Jody Vandergriff

Jody Vandergriff's Lists

• Places I've been

• Waikiki Rooftop Bars

  Waikiki offers the best nightlife in all of Hawaii, with an abundance of world class cocktail bars, nightclubs and restaurants scattered throughout the city. There’s perhaps no better place to enjoy a tropical cocktail and an insta-worthy Hawaiian sunset than from one of the many rooftop bars along Waikiki Beach. Here are some of my favorites!

• Unique dining experiences in Las Vegas

  Long gone are the days of cheap all you can eat buffets. Today's Las Vegas is all about world class cuisine coupled with experiences only found in sin city.

• Ghost Towns in the Wild West

  Ghost Town hunting is one of my favorite activities in the west. There are so many abandoned towns with endless stories to tell from times past. Of course, ghost towns aren't just a source of historical curiosity; they can also be the centerpiece of an unforgettable road trip. Many ghost towns are located in close proximity to one another, making it easy to plan a multi-day tour that takes you from one town to the next. Along the way, you can soak up the stunning natural scenery of the West, from the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the sweeping vistas of the Mojave Desert.

• Kid Friendly Things to do in Washington DC

  Planning a family trip to Washington D.C. with your kids? Look no further than this list of kid-friendly things to do in the city. I took my 10-year-old son to DC for a memorable trip in November 2019, and it was both a fun and educational experience for both of us. From incredible museums to the grandeur of the National Mall, there is no shortage of activities to keep children entertained and engaged in learning. Here are our favorite spots from our trip. Reach out to your representative in Congress up to 6 months in advance for free tickets to many of the top sights as well as special access. Book as many popular sites sell out quickly!

• Best things to see and do in Sequoia National Park

  Sequoia National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike, offering an array of exciting activities and sights to explore. The park's most popular attraction is the Giant Forest, home to General Sherman, the world's largest tree, which stands at a staggering 275 feet tall and is over 2,000 years old. Other must-see sights include Moro Rock, a granite dome offering stunning panoramic views of the park, and the Crystal Cave, a breathtaking underground cavern filled with stunning rock formations. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities, from hiking to horseback riding, camping to stargazing, and even snowshoeing in the winter. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles, making it a nature lover's paradise. Here is a list of our favorite things to see and do in the majestic Sequoia National Park.

• Magical Mexico City: The best things to eat, see and do

  Mexico City is a magical place! From the stunning architecture of the Palacio de Bellas Artes to the fascinating exhibits at the National Museum of Anthropology, there is no shortage of cultural experiences. As if that's not enough, the food scene in Mexico City is RIDICULOUS! From $1 street tacos to out of this world fine dining, you will be eating from the moment you arrive until your last bite of fresh guacamole on the way to the airport. Here are my favorite spots for a first timer in Mexico City.

• Hearst Castle and the Central California Coast: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary

  Hearst Castle is a must see attraction on the Central California Coast. I had seen the photos, heard the hype, but nothing prepared me for just how magnificent this architectural wonder really is. Only a 3 hour drive from the SF Bay Area and a 4 hour drive from Los Angeles, it is very do-able for a quick weekend getaway. Hearst Castle itself can be toured in 3 hours, leaving plenty of time to see some of the surrounding area. Here, I share some of my favorite spots in the area for a perfect 2 day getaway.

• World-class Walla Walla Wineries

  Known as one of the nation’s finest wine regions, this lush valley offers more than 120 wineries consisting of 2,900 acres of grapes. A unique combination of climate, character, and culture makes the wine born in the Walla Walla Valley something to write home about. Wineries and tasting rooms are spread throughout six key districts, so taking a Walla Walla wine tour is a fun, easy way to hit all the stops. From downtown to Southside and Westside, then over to the Airport and Eastside districts—each has an experience full of individual flavor.

• 2023 Paso Robles Travel Guide

  Paso Robles is a charming wine country destination on the Central California Coast and the perfect spot for a romantic weekend away. From top rated restaurants to stylish tasting rooms, boutique shopping and beautiful hikes, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, you’ll find some of the best things to do in Paso Robles, California.

• Big Sur and the Central California Coast in a Camper Van

  Big Sur is a stunning stretch of rugged coastline in Central California, known for its dramatic cliffs, towering redwoods, and stunning ocean views. It's a popular destination for road trippers and camper van enthusiasts, who can explore the area's many state parks, hiking trails, and secluded beaches.

• Family Friendly Activities in Utah's Canyon Country

  Utah’s Canyon Country is home to many, wonderful destinations and experiences. From wide-open spaces to historic neighborhoods, please remember to #RecreateResponsibly. When you visit, follow Leave No Trace and Visit With Respect principles so everyone can have the opportunity for years to come to visit these amazing sights.

• Places to see Banksy in the wild

  A list and map of all the places you can see street art by the world's most notorious graffiti artist, Banksy. Note: New Banksy original pieces are constantly popping up around the world and older pieces at times have faded or been removed.

• From Cupertino to Mountain View: A Tour of Silicon Valley's Cities

  The region commonly known as "Silicon Valley" is actually a cluster of cities in the South Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area and is a hub for technology and innovation, with many of the world's largest tech companies, such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Intel, located in the area. In this guide, I break down the unique culture, history, and personality of the towns and cities that make up the real Silicon Valley.

• San Francisco's Famous Houses

  Whether you're a fan of architecture, history, or music, these famous San Francisco homes are a must-visit. From Janis Joplin to the Grateful Dead, these houses have played host to some of the biggest names in music and culture.

• Event Spaces in the Bay Area

  We are planning our son's bar mitzvah. Creating a list in case it's useful to others.

• Kid-friendly Waikiki

  Planning a last minute trip to Oahu with the kids!

• Shop local: Small businesses in the Bay Area for the best holiday shopping

• Insta-worthy spots in San Jose

  From stunning street art to markets and cafes, the unique photo opps in San Jose, California are numerous.

• NYC Mom and Daughter Trip 2023

  Taking my daughter to NYC in April 2023 to celebrate the big 1-0!!!

• Hometown Guide to Los Altos

  Welcome to Los Altos! I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and I’ve been lucky to explore the best my hometown — and the Greater Bay Area— has to offer. Here are my all-time favorite restaurants, bars and attractions. Whether you’re a local or tourist, these are places you absolutely can’t miss.

• Animal sanctuaries around the world that you can visit

• Guide to Los Altos and the Greater Bay Area

  All the best restaurants, bars and attractions in Los Altos and the surrounding areas (Palo Alto, San Jose, etc)

• New Orleans Girls Trip 2022

• San Jose Craft Brew Blitz

• Art Gallery Walking Tour of Carmel

  Since the turn of the century, Carmel as been a haven for artists and a refuge for writers and intellectuals who shaped this unique artist colony. Whether you're an art enthusiast or admirer, Carmel is an exploration of nearly 100 art galleries within one-square mile, featuring the works of world-renowned artists and one-of-a-kind finds.

• Unforgettable 50th Anniversary Treats at Disney World | 2022

• Hilton Head Bucket List

  Hit list for our Summer 2022 trip to Hilton Head.

• Wineries in Livermore with Tasting Rooms

  While most people think of Napa or Sonoma for a wine country vacation, California has many other under the radar wine destinations. Just 30 miles east of San Francisco, is Livermore Valley, one of the oldest wine producers in all of California. The town of Livermore is an underrated, charming spot for a weekend getaway, with over 60 wineries to choose from. Here are some of my favorites.

• Best things to see and do in Kings Canyon National Park

  Sitting adjacent to Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park is accessible by way of Kings Canyon Scenic Byway making it an easy day trip from Sequoia.

• Famous Trees in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

  Sequoias are native to California and only California thanks to the high altitudes of the Sierra Nevadas and the runoff of the mountain snow. They are the biggest trees in the world, by volume, and only the redwoods can make a bigger claim as the tallest trees in the world. This is what makes Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks so epic. And these are the most famous of all the mighty sequoias.

• Hotels near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

  From wilderness cabins just minutes from the Giant Forest to affordable motels in the neighboring town of Three Rivers, there are plenty of hotel options in and around Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

• Wilderness Cabins in and around Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

  Glamping while surrounded by some of the largest trees in the world? Yes, please! These lodging options offer many of the comforts of home while still connecting with the mighty sequoias and giant redwoods that make Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks so breathtaking.

• Munich Itinerary

  Must see spots in Munich and the surrounding area.

• Iconic Trees in US National Parks

  These are the trees that were famous before instagram.

• Road Trippin' the California Coast

  Looking to explore the Central and Southern California coastline? This road trip along Highway 1 (aka Pacific Coast Highway, PCH) covers my favorite spots to soak up the sun and relish in some of California's most quintessential views. Convertible required.

• Beaches in Hilton Head with lifeguards

  Set your kids loose and relax at these beaches offering the added safety of a lifeguard. 🌊

• Route 66 Road Trip

  Ready to get your kicks on route 66? This route 66 road trip route and map covers all the best sights and attractions along America's Mother Road.

• KC Eats and Nightlife

• Kansas City Wine Tour