There are so many reasons why Kathy Rudolph Petrino loves to write about her extensive travels. One reason is, she is generous. Not only does she want to see as many great places as possible in her lifetime, but she wants to share her experiences in a way that makes others want to see the same things. Kathy also would like for those who read her blog to make fewer of the missteps she has made on the same trips. She wants others to have as good a time as she had, if not better.

One of Kathy Rudolph Petrino’s favorite destinations is Florida’s Emerald Coast, which refers to the state’s northern Gulf Coast. For many years, the region was called the “Redneck Riviera” because of its low-rent appearance. However, in recent years, the fine sand and funky beach towns have taken on a new luster, as celebrities and “beautiful people” have adopted the region and spurred a needed revitalization. Now referred to as the “Emerald Coast” of Florida, the rich and famous are hoping that not everyone has gotten the word that the affordable slice of Florida is also gaining much when it comes to class. Recently, a number of savvy investors have been making a great show of revitalizing the area with new hotels and condo buildings, including the first-ever five-star resort, called Henderson Beach Resort.

There is a reason why Kathy Rudolph Petrino loves to write about her travels. She is passionate about seeing everything in the world worth seeing and she loves to share. This is why she enthusiastically writes about every trip she takes and why she is intent on seeing to it that as many people as possible have as much fun as she does. She does write about every aspect of her trip, though, out of a desire to make sure her readers avoid the occasional pitfalls that come with travel all over.

One of her favorite travel destinations is the Napa Valley in California. Of course, that destination has changed quite a bit over the years. A trip to the Napa Valley actually meant heading “up-valley,” to quaint little towns like Oakville, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. People still go to those places, but quite often they simply stay in downtown Napa, with it’s great hotels and top-of-the-line restaurants, great nightlife and more. These days, many visitors use Napa as their launch pad, from which they visit all of the great sites in Napa Valley.

Oh, one more thing. The vineyards are beautiful and the wine is tasty, but there is so much more to see and do in Napa Valley. For example, a short drive away is di Rosa, which is an art preserve out on the Carneros Highway that can boast of having the most significant holdings contemporary art in the entire Bay Area, if not the entire world. After your art adventure, you can cross the highway to the French chateaux Domaine Carneros for a sparkling wine or pinot noir tasting. Scattered throughout the area, all within a few miles of Napa are so many places to visit and so many sights to see, you may find it difficult to choose.