Deep in the north of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley lies the region's namesake. There, a fairly unassuming complex of adobe-style buildings sits immediately alongside major streets, and if not for a small sign, most passers by wouldn't know that from this area, one of the most populous areas in California was born. Mission San…
In the dumpster fire that has been 2020, escape is important. I can't physically travel right now - my normal means of escape - and I certainly don't advocate chemical escape. So a travel date night is sort of all I have. While A and I are no longer doing these every week, as the…
Editor's note: another incredible glimpse into a part of the world I'd never have thought to go by Sam Spector, our wandering rabbi. Check out all of his articles here! This is the second half of my writing on Lebanon, a country that I visited and found fascinating. I decided to write about Lebanon in…
The line at Zankou Chicken in Glendale, California, a northern suburb of Los Angeles, is out the door, even during Covid and social distancing. Taped Xs on the ground indicate where we should stand to keep away from other customers, especially important since we are all salivating. Zankou is known for their rotisserie chicken, served…
Editor's note: this is such a beautiful description of a place I love, Lassen Volcanic National Park. To read all of Christian Grand's articles here on The Royal Tour, visit his index here. I’m from San Diego, but I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for about ten years. Over the last decade, I’ve been on…
When I moved to Phoenix in 2004, I had fairly low expectations. It's just a place you drive through to get somewhere better, I thought. I was wrong. I would spend two years living in the desert sprawl, time I thoroughly enjoyed, and over the last decade plus, Phoenix has only gotten better as a…
Atop a 5,700 foot mountain overlooking most of Los Angeles lies a place most Angelenos have never been. Driving about 40 minutes up California Highway 2 - Angeles Crest Highway - from La Canada Flintridge into the heart of Angeles National Forest will bring visitors into a world seemingly incredibly distant from the city, and…
Travel-less 2020 doesn't seem to be changing the theme any time soon, so date nights are still of the utmost importance in my life. This week, A and I journeyed virtually to Russia, the huge splotch of place in Europe and Asia, land of Putin. I've actually been to Russia, way back in 2007 when…
Editor's note: This post is just in time for my Russian date night, which will happen tonight and be written about next week. However, unlike me, Madeleine has spent a ton of time in Russia, and can speak to the country much better than I can. I hope you enjoy her post, and check out…
I have been wine tasting at a vineyard in France, port tasting in Portugal, and beer tasting at the best brewery in Milwaukee. Tourism for food - and drinks - is a big part of my travel life, and having a small progression of different flavors to taste is a wonderful way to gain appreciation…