What's New in Our Travels??

Where-OH-Where have we been lately? 

I'll tell you ... 

In January, my sister and I visited Alabama for a wedding - the daughter of our sweet cousin got married to the love of her life. It was beautiful and magical, as all weddings should be. 

We stayed in this gorgeous Marriott property on a golf course (if you're a golfer, go here!)

Marriott Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge 

It's like a Scottish Castle right in the heart of the city. They've got a Scottish bagpiper playing each evening around the grounds. They've got a great bar that stays open late (I mean really late as we can attest at 2am), a delightful coffee bar, and a couple of restaurant/eateries that cater to your every whim. We loved our stay here. We even took a nice 3 mile out and back walk to the actual Ross Bridge. 

Leaving my cousin's house one afternoon, it started snowing (yes, snowing in Alabama!) and we were sent on a merry drive through this adorable covered bridge. I loved it! 

It is the historic Mountain Oaks Covered Bridge. Who knew there were so many in Alabama? I just checked the website and there are about two dozen throughout the state. Get driving people!

Hubby and I spent a lovely rainy week in Oceanside, CA in February. 

We stayed at Marriott's SpringHill Suites in Oceanside, a very close walk to the ocean front. There are loads of places to grab a snack, a beer, a cocktail, watch the surfers, and see a sunset. 

The Oceanside Pier is a lovely setting. If you do visit Oceanside, and if you do stay at the SpringHill Suites, ask for a room on the opposite side of the train tracks. They are pretty loud and quite frequent. Our favorite visit was actually the Green Cheek Brewery. This is a dog-friendly spot with friendly welcoming people and loads of seating indoors and out. The beer is good, and the food is yummy.  

I cannot remember where this pic was taken, but we had a fun time visiting all the various breweries in the Oceanside area. Check out that Padres Jersey! 

My sweet daughter and I visited Atlanta for her spring break this year. This city is filled with good food, lovely green spaces, and loads of history. We stayed at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown, and I highly recommend this location. The service was top-notch from check-in to check-out. The valet service was very much appreciated because parking in Atlanta is a quest of its own. Be prepared to pay for parking everywhere you go. And be grateful when you find a spot! 

We visited Zoo Atlanta, and though the big black & white pandas are gone, this super cute red panda was having a great day. The animals were in their springtime fervor! 

I cannot skip the giraffes, no matter what! 

The Atlanta History Museum was filled with artifacts and information that just slayed me. This is a portion of the giant AIDS quilt that graced our nation's capitol years ago. 

The Martin Luther King, Jr complex was incredibly moving. It's located in the heart of the city near the home where MLK, Jr grew up and near the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he and his father preached. He and his wife, Coretta Scott King, are entombed nearby. 

But, this is where I absolutely lost it. All of the civil rights protests - sad and oftentimes violent photos, compelling videos, and literature that broke my heart. 

How can people be so evil? 

But, this was my favorite sculpture from around Atlanta, It's just outside the Krog Street Market. I love street art and Atlanta has a bunch of cool pieces around town. This one just made my heart sing. 

There are several really terrific Food Halls around Atlanta, and you should stop into ALL of them! 

We had great visits at Sweetwater Brewing, New Realm Brewing, the Krog Street Market, the Ponce City Market, and a wonderful dinner at Two Urban Licks (YUM!) 

Big surprise when we arrived at the Swan Coach House - they were serving Afternoon Tea! I love a beautiful relaxing afternoon tea, and this one did not disappoint. Delightful sandwiches, the creamiest scones ever, and little pastries to tempt and enjoy. So happy my girl agreed! 

You cannot visit a city like Atlanta and not visit their historic cemeteries. These photos are from Oakland Historic Cemetery. The grounds are subdivided into areas that house Union Soldiers, Confederate Soldiers, a large Jewish parcel, spaces for the wealthy, and spaces for the poorest of folks. This cemetery is probably one of the most interesting of all that I have ever visited. We loved it. 

Never have I ever seen a tree felled in a cemetery. That was a first. 

We decided to visit the Georgia Aquarium on a very rainy day. What a great idea! 

This aquarium is truly as interesting as the aquariums in Boston, MA or Monterey, CA. 

All are lovely, but this one has beluga whales. I mean, come on! 

This was probably the biggest shark tank I have ever seen. 

And Jellies galore! 

Last stop was the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where almost everything was in bloom for the start of spring. There were tulips and iris and cherry blossoms too. 

This gorgeous piece is a Welcome Center beauty by none other than Dale Chihuly. It matches the vibe and beauty of the garden perfectly. 

Their annual Orchid show was on full display and wow... they could not have been more unique or any prettier. What a sweet treat to view them all. 

Can you stand a picture of one of our yummy breakfasts?

I present to you ... The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Midtown Atlanta.

Creamiest grits ever. Soft and savory biscuits with house-made cranberry-apple butter. 

This is what makes an out of town girl feel like she's truly in the South. 

Great vibe, don't miss out. 

We grew up in Southern California and never really traveled to any of the beach cities while we lived there. They were too close to be a vacation, but farther out and not truly a day trip. This year we decided to make a trip to Ventura, CA. We have never vacationed here!

We stayed at the Marriott Ventura Beach, and it was undergoing some construction/revamp, so it'll probably be even nicer when next we visit. Or when you visit :) 

The hotel is directly across from the San BuenaVentura State Park and close to the Ventura Pier, the downtown area of Ventura, and the Buenaventura Mission. There are loads of great little eating spots, and lovely spaces to walk near the ocean. 

This was the view from the Serra Cross, up above the botanical garden. 

This lush beauty was found at the Ventura Botanical Garden, and this place, is a HIKE! We love the idea of it's dog-friendly-ness but wow, it was steep with switchbacks aplenty. Just know in advance it's lovely and you'll have a good leg-day. 

This very shaggy guy was near one of the breweries we visited, Transmission Brewery. Loved it. We also loved Leashless Brewing, Seaward Brewing, and Topa Topa Brewing Co. 

We enjoyed walking in their charming downtown area, and I was absolutely gob-smacked by the size and quality of their little downtown FabricTown and the place right next door with 100,000 used books. You don't find these kinds of places just anywhere, so keep searching! 

This was one of three labyrinths that my husband found for me, just outside the hospital complex in downtown Ventura. 

Long days of walking, and our pup, Desi, just couldn't hang! 

On our day drive up to Santa Barbara, we spied this gorgeous sculpture in a hidden garden. 

I love when I find the 'chubbies' out in the wild.

Pit stop at one of our favorite breweries - The Bruery in Fullerton.

On our way home, we decided to add a day and visit the Anaheim area.

We stayed at the Residence Inn in Placentia, and it is a lovely spot. 

Quirky payment up front (maybe they have a lot of damage or people who skip out on their bill.) 

I don't know, but it does work for us - location, price, and walking distance to The Bruery. 

I lucked out when my husband said I should visit Disneyland with my friend and my sister. I got there early and snapped this outside pic. Then I bee-lined for the Jolly Holiday Bakery for this yummy treat. 

This raspberry macaroon is filled with raspberry mousse and fresh berries and is absolutely delicious! 

Super mom at Disneyland!

Me and my sister enjoying our day together. 

Lastly. We are on our way out of town and had heard that the Original Helm's Bakery had re-opened as a little bakery/sweet shop/coffee shop. 

We HAD to stop here! 

We enjoyed a few baked goods, took a walk around the place, remembered the sound of the 

Helm's Man beeping through the neighborhood in his little golden wagon, with dozens of delicious donuts and breads in the back. 

Nostalgia, complete. 

Until next time...

:)