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!

The Ulimate Arizona / Utah Spring Break Road Trip

I love a road trip. There is just something about the hitting the open road that is almost euphoric to me. Next week there are two major happenings that should combine forces and make the ultimate spring break holiday. They haven't...so I will!

1. Hertz is having a rental promotion that for just $5 a day you can rent a car in Arizona, go exploring and drop it off in one of nine other states --including California. Unlimited miles, no drop fees and its good for up to 14 days. Yes, this includes taxes and fees for only 5 buck-a-roos.

2. National Park Week which includes free admission to all of the country's 394 national parks from April 16 to April 24, 2011.

So....buy a super cheap one way ticket from LAX to PHX, pack a tent or take a quick trip to an AZ Walmart for cheap camping goods (it'll cost less than a hotel) and hit the open road. 
All the directions you need are right (here).

Day One: Tonto National Forest.

One of the largest national forests in America, the Tonto, embraces nearly three million acres of rugged land. This park is where the Rockies, the Sierra Madre, the Colarado Plateau and the Sonoran deserts meet and mingle. It is also home to the Apache trail, which is  America's oldest roadway and where we kick off our week long road trip.

Get me there: take U.S. 60 east all the way to Apache Junction to the cutoff for AZ88/Idaho Road. AZ 88 is the Apache Trail. About half the Apache Trail is unpaved, but suitable for a four door rental car. The winding terrain makes for slow going, but that's okay because you'll be busy enjoying the view.  Be sure to take time for a break at Tortilla Flat, where you can pull up a saddle at the Superstition Saloon and order a tall one of frosty sarsaparilla. After lunch, enjoy a scoop of prickly-pear ice cream at the nearby General Store. After approximately 40 miles AZ 88 hits, 187. Head north, and continue to enjoy amazing uninterrupted views all the way to Sedona AZ.
Let me sleep: In a tent in Oak Creek Canyon at the Cave Springs Campground (just 13 miles north of Sedona). It has a well-deserved reputation for its vast wealth of scenic beauty Think towering red rock walls and babbling creek-side camp fires. It's desert camper perfection.
Things to do: Located in the Coconino National Forest, make sure you take a leisurely hike up maple-lined West Fork and a thrilling ride down the moss-covered chute at Slide Rock State Park.

{Tonto National Park}

{Apache Trail}

{Superstition Saloon - Tortilla Flat}

{Oak Creek Canyon}

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) Friday ~ Mountain Mama

I'm getting out of LA this weekend and heading to the mountains to enjoy some spring skiing and good times with old friends. While I'll be couch surfing in Lake Tahoe, I've found the perfect mountain getaway for you and yours. This adorable A-frame is one of only 2 dwellings on 20 acres of private land near Bass Lake, California and for just $220 a night you get more peace and silence than money can buy.

Located within the Sierra National Forest at an elevation of 7000 feet, the property is surrounded by amazing meadows, secret swimming holes and hiking trails. Similar to last Friday's post, this house is also entirely off the gird.  

Get me there: Located about 5 hours outside of LA and bordering Yosemite National Park you won't be bothered by...well...anything. Make a good mix (I recommend of blend of the Allmen Brothers, Black Keys, and maybe some Etta James), pack up some snacks and play M.A.S.H or punch buggy.  I mean honestly, who doesn't love a good road trip.

Give me food: Be sure to stop at Safeway, because this remote cabin isn't close to... well...anything. Just make sure marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers are on your list. The fire pit has me craving a s'more. 

Give me something more: How about a walk in meadow, a hike to a glacier pool or maybe just a good book, in a great chair with an awesome view.

Have a great weekend! xx

Death Valley Desert Bloom

It wasn't until last March that I finally conjured up the courage to go to Death Valley. It just had one of those ominous names (emphasis on the 'Death') that kept me away from the park for so long. Best know for being the hotest, lowest and driest place in America, I just figured there wouldn't be much there to see. I couldn't have been more wrong. Death Valley is absolutely amazing...

...and there is no better time to visit the desert than Spring. The temperatures are still in the 70's, the snow is still on the surrounding mountain tops and if you time it right, you can be there for the truly spectacular desert bloom. Right now it is projected for early March

Get Me There: Only about four and a half hours outside of downtown LA, you can make this trip as quick, or as long as you'd like. I think 3 or 4 days will give you plenty of time to explore. My only advice is that you stay away from the RV's and the valley floor as much as possible. I highly recommend the Wildrose campground. Its perched high above the valley floor, where the weather is a bit cooler and the traditional tourists (and their generators) further away. 

 

Give Me Something To Do: 

~Day One: Journey to the center of the Earth..or at least get a little closer to it by visiting Badwater Basin. Noted as the lowest point in North America, with an elevation of 282 ft below sea level its a bit of a tourist trap but also a must do. When you can't take the gravitational pull any more, take a hike (literally) and check out Golden Canyon. Its an easy stroll through a colorful canyon at the base of Red Cathedral rock. If you'd rather not work up sweat or fight the heat, crank up the AC and take the Artist Drive instead.

~Day Two: The Sand Dunes. Hike on em, slide on em, sit on em. Whatever you do, you'll enjoy them. It'll feel like you were dropped in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Done playing in the sand? Take a drive down Titus Canyon and then finish the day by hiking up Mosaic Canyon. Before heading back to the tent, pick up some ice cold brews at the Stovepipe Wells Village and head up to Aguereberry Point for an unforgettable sunset at 7,000 feet.

~Day Three: By now you are probably in need of proper meal and dying for a pool. Well, you are in luck. Pack up the tent, clean out the cooler and check in to one of the coolest, retro resorts SoCal has to offer. The Inn at Furnace Creek (Not to be confused for the Ranch at Furnace Creek). It is the definition of a desert Oasis and the perfect way to end your trip. Spend your last day in Death Valley sipping cocktails by the pool while overlooking the desert valley and majestic Panamint Mountains. You'll wake up perfectly rested for the drive home to LA. 

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.