Taryn Shorr

Labeling Hector Ortega a sculptor is, well, problematic. The 47-year-old Phoenix native creates sculptures, sure, but that hardly scratches the surface of his multifaceted art career. Ortega is also a well-established jewelry maker and metalsmith. So well-established that he’s actually known primarily as a metalsmith outside of fine art circles.

Perhaps your interest in hiking has just piqued or you hit local trails casually a few times a year. Or you may even have aspirations of becoming a Triple Crowner (someone who has completed the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail).

But no matter which situation best describes you, you’ll probably realize that the world of hiking can be a bit overwhelming at first, even though it seems like it’s just walking.

Sedona, Arizona, is world-renowned for its “mystical” red rocks and spectacular natural beauty, drawing visitors year-round from around the world. While some come to enjoy the town’s new-age draws, like crystal shops and natural “energy” healing, others come for the hiking, nature experiences, and stunning landscapes.
However, there are some secrets (beyond just the mystical secrets of the vortices) that draw travelers to the high-end oasis. And specifically, that means natural swimming holes...

What does illustrator and graphic designer Stormy Nesbit do in her free time? She puts brush or pen – or, in some cases, scissors – to paper and she creates.

“Art, when there are no clients involved, is where I can express myself freely,” says the Minnesota native, who earned her master’s degree in visual communication design from Arizona State University and has lived in the Valley for seven years.

Brunch is perhaps one of the most universally loved meals of all. It seems no matter where you are, people of all ages gather together on weekend mornings to enjoy the elaborate yet leisurely meal. Going a step further, there’s one cocktail that seems to be even more beloved than brunch itself: the classic mimosa.

At Cupcake Vineyards, we truly believe that few pairings are better than Mimosas & Brunch. As we often do, however, we wanted to put our own spin on this classic. Thus, we created a...

A perfect only-in-Texas blend of historical and modern, with UNESCO landmarks alongside vibrant food, music, and arts scenes, there are countless reasons to visit San Antonio.
Explore remnants from the early 1700s, as Spanish influence came to Texas. San Antonio was the setting for many battles fought during the Texas Revolution and today, it’s still home to a significant Hispanic American population.

There are many, many reasons to get married in Wyoming, for both locals and visitors. For starters, there are the rugged mountain landscapes, wide-open skies, alpine lakes, wildlife galore, blankets of wildflowers, and historic landmarks.

And while Wyoming has two stunning national parks and numerous fantastic traditional wedding venues to choose from, some couples prefer a more intimate wedding experience.
From rustic hilltop chapels to completely unexpected hidden gems, here are some of the...

If you’re new to boondocking, it’s easy to feel intimidated by it. You may associate it with strictly “roughing it,” going days on end without a shower or decent cup of coffee.

Fortunately, that’s simply a misconception (a rather common one!).

While boondocking, by definition, means camping without some amenities, it certainly doesn’t mean being uncomfortable.

Arizona muralist Kayla Newnam is traveling the U.S. in a renovated camper and painting murals in all 50 states.
As a muralist, Kayla Newnam is accustomed to creating larger-than-life, show-stopping artwork. She wasn’t content with painting walls solely in her hometown, though. Last summer, she set out to paint murals in all 50 states.
“I like to prove to myself that I can do things, and it’s 100 percent me to set goals that seem unattainable,” she says.
In 2016, the Valley native was one of 1...

“We’re not outdoorsy at all.”

“We don’t know anything about vans or automobiles.”

“We’re not risk-takers or anything like that.”

Would it surprise you to learn that these quotes came from one of our amazing B-Van owners?

Social media and TV shows tend to depict vanlifers as only the most outdoorsy, adventurous twenty- and thirty-somethings. While there’s an undeniable attraction to vanlife for those particular demographics, vanlife isn’t exclusive.

On the contrary, it’s inclusive...

Encompassing over 170,000 acres off the coast of Miami in the north Florida Keys, Biscayne National Park is home to several small islands, beautiful coral reefs, mangroves, and a spectacular array of marine life. Just a stone’s throw from Miami’s nightlife, you’ll find endless opportunities for diving and snorkeling amidst shipwrecks, sea turtles, and...

What is BLM camping and what are the BLM camping rules? Learn the answers to these questions and more by reading Cruise America’s guide to BLM RV camping.

In today’s increasingly busy, over-scheduled world, it’s challenging to truly get away from it all and unplug, even for a quick weekend. At the same time, it’s also increasingly difficult to find tranquil, wide-open spaces you can enjoy all to yourself.

Fortunately, there’s a fantastic solution: BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping.

With 63 national parks and over 420 national park sites including monuments, lakeshores, and recreation areas — to name just a few! — it can be overwhelming just deciding where to visit first. After all, each one has something unique to offer!

Well, good news: there’s a wonderful way to see several parks in one shot, and that’s planning the ultimate national park road trip.

Regardless of which corner of the country you plan to visit or how much time you have, there are epic routes everywhere....

It’s unequivocally true that Las Vegas is world-famous for the neon and glittering lights of The Strip, as well as its lavish resorts, casinos, and restaurants. That’s hardly scratching the surface of all that “Sin City” has to offer, though.

Las Vegas has some incredible hidden-gem natural attractions at its doorstep, including Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon. It also has a thriving craft brewery scene and several ultra-unique museums, like the Neon Museum and Pinball...

We could all use a little extra joy in our day-to-day lives – a little pick-me-up or indulgence here and there.

That’s exactly what we had in mind when we created our brand new product line, Signature Sweets. This collection of juicy, effervescent, semi-sweet wines includes four distinct offerings, sourced from the vibrant Piedmont region in Italy.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of Cupcake Signature Sweets,” says Cupcake Winemaker Jessica Tomei. “We have seen an interest in fruit-for...