When most people think of Napa Valley, they think of vineyards and wine tastings. Heck, there's a train that'll take you on a tasting journey throughout the valley. But being the olive oil lover that I am, I just had to try the olive oil tasting at Long Meadow Ranch. … [Read more...] about Olive Oil Tasting at Long Meadow Ranch
california
Review: Alila Napa Valley
As you'll recall from my intro post, the whole reason I booked our Living it Up in California adventure is because I was able to secure award nights at the Alila Napa Valley. That stay was in the middle of our trip and is where we headed after checking out of the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. … [Read more...] about Review: Alila Napa Valley
Disappointing: La Bicyclette Carmel
For our final dinner in Carmel by the Sea, I decided to reserve us a table at La Bicyclette Carmel. This little French Bistro looked promising, with an intriguing, rustic menu built around a wood-burning oven. Too bad it ended up being a massive disapointment. … [Read more...] about Disappointing: La Bicyclette Carmel
Exploring the Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
After our time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we couldn't really figure out what to do. After a quick search, we decided to go check out the Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive, since it was nearby. … [Read more...] about Exploring the Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
Review: The Quintessence Monterey Bay Aquarium
It may not be the largest aquarium or the one with the most diverse exhibits, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium is probably one of the most famous. Its regional specialization is why this well-respected, trailblazing institution has long been on my bucket list. It's too bad that fellow visitors ruined my experience here. … [Read more...] about Review: The Quintessence Monterey Bay Aquarium
Review: Stationaery Carmel
On our second day in Carmel, I decided to take us off property for brunch. While I think brunch at our hotel is quite good, I really wanted to check out Stationaery Carmel, which is a really popular neighborhood restaurant in Carmel by the Sea. … [Read more...] about Review: Stationaery Carmel
Outstanding: Aubergine Carmel
You know that I'm always on the lookout for great eats where ever I go. So, in Carmel, I knew from early on that I wanted to check out the iconic Aubergine Carmel. Yeah, our previous dinner in the area was an utter disappointment, though that was NOT the case at Auberge Carmel - quite the opposite, actually. … [Read more...] about Outstanding: Aubergine Carmel
Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
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
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