California Love

I LOVE the fall, it is my favorite season. But it just hit me that October is halfway over, and it will be really cold, I started having summer and California blues.

Back in late March - early April, I got this amazing experience to go to California for 13 days. I have previously been to California but that was about 9 years ago. I went with my best friend and her brother and stayed at their best friends apartment in San Luis Obispo. We stayed at an Airbnb in Hollywood for 4 days and that was honestly the least favorite part about the trip. Los Angeles is a lot more dirty than i remember, these homeless people don't care if they walk into traffic and pretty much get hit, and I felt A LOT more safe in Chicago, that's for sure. I am very outdoorsy and fell head over heels when I found out I was going to California; Perfect weather for being outside all day, lots of valleys where we stayed at, and the beach! I got to go hiking in the real mountains, not starved rock lol, and it was amazing!!! I got to do a few wine tastings, surfing, try new foods, go into a cave overlooking the ocean and have squirrels crawl all over me!

Sunset next to Santa Monica Pier.

Every Thursday in San Luis Obispo, they have a farmers market in their downtown area. There are several food vendors and shop vendors selling homemade crafts, fruits, veggies, clothing, and jewelry. They also have live music and the famous Bubblegum Wall (yes, that is real gum and I did put a piece on the wall). 

Tolosa Winery, San Luis Obipso, CA. San Luis Obispo (SLO) is widely known for their wineries. We went to 4 wineries (all in one day) and I even learned more about wine than what I knew before. I also found out I do like some red wines as well, and a bottle of wine the size of  half of you costs about $450. If you ever find yourself around the area, I recommend Tolosa. They have so many wines to choose from, you can tour the field and the winery itself. The shop is very pretty, cute, and has more the wine. The outdoor tasting area is very pretty, fancy, hipster, and rustic. 

Something on my bucket list is to visit each state park and visit the main attraction in that city. This is the Urban Lights in Los Angeles, California. Pictures don't describe how unique and different this is. 

 Of course, I had to get some succulents. I was able to bring them home and my new puppy chewed one up, but the rest are still living and growing! 

All of the yummy foods and drinks I got to try!

Note- If you ever find yourself near San Luis Obispo, PLEASE go to SLO Donuts!!! They have been featured on food travel networks, Insider and Delish. They have very good, freshy brewed coffee and lots of flavors and different types of coffee to choose from. As well as donuts and bagels. They have oreo coated waffles, cereal donuts, tie-dye donuts, loaded smores donuts and loads more. It is also study-friendly, being right by a few colleges and high schools. They have two big sections of tables and outlets. It is very hipster, trendy, and a chill place to go to. Step it up Chicago. 

 I had myself quite a few Acai bowls. They are very fulfilling, and refreshing! I still make them now. Check out these easy ones that you can make! 

 Don't get me wrong, In-N-Out Burger is really good, but not as good as Meatheads or Five Guys.

We went to Universal Studios and I finally got to check out the Harry Potter world and Butterbeer!! 

 

The friend we stayed with goes to California Polytechnic State University and there are valleys everywhere. We climbed to the top of one and there are swings on the trees. 

About 40 minutes away we got to go to a beach/ pier and there are NICE squirrels there that you can feed and they will crawl on you and just hang out.  

I got to go surfing for the first time at Avila State Beach. Don't let that smile or sunshine fool you. It was 82, I got sunburnt in March, the water was more cold than Lake Michigan and even with a body suit, it was still freezing, and those waves hit you HARD. Note: I have no balance in the water at all. I would totally go again though.

Hiking at Bishop Peak Nature Area. This was my favorite hike. There were so many high points you could go to and the view was breathtaking. I was sitting on the edge of a rock and there was nothing below me within 100 feet and I was terrified.

 When we stayed at our Airbnb in Hollywood, the girl recommended this beach, Robert Meyer Mem State Beach in Malibu, California. It has rocks you can sit on, caves you can go into and it was very low-key so it was not crowded at all.

Pirates Cove. If you find the right trail, you can lead up on top of this hill and go through this cave and see a whole view of the ocean. People were grilling, playing music, games, and just hanging out up there. If you go a specific way down, you can walk on some big rocks over the water. They say there is a trail that leads you under the cave, I will find it one day! 

Photo credits: Marisa Mackowiak- IPhone 6.