Sun. Snow. City. Subs.

Posted in Explore, Food, Fun, Lunch, Travel by C.

Location: (A frozen) Big Bear Lake, CA

One of the most enviable things about living in L.A. is that you can hit the beach one day, enjoy city life the next, take a step back and melt into the calm suburbs the following day, then head to the mountains for some snow action if that bores you. I even came up with a nifty (and cheesy) new thought when you break it down: Sun. Snow. City. Subs. = L.A.

A glance up at the distant snow-covered mountains a few weeks back and an upcoming long weekend that also happened to be around my boyfriend and I’s anniversary, seemed like just the right time to leave the sun and the city to play in the snow. A drive up the winding mountainside; and we were in the charming, quaint, and snow-covered Big Bear Mountains 2 hours later.

{Driving up.}

The plan for the day was simple: enjoy the drive and a change of scenery, walk around the small town, have a nice lunch (the Peppercorn Grille was amazing), check out some of the shops, smile, and head home!

While it’s been pretty cold (then randomly warm) in L.A. over the last few weeks and I knew it would be rather “chilly” being up in the mountains – my body was not all ready for the sharp temperature drop during the day because I’m such a wuss when it comes to cold weather! Thus, I didn’t even attempt to go tubing this time around.

Here are a few more photos from the day. We couldn’t have picked a more beautiful one. Enjoy!

{Stopping to take in the view.}

{The town.}

{Buying bulk Jelly Bellys – which I can totally do back home but I couldn’t resist.}

{Lunch.}

{Admiring the snow.}

{Heading home.}

15Jan2013

17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach

Posted in Explore, Fun, Travel by C.

There was one special highlight I purposely omitted from yesterday’s post during our Carmel getaway that was so spectacular, so breathtaking, it deserves the spotlight all its own.

17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, considered one of the most famous scenic routes in the world, takes you through spectacular forest and ocean views. While I was surprised at the admission fee to take the drive (hey – we don’t charge peeps to cruise P.C.H.!!), I wasn’t disappointed and later understood the small cost because of the unique community and experience ahead. Upon entry, you get a handy map listing 21 points of interest along the way guiding you to stop and spend some time taking in the landscape around you. From the 1st point of interest at Shepherd’s Knoll with amazing views of the Monterey Bay, to the Lone Cypress’s 250 year stay on a rocky perch, to a short stop to see how the other side lives at the fancy Pebble Beach Resort, it was something to see.

If you are ever nearby, make it a point to take this stunning excursion. In the meantime, you can live vicariously through mine…

14Jan2013

Highlights: Carmel

Posted in Breakfast, Dinner, Explore, Food, Fun, Travel, Treats, Uncategorized by C.

After a very happy Christmas Day and once I had gotten over the initial shock of such a thoughtful and extravagant gift, we headed out to enjoy the surprise Christmas trip from my boyfriend, a 3 (that turned into 4 – long story) night stay in Carmel!

I had never been to Carmel-by-the-Sea (which I learned is the city’s official full name), and honestly, had only heard of it because of Clint Eastwood. (How cultured of me, I know). As a lover of travel, good hotels, dining out, and sight seeing, I knew I was in for a real treat. Better yet, I was going to get 4 full uninterrupted days of adventure with my favorite person! 🙂

It was the prefect mixture of relaxation (i.e. spending lots of time lounging in our hotel room watching Saturday Night Live re-runs on VH1) and exploration (i.e. getting to know the city of Carmel).

Random fact: I just visited the city’s Wikipedia page and apparently there’s a law that prohibits the use of high heels without a permit due to uneven pavement throughout the town. Thank god I wore my Converse and didn’t get rock my 4 inch heels – it seems that would’ve been illegal!

Here are a few highlights from our Carmel-by-the-Sea adventure:

{Our hotel, Carmel Mission Inn.}

{Loved the beach-y inspired flair to the room with this cool electric blue lighting over the bed!}

{Nothing like starting the day with room service.}

{Exploring The Crossroads shops across the street from our hotel on a beautiful rainy day.}

{This is by far the coolest way I’ve ever been served a vanilla latte! Nothing but nice things to say about our breakfast experience at “From Scratch Restaurant.”}

{Exploring the shopping and dining places on the other side of our hotel, The Barnyard.}

{View from our 4th floor hotel room. I loved all the trees, so much greenery.}

{Roaming Downtown Carmel. Very quaint. Very expensive.}

{400 Degrees Gourmet Burgers & Fries. This place was super cool! You placed and paid for your custom made burger order on the device at your table and your hot food came directly to you when ready. I predict we’ll be seeing this in L.A. very soon.}