If Justin and I learned one thing this past December on our drive across country - it's that we LOVE a good road trip! After looking at the weather forecast and seeing that it amazing sunny and warm weather was predicted for the weekend, we decided to head south on the Pacific Coast Highway (the 1) to Los Angeles and enjoy the sites along the way! What a trip we had! We left Pebble Beach around 10am on Friday and drove the 101 down past Paso Robles (the 1 is shut down just past Big Sur due to a mud slide) and then we cut over to the 1 making our first stop Morro Bay. We happened on Morro Rock which was really neat and what incredible views from the beach!
Morro Rock
Love birds in front of Morro Rock
Then headed to San Luis Obispo. What an adorable downtown! We just loved it! We stopped in a couple stores, Elle got to shop at a doggie bakery/boutique, we had a delish snack at Bel Frites (Belgium fries and dipping sauces), and left our gum (along side everyone else's) in Bubblegum Alley.
Justin in Bubblegum Alley
Next we drove through Pismo Beach, with plans to stop there on our way back up the coast, and made our way to the Santa Ynez Valley to the Fess Parker Winery. Justin enjoyed sampling their wines and afterward we enjoyed a fun picnic lunch on the beautiful winery grounds.
In the Fess Parker Tasting Room
Check out the coon skin wine topper!
Our little family :)
After Fess Parker, we hooked back up on the 1 and had plans to go to Santa Barbara. With it getting later and it being a holiday weekend, we dug out the AAA Tour Book and decided to save Santa Barbara for our trip back up the coast and found a great little hotel in Ventura. We didn't have plans to stop in Ventura but boy, are we glad that we did! It was such a charming little town with a beautiful pier, beach, and downtown. Our hotel was right in the middle of it all and we were able to walk everywhere. After spending the evening on the beach and pier, we took Elle back to the hotel and walked downtown where we enjoyed a yummy dinner at Winchester's - and we were even able to sit outside, the weather was just perfect!
Ventura Pier
The Kirkpatricks!
20 week baby bump picture on Ventura Beach!
Ventura Pier/Beach
After getting a good night's rest, we were able to wake up early and hit the road. Boy was the traffic in LA horrific. I swear it took a good five years off of my life. Justin did a wonderful job maneuvering us through the craziness and before long, we were in Hermosa Beach enjoying Fiesta Hermosa, a fabulous festival spanning several blocks full of arts, crafts, food, and various businesses giving away fun freebies.
Hermosa Beach
After enjoying our afternoon in Hermosa, we headed to LA to our home away from home for the night, the Palomar. It was right on the edge of Beverly Hills and super swanky. We really love Kimpton brand hotels and this one did not disappoint. Before dinner, Justin enjoyed happy hour in the hotel lobby...
Sampling a few favorites :)
Then we drove to The Ivy, a super famous restaurant on Robertson Blvd in Los Angeles. It's where the "stars" go to be seen and I read about my favorite actors and actresses dining there in People and US Magazine almost weekly. Our last time in LA, Justin and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at The Ivy. This particular evening, we went for dinner and it was delicious. We enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and our celebrity sighting of Piers Morgan! :)
My cute hubby and me at The Ivy.
Piers Morgan sat right behind me!
And just before we had left the hotel for dinner, we got a wonderful text message from our friend David who informed us that the results were out and that Justin had screened for Department Head! We were absolutely THRILLED with the news - I couldn't be more proud of my incredible husband. He's absolutely amazing.
Justin enjoying a mint julep in celebration of screening Department Head!
Because we've been to LA several times, we didn't feel the need to do the "touristy" part of LA so we just drove over to Hollywood and Highland, went in a few shops and called it a night and went back to the hotel to watch a movie. What a perfect evening!
Justin and me in our Palomar robes!
Even Elle enjoyed her Palomar robe!
Sunday, we got up late, were lazy all morning, enjoyed breakfast in the room, and then finally got ready and headed out around noon to take on LA. Our first stop this day was Gloria's Mexican and Salvadorean Cafe. Justin and I had seen the cafe on the show "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" back when we were living in Virginia Beach. We made note that when we were in LA next, that we HAD to go. We were so glad that we did! We had a delightful time at Gloria's and enjoyed authentic Salvadorean cuisine. YUM!
Justin outside of Gloria's Cafe
With our bellies happy and full, we hit the 1N and headed to Malibu, where the traffic was a nightmare but views - amazing!
Driving up the Pacific Coast Highway
Elle taking in the sights
We finally made it to Santa Barbara and had the most wonderful time exploring State Street, the main drag in SB packed with cute boutiques and high end department stores. We shopped a little and enjoyed some gelatto before getting back in the car with our Garmin set to get us to Pismo Beach.
Downtown Santa Barbara
Justin and me on State Street
We had originally had plans to spend one more night on the road but after calling a few hotels and hearing that the "walk in discounted price for a non-oceanfront room" was $634 - we decided that we weren't that far from home and that we'd rather sleep in our own bed. :) We made one more stop on the road, dinner in Pismo Beach at the Spyglass Inn Restaurant. Justin and I had the most delicious meal overlooking the ocean at sunset - and Elle even dined on a yummy chicken strip kids meal!
Our view at dinner.
Another successful Kirkpatrick Family Road Trip for the books. We cherish every second that we have together and we absolutely love making memories together. We'll never forget the fun times that we had on this trip and are so lucky to have enjoyed such a beautiful weekend together. :)
