Destinations & Landmarks

Celebrating its 76th anniversary this year, The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized for maintaining its history and distinguished architecture. “The Alisal,” in the Chumash language means “grove of the Sycamores,” which describes the backdrop of the celebrated ranch, located in the Santa Ynez Valley. The 10,500-acre property was once known as Rancho Nojoqui and is still a working ranch today.  The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort boasts 73 private guest cottages and suites, a 6,500-sq.ft. spa, swimming pool and fitness center. With an array of amenities and activities from which to choose, this renowned luxury dude ranch is the ideal destination for a fabulous family vacation, given the multitude of activities suitable for all ages and interests. This full-service, Western-themed ranch has been enjoyed by guests from around the world since it opened in 1946.  The resort features a weekly schedule of events that list daily happenings and special activities. Some are scheduled, such as classes and cultural events, and others are self-guided.  Hikers will enjoy the Deer Canyon Trail, a 2.5-mile loop that begins at the gated entrance. There are plenty of signs to keep…

After a couple abnormal years, many families are eager and ready to travel together again, and there are indications some pandemic-influenced travel behaviors will persist in 2022. For example, remote work and virtual school allowed families to travel and combine work and vacation time into “flexcation” getaways, a trend that will continue, according to the 2022 Vrbo Trend Report. In addition to the 44% of families that said they’re more likely to work remotely from a place that’s not their home, extended stays are also on the rise. The vacation home site and app has seen a 68% increase in demand for 3-4-week stays over the past year. Consider these 2022 trends spotted by the travel experts at Vrbo: Up-and-Coming Destinations Spots in Ohio, New York and Alaska saw double vacation rental demand over the past year. Within driving distance of major Midwest metros like Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville, Cincinnati was the year’s top emerging destination. Other up-and-comers include Niagara Falls, a popular choice for those who wanted to experience life at the border. Yorktown, Virginia, the location of the last Revolutionary War battle, allows history buffs to witness a battle reenactment. Adventurous travelers trekked to Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska, to enjoy…