Journal

You have a first date coming up and you’re not sure if the tingling you feel is excitement or the first sign of a panic attack. Fear not: Our first date tips will help you navigate the weird and wonderful world of this intimate engagement with a stranger who or may not become your spouse or life partner. (No pressure.)

The County of San Diego oversees over 50,000 acres of parks, historic areas, and open spaces. There are literally hundreds of established spots to have a picnic, so skip the crowded beaches and head to one of San Diego’s best parks for an afternoon picnic in the sun.

Have you ever dreamed of partying with Gatsby, gliding through the dance floor to the sound of a big band, or rocking hard by the pool with Elvis? If the music and fashion of yesteryears appeal to you, then you are in luck. Vintage parties are a growing scene across the country, and, thanks to a crowd of enthusiasts, you can rewind the time machine and be transported for an afternoon or a weekend.

Summer break is the time when most of us get the urge to take a vacation, whether it’s close to home or across an ocean. Alas, the hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions at the best summer vacation spots tend to raise their prices during the peak season. But don’t despair, there are many cheap summer vacation ideas to consider, and they can be just as enjoyable as any pricey getaway.

For the uninitiated, your tailgate is the gateway to an all-American, fuss-free outdoor party with all the space you need to store grub, drinks, and your friends’ butts while parking the proceedings right at the venue. Whether you’re a tailgating newbie or you have as many tailgate victories as the Pittsburgh Steelers have Super Bowl wins, it’s time to brush up on the basics of packing your party wagon.

As overwhelming as golf culture may seem for the uninitiated, you’ve got to remember that every single golfer who has ever taken a swing was new to the game once upon a time. Before you let those tight polos and buzzwords get the better of you, get a grip on the foundational rules, practice your form with reliable habits, and get ready to get your golf course Zen on.

Whether you travel between San Diego and the redwood forest, or cover a shorter section, perhaps between Los Angeles and San Francisco, a California road trip is a vacation you’ll never forget. To make it even more memorable, stop to explore some of the smaller towns on or near the coast. Many smaller places you’ve never heard of offer major amounts of charm and enticing attractions of their own.

The John Muir Trail stretches between Yosemite Valley, California, and Mount Whitney, California, with a peak elevation of 14,505 feet. The staggering canyons, multitude of crystalline lakes and pristine granite cliffs make the epic trek more than worthwhile, but seeing it through to completion is no joke. Know what to expect, pack accordingly and keep your safety in check and we guarantee you got this.

Summertime is festival season across the United States, with celebrations of music, food, art and more popping up from coast to coast. If you still have a few weekends open on your calendar, consider filling them in with one of the incredible events