Blog Posts by Sunset Magazine

A visit to one of these lodges can change your vacation from good to unforgettable.

Best new wilderness escape: Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Why we love it: Think of Kenai Fjords as the best of Alaska compressed into 1,046 square miles (roughly a quarter of the size of L.A. County). Icy blue fjords? Check. Glaciers? Check. Whales, bears, sea otters? Check, check, and check.

>More about the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Best place for comfort food: Wuksachi Lodge, Sequoia

Wuksachi Lodge serves meat loaf and pork tenderloin in the modern/rustic dining room.

Best place for a drink: Farley Bar at Cavallo Point Lodge

Why we love it: Cozy, convivial Farley Bar, in one of Cavallo Point Lodge's old army buildings, knows its way around a negroni. Food runs from ceviche to house-baked breads, and the Golden Gate Bridge view from some window tables will lift your heart.

>More about the Farley Bar

Most romantic: Kalaloch Lodge, Olympic

Why we

Grill it to perfection, turn it into the perfect summer salad, make tamales, and more.

Head to our favorite places to sip and swirl.

Kunin Wines, Santa Barbara

Ditch the drive over the pass to wine country and taste as any biped should: on foot. We like Kunin Wines, in a WWII Army barrack turned tasting room. The honeysuckle-ish Viognier is a great pour.

More about Kunin Wines

Justin Vineyards & Winery, Paso Robles

It's famous for its "Isosceles" blend.

More about Justin Vineyards & Winery

Clos Pegase, Calistoga

The striking "temple to wine and art," designed by architect Michael Graves, houses an art collection but is itself the real work of art worth stopping for. The Mitsuko's Vineyard wines are special.

More about Clos Pegase

Dutton-Goldfield Winery, Sebastopol

Dan Goldfield took top honors as our 2010 Winemaker of the Year, for Dutton-Goldfield Winery. Go visit the tasting room and see what we've been fussing about.

More about Dutton-Goldfield Winery

Lambert Bridge Winery, Healdsburg

When markets and farm stands are brimming with ripe berries, savor them in creamy tarts, drinks, salads, and muffins.

Creative design ideas from simple kits to elegant personal waterfalls.

DIY outdoor shower
This weekend project has three basic parts: two wing walls and a center pole with the plumbing attached. All materials are available at the Home Depot.

> More: Tools and materials

Slate corner
After a day of surfing, Dawn Griffith and Phil Morgan like to wash off the salt outside their new San Diego beach house. The shower is tucked into an alcove next to the rear stairs; the slate backsplash and side wall of rounded faux river stone add up to a natural-looking backdrop.

Soothing poolside shower
A soothing spray, backed by yuccas, cycads, and other lush plants, is within easy reach of the pool in this backyard garden. Teak boards mask plumbing, and slotted boards on the floor drain into a hidden shower pan.

> More: 5 dream vacations in your own backyard

Pebble wall
Interlocking 4- by 12-inch tiles faced with pebbles create an

In the West, we can hike in January, picnic in March, and even celebrate Thanksgiving--at least partly--outdoors. Here are our ideas for year-round entertaining outside.

Outdoor entertaining: Early-evening cocktails
Even if it's too brisk for an entire open-air dinner, you can still start the party alfresco.

1. Quick spritzer: Instead of the expected cranberry, surprise your guests with pear: Fill a glass halfway with pear nectar (we like Kern's) and top it with your favorite prosecco.

2. Easy eats: Make your own toasted herbed almonds: Combine 2 cups raw almonds, 2 tbsp. sea salt, 1 tbsp. finely minced rosemary, and 2 tsp. olive oil. Roast on a sheet pan for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°.

Mobile drink station
3. Hands-free hosting: Set up an aperitif and appetizer cart with pour-your-own cocktails and grabbable nibbles.

4. Creative cooler: Keep the bubbly on ice in a garden pot.
> Get it

Make your own drink tags
5. DIY drink IDs: With a

See how to use foliage and flowers to soften a wall, accent a lawn, or fringe a path.

Herb border
Combine thyme, oregano, English lavender, and sage for a gorgeous herb border. Once established, these herbs need only little to moderate watering and occasional fertil- izing to look good for most of the year in mild climates.
> More: 9 indispensable herbs to grow

Colorful border for three seasons
Flowers that bloom over a long season and require only modest amounts of water or time ― isn't that what we all want? Choose the right plants and you can have vibrant borders from spring through fall.
> More: Border for three seasons

Pool garden border
Borders don't have to be large or complex to have visual impact; just four or five well-chosen plants can work wonders. Here, a border of purple African daisies, lobelia, sea lavender, and silvery dusty Miller hugs a pool in Scottsdale, AZ.

Lawn accent
Red kangaroo paws and yellowish orange

These summer treats celebrate the freshest flavors of the season--try sorbets, ice cream sundaes, and more fruity treats.