Greetings, fellow travelers! The Monthly Traveler returns to guide you to Avila Beach, a peaceful coastal retreat on California’s Central Coast. Just off Highway 1, you’ll find refreshing ocean breezes, lush vineyards, and sunny charm. Whether escaping for a weekend from the Bay Area or stopping by on a Highway 1 road trip from Los Angeles, Avila Beach awaits your visit. Arrival in Paradise Approaching Avila Beach, the rugged Central Coast gives way to a peaceful valley dotted with sycamore trees. This special valley features mineral hot springs and luxury spas, setting the tone for the vibrant town ahead. As…
Author: Ari Hammond
Ready to boost your fun, connect with friends, and step outside your comfort zone in 2025? Immersive experiences offer a fresh way to enjoy nightlife by combining entertainment, art, and technology into unforgettable adventures. Unlike typical dance floors or bars, immersive nightlife uses interactive storytelling, advanced tech, and multisensory elements to make guests active participants. Imagine stepping into a live movie, an art exhibit, or a futuristic game—where AI-driven light shows and responsive environments engage all your senses. These events provide a powerful escape, transporting attendees to new worlds. Whether it’s a secret speakeasy hidden behind puzzles or a nightclub…
Golden days, open skies, and the gentle rhythm of the ocean define midweek in Pismo Beach. While weekends often steal the spotlight, the quieter weekdays—from Monday to Thursday—offer a uniquely peaceful and authentic experience of this Central California coastal town. Fewer crowds, easier access, and a slower pace create the perfect conditions for travelers seeking a memorable and relaxing getaway. Why Midweek Stays in Pismo Beach Are Special Visiting Pismo Beach midweek reveals a side of the town rarely seen on busy weekends. On a Tuesday or Wednesday, the expansive sandy beaches stretch out, virtually untouched, providing room to breathe…
For over a century, the LA County Fair has captivated generations with its unique mix of community spirit, cultural heritage, and classic fun. In 2025, the Fair breaks new ground with the theme Art Unleashed — a vibrant celebration of creativity that transforms Fairplex into Southern California’s most dynamic artistic hub. From lively music beats to the finishing touch on a funnel cake, art surrounds every experience at the Fair, now proudly taking center stage. A century of creativity: The evolution of the LA County Fair The LA County Fair started in 1922 on a 43-acre farm, featuring harness racing,…
In Long Beach, California, young people aren’t just included in civic engagement—they are leading it. The city has become a model for meaningful youth participation, giving young residents real power, resources, and platforms to shape their community. A City Built on Youth Empowerment Home to over 120,000 young people aged 5 to 24, Long Beach doesn’t just recognize its youth population — it activates it. From arts programs to policy councils, the city ensures young voices influence decisions, fostering a culture where leadership is defined by passion, not age. Read More: Kelsey Plum: Time to Catch Up for New Sparks…
Kelsey Plum, the accomplished WNBA star, is bringing more than just talent to the Los Angeles Sparks—she’s bringing vision, leadership, and a winning mentality. As a two-time WNBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and former NCAA scoring leader, Plum’s arrival symbolizes a pivotal moment for a franchise hungry for revival. A Legacy Demands Results Plum knows the expectations. With three WNBA titles in franchise history but no playoff appearance since 2020, the Sparks are overdue for a turnaround. Speaking candidly during the WNBA Media Day, Plum acknowledged the urgency. “Time is of the essence, and we know that,” she stated,…
Trader Joe’s is coming to Yucaipa, located in a new retail center at 31545 Yucaipa Blvd. The Monrovia-based chain lists the location as “coming soon” on its website, though construction is ongoing, and the official opening date is yet to be announced. This new store will be Trader Joe’s 268th location, adding to the company’s strong presence in the Inland Empire, which spans from Chino Hills to Temecula and Redlands. Known for its wide selection of store-branded food and household items, many of which have earned fan-favorite status in the Trader Joe’s Annual Customer Choice Awards, the grocer continues to…
The New Mexico high school golf scene is buzzing with excitement as the 4A State Championship approaches, and all eyes are on Belen’s Rylee Eagle Salome. Having recently clinched the district title with ease, Salome is set to continue her dominance at the upcoming state tournament in Farmington, aiming for an unprecedented fourth straight state Golf Championship. Salome’s Road to History Salome, a standout athlete for Belen High School, is on the verge of making history in New Mexico high school golf. With a remarkable run of three consecutive state titles, she now stands poised to tie the record for…
Los Lunas and Belen secured spots in the state baseball playoffs, competing in this weekend’s best-of-three opening round. Valencia, finishing the season at 10-15, did not make the cut. Belen Eagles Belen secured the No. 4 seed in the 4A State Baseball Championships after an impressive 18-8 season and will host No. 13 Chaparral (15-11) in a best-of-three series beginning Friday. “We aimed not just to make the playoffs, but to host,” said first-year head coach Justin Miller, who is familiar with Chaparral from his coaching days in Silver City. “They’ve got solid pitching and can hit. They’re better than…
As the regular season wrapped up on Tuesday, all six Valencia County baseball and softball teams secured victories. The New Mexico Activities Association will unveil the postseason brackets on Sunday. Softball Los Lunas (18-6, 7-1), in white, secured the top seed in District 5-5A with an 8-3 victory over rival Albuquerque High (14-9, 4-3). In District 5-4A, BHS (13-12, 5-2) triumphed over Grants (14-10, 3-5) with an 18-6 win, while Valencia (9-13, 5-3) exploded for 20 first-inning runs to dominate Highland 35-2 (2-22, 0-7). Baseball Los Lunas (15-9, 7-1) defeated Albuquerque High (5-19, 1-6) 15-2, securing at least a tie…