Weekend Trip ~ Laguna Beach

L.A.'s infamous 'June Gloom' is fast approching but before it gets here, one of my dear friends Samantha (who is also the author of the amazing blog - ThingsSammyLoves) has asked me to help her plan a quick, dog-friendly trip to Laguna Beach. So Sammy (and everyone reading) here is my ideal weekend jaunt, to one of SoCal's last under-developed beach communities.

Originally founded as an artist's getaway, Laguna Beach retains it's cool artistic edge, with nice galleries, good food and lots of fun summer arts festivals (including the kickin' Doheny State Beach Blues Festival on the 21st). It has some of the OC's nicest beaches, so be sure to stay at The Pacific Edge Hotel, where you'll be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the Pacific. This adorably hip hotel has two key elements 1. A beach front property and 2. a dog friendly policy (at no extra charge!). It's surfer spirit and bo-ho beachy style is divine and with rooms starting as low as $169 a night, this hotel is quick trip perfection. 

Give Me Something More:   I could easily spend a weekend next to one of the hotels 2 pools, or strolling up and down the main beach, but for those of you who are a bit more adventurous here is my list of Laguna Beach Must Do's:  

~Go Kayaking: Check out the world famous coastline during a 2 hour guided eco-tour at La Vida Laguna. They'll outfit you with everything you need, except a swim suit, for $75.  If paddling isn't your thing... they'll also rent surfboards, snorkels and sups.

~Eat Out:  For those of you who like to eat organic, check out Zinc Cafe they have  a nice selection of everything organic and a menu that will be kind to our Summer waist lines. Also, be sure to have a hearty breakfast, preferably after a morning surf, at Las Brisas Restaurant. Chow down on their famous $15 breakfast buffet that includes a design your own omelet bar (Note: it is $39 for Sunday Brunch, but that includes unlimited glasses of bubbly).
~Go For A Walk (ing Tour): Head to the Visitors Center and pick up a map for your self-guided walking tour of the historic bungalows, cottages and homes built by some of the OC's earliest residents.

Get Me There: Roughly an hour south on the 5, Laguna is the perfect distance to get away...without being far away.

Fingers crossed that this weekend trip will be some... ThingSammyLoves ! 

xo!

Day Trip ~ The Colony Beach, Malibu

The weather is supposed to be in the 80's this weekend, so deciding what kind of a trip I would post about, was easy: A Beach Trip. But the question still remained... Which Beach? 
I love all of our LA beach but one in particular stands out. So, when Zuma is just too far, and Santa Monica and Venice just too filthy, and Hermosa and Manhattan too flooded with frat boys. Take my advise and head 15 minutes up the PCH to The Colony Beach in Malibu. 

Tucked away and hidden from sunburned tourists and beach going amateurs, The Colony Beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends, sneak a beer, read a book and beat the heat. On a side note: My boyfriend recently bought me a FlipCam, and on a recent trip to The Colony Beach with a few friends I gave video journalism a go! Its my first attempt, so I'm begging for your patience and understanding, but hopefully it gives you a sense of the beach and gets you excited to go!

Get me there:  From Downtown take the 10 west to the PCH. Head North till you hit the intersection of the Webb Way. Take a Left. At the first stop take a Right onto Malibu Rd. Curise for about 1.2 miles, and on your left hand side between lots 24724 and 24700 you'll find The Colony Beach. Take the sandy steps down to the beach, pick your plot and enjoy.

Give me food: While it pails in comparison to the original in New York, Cafe Habana does the trick after a long day in the sun.  Recommendations: the grilled Mexican corn and a mojito. If you don't want to waste a minute of your day indoors, you can always pick up a sandwich or snack at the Ralph's too.

Let me sleep: Soak up some vitamin D while catching some z's right there on the beach.

HomeAway (from home) Fridays ~ I'm on a Boat

I've been so busy catching up on work since I spent most of last week in Sayulita, Mexico...that I was almost going to skip my HomeAway post today. But then my good friend Elaine called and asked me if I could help her find a cool place, around L.A., near water, for a fun weekend getaway with a few friends.  I guess it turns out the awesome Venice bungalow I posted about here is already booked up for the summer (Hopefully by my loyal readers. Wink!). So while this post won't have a lot of fluff or extra info, it will hopefully point Elaine, and all of you reading it, in the right direction for a great holiday weekend..... on a BOAT!

This 47 foot motor yacht, docked in Marina Del Rey, has everything a house would, except a foundation. It has a flat screen TV, large master bedroom with a California king, bamboo hardwood floors, granite counter tops, a guest bedroom room, a pretty (for a boat) bathroom, a roof deck with a BBQ and a full kitchen with all of the accessories you would need....and I almost forgot to mention its only $140 a night! So in the words of our generational icon, Adam Sandberg, "I'm On A Boat!"

Opps. How'd that last picture get in there?!?! 

Have a great weekend everyone...my Sayulita trip details and photos are coming soon! xo

Homeaway (from home) Friday ~ Aloha Hilo, Hawaii

I've only been to Hawaii on a few different occasions, and each time I've visited, I've stayed on Oahu. But the next time I go, I'm making it a point to go to the Big Island and stay here.  Starting at $245 a night, I'd be bonkers not to pack up my yoga mat, a few good friends and go.

This gorgeous three-bedroom house is hugged by the Wailuku River and bordered by a Hawaiian rain forest. There are hot and cold soaking tubs, views of a 25' waterfall and un-limited tranquility. The two and a quarter acre estate is located at the very end of the  road, making it feel like your staying on your own private island.

Get me there: The closest airport is Hilo (but you can also fly into Kona). From Hilo you just turn right at the stop light. Turn left at the next light. Go about a mile along Hilo Bay. There are a few more lefts and rights, then you cross a wooden bridge and go to very end of the road, through chain- link gate, and your onto the property in 15 minutes or less.

Give me something more: Personally, I'd cozy up with a good book, drink lots of tea and do some yoga. But if your looking for something more, the house is about 1 mile from old historic Hilo town and Hilo Bay. You are also close to Onekahakaha Beach, Leleiwi Beach  and Richardson Ocean Park (also be sure to take a drive over to the white-sand beaches along the Kohala Coast). Still want more? Make sure to check out Volcanoes National Park, but again, if I were you, I'd spend my time at the house, jumping back and forth between my own private soaking tubs..... 

Have a great weekend

Cheers!

Homeaway (from Home) Friday ~ Jalama Cañon Ranch Hoedown

Being that my boyfriend and I are originally from Northern California, we've been looking for the perfect middle ground to host a big party for his upcoming milestone birthday. After lots of looking and some great finds, I think I've finally found the perfect spot ~ Jalama Cañon Ranch. Now I just need to convince my adorably indecisive boyfriend that its perfection too (no pressure honey).

Five hours from SF and 3 hours from LA, this rustic but comfortable ranch is the perfect venue for a big old fashioned hoedown. Sitting on a thousand acres of open land and overlooking a private vineyard, for $365 a night you can have a private canyon all to yourself (or you can share it with friends). 

The thing I love most about the ranch, is it's summer camp feel, including a big screened-in eating cabin, filled with extra long picnic tables for family style dinners. The spacious lawn (perfect for a game of leisure ball) and an adorable tire swing dangling from an old oak tree. The outdoor shower and cabinets constructed out of old wine barrels just builds on it's already solid foundation of perfection. Another plus: You won't need to worry about the neighbors asking you to keep it down, at this ranch there is no noise ordinance (so bring your banjo).

 

Get Me There: For directions from LA click (here). For directions from SF click (here). Load up your car with friends and enjoy the quality time.

Give Me Something More: For the surfers, the ranch is only 15 minutes from Jalama Beach which sports three recognized surf spots: the Beachbreak, Cracks and Tarantulas (or "Ts" for short). For the adventurous, the ranch is the starting point for many scenic hikes in the Santa Rita hills. For the golfers, the ranch is 20 minutes from  La Purisma. For the drinkers, the ranch is about 30 minutes to the Santa Ynez wine valley. Enjoy! 

HomeAway (from home) Fridays ~ Venice Beach

One of the things I love to hate about L.A., is it's size, scope and sprawl, but when we have days like today, and it’s close to 80° in March, all of sudden it all feels quite alright. Its this type of weather that that reminds me L.A. is large enough to take a vacation and never have to leave the city. So jump out of bed, pack a beach bag and head west to your HomeAway from Home in LA's own Venice Beach. 

This 3 bedroom Balinese bungalow is the perfect beat-the-heat retreat. There are extra rooms to bring your friends and the perfect backyard to throw the ultimate beach BBQ (did I mention the jacuzzi and fire pit?). A four block walk to adorable Abbott Kinney and just a few blocks from that...the infamous Venice Beach. Rates start at $230 and it books up fast, so book (here) now.

{the living space}

{the master}

{the indoor /outdoor shower...love}

Get Me There: If you are from LA this is kind of a no-brainer, but the real secret lies in the fastest way to get from the East, to the West. Coming from the Hollywood Hills take Highland or La Brea down to Venice Blvd. Then head east until you hit Lincoln. Take right on Lincoln then a left on Vernon and wha-laa you've arrived. On a good day it takes 40 minutes (trust me. there isn't a faster way. I've tried 'em all). On a bad day, an hour, but the beach breeze and laid back Venetian attitude makes it all worth it.

Give Me Food: Simple: Gjelina. I know I preach about cooking at home, but make sure you reserve one of your west side nights for Gjelina. Its amazing, you'll probably have to wait, but again it's worth it. After your done with dinner wonder down Abbott to the  Tasting Kitchen for a post dinner cocktail. My personal favorite is the 'brave heart', but every drink is perfection, just take a look (here). On whichever night you aren't eating on Abbott load up on yummy summer veggies at the Santa Monica Farmers Market, grab a bottle of wine from Venice Beach Wines on Rose and fire up the grill.  The best part about this vacation rental is its open airy living spaces and uber generous back yard. Light some candles, play a great mix on your ipod and stay up late taking a tub under the stars. 

Beautiful Bermuda

As a continuation of my post last Friday (here) I've decided to load you up with all you'll need to have a amazing 3 day weekend on the beautiful island of Bermuda. So where ever you are, pack a bag full of layering items (weather moves fast in the mid- Atlantic), some sunscreen and a good book. Jump the red eye from CA or a early morning flight from NY. You'll be sipping on a Dark 'N' Stormy by sunset...

{Warwick Long Beach}

Day 1: You'll most likely arrive by noon-ish. Tickets are especially cheap from NY but almost everyone can get a good deal if they play their Kayak.com cards right. Whatever you do, book a window seat, the approach is pretty spectacular.  Once you land, it takes about 40 min to get your bags and get through customs. Cabs line up outside the airport and it'll cost you about $30 and 20 minutes to get into downtown Hamilton. Hungry? Make sure to have the cab driver stop by Art Mel's on your way from the airport (the cab driver will know it. promise). Call in an order (441-295-3965) for a Raisin Tarter Hot Fish Sandwich and be ready to have your taste buds fall in love. This is a locals only take out spot, but a Bermudian must do. 

{Art Mel's Raisin Tarter Hot}

Not one for lightly fried fish?....then head straight to Dorothy's Coffee Shop for a burger that chowhound coins the "classic coffee shop hamburger, with no gimmicks" aka its really good.  What to know: Ask for 'the works'. You can only sit at the bar. Get grilled onions. There are no fries. Order a milk shake. Enjoy.

{The Works Burger}

Ready for a post food comma nap? (I promise not all the food on the island will be this massive). Personally I loved the Fairmont Hamilton Princess for my stay. Reasonably priced, comfy beds, big white robes, great views, the islands best fish chowder and attentive service. Check-in, nap and relax, then when your ready walk off your lunch and stroll down front street to downtown Hamilton. Fun shops, nice harbor views and fresh ocean air. Top off the evening with a cocktail and a sunset on the deck of the Harbourfront Restaurant.

{The Fairmont Hamilton Princess}

{Front Street, Hamilton}

 {Front St. at night from harbor}

Day 2 & 3 after the break...

HomeAway (from Home) Fridays ~ Island Escapes

I'm currently cruising at 35,000 feet slowly making my way back home after a week of judging films (many thanks to the Bermuda International Film Festival) and getting some much needed post-oscar, pink sand, beachfront R&R. Before this week, I'd never been to Bermuda but after this week, I'll most definitely be back. I was lodged at the perfectly wonderful Fairmont Hamilton Princess, but for my next trip I'm going to rally my friends and family and stay here...

At the furthest western end of the island, these newly developed condos are close to just about everything (well to be honest, everything is close to everything in Bermuda) especially if you rent a scooter! These 3 bedroom mid-atlantic oases are clean and modern (which is rare on a island established in the 1600's), not to mention there are 3 different condos to choose from (I'm always a top floor kind of person) or you can rent them all (hello family reunion)

Get Me There: Only a two hour flight from NYC, this homeaway is ideal for all my east coast buddies trying to shake the winter chill. Delta, American and Jet Blue all fly into this island paradise for as little as $200 r/t  but don't forget to pack your passport! Bermuda is a British overseas territory. Once there, rent a scooter and make sure you use the amazing ferry systems and public transit to explore all sides of the island. Taxis are pricey, so try to avoid them if possible. 

Give Me Food: I'm planning to post more about Bermuda while its fresh in my mind on Monday, but for now I think the most important place to stock the fridge is Miles Market. Think: Whole Foods with local island flare. It has everything you'll need for the week and be sure to load up on Barritts diet ginger beer, it quietly became my week long island obsession.

Give Me Something More:  You'll have to wait till Monday when I'll be posting about the islands best Fish Sandwich, Perfect Romantic Restaurants and Deep Underground Swimming Holes. Until then, mix yourself a Dark 'N' Stormy and enjoy the below Bermudian teaser

Homeaway (from home) Fridays - Sayulita Arriba!

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one reading this that teases themselves with daily travel alerts and flight specials. From Jetsetter to Kayak I can count on at least 3 emails a day to get my mind wondering. Yesterday, Travel Zoo was taunting me with round trip tickets to Mexico for practically pennies. It was part of some spring break promotion but it got me thinking... what better way to replenish my vitamin D and shake the winter chill than a quick jaunt south of the border for a weekend getaway in March, April or May.

The traditional (and often tasteless) spring break vacation has never been my thing...but I have recently honed a new skill: Finding the best spring break flight deals and planing my next escape around them. So this spring break instead of clubbing, I'll be tanning and instead of eating at Senior Frogs while having tequila forced down my throat by a whistling maniac, I'll be cooking fresh fish from the local market and sipping a homemade margarita with lime... all while taking in the 360 degree views of both ocean and untamed jungle from my Homeaway (from home) in Sayulita, Mexico. Arriba!

Perched atop the cliff at the southern most point of Saylulita’s main beach, casa Estrella del Mar provides uninterrupted views and tranquility.  Floor to ceiling windows, crisp white walls, minimalist modern decor and a solar heated infinity pool. For as low as $125 a night this two story, one bedroom gem is hard to beat. Just a 10 minute walk to town or the beach del Mar is the epitome of perfect. Sold? Click here to reserve now...

Get me There: Keep an eye on your email! Most major airlines will be promoting Spring Break flight deals from LAX to various destinations in Mexico over the coming weeks. According to Kayak.com right now, you can find flights for as low as $354 roundtrip. Once you’ve arrived in Puerto Vallarta, the easiest way to get to Sayulita is by renting a car, but I also know people that have taken the bus from the airport for only $25 pesos.  Either way, its a quick 24 mile drive from the airport to your new home (on loan). Which ever way you get there be sure to pack your board and bathing suit, this quiet beach town is known for its amazing surf.

Give Me Food: I have yet to visit Sayulita (I’m planing to go in April), but I have lots of friends that have been and even a few that have lived there. All of them recommend Panino’s, a tiny little ‘order at the counter’ store that makes delicious croissants, sandwiches and mini pecan pies. Personally, I’d rather have a box of locally grown organic food delivered straight to casa Estrella del Mar so I can graze at my leisure...Organic Select can stock the kitchen with everything you need to never have to leave the house. From free range meats, homemade bread, sustainable produce and even local organic wines, there is something about supporting this company that makes me feel better about being a tourist.  The minimum order for delivery is approximately $35 dollars and that should keep your fridge full for your entire stay. Just be sure to place your order the Tuesday before your trip and your goods will be delivered by Friday morning. Yum.

Let Me Sleep:  I’ve always been fan of Mid-Century and Modern architecture and the clean, open, light ambiance of this rental seem a perfect match for me. Give me a book, a bathing suit and a silk robe and let me lounge in peace. Ready. Set. Namaste.