Happy Friday! I've been crunching down lately, putting all of my energy into work, because next week Jimbo and I are heading off on a v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n. In T-minus 5 days we're hopping on a flight and about 10 hours later we'll be in Stockholm! We've been spending all of our travel energy (and funds) exploring the West Coast over these past two years so it's been awhile since we left the country - we can't wait to enjoy another culture again. Anyway, more on that later!

For now, a quick flashback to our weekend away in San Diego a few weekends ago. 

Eat:
Oscar's Mexican Seafood the absolute best ceviche I've ever had, followed by the absolute best surf & turf taco I've ever had. Probably will be my first stop next time I'm in town!
The Duck Dive cute bar in La Jolla - they were super nice about letting us use the wifi for some work while we enjoyed the local San Diego beers.
Karl Strauss Brewery Gardens huge! great beer selection, beautiful gardens, perfect place for drinks with friends.
Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop super unique and super delicious tacos. but not quite as delicious as Oscar's ;)
Lazy Hummingbird this place was adorable - just the perfect hippie dippy coffee paradise that I was looking for, complete with smoothie bowls, a wonderfully kind staff and outdoor seating.
Sushi Mori we were drawn in by a great happy hour deal, and it didn't disappoint! but, not the best sushi I've ever had.
Werewolf in the Gaslamp district, great for people watching (if you sit outside on the tiny patio like we did). Try the 'Papas Balls'. 
Cafe Hielo probably not worth visiting unless you're in the area (which we were) but I had never tried this kind of dessert - Korean shaved ice - and it was an amazing afternoon treat.
Common Theory Public House very cool spot for a great variety of food a million tasty beer options - we loved the little couch nook with games
East Coast Pizza - Hillcrest nothing more than your average pizza joint, except that it was AWESOME. The folks there were SO nice and they saved our lives when the 1 a.m. hunger pangs hit, so we love them.
Heartwork Coffee Bar amazing coffee + lovely setting + cute name = coffeeshop perfection.
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill this was probably the longest line I've waited in for food in 10 years, but I had heard it was worth it and...it WAS. Freshest yummiest fish ever. We loved the calamari and poke. 

Do:
Old Town San Diego most of the photos I have here are from exploring Old Town - I love any experience that takes you back in time like this! 
Ballast Point Brewery (& Distillery) I've loved Sculpin IPA for awhile but we don't get all the other Ballast varieties up in the Bay, so we loved doing some tasting at this brewery and checking out the spirits in their secret speakeasy.
Gaslamp Quarter wow, on a Saturday night this place was almost as bumpin' as bourbon street. people watching galore. I had no idea San Diego had a scene like that!
Coronado lovely houses, lovely beaches.
Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge we enjoyed some nature and birdwatching, as we are wont to do ;). And you can see Mexico from down here, so we said Hello. 

Stay:
Paradise Point Resort & Spa was pretty great - lovely accommodations and perfect location. But next time maybe we'll stay here ;) want to join?


This weekend will be for relaxing and prepping for our trip, with some fun lil plans mixed in. Enjoy your days!

Getaway Weekend :: Palm Springs

I spent last weekend soaking up the 97 degree sunshiney weather with two of my besties from Boston. We enjoyed our days baking in the sun, eating amazing (and surprisingly healthy) food all over town, diving deep into life analysis, people-watching L.A. socialites by the pool, hanging out in dressing rooms a-la The Sweetest Thing, and discussing our skincare routines in detail. It was perfect. 

Trip planned to Palm Springs?? Bring me with you. And in case you're interested, here's what I'd recommend...

Eats

Spencer's upscale, insanely beautiful setting, delicious food

Birba candle lit, tree surrounded setting creates a romantic ambiance + best flat breads and salads

El Jefe perfect happy hour margarita and nachos after the pool

Cheeky's best brunch ever, cannot say enough about this place, just GO

Palm Greens healthy, yummy, perfect in every way - great for dietary restrictions of any kind

The Tropicale bright beautiful setting with amazing food options (very PS)

Ernest Coffee perfect for an afternoon pick me up of coffee + charcuterie

Shops

Trina Turk brighty poolside fun (when in Rome?)

Wil Stiles like Trina but with more variety and better price tags

Stay

The Saguaro colorful, lively pool scene, quirky and delicious

Do

Palm Springs Tramway conquer your fear of heights!

Thursday Night Market shops and eats and shows, great way to experience downtown

Pack

almost nothing (seriously... it's incredibly hot and it's all about the pool wear!)

I have a long list of to-do's for when I go back next (which will hopefully be sooner rather than later!), so I guarantee a Part 2 (someday...)!

Getaway Weekend :: Bodega Birthday

I had the most amazing time with my family a couple of weekends ago. It was the first time that my brother, Mom and Dad had come out West to see me and my sister - we were so proud to be able to show of this beautiful area of the country which we've grown to love to much. It was also Easter, and my birthday, and one of the most beautiful sunny weekends so far this spring. 

It was also one of the only a few times that my brother, who is not much of a traveler, has been on plane. I felt so lucky to be able to adventure with him for the first time ever. Adventuring is definitely more my thing than his, but he was happy to partake, which made me happy. Dave is 7 years younger than me, which never feels like a lot when we're together, but growing up it meant that we didn't get the same amount of quality time that I did with my 2-years-younger, usually-side-by-side sister. Having him out here was my favorite birthday present :). **hint hint to David: move out to Cali!**

I soaked my family in long and good!! And it was my favorite weekend ever. Here are some scenes from the getaway.

*It's known to be true: Rowes know how to vacation*

Where we stayed: We stayed at an amazing Airbnb place with a beautiful view of the ocean (by the way, have I raved about Airbnb enough yet? It's not much of a secret these days, but if you still haven't checked it out, click here for my referral link). Bodega Bay is one of our favorite places to "getaway" because it's so close - it's just 2 hours, or a bit longer if you take the highly recommended Rte 1 coastal drive.

Where we ate/drank: 

• Mexican at La Bodeguita was legit. Careful of that green salsa, it might try to ruin your tongue, forcing you to pound sour cream with your meal like never before.
• Dutcher Crossing took care of us on my birthday with free tastings and an amazing fruit and cheese spread. I love them. 
• Right down the street, we enjoyed a reservation by the creek at Truett Hurst, where we relaxed with some salami and their delicious Chardonnay. I could go for a glass right about now...
• We also stopped at Quivira, with their lovely expansive organic garden - it's fun to walk around and enjoy the sun before or after a tasting. 
• I've already talked about the chowder at the Bodega Country Store HERE and HERE - we just love it.

What we did: Took walks to the beach, played the Game of Things, cracked ourselves up for hours, played Pin the Tail on the Donkey on Tom Cruise's face (just b'cuz), tasted vino, ate ice cream, started reading The Goldfinch (b-day gift!), smoked cigars, and hugged a lot. 

Thanks for coming, Rowes - let's do it again soon.