Are you ready to be charmed? You might not have to travel far, if you live in California. HGTV recently focused its big lens on a pint-sized subject town centers in America and came away with a basketful of California recommendations. In its story, The 40 Most Charming Small Downtowns in America, the cable channel cites not one but three hidden gems in the state: Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea and that Dutch-inspired wonder, Solvang.
As September begins, legions of Californians have just wound up their summer travels, which often follow family traditions. Frequently there are lakes involved. Or islands. Or a national park.