Washingtonians love the oasis of greater Palm Springs. Many “snowbirds” winter in the California desert known as the Coachella Valley. Others come for a “rain getaway,” enjoying a few days to golf and lying next to the pool. With over 300 days of … read more

No time like now to learn something new — local artist Theresa Stirling has taken her in-studio workshops online by request. Stirling now offers a chance to learn the ancient art of painting with beeswax and fire — and to do it from … read more

It’s one of West Sound’s best-kept secrets — a lovely little gem hidden in a 10-acre woods on the Key Peninsula. Frog Creek Lodge was built as a private residence for a large family in the mid-1970s. The original owner sold it in … read more

If there’s one good thing that came with the COVID-19 virus in the past year, it’s the increased interest in the joys of gardening. With more time to spend at home and the need to fill the gaps left by social distancing, home … read more

Model Tested: 2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD Sedan F Sport Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 311 horsepower, 280 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined Base Price: $44,900 As Tested: $56,960 Performance: Adaptive Handling package has adaptive shocks Sporty handling … read more

Model Tested: 2021 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 227 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $46,605 As Tested: $48,200 Performance: Strong, smooth turbocharged engine Excellent fuel economy—our best was 27.5-mpg highway … read more

Birders measure the arrival of spring not by a date on the calendar, but by the sounds of birds returning from winter warmth in the South. From March to May, over two dozen species of migrant songbirds arrive for breeding in West Sound. … read more

Model Tested: 2021 Toyota C-HR Nightshade Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 144 horsepower, 139 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined Base Price: $24,245 As Tested: $25,240 Performance: Independent front and rear suspension Pretty good fuel economy Pleasant, composed highway … read more

Model Tested: 2021 Mazda CX-30 turbo AWD Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 227 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $33,900 As Tested: $35,400 Performance: Impressive turbocharged engine ups sporty factor Sport mode makes noticeable improvement … read more