Rick is a native Angeleno but now he makes his home in the desert. He’s on the hunt for back roads and ghost towns.

LEGENDARY TOUR MANAGER RICK MARINO HAS CIRCLED THE GLOBE WITH MAJOR BANDS. NOW, HE’S TRADING IN THE BLUR OF TOURING to write monthly dispatches for desert magazine

 
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I renovated a Walter S. White mid-century home in the Palm Springs area
I renovated a Walter S. White mid-century home in the Palm Springs area

I tried to maintain the integrity and shed light on some of the original features by adding some things that had been taken away over the years.

I bought a home designed by architect Walter S. White, then went to find his original plans
I bought a home designed by architect Walter S. White, then went to find his original plans

As I peeled off some drywall, I found some interesting aspects to White’s original design.

Malibu is more than beaches. Check out the restaurants, ranches and roadhouses
Malibu is more than beaches. Check out the restaurants, ranches and roadhouses

Malibu is more than a beach town.

In Riverside, Mission Inn's Festival of Lights is a holiday must-see
In Riverside, Mission Inn's Festival of Lights is a holiday must-see

The hotel’s most famous event, the Festival of Lights, takes place every year on the day after Thanksgiving.

There's more than just wine in Paso Robles. Go now to see 'A Field of Light' installation.
There's more than just wine in Paso Robles. Go now to see 'A Field of Light' installation.

There's more than just wine in Paso Robles. Go now to see 'A Field of Light' installation.

Check out my top 5 favorite date shakes
Check out my top 5 favorite date shakes

This is my favorite dessert made with the fruit!

Take a road trip down Route 66
Take a road trip down Route 66

Stop at the abandoned Kelso post office!

Oak Glen: Apple picking in the Catskills of the West
Oak Glen: Apple picking in the Catskills of the West

When autumn is on the horizon, it conjures up visions of New England.

Enjoy Santa Maria-style barbecue and wine on the Central Coast
Enjoy Santa Maria-style barbecue and wine on the Central Coast

One of my favorite under-the-radar Southern California is the amazing open oak “Santa Maria” barbecue style of the Central Coast. 

San Diego: It's always sunny in America's finest city
San Diego: It's always sunny in America's finest city

Explore how each San Diego neighborhood has its own distinct personality.

South Orange County: Explore San Clemente, Dana Point and more
South Orange County: Explore San Clemente, Dana Point and more

I honestly forgot that I was even in Orange County – who knew it was just a train ride away?!

Idyllwild: Meet Mayor Max in the mountain town
Idyllwild: Meet Mayor Max in the mountain town

The small Alpine village is a mile high and just over an hour from Palm Springs.

Road trip to regenerative goat ranch Angeles Crest Creamery
Road trip to regenerative goat ranch Angeles Crest Creamery

Drive through the San Gabriel Mountains.

Enjoy more than just wine in Temecula
Enjoy more than just wine in Temecula

Think: olive oil.

Julian is the 'apple pie' capital of California
Julian is the 'apple pie' capital of California

Julian was built around gold mining in the late 1800s.

Mitchell Caverns is a piece of Route 66 history
Mitchell Caverns is a piece of Route 66 history

It’s a time warp, and that’s why it’s so cool.