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
Breakfast at Pacific’s Edge (Hyatt Carmel Highlands)
While I don't typically like eating at hotel restaurants, we ended up eating breakfast at Pacific's Edge twice during our three-night stay at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. While expensive, Iʻd say that the restaurant wasnʻt bad. Mostly. … [Read more...] about Breakfast at Pacific’s Edge (Hyatt Carmel Highlands)
Review: Hotel Citrine, Tribute Collection
Given our late arrival into San Jose, there was no way I was going to drive out to Carmel that night. So, for our first night in California, I chose Hotel Citrine, a Marriott Tribute Collection property in Palo Alto. This was my second Tribute Collection stay and my first dual-brand property. … [Read more...] about Review: Hotel Citrine, Tribute Collection
Living It Up in California – Introduction
As you may recall from my 2023 Outlook post, I don't really plan on traveling this year and may not travel much at all in the mid-term. But before I made this decision, I had booked a stay in Napa and ended up turning that trip into a last hurrah, living it up in California. … [Read more...] about Living It Up in California – Introduction
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
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
Taco Maria – Incredible Alta California Cuisine!
At the time of our visit, Taco Maria was the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Orange County, California. But they're so much more than just a starred restaurant - it's a delicious homage to a family, culture, and location. And they're now one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. … [Read more...] about Taco Maria – Incredible Alta California Cuisine!