Mimi Towle, Author at Local Getaways

A serene spa room at the best spa hotel in Oahu features two massage tables draped in white linens, adorned with rolled towels and green leaves. Two wicker chairs and a small table with champagne glasses sit near large open windows, offering views of a lush garden outside.

Best Spa Hotels in Waikiki

Who knew that Waikiki – known for live music, raucous happy hours and world class shopping was also a bastion of wellness. It can be, […]

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Helen Russell: The Woman Behind Equator Coffees

There’s a lot of greenwashing these days, even in the progressive, forward-thinking, “live your truth” Bay Area. One company, however, has done it right. And

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A skeleton of a large prehistoric animal resembling a saber-toothed cat is displayed in a museum exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. The skeleton stands in a glass case on a sandy surface with rocks and small plants, placed against a teal-colored background.

Hollywood Meets Science at the California Academy of Sciences

There are few places on the West Coast that have impacted our planet as much as the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.

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Three people are hiking on a trail overlooking a scenic view of a coastal town and hills. Doug McConnell from "Bay Area Backroads," the older man, and the younger man use walking sticks, while the third person gestures toward the vista. Trees and shrubs line the hillside pathway.

King of the Road: Bay Area Backroads’ Doug McConnell

If California was a sovereign kingdom — we can dream! — there is little doubt who would be crowned “King of the Road.” Douglas Gene

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Ancient rock carvings depicting two human-like figures, each with extended arms and bent knees, are etched into the dark stone surface. These simplistic carvings appear amid rough, natural rock textures, making them a must-see on any petroglyph tour in Hawaii.

Petroglyph Walking Tour: See Hawaii Island Starting at the Fairmont Orchid

For years I have looked for an audio tour of the petroglyph fields of the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, once home to a thriving community.

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A wide shot of numerous surfers and paddleboarders in the turquoise waters near Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, with the Waikiki skyline and high-rise buildings in the background. Wonder why Waikiki is so iconic? Diamond Head crater is visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Why We Chose Waikiki

Sometimes We Just Need to Get Away… It seems to happen to everyone at some point. That one year, when the sh* just seems to

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A flowing river runs through a lush valley surrounded by steep, rocky mountains and dense forests under a cloudy sky. The greenery is vibrant, and the landscape is majestic, depicting a serene and picturesque natural scene reminiscent of Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon

In October 2020, the National Park Service selected Cicely Muldoon — a 35-year veteran of the NPS — as the new permanent superintendent of Yosemite

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A calico cat peacefully sleeps under a thick white blanket, with only its face visible. Its eyes are closed and it appears cozy and content. The soft folds of the blanket, one of the ultimate sleep essentials for travel, create a snug and comfortable atmosphere.

Travel Sleep Essentials: Don’t Let a Bad Night’s Sleep Ruin a Great Trip

Feature Photo: Kate Stone via Unsplash There is nothing worse than a bad night’s sleep on vacation. Waking up with a stiff neck or not

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A scenic view of a coastal town at sunset. The image shows a sandy beach with gentle waves, a large beachfront building with red roofs, and a road running parallel to the beach. In the background, there are buildings with palm trees and mountains under a clear sky—your perfect Santa Barbara guide snapshot.

The Ultimate Guide to Santa Barbara

With a pleasant temperature year-round, Santa Barbara is an all-around top destination for many types of travelers. Winter is one of the best times to

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Two women wearing bathrobes relax on a bed in a cozy, well-lit room with modern decor, smiling and pouring drinks into glasses held by inflatable flamingo cup holders. The ice bucket nearby hints at a refreshing experience, perfect for their Napa Valley wine country getaway.

Girlfriend Getaways: Wine Country

Feature Photo: Stephanie Russo/Flamingo Resort I’m not exactly sure why, but I’ve been late to the girlfriend getaways concept. Maybe it was the threat of

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