After our adventures in Big Sur, we had a small amount of time to kill. So after scoping out the area around our upcoming dinner reservation, we went to check out the Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, which was pretty cool! … [Read more...] about Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
California
Exploring Big Sur
As is always the case, we were short on time in Carmel, so we only had a day to drive up and down the coast. But, I made the most of exploring Big Sur, making sure we hit up the specific sites that were on my bucket list, though we didn't see anything beyond that. … [Read more...] about Exploring Big Sur
Disappointing: Chez Noir Carmel
Hailed as one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2022, I was so excited to find out that Chez Noir Carmel would open not long before. Better yet, I was able to secure a reservation on our first night in Carmel. Unfortunately, my experience with them was a complete letdown. … [Read more...] about Disappointing: Chez Noir Carmel
Review: Hyatt Carmel Highlands
After checking out from our positioning hotel - Hotel Citrine -, we started the one-hour half-plus drive to our next hotel, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur. After reading several of Matthew Klint's reviews over the years, I was excited to finally check this place out. … [Read more...] about Review: Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Trying the Famous Porto’s Cheese Roll
Another foodie goal of ours in Los Angeles was trying the famous Porto's Cheese Roll. I only recently learned of them - probably just before the pandemic hit. But everyone that has tried them loves them, so we had to give them a try! … [Read more...] about Trying the Famous Porto’s Cheese Roll
Los Angeles Sweets
After visiting the Space Shuttle Endeavour, it was time to go hunt down some Los Angeles Sweets. Of course, this meant battling tons of traffic to not get very far. But was our trek worth it? I thought so. … [Read more...] about Los Angeles Sweets
Visiting Space Shuttle Endeavour
It's long been my dream to witness a space shuttle launch. Since that never happened, the next best thing was to visit an actual orbiter. Not being able to see Discovery in Washington D.C., visiting Space Shuttle Endeavour in California was an incredible redemption for me. … [Read more...] about Visiting Space Shuttle Endeavour
Review: Los Angeles Airport Marriott
Given that we were flying out of LAX, I wanted to stay a night closer to the airport. No way were we driving up from Costa Mesa the day of! And for this stay, I chose the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. … [Read more...] about Review: Los Angeles Airport Marriott
Paradise Dynasty Costa Mesa
Shortly before we arrived in SoCal, a hot, new dim spot opened at South Coast Plaza. Being the dim sum lovers that we are, Mrs. Island Miler and I decided to check out Paradise Dynasty Costa Mesa on our second and final night in Irvine. … [Read more...] about Paradise Dynasty Costa Mesa
Pizzeria Mozza Newport Beach
I've long been a fan of Nancy Silverton. Her eponymous La Brea Bakery was my go-to before quality, artisan bread became available here on Oahu. So when we went to Costa Mesa last September, I made it a point to give Pizzeria Mozza Newport Beach a try. … [Read more...] about Pizzeria Mozza Newport Beach