue Photo © Alice Joyce

A seductively warm winter evening ushered in the Bardessono launch for… lucy Restaurant and Bar. Unveiled: The crisp, modern detailing of an interior designed by Mark Burkett of SEVA Home. I was especially taken with a highlight of the dining room – a stunningly sculptural wall relief that effectively captures the light while adding artistry and glamour to the surroundings.

Continue reading Bardessono ~ Lucy Restaurant