SAN DIEGO - This was once the Cinderella of California cities — a natural beauty that always stood in the shadows while its state cousins, glitzy Los Angeles and sophisticated San Francisco, got all the attention. No anymore.

NASHVILLE, TN - “I Like It, I Love It, I want some more of it!” echo the chants around me. The ‘Preds’ have tied the game! The enthusiasm is contagious and I tap my cowboy boots in unison to the beat of Country superstar Tim McGraw’s hit tune that was creatively crafted into the Nashville Predators’ signature goal song.

CORONADO ISLAND, CA. - It’s early morning — the sun is just beginning to show itself on the horizon — but already the parking lot at Coronado’s Municipal Golf Course is packed with cars.

CORONADO ISLAND, CA - It’s early evening when we wander onto Orange Avenue, this enchanting island’s main thoroughfare, in search of dining options.

CORONADO ISLAND, CA - While driving on the Coronado Bridge, which sweeps so majestically across San Diego Bay, we get our first glimpse of this island’s most treasured landmark, the Hotel Del Coronado.

PORTLAND - The quiet residential street seems just like any other — kids riding their bikes, couples walking their dogs. But the open door of one garage reveals quite a surprise: wine barrels ...

BRADFORD, PA. - The highway that winds through some pretty Pennsylvania countryside and leads to the entrance of The Lodge at Glendorn is blanketed with a quilt made of Mother Nature’s most vibrant autumn colours.

SANTA FE, N.M. - I’ve reached a crossroads on my trip through New Mexico’s glorious outback — a juncture where America’s present intersects with its cowboy past.

NASHVILLE, TN - The voice over the airport public address system announces: “You can pick up your luggage – and guitar cases — at carousel 1.” That’s Nashville, or Music City, as it’s called.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. - The Friday night crowd at the popular Proof American Canteen is in a festive mood. Hearty laughter and lively chatter fill the air.