West Coast Wonders

I am officially back home in the east coast, and all I can say about the west coast is: WOW! It has been my dream to visit California, and I was blown away in awe from all the adventures that Jess and I got to see in our short few days there. We lucked out and were able to rent a car to drive from Los Angeles down to our hotel in Temecula, which is Southern California’s wine country. Without a doubt, the first stop we made was so that I could try In-N-Out, and it was delicious. We freshened up that night and headed out for a late dinner, which turned into just going straight for dessert. I tried Cap’n Crunch cheesecake, which was so yummy! Old Town Temecula’s downtown aesthetic is stunning, and we found the cutest restaurant called Be Good Restaurant & Experience. Our server was also named Jess, so it was meant to be. Her friendliness and hospitality was so pleasant that she convinced us to return on our final night of our trip, which although she wasn’t there we sat at the bar and made friends with the bartenders and those seated around us. Plenty of conversation and laughs were shared. One guy was celebrating his birthday, and mine happens to be tomorrow (the 19th), so the servers put on a whole performance and sung us happy birthday with props and desserts. It reminded me of the Puritan Backroom restaurant I work at and how everyone there feels like your second family.

Our second day was spent driving up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and blasting our favorite songs, as we drove through dozens of beach towns before we made our final destination in Malibu. Malibu is breathtaking, which is pictured below. Check out my Instagram for more pictures of the trip too! We grabbed lunch at a local market and brought it to eat on Malibu Beach. Afterwards we drove up a windy mountainous terrain, which has gorgeous views, and went for a wine tasting at Cielo Farms. We grabbed dinner on a rooftop at Venice Beach, and spontaneously walked the Santa Monica Pier, 10 minutes before it closed for the night.

Jess and I were contemplating ATV’ing in the Mojave Desert on our final day, but decided to instead tour some wineries in the afternoon, and end our vacation with a spontaneous hot air balloon ride over San Diego, which overlooked the ocean at sunset. As we were taking off, one guy decided to bail, and hopped out of the basket, followed by his girlfriend, which sent our hot air balloon weight off and we were headed straight for the pilot’s vehicle. Luckily the ground crew pushed us with all their might into the right direction. The ride started and ended with a champagne toast, and it was amazing getting to know everyone’s stories up in the air. It was an experience of a lifetime, and beyond surreal. It was easily the best part of the trip!

“There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them.” – Jo Walton

We covered so much of southern California, but still have so much left to explore. Arizona and California were drastically different, yet so stunning in their own ways. What did not waiver was the astounding hospitality, and interest in those we met wanting to know more about New Hampshire and what the east coast is like. I was on cloud 9 the entire time. I am beyond grateful to travel and explore new states and countries with one of my best friends. My question is: Where do you want to travel next?

Remember to stay humble and kind, always!

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xo –Jess