My husband does not ask me for much. Truly. Hardly anything at all. Truth.
But he has been asking me to go back to this blog for awhile now.
So here I am. Starting again, but not promising verbosity!!
Just last month we got ourselves all vaccinated up and bought a bunch of new masks to go wandering about in California. After a year of not leaving my own backyard, it was pretty surreal.
Loads of people were thinking the same thing and we ran into crowds everywhere we went.
Most people were masked up, while shops & eateries continue to enforce mask-wearing.
Bravo & Thank You Very Much!
Having lived the first 35 years of my life in California, you'd think I have been just about everywhere in this gorgeous state, but you'd be incorrect. There is so much more for us to see!
The Pacific Ocean, the Coastal Fog, Gorgeous Craftsman Homes, Paths & Wildflowers Galore
Oh, and this ~
I have been on a personal quest to visit ALL of the California Missions.
Of course we learned a different kind of history back in the late 1960's as regards the missions,
But they are still glorious pieces of architectural history.
Albeit not favorable to our Native American and Indigenous Peoples.
For this, I apologize.
But travel we did on our
"Missions & More" Road Trip.
El Camino Real
Fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and all masked up ~
We had to stop off at one of our favorite family photo spots in all of California.
I actually let someone else touch my phone to take this picture. I shock even myself.
The Solvang Shoe
Solvang is a darling Danish village with shops & eateries,
Nestled in the hills about 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara.
We stayed at the Marriott in Buellton and it was comfortable, in a convenient location,
and had a great price.
Everybody masked up in Solvang.
Winery Sculpture Garden at Sculpterra Winery
Visit here for some incredibly refreshing reds & whites.
5015 Linne Road in Paso Robles
We loved our lodging here;
Check out The Paso Robles Inn at 1103 Spring Street.
Cozy and historic and quaint and very comfortable.
You may want to grab a beer (or two) at
The California Coast Beer Company on Railroad Street.
Mission San Antonio de Padua
Behind closed gates & barbed wire & an Army Base.
Mission de San Juan Bautista
This little town was absolutely beautiful.
The Golden Gate Bridge - that view is always incredible!
On this trip we stayed in Tiburon and it was lovely.
Good eats at Luna Blue on Main Street
I had the most incredible bowl of tomato soup - really fabulous.
Jack London State Park
Just about 50 acres of beauty in the town of Glen Ellen
Sonoma Vineyards
Somewhere along the way... could be anywhere in Sonoma!
A sweet braying burro at La Purisma Concepcion
This Mission is located outside Lompoc, about 20 minutes from Buellton.
Sorrow, Glory, and Joy
The Bells of Mission San Luis Obispo
Towards Bodega Bay
Glorious, right??? I just had to stop for a photo here.
BBQ to Salivate After
Cochon Volant BBQ Smokehouse did NOT disappoint!!
We ate very well here as you can certainly see.
18350 Sonoma Highway
We stayed at the Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa
and I cannot recommend it enough.
Cozy rooms, convenient location, and lovely amenities.
Dinner here was absolutely delicious.
Wit & Wisdom by Michael Mina was so so so good.
Mission Santa Clara
On the campus of University of Santa Clara
This mission was absolutely gorgeous and the flowers were in bloom everywhere.
Check them out.
Springtime in Central California is so pretty.
Mission Carmel Borromeo
Father Junipero Serra is buried here as
This Jewel of the Mission System was his very favorite.
Carmel by the Sea
This has to be one of my very favorite spots in all of California.
I love their quaint shopping streets and the delicious eateries.
We actually had the best food of our trip here in Carmel.
Check out if you will ~
Toro Sushi Bar on Dolores St between 5th and 6th
Best. Tempura. Ever.
Also great sand dabs can be found at
Porta Bella on Ocean Avenue at Monte Verde.
We were about half-way through our list of Missions prior to our vacation, and
I now have just one left to visit going forward. Thanks hubby.
Pink. I Love Pink.
Until next time,
Deb :)
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