In less than a week’s time, you can see and experience a quintessential, Southern mountain experience. For me, it’s nice to escape the the intense and often unbearable Charelston heat and head slightly north to 'the other Carolina.’ From Lowlands to Highlands, every time I am in the North Carolina mountains — particularly Asheville, Montreat and Black Mountain — a new experience awaits and memories are made and shared.

A short road trip connects two very different California deserts. Palm Springs, a chic mid-century architectural haven and retro playground for movie stars, such as Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. The other, Joshua Tree, a hippy and mystic, stripped down piece of earth known as the backdrop and incubator for music projects by icons, such as Graham Parsons and U2.