Your Field Guide to the USA Today Wine & Food Experience

I went. I experienced it. Here’s what you need to know.

“If Gus’s Fried Chicken is at the festival, get in that line first.” A seasoned festival-goer shared this rule with me while we waited at the gates of the USA Today Wine & Food Experience, and she was right. One bite of the piping-hot chicken leg, perfectly seasoned with a hint of spice, set the tone for everything that followed.

Spring and fall kick off the festival season here in Arizona (we skip summer for obvious reason 😅), but the USA Today Wine & Food Experience deserves a spot on your list every year, no matter the season.

After see the USA Today Wine & Food Experience advertised on every social platform, I finally gave in and bought tickets to see if the hype was real. General Admission tickets were $65.00. Worth it.

TIP: Always take advantage of presale pricing. In some cases, you can save up to $20 per ticket.

Location, Parking, and Arrival Experience

The festival takes place at an outdoor venue space on High Street in Scottsdale, Arizona. We arrived about an hour early to get in line, which turned out to be a great move.

Parking was easy and stress-free. We parked in the surface lot for free, and there was also a parking garage available for overflow parking. That was complimentary for the event day as well—no validation required.

Entry Process and What’s Included with Admission

While waiting in line, the couple behind us asked if we’d attended the USA Today Wine & Food Experience in previous years. We hadn’t—but they had.

We asked if early entry was worth the extra cost as we watched early entrants already enjoying the festival. Their answer? No.

After finishing the festival ourselves, we completely agreed. Everything is still available during standard entry hours (1 PM–4 PM), and the lines move surprisingly fast. You won’t miss out by skipping early access.

Entry Process and What’s Included With Admission

Before the gates opened, vendor staff walked the line to check IDs and place wristbands on everyone. Once security opened the gates, we were handed plastic wine glasses—and just like that, we were on our way.

Once inside, there are no additional costs. All wine and food samples are included with admission, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy without constantly pulling out your wallet.

TIP: Restrooms and hand-washing stations were easy to find, but also bring your hand-santizer.

Food, Wine, and the Gus’s Fried Chicken Rule

Most vendors offered small bites and wine samples—except for Gus’s Fried Chicken.

Gus’s was by far the most popular vendor at the festival, handing out regular-sized chicken thighs and legs. A seasoned festival-goer shared an important rule with us: If Gus’s is at the festival, get in line first.

Even though the line looked long, we were through it in about five minutes. At first, I thought the portions were small… until I realized we hadn’t even made it halfway around the festival and I was already full.

There were plenty of seating areas and tall, stand-up tables scattered throughout the venue, making it easy to take breaks as needed.

The festival also had a well-curated playlist that set the vibe without overpowering conversations. Just enough energy to keep you moving in between booths.

TIP: Complimentary bottled water is provided. Bring a small bag to stash vendor freebies.

Standout Bites and Favorite Festival Moments

One of my standout moments was having one of the best lamb chops I’ve ever eaten. The Country Financial sponsored lounge-style seating had lamb chops straight off the flamed grill from the steakhouse, Ocean Prime.

I took one bite and immediately took a photo to remember the moment.

Some vendors featured at the festival included:

1000 Stories
Benovia Winery
California Fish Grill Casual Kitchen
Casamigos
El Bandido Yankee Tequila
Fetzer
Frasher’s Steakhouse & BBQ
Gus’s Fried Chicken
Humble Bistro
Modelo
Nosh & Por
Ocean Prime Seafood & Steak
Rancho La Glforia
San Simeon Wines
Titos

And Many More!

Wine, Spirits, and Pacing Yourself

Toward the end, I was officially tapping out and found a shaded seat where I stayed for a while, while my husband continued his journey through bourbon, whiskey, and liquor tastings.

Even though it’s the Wine & Food Experience, there were definitely some heavy hitters in the spirits category as well.

TIP: Always designate a driver before participating in tastings.

How Long to Expect to Stay

After making our rounds—and doubling back to our favorites—we headed out.
Total time inside the event: about 2.5 hours.

It was the perfect amount of time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Final Verdict: Is the USA Today Wine & Food Experience Worth It?

The USA Today Wine & Food Experience is officially on our permanent annual list. We couldn’t stop saying how much of a good time it was—and honestly, that’s the best kind of review.

If you love great food, good wine, and a well-organized festival experience, this one absolutely delivers.

Subscribe so you never miss a Field Guide—and tell me, what’s your favorite festival?

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Exploration Guide, Living, Mission Bay, Newport Beach, San Diego, Whale Watching

Whale Watching Exploration: Hidden Challenges Beneath the Waves – When Sonar Meets Migration

January 21, 2026February 2, 2026 sharondashariee

Whale Watching Exploration: Hidden Challenges Beneath the Waves – When Sonar Meets Migration

Whale watching is one of those rare nature experiences that can transform the way you think about the ocean. In Paths & Patterns, my series on following the rhythms of nature and uncovering the stories beneath the surface, this adventure gave me a front-row seat to the whales’ migration and the hidden pressures they face. It’s not just about sightings; it’s about understanding the rhythm of migration. The delicacy of marine ecosystems, and the often unseen forces that shape these majestic giants’ journeys.

On our day out of San Diego’s Mission Bay, we boarded one of the fastest vessels on the water, the Hana Hou. Having been whale watching countless times before, and never experiencing anything quite like this, we knew early on this outing was different. This high-speed power catamaran cruises at over 30 mph, covering more ocean and improving sighting chances. We were treated to a few gray whales migrating south, playful dolphins, and sun-bathing sea lions. A vivid reminder of how dynamic and rich these waters can be when conditions align.

But the peaceful picture wasn’t the whole story. As we watched a U.S. Navy warship operating surprisingly close to shore, I had a realization. I thought about the broader pressures whales face. These pressures come not just from nature, but from human activity.

When Sonar Meets Migration: What the Law Says

Whales rely on sound for communication, navigation, feeding, and migration. Yet military sonar, particularly mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar, produces intense underwater noise that can disrupt these behaviors, sometimes with profound consequences. As we watched, the sonar signal we could hear with our human ears was no doubt magnified beneath the ocean, knocking the whales off their migration route and even turning them back north instead of their intended southbound path.

Image of the USS San Diego Navy Ship we witnessed utilizing sonar – DefenseNews.com

Under U.S. law, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and other regulations govern activities that might incidentally impact marine mammals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries issues Incidental Take Authorizations (ITAs), which allow limited and unavoidable harm—such as disturbance or injury—during training and testing while still requiring measures to minimize those effects.

After witnessing the gray whales’ confusion firsthand, it’s easy to see why environmental groups have fought for stronger constraints on Navy sonar. In Southern California, legal settlements now prohibit mid-frequency active sonar in key feeding and habitat areas, such as between Santa Catalina and San Nicolas Islands and near San Diego’s whale feeding grounds.

Laws Whale Watchers Should Know

It’s not just Navy sonar that matters. Commercial and recreational boaters are regulated, too. The federal government, through NOAA Fisheries and the MMPA, prohibits actions that harass or disturb marine mammals, including approaching them too closely or causing them to change their natural behavior.

Vessels like the one we were traveling on are generally expected to maintain respectful distances, often hundreds of yards depending on species and location. The vessels avoid pursuing or encircling animals. Once our captain realized the whales were being turned around, we left the area to give them space to return to their intended path. These guidelines are more than etiquette; they’re enforceable under federal law, and reporting violations can help protect these magnificent creatures.

Gray whales surfacing – Expedition with Gone Whale Watching

Whale & Wildlife Expeditions: Options From Budget to Premium

If you’re planning your own whale watching expedition, whether in San Diego or another coastal destination, there’s a wide spectrum of tours depending on budget, duration, and how deep you want the experience to be:

Budget-Friendly Voyages ($60–$75)
City Cruises whale watching tours typically range from $60 to $75 for a standard 2–2.5-hour trip.

TIP: Check other local operators offering short trips. Shorter trips give you a taste of migration without breaking the bank.

2. High-Speed & Small Group Experiences ($60–$110+) Gone Whale Watching’s Hana Hou offers fast, small-group tours starting around $60, with more intimate encounters thanks to less crowded vessels.

3. Extended & Premium Expeditions ($190–$325)
Longer, 5-hour or extended whale watching and offshore wildlife tours—often during peak blue whale season—can cost $190–$325 per person

For a practical checklist to make the most of your whale watching adventure, check out my free downloadable [Fathom the Journey – Whale Watching Exploration Guide below], designed to help you see more, stay safe, and fully enjoy the journey.

Sharonda Shariee Fathom the Journey Whale Watching Guide Download

Final Thoughts: Whales, Waves, and What We Leave Behind

Whale watching is more than a bucket-list activity. It’s a front-row seat to the vulnerability and resilience of some of the planet’s most magnificent creatures. Beyond the whale blows, deep dives, and playful dolphins, we get a glimpse of the complex pressures these animals navigate every day.

In Paths & Patterns, I focus on observing these rhythms, whether in whales, birds, or other wildlife that are affected by human activity, to better understand the delicate balance of marine and wildlife ecosystems. On that San Diego day, watching gray whales glide through the Pacific while a Navy ship loomed nearby was a moment of wonder and reflection.

This is more than a single adventure, it’s part of the Fathom the Journey ethos: where every trip is a story, and every experience is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and explore.

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona Creek

Things-to-Do

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: Gilbert, Arizona’s Hidden Nature Escape (+Video)

October 19, 2025February 2, 2026 sharondashariee

riparian-preserve-at-water-ranch-in-gilbert-arizona-entry-map

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: Gilbert, Arizona’s Hidden Nature Escape

Whenever I discover a place that I love, I can’t wait to come back and tell you all about it. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona was no different. We intended to take a quick one-mile walk, but ended up wandering over two miles. This place was just that captivating.

TIP: Bring a water bottle. You’ll need it!

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Gilbert, Arizona

The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a local park managed by the Town of Gilbert. Let me tell you, it’s a magical little world tucked right in the middle of the city. Think Bridge to Terabithia vibes: peaceful, lush, and full of surprises.

When you arrive, you’ll notice a small parking lot on the north side that fills up quickly. If you continue further west, there’s also a public library with plenty of parking. Yes, you can park there while exploring the Preserve. The parking is free.

A parking lot filled with various vehicles near the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona. — Parking near Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona.

Parked in a lot with several other vehicles, surrounded by green trees and a cloudy sky. — Parking near Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona.

What You’ll Find at the Riparian Preserve

Serene walking path surrounded by lush greenery at the
Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona.

We didn’t follow a specific trail; we just let curiosity lead the way. That approach turned out to be perfect because there’s so much to see. Here’s what you can expect:

110-acre wetland and wildlife sanctuary
7 ponds connected by scenic hiking trails
1 recreational urban fishing lake (fishing license required)
1 floating boardwalk
3 overnight campsites
2 reservable small ramadas
2 restroom facilities (north and south ends)

Serene walking path at the
Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona.

According to AZCentral, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch was created in 1999 to help recycle and replenish groundwater. The preserve also supports native riverside forests and wildlife habitats. Over 70 acres are dedicated to seven recharge basins, which are filled on a rotating basis with treated wastewater. I am always fascinated by how we can re-use our resources time and again.

Nature, Wildlife, and a Touch of Mindfulness

During our walk, we spotted several bird species, squirrels, rabbits, and turtles swimming through the ponds. Me and another trail-walker even discovered some wild mushrooms growing near the trees.

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in
Gilbert, Arizona – Turtles

One of my favorite features, were the posted Mental Health Tips along the trails. I thought the mindful health tips was such a thoughtful touch. It made me pause every time and really breathe in the calm of the space.

A sign offering a mental health tip about deep breathing at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona, surrounded by trees and a gravel path.

Sign at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch featuring a mental health tip about anticipating positive experiences, surrounded by green foliage.

Whether you are coming for exercise, photography, a quiet moment of reflection, or a family stroll, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch lets you choose your own pace. There are benches scattered throughout the trails where you can sit and take it all in.

Would I Go Back?

Absolutely. If you’re looking for peaceful outdoor thing-to-do, this preserve is an absolute must-visit. It’s beautiful, free, and full of life, literally and figuratively. Let the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, in Gilbert, Arizona, remind you how good it feels to just wander.

Plan Your Visit

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
2757 E. Guadalupe Road
Gilbert, Arizona 85234

Hours:
Sunday – Saturday: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona Creek

Health & Wellness, Mexico Travel

Dental Tourism in Los Algodones, Mexico: Saved Me Thousands on Dental Implants

October 9, 2025October 14, 2025 sharondashariee

Dental Tourism in Los Algodones, Mexico: Saved Me Thousands on Dental Implants

If you’ve ever considered traveling for dental care, Los Algodones, Mexico, nicknamed Molar City, has probably popped up on your radar. I recently had someone ask about my experience getting implants there, which inspired me to finally blog about it. So, here are the deets.

Where I Went: Best Dental Clinic in Los Algodones for Dental Tourism

Walking through Los Algodones might look a little suspect at first, but once you step inside Supreme Dental Clinic, you’re immediately relieved. The office is clean and modern, and the dentists, as well as the front desk staff, speak English.

A lot of people worry about language barriers when it comes to healthcare. At Supreme, every patient is assigned a coordinator to answer questions and help with scheduling. The dentists are accredited, well-trained, and affiliated with the American Dental Association. You don’t just have to take their word for it; their identification numbers are published publicly so you can verify them yourself.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Los Algodones, Mexico?

One of the biggest draws? The cost.

I’m paying about a quarter of what the same procedures would have cost me in the U.S. For example, I needed 8 implants plus some minor work. My U.S. dentist gave me an estimate of around $50,000. At Supreme Dental, I was quoted about $2,000 per implant (that includes the implant, abutment, and crown). That doesn’t include additional dental concerns, like bone grafting or sinus lifts, which some people may need before implants.

Supreme Dental also offers other services such as cleanings, whitening, extractions, veneers, full mouth restoration, and packages.

💡TIP: If your job offers an FSA account/card, Supreme accepts it as long as it carries a Visa or MasterCard symbol.

Crossing the Border to Los Algodones: Parking & Travel Tips for Dental Tourists

There’s a large, gated, paved parking lot called the Andrade Parking Lot. This is the location I enter in my navigation system, and it costs $10 per day to park. You insert your money into a machine and a ticket is printed. If there are ever any problems, we’ve noticed an attendant that is there, but not always. While they do accept cards for parking payment, I highly suggest cash. On one occasion, the card system was down.

We are about 2.5 hours from the border, because we live west of the Phoenix city center. If you enter Phoenix to Los Algodones, you’ll get an estimated drive-time of about 3 hours.

Once there, crossing the border is easy if you plan ahead. Just remember to bring your passport. It makes re-entry to the U.S. much smoother.

Here’s how it goes: park, hop out of your car, walk about 5 minutes, and you’ll reach the Mexico Customs & Immigration building. They’ll ask for your passport to make sure you have one. Then you’ll walk through a metal detector, and you’re in Los Algodones in about 10 minutes.

💡TIP: Use the clean bathrooms near the parking area before heading into town.

💡TIP: Don’t rush! Give yourself plenty of time for navigating and crossing back. The line to enter back into the U.S. can get lengthy.

You can also drive right into Los Algodones, however we’ve noticed the lines are always long and parking isn’t that great along the streets.

A question I’m always asked is: Do you really need a passport to go to Los Algodones? Yes. Don’t be fooled by how easy it is to enter Mexico. It’s still another country, and you need to follow their rules and laws.

You can use a U.S. Department of State issued passport card or even a birth certificate paired with a photo ID. But I always recommend traveling with a full passport when crossing any international border.

The Implant Process: Step-by-Step Dental Implant Process in Los Algodones

My first implant was placed, and implants need about 3–4 months to heal and integrate with the gums before attaching the crown. When I returned after the first healing process, I had my first crown placed and also had two additional implants placed.

The healing process is fairly quick, about three to four weeks without soreness. Since the implant sits under the gum line while healing, there’s nothing visible until the crown is placed.

I chose Straumann implants, the most reputable option, because they’re made of titanium and last the longest. I researched materials beforehand since I’m sensitive to metals, and titanium was the safest option to avoid rejection.

💡TIP: Use your patient coordinator! They’re there to answer questions, adjust schedules, and make sure you feel supported.

Return Visit & Dental Crown Fitting in Los Algodones

When you come back for your crown, the dentists will measure the space/fit, then cast your crown in their in-house lab, so you don’t have to go elsewhere. You’ll return the next day (or a very short time after) for them to fit the crown.

Overnight Stay Option & Return Visit Logistics Overnight Stay & Return Visit Tips for Dental Tourism in Los Algodones

Just outside the Andrade Parking lot is Quechan Casino Resort (a casino + hotel) in Winterhaven, CA, about 3 miles from the Andrade border crossing, just off Highway 8. It’s a convenient choice if your treatment spans multiple consecutive days and you don’t want to commute back and forth.

💡 TIP – Alternative: Yuma, AZ Stay (what we chose)
Yuma is only 20–30 minutes from the border (depending on your starting point), and there’s an abundance of hotel options, making it another solid choice.

You can also find lodging within Los Algodones, MX, if you prefer not to leave. Supreme Dental Clinic partners with a hotel provider, so ask your coordinator if you’d like this option.

Challenges of Dental Tourism in Los Algodones (What to Expect)

The only real downside I’ve experienced is occasional waiting, it’s simply because they’re busy. Once, the power surged twice and we had to wait about 10–12 minutes for it to return. We were told that’s just Los Algodones life, and honestly international travel in general. Still, nothing that would deter me.

Final Thoughts: Is Dental Tourism in Los Algodones Worth It?

Dental tourism isn’t for everyone, but it’s a solid option for Americans seeking quality care at a fraction of the price. Dental work is a process, and it can feel like a lot, but doing your homework, knowing what to expect, and giving yourself grace along the way makes all the difference.

With preparation, Los Algodones can be a smooth, cost-effective, and feasible option for dental work you may have thought impossible in the U.S.

💡TIP: Check out Supreme Dental Clinic’s YouTube channel. It’s a goldmine of information to help you make an informed decision. (https://www.youtube.com/@supremedentalpodcast)

Location Visited:

Supreme Dental Clinic
Avenida A #224, Suite 26
Los Algodones, B.C. 21970

Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sat (select hours)
Website: supremedentalmx.com
Phone Number: 1.844.300.2982

Uncategorized

Waffleto Brunch & Waffles: Worth the Hype or Another Overrated Spot?

June 5, 2025March 27, 2026 sharondashariee

Waffleto Brunch & Waffles: Worth the Hype or Another Overrated Spot?

Can We Talk About Social Media Food Hype?

The way I am so tired of over-hyped TikTok and Instagram eateries. Social media has disappointed me too many times with perfect reels, staged bites, and then… underwhelming food.

So, when my husband showed me an impressively edited reel for Waffleto Brunch & Waffles in Goodyear, AZ, and asked if I wanted to try it, I gave him a non-committal, “I guess.”

First Impressions: Busy but Welcoming

We pulled up around 11 a.m. on a Saturday. It was busy, but we didn’t have to wait, major win. The place is a small sit-down brunch spot with a casual, open feel. We were greeted right away and handed menus, which gave us a moment to look things over before ordering.

Waffleto Menu: Sweet Meets Savory

Waffleto’s menu offers hearty savory waffles and over-the-top sweet creations. in a good way:

Savory Options Include:

Fried egg, bacon, and spinach
Chorizo and egg
Grilled chicken with pesto
Omelets and traditional breakfast plates (for the non-waffle folks)

Sweet Options:

Strawberries and cream (with seasonal berries, but you can request strawberries only)
Peaches and cream
Nutella-topped waffles

👉 Check out their full menu here

What We Ordered

We split our meal:

One Fried Egg, Bacon, and Spinach Waffleto (no syrup drizzle—because I don’t trust the drizzler!)
One Berries Waffleto (strawberries only)

You can split your waffle between savory and sweet, which we loved—it felt like a brunch plate and dessert all in one.

And I have to mention this, the home-fried breakfast potatoes were delicious. I live for a good breakfast potato, and these hit the mark. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfectly seasoned. Don’t skip them.

Watching the Waffle Magic Happen

The open kitchen gave us a view of the action, and I noticed the waffles looked darker than I prefer more brown than golden. I’m a light, fluffy, slight-crunch-on-the-edge kind of waffle girl.

When I asked about it, our server reassured us that the color comes from the batter, not overcooking, and they’re still soft inside. She was right. The waffles were perfectly cooked, lightly sweet, and honestly, some of the best I’ve had.

Is Waffleto Worth the Trip?

If you’re in the Goodyear, Avondale, or West Phoenix area—yes, Waffleto is worth a stop.

If you have to drive far or wait in a long line? Maybe not. It’s good, but not a “drive across the Valley and wait an hour” kind of place. That said, Waffleto delivers on flavor and creativity, and the service was on point.

Waffleto Brunch & Waffles Location + Hours

Heads up: If you love breakfast for dinner, this isn’t your spot. They close early and stick to brunch hours.

🕒 Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 2 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 8 AM – 3 PM

📍 406 N. Litchfield Rd., Ste 208
Goodyear, AZ 85338

Final Thoughts

Waffleto might not be the viral hotspot you travel for, but it’s definitely a local gem if you’re nearby. The flavors are solid, the sweet/savory combo is fun, and the vibe is low-key and relaxed.

Have you tried Waffleto or any other social media-famous food spots that were actually worth it? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram @SharondaShariee (yes, I’m posting again!).