Palos Verdes: Frascati Trail

I'm spending some time reminiscing on past memories. Because exciting news and all that coming soon for the future. For now, this experience from the winter of 2013 when Whitney was visiting from Kansas City, MO, and my friend Kelsey was in town and I realized that not every hiking trail in Palos Verdes is worth driving to. Isn't there a quote though that you either win or you learn? #fbf

READ ON FOR MORE ABOUT MY "LEARNING" EXPERIENCE 

Palos Verdes: Terranea Resort

Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes is what I think of as a real getaway without really getting away.

While I was working a recent event here, I got off early and just went out onto the deck to soak up the sunshine on one of their comfortable chairs. It just feels like everything that you thought was really important and had to get done now can really be put off awhile longer. The scenery demands attention in the most non-aggressive way.

The Whale of a Day 2016 – Don't miss it!

Last year, I had the fortunate discovery of finding out about "Whale of a Day" in Palos Verdes at the unfortunate timing of stumbling upon it right when it ended.

Ever since then, it's been in my calendar with a reminder set. I did not want to miss this festival.

So came this past Saturday. I recruited my friend Cody, who's girlfriend Michelle was working at the event and who's mom actually put the event together as I found out later, and made our way to a dirt parking lot for a mini shuttle ride over to the festival.

I planned to stay there for maybe two hours. I was there for four. Simply because there was that much to do and see.

Read on for a list of all the greatness that it really was.

Palos Verdes: Wayfarer's Chapel

This church. Is. Amazing. I love the simplicity of it and how it frames the nature surrounding it so beautifully. Wayfarer's Chapel, also known to me as the "glass church," was dedicated in 1951. Sponsored by the Swedenborgian Church, it was designed by Lloyd Wright – son of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright – and is unusual because it is made almost entirely of glass. Wright was actually inspired by the redwood trees in northern California and how they formed a cathedral-like formation.

Lloyd Wright found himself in complete accord with the positive outlook of the Swedenborgian Church and its emphasis on harmony between God's natural world and the inner world of mind and spirit.

The site also includes a visitor's center that explains the history of the building, and also the theology of the church. Or you can find out more on their website.

Whether you think of this as a "tree chapel," the "glass church," or by it's official name – Wayfarer's Chapel – stop by here as you drive through Palos Verdes and take a moment to appreciate this church, the gardens, and the surrounding scenery.

LA Hikes: Burma Road Trail, Rancho Palos Verdes

Hiking in Los Angeles in general is one of my favorite things. Everyone is friendly and looks at you and smiles or says "hi" as they pass. Usually, everyone's pretty busy or preoccupied with what they're doing to make an effort. But out in the wilderness of Los Angeles, paved trails and all, it's a different atmosphere.

One of my favorite trails in Palos Verdes is the Burma Road Trail. It starts at the southernmost end of Crenshaw Boulevard and offers the most spectacular views.

Aside from the views, the trail never gets boring, no matter how many times I've done it. There are so many trail options that I start to feel like Robert Frost at every turn, asking, "Which path should I take?"

On this day, I ventured out into the LA unknown with my friend Brittney who was visiting from Utah. We're always joking about the difference between a "Maddie hike" and a "Brittney hike." My hike's are usually her nature walks. But this time, it was different. By the time we were ascending back, she was saying how this was definitely the most challenging hike I've taken her on (finally!).