Don’t Make These Common Mistakes When Traveling This Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend is set to become one of the busiest travel periods, with AAA forecasting about 45 million Americans on the move, most by car. Peak highway congestion is expected Thursday and Friday afternoons, while airports will see longer security lines and rental car inventories will dwindle quickly. Experts advise departing early, securing accommodations and rentals ahead of time, and using apps to monitor traffic, fuel prices, and flight updates. Planning for delays and packing light can turn a chaotic holiday into a smoother getaway.
3 National Park Resorts and Experiences That Are Like Traveling Back in Time
The article spotlights three historic national‑park experiences that feel like stepping back in time. Yosemite’s The Ahwahnee, built in the 1920s, dazzles with artisan murals, a grand dining hall and a legacy of royal guests. The Grand Canyon Railway, operating...
Chamomile and Colorful Tile, Birds of Paradise and Breeze Blocks, and More Perfect Plant Pairings You Need to Know
Design experts at Friday Gardens outline how to match plants with hardscape features such as fluted wood, breeze blocks, colorful tile patios, slatted wood and stepped elevations. Each element is paired with species that echo its texture, line or rhythm—wispy...
You Didn’t Miss Wildflower Season—You Just Need to Head for Higher Ground
The West’s wildflower season is migrating uphill as temperatures rise and snow melts at higher elevations, creating a second wave of alpine blooms that outlast lower‑elevation displays. Locations such as Utah’s Albion Basin, California’s Tuolumne Meadows, and Colorado’s Crested Butte...
This Is the Coolest Design Feature You Could Have This Summer
Homeowners are turning their backyards into spa‑like retreats by installing outdoor showers, a trend that blends beach‑side relaxation with everyday wellness. Designers across the West Coast are elevating these fixtures with custom doors, vibrant tiles, vintage art, and thoughtful seating...
7 Packing Mistakes That Will Immediately Get You Flagged by TSA
Travelers often assume TSA PreCheck or Clear guarantees a smooth screening, but common packing errors still trigger delays. Sunset outlines seven mistakes that instantly flag agents, from overstuffed carry‑ons to liquids that barely exceed the 3.4‑ounce limit. Items that appear...
The Most Luxe Hotel Amenity Right Now? A Good Night’s Sleep
Travelers increasingly suffer sleep debt, prompting hotels to prioritize rest as a core service. Luxury properties such as Carneros Resort and Spa and Malibu Beach Inn are installing AI‑driven mattresses and Sleep Number beds that monitor and adjust to guests'...
4 Mistakes Interior Designers See Everywhere—And How to Solve Them
West Coast interior designers highlight four common design errors that can undermine a home’s aesthetic and resale value. They warn that an unattractive, non‑panel fridge can dominate a kitchen, while inappropriate lighting—wrong temperature or fluorescent bulbs—disrupts mood. Visible cords from...
Is a Tip-Free Hotel the Biggest Travel Flex?
Paws Up Montana, a luxury ranch resort in the American West, has eliminated tipping and moved to a tip‑free model. The change was driven by employee feedback and a desire to let guests enjoy activities without carrying cash. Management says...
Keep an Eye Out for These Summer Music Festivals Across the West
Summer music festivals across the American West are gearing up for a packed season, featuring diverse lineups from pop icons to country legends. BottleRock Napa Valley kicks off the calendar May 23-25 with headliners Green Day and Justin Timberlake, while...
You Can Get Some of the Best Food in California at These Neo-Retro Diners
California’s dining scene is witnessing a surge of neo‑retro diners that marry classic counter‑service comfort with chef‑level technique and thoughtful design. Establishments like Jumbo’s Win Win in Anderson Valley, Super Mensch in San Francisco’s Marina, and Max & Helen’s on...
This Sleepy, Charming Alaskan Town Is the Gateway to a Stunning National Park
King Salmon, Alaska, is positioned as the primary gateway to Katmai National Park, offering visitors floatplane access to world‑renowned bear‑watching at Brooks Falls. Local entrepreneur Kate Crump’s The Lodge at 58* North provides guided wilderness trips on the Naknek River,...
Showers Can Be a Design Afterthought. Here’s How to Make a Statement.
Interior designers are urging homeowners to treat showers as design focal points rather than afterthoughts. By selecting a single standout material, mixing textures, adding accent lighting, and embracing bold patterns or curved forms, a shower can become an architectural statement....
This Artful, Maximalist Furniture Trend Is Having a Moment Right Now
A new maximalist furniture trend, highlighted at Art Basel Miami, emphasizes soft, sculptural pieces with curvy lines. Designers like Rachel Brown say consumers are moving away from sharp, gallery‑like interiors toward comfortable, rounded sofas and chairs. The trend is reflected...
Why the Oregon Coast Is Better in the Rain—Here’s How to Plan the Ultimate Off-Season Roadtrip
Travelers who brave the rain on the Oregon Coast discover a dramatically lit shoreline, roaring waves and vibrant tide‑pools that feel almost cinematic. The article maps an off‑season road trip itinerary, spotlighting iconic stops such as Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock,...