Monday, March 4, 2013

California Dreamin' with Wyatt the dog!

Hubby and I decided a driving trip to California was just the ticket for all three of us. That would be hubby, myself, and Wyatt the dog. We found a few bed and breakfast inns that accepted sweet Wyatt and off we drove in my little Lucille. First night's stop was Ojai, California. Having lived in California for 35 years and never stopping through Ojai seems a bit strange, but it's true. Ojai is tucked into the mountains west of Santa Clarita and couldn't be more charming. It has a laid-back vibe, funky shops, and good food. The town rolls up early but that's okay with us.


We stayed at the Lavender Inn Bed and Breakfast and enjoyed our two night stay. Our upstairs room was cozy and warm with a little outdoor balcony. Wyatt liked that too.




Breakfast was tasty and we were served a unique hard-boiled egg quiche with tomatoes and spinach. I have never had anything like it and plan to seek out the recipe as soon as possible. The rest of our spread included fresh orange juice, coffee, tea, breakfast breads, yogurt, and granola. Wyatt was welcome on the outdoor patio where we enjoyed the fresh morning air and sounds of the small city waking up. If you'd like to stop into the Lavender Inn Bed and Breakfast, check out their website at www.lavenderinn.com.

My favorite meal in Ojai was at a little Mexican restaurant called Agave Maria's. What a treat this little place had in store for us. Now, Ojai is a very dog-friendly town and water bowls were available everywhere, include Agave Maria's. We started with fresh tortilla chips and a tangy salsa. Not to spicy, not too sweet. I started with the Pink Margarita on the rocks with a splash of Chambord. Yum. Hubby had their Cadillac Margarita with Cointreau and Grand Marnier. Hey... nobody was driving! Our margaritas went down oh-so-smooth with their bean pot. This little steamer delighted with a combination of Mexican frijoles, bacon, and queso. Chips, salsa, and beans... oh my. I finished up with the snapper salad - a cool mix of salad fixins' and snapper, all dressed with a perky paprika viniagrette. Hubby finished up with the chile-colorado tri-tip burrito. Best meal in all of Ojai - I swear. Check them out at www.agavemarias.com. You won't be disappointed.

The third night of our adventure took us to the charming town of Carmel, California. We haven't been to Carmel for about 25 years and this place hasn't changed much at all. The same adorable little shops and restaurants line the main drag and the dog-friendly vibe was completely welcoming. Our choice of lodging could not have been more perfect. The LampLighter Inn Bed and Breakfast was just a 1/4 mile from the dog-friendly stretch of beach and the sounds of the surf lulled us to sleep each night. We had an upstairs room with a tiny spot of ocean view, and were very pleased. Several beach cabins are also situated on the property. Spread near a wonderful firepit, the continental breakfast and wine/cheese happy hours were thoroughly enjoyed. We met new people each time we headed down to the firepit which made the visit that much more interesting. We met people from Australia, Virginia, San Francisco, and Vancouver. So much fun conversation. I wouldn't stay anywhere else when visiting Carmel. The LampLighter Inn and their gracious hospitality starts right here at www.carmellamplighter.com. One of my favorite visits ever.




Terry's Lounge was recommended to us for a lovely evening meal in Carmel and we enjoyed it so thoroughly that we went twice. Their inventive cocktails, and delicious homemade bread started off both meals. The lamb lollipops, fresh crispy sand dabs, and beet salad were some of the highlights. We sat outside near a cozy fireplace amid tons of twinkly lights so we were warm and toasty inside and out. Service - uncomparable - so attentive, so friendly, and so right on. Thanks Terry's so very much - and hey you can check them out at http://www.cypress-inn.com/restaurant.html. Terry's Lounge is located within the Cypress Inn, a sister property to our LampLighter Inn.

Wyatt loved the beach in Carmel and so did we.




Last stop was Pismo Beach, California. I was so excited to get back to Pismo Beach and relive some of our fabulous memories of camping when the kids were younger. What a disappointment. The whole place just had a run-down and scungy vibe. We stayed in Shell Beach at the Cliffs Resort, which was kind of a bummer too. Our room was clean and the location overlooked the beautiful ocean, but there was very little access to the beach and the food on property was overpriced and ordinary. I just cannot recommend a visit here. Sorry. I can say that the butterfly grove near Pismo State Beach was still there and absolutely filled with glorious monarchs. I wouldn't miss this driving through Pismo but that's about it. Keep on drivin'.

Last day towards Torrance and a visit to my MIL gave us a gorgeous sunrise. Here it is...



Get out there to experience this gorgeous world we inhabit.
:) Deb

p.s. next up - I can't wait to visit Amsterdam and Switzerland and hang out with our good friends John & Ann.