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Faces & Places

road trip

 

Always updating~CALI ROAD~TRIPS. You'll find lots of vegan & gluten free choices, boutique hotels and markets + travel essentials to shop.
A ❥ marks my favorites
MALIBU, VENICE & SANTA MONICA~LOCAL LOVE

 

STAYCATION~ Malibu Surfrider @thesurfridermalibu  A beautiful boutique hotel + a lobby shop filled with everything I want  and a stunning rooftop patio OR a new spot Hotel June @hoteljunemalibu if you want to SPLURGE ~ The Proper in Santa Monica
 @santamonicaproper

INDULGE~Surya Spa at the Proper ❥

COFFEE~Go Get em Tiger for great Cold Matcha  +  @lalalandkindcafe for a delicious latte menu (both on Montana avenue in Santa Monica). Grab a coffee & stroll the cute shops
VENICE ~Gjusta bakery for coffee, food & atmosphere  @gjustabakery  + Gjusta goods + flowers  and market

EAT~@malibufarm  I love either location at the pier ❥ or take a drive up to Calamigos Ranch and stay/eat/coffee @calamigosguestranch  @themalibucafe  @salooncoffeeco

DRINK~
Lillies Patio at the Culver Hotel
Simonette at the Pali Hotel~Culver City
Golden Hour at Paloma in Venice

BREAD~

FLOWERS~Sunday & Wednesday farmers market in Santa Monica. Malibu ~Sunday. Gjusta flowers in Venice

TACOS~ @mercadosantamonica  ❥

ZEN~ @themindry  Dreamy space with lovely gifts & zen
I haven't been yet but Den Mother Wellness looks dreamy @denmotherwellness in Venice


STROLL~
Zuma beach in Malibu

MARKET CRUSH~@brentwoodcountrymart   @farmshopca

with a new Sezane store for extra inspiration~

Lady & Larder ~ Cutest little market on Pico in Santa monica 
https://www.instagram.com/ladyandlarder/

Gjusta market  and the Canal Market in Venice, Canyon Gourmet in Topanga, Erewhon in Venice, Culver City & Santa Monica

PACK~https://www.daydreamerswanted.com/products/ali-lamu-malibu-bag

  
 
GO NORTH -
OJAI
SLEEP~ Ojai Rancho Inn  by @sheltersocialclub 
Ojai Valley Inn @ojaivalleyinn
Lavender Inn~@lavenderInn Bed & Breakfast

EAT~
Hip Vegan @hvojai  201 N. Montgomery St. ❥
The Nest @thenestojai for cauliflower tacos
The Duchess @thedutchessojai
Rory's place
The Oak at Ojai Valley Inn
Boccalis~family owned Italian

PIZZA
~Pinyon @pinyonojai

BREAD~ @katesbread

D
RINK + FOOD~ New spot and it looks so cute @tres_hermanas_ojai

SHOP~In the Field @inthefieldojai  730 E. Ojai
Noted 423 e. ojai ave. #102 @noted.ojai 
deKor & Co @dekor.living
Fern's General Store (next to Nest)  @fernsgeneralstore
Summer Camp  @shopsummercamp 1020 W. Ojai Ave.
Tipple & Ramble @tippleandramble + drink wine 315 N. Montgomery St.
Bungalow by Fig @bungalowojai 109 N. Montgomery St.
Blue 209 W. Ojai (next to Beacon) @blue_ojai 

GARDEN~ Forage  @forageojai  152 Baldwin Rd.
Found 203 Studio~203 N. Ventura St.
Cutest plant store ~Plant Based @shopplantbased

YOGA~Light & Space  @lightandspaceyoga 915 E. Ojai Ave.

STROLL~Farmers Market  @ojaifarmersmarket Sundays

MARKET CRUSH~Rainbow Market 211 E. Matilija

PACK~ Travel size fragrance
 

 

BIG SUR/Carmel~

SLEEP~rustic Treebones @treebonesresort
Sort of rustic~Glamping at Ventana @ventanabigsur
Posh rustic~Post Ranch Inn @postranchinn
New finds in Carmel~ Villa Mara, Le Petit Pali on 8th and a location on Ocean. I had a great stay at La Playa. Hotel Carmel and Bernardus look like great options. I love the location of Villa Mara. I stayed here before it was renovated. You can grab a coffee and stroll the most beautiful beach.

COFFEE~Big Sur Bakery. Captain & Stoker-Monterey. Coffee & Brunch at Stationaery in Carmel.

EAT~Big Sur Bakery  @bigsurbakery  @bigsurroadhouse
The Village Big Sur @thevillagebigsur
L
a Bicyclette in Carmel.

DRINK~ Folktale Winery in Carmel 

ZEN~Esalen one of my fav places. Yoga, baths, serenity, teachings and the yummiest food  @esalen ❥

STROLL~ 
The beaches, Point Lobos State Reserve

PACK~ travel journal
SANTA BARBARA~
 
SLEEP~So many choices. Depends on your vibe. The Kimpton Canary looks beautiful. Lots of choices on Airbnb or stay in Montecito ~  I am going to check out @hideawaysantabarbara next time or try   @hotelcalifornian 36 State Street OR the list below
Drift Hotel
Pali House
The Leta Hotel in Goleta
Rosewood Miramar Beach
Bacara Beach Resort

EAT Loquita~ @loquitasb 202 State Street

VEGAN Mesa Verde~I haven't been in 2 years but I was obsessed with this place. Plant based. Alta mesa area. 1919 Cliff Drive  @mesaverdesb

BREAD~ @oat_bakery 
Helena Avenue Bakery @helenaavenuebakery 131 Anacapa

DRINK~ Municipal Wines @muniwine  22 Anacapa St. + a plethora of wine bars in the Funk Zone 
Potek Winery ~406 E. Haley St. #1 at The Mill which looks like it needs to be on the list as well. I'll try these coffee spots and get back to you. @themillsb
Hotel Bars~The Drift, Pali House, Hotel California

JUICE~@juiceranch 33 Park Way right around the corner from Backyard Bowls which has the best Acai Bowls and smoothies @backyardbowls

COFFEE~Lilac Cafe along with Vegan/GF breads & pastries. 1017 State ST.
SHOP~ Peruse this cute little stationary/ gift store while you're waiting for you Back Yard Bowls @foliopressandpaperie
In Montecito~ @montecitocountrymart

YOGA~@yogasoup

CACTUS~ Lotusland..on the FOMO list

MARKET CRUSH~Savoy Wines 18 West Anapamu @savoycafeanddeli

STROLL~Farmers markets Tues & Saturday

WANDER~Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is one of the prettiest churches I have ever seen. Def worth a little jaunt to Montecito. 1300 E. Valley Road. The Santa Barbara Courthouse

PACK~ travel essentials

SUMMERLAND~ 

On your way to Santa Barbara make a stop into Summerland. There are some amazing new cool shops + coffee 
These were my favorite spots for a quick stop along the way~

 

COFFEE  ~@fieldandfort  your first stop off the freeway. Grab a coffee and wander the kitchen essentials and well curated shop and/or Sit outside and enjoy a beautiful pastry and coffee...but don't sit long because just down the street is more spectacular shopping. 2580 Lillie ❥

SHOP~
Cactus, candles and gifts @botanik_summerland  Peruse the little garden and take home a cactus or two. 2329 Lillie

Porch is a must see for rugs, books and design @porch_summerland
And this place is just dreamy @thewellsummerland  So much inspiration, antiques  and  little nooks to shop. Textiles, furniture, candles, antiques, rugs and garden delights.

STAY~If you decide to spend the night before your next stop and/or if you decide you're going to redecorate your whole house and need more time...(after perusing the above shops) This place looks cute @staygoldensummerland

FLOWERS~ + Local, organic produce, artisanal foods & flowers at Sweet Wheel Farm ~2285 Lillie ave.

QUICK DETOUR ~to Los Alamos, Los Olivos & Solvang  

LOS ALAMOS  & Surrounds

SLEEP~ I finally just stayed at the Hotel Inez and it is even better in person than IG. It's so clean and the staff is so nice. Highly recommend. Grab bikes and go on an adventure.
The Landsby~ Solvang @thelandsby 
The Bodega House ~ Los Alamos  @thebodegahouse 
Skyview @skyviewlosalamos  (I stayed here when it was still a its a roadside motel and I haven't been back. There was a time when the accommodations in Los Alamos were slim pickings. I am so glad someone decided to update this quaint little place.  I've heard great things about their onsite restaurant Norman as well.
The Alamo by @sheltersocialclub  They did an amazing job with this renovation. It's so cute now. The first time I stopped into Los Alamos my friend and I looked at this hotel and said thank god we didn't choose this one, it looks like escaped convicts are hiding out in there....true story! Now it's adorable & cozy just like all of the hotels in the Shelter Social Club family.
SPLURGE~The Inn at Matteir's Tavern~Los Olivos
The new Inn at Mattei's Tavern is spectacular. You can walk to all of the tasting rooms, swim in the gorgeous pool and eat/drink at the gorgeous restaurant and coffee bar~ @matteistavernauberge
Recently revamped to The Genevive @thegenevievehotel
COFFEE~ Pony Espresso and The Bakers Table and eats  @ponyespressosyv 
@thebakers_table

EAT~ Bob's Well Bread @bobswellbread   550 Bell St.
Pizza~Full of life 225 Bell St  @fulloflifefoods
Worth the hype   @sykitchen
Bells @bellslosalamos   406 Bell St. this is new for me so I will add it to the see ya soon list.
Suggested by locals   @barlecote

DRINK~ Bodega Wine Bar @bodegalosalamos  273 Bell St.
Municipal Wine Makers 425 Bell St. ~so cute
Babi's Beer Emporium & Sister property Casa Dumetz right next door ~388 Bell Street
Plus a plethora of beautiful wineries & tasting room. So far my fav tasting rooms are    @liquidfarm   @storyofsoilwine

SHOP~
There are so many cute shops in Santa Ynez and Los Olivos ~Just wander + check out   @globaleyeshop
New & super cute in Los Alamos @campover
@elderflatfarm

STROLL~Bell Street.. just one long street to see it all. At the beginning or end depending on where you come in, you can also stroll the Depot Antique Mall.

PACK~
Bucket list journal
 
 
SONOMA + MENDOCINO + MARIN + SLO COMBO PLATE~
SLEEP~All of these places were booked because I was planning last minute but they all look amazing for someone not planning last minute!!
Glen Ellen~ Beltane Ranch @beltaneranch
Calistoga~ Brannan Cottage Inn 
I did stay at Brannan Cottage Inn and it was adorable, clean, nice staff, bikes and a coffee bar @brannancottageinn  ❥
@thebungalowscalistoga rode my bike past these and they looked cute
Healdsburg~ Cottages at Healdsburg @cottagesathealdsburg 
The Madrona   @themadrona
Forestville~Farmhouse Inn @farmhouse_inn
Jenner~Timber Cove @timbercoveresort  dog friendly, great food and beautiful sunset
Mendocino~I stayed Glendeven Inn-I would definitely recommend The Beach Trail cottage. If you like Glamping try Mendocino Grove.  The Four Sisters Inn group has some cozy stays right in town. I did not stay at these, just admired them from the outside. Super convenient as they are all right in the middle of town. @foursistersinns Blue Door Inns. The newest in town is the Nicholson House @NICHOLSON_HOUSE and down the street towards Ft. Bragg is the Newport Ranch @innatnewportranch
Santa Rosa~The Warrington House on Airbnb looks amazing
Elk~Harbor House Inn + eat. I did drop in and it is stunning.
Sea Ranch~Sea Ranch Lodge @thesearanchlodge
Marshall~The Coal and Feed. Home rental. Looks amazing
Inverness~The A frame on @airbnb (it's black-you've seen it)
Cambria~White Water. A reimagined road side stop. Had to see what all the hype was about...because you know ..FOMO! @whitewatercambria
Paso Robles~ @pasoroblesvacationrentals  Lots to choose from here
plus a new one FARMHOUSE + dogs @farmhousepaso

COFFEE~
Sebastopol~Acre Coffee, Taylor Lane
Healdsburg~Black Oak Coffee @blackoakcoffee
Mendocino~The Waiting Room by Cafe Beaujolais ❥
Point Arena~Little Green Bean Roastery

EAT~
Healdsburg~Chalkboard, Barndiva, Campofina & Little Saint (vegan) , Troubadour
Mendocino~Fog Eater  ❥(a wonderful vegan & GF experience) , Good life bakery, Ravens at the Stanford Inn @stanford_inn, Cafe Beaujolais @cafe.beaujolai + The Brickery and The Waiting Room
Santa Rosa~I heard Spinster Sisters is good but didn't have a chance to go
Inverness~Saltwater Oyster & Depot (really cute & not vegan)
Tomales Bay~Blink and you'll miss the whole town but they have a couple of cute places including ~Route One
Calistoga~Vegan choices at Lovina @lovinacalistoga
Napa~
@myccasa    Vegan tacos 

SHOP~
Sebastopol~The Barlow + shop + food + wine + stroll @thebarlow707 (such a cool concept + eats + wine tasting + another cute grocery store~COMMUNITY
Concord~Elsie Green @elsie_green  ❥
Mendocino~Folklore (the cutest shop in town), Village Sock Shop (for OG crew Mendocino socks) @villagesockshop
Pt. Reyes~Captain Oko (it wasn't open but It looks really cool) @captainokodesign
Inverness~Gallery by Tom Biagini @tombiagini
Olema~Tamaone @t_a_m_a_o_n_e art & pottery + dreamy goods
San Anselmo~@beachhousestyle Beach + Vintage
Mill Valley~Lulu Design Studio @luludesignsjewelry +stroll all the cute places to eat etc at The Lumberyard. The Goods down the street has gorgeous cashmere throws and shawls. @thegoodsmv
Larkspur~ Marin country mart @marincountrymart  Bring your credit card (s) so much good stuff to shop & eat
Cambria~Slabtown Mercantile (lovely curation)  @slabtownmercantile + The shops at the Garden Shed 
Napa~@jeffriesgeneral

STROLL~
Mendocino~The whole town + the beaches and state parks
Cambria~The beach boardwalk (across from all of the hotels on Moonstone beach)

FLOWERS & CACTUS~
Sebastopol~California Sister @californiasister/
Cambria~Grow in the Garden Shed shops and Sea + Green @cambria_gardenshed

SMOOTHIE LOVE~
Healdsburg~The Nectary @thenectary
Cambria~The Hidden Kitchen + Gluten free waffles @hiddenkitchencalifornia + Cayucos . If I wasn't vegan, I would drive up to either location for the waffles. They look unbelievable. Do it !!
Paso Robles~ @neighborhood_acai

BREAD ~ BAKERY~ DONUTS
Healdsburg~Quail & Condor (cutest little bakery) @quailandcondor
Mendocino~Mendocino baking company @mendocinogf
Mill Valley~ @flourcraft Gluten Free bakery ❥
Marin Country Mart~Johnny Doughnuts
Napa~Monday Bakery


DRINK~
Everywhere..you're in wine country
Healdsburg~BloodRoot Wines @bloodrootwines , Bar brava Napa~ @outlandnapa 

MARKET CRUSH~ I have a thing for markets
Mendocino~Corners of the Mouth
Santa Rosa~Miracle Plum
Healdsburg~Oakville grocery, Dry Creek General Store
Point Arena~The Co-op Arena Market
Elk~Elk Store & Matson Mercantile
Olema~Due West Tavern & Market
Pt. Reyes~Palace Market
Valley Ford~Cheese & Creamery
Cambria~Soto's True Earth Market

PACK~Wanderlust Journal & Camp cards to send from the road

GO SOUTH-

SAN DIEGO~

SLEEP~
So many options in DT San Diego like Kimpton & The guild. The Oris in La Jolla looks pretty. You've got many choices including VRBO & Airbnb as well

EAT~ Just stroll Little Italy for all kinds of eating, drinking and cafe inspiration 

SWEETS~
Devils Dozen 2001 Kettner @devilsdozendonuts
Pretty enough to check out~

COFFEE
~Communal Coffee all locations are cute North & South Park + Oceanside
 @communalcoffee + gifts + flowers ❥
2335 University Ave. & 2221 Fern 
The Grounds Bean Bar 1571 La Playa @thegroundsbeanbar

FLOWERS~Native Poppy  3009 Grape Street @native_poppy

PACK~ beach towel

ENCINITAS/Oceanside~

SLEEP~Don't sleep near the railroad tracks or PCH. Do find something quiet near the beach. Check out Airbnb or a place I am curious about @twelvesensesretreat and Inn at Moonlight Beach or check out @mintandseacottages
The prettiest airbnb @ilovedasmod in Encinitas
Surfhouse Boutique Hotel @surfhouseadventures  I have stayed here because it's dog friendly. It can be a bit noisy because of the road but other than that, it's very cute. The Green Room in Oceanside is also dog friendly.  @thegreenroomhotel

EAT~So many choices here! @herbandsea  @restaurant.valentina @birdseyekitchen  these were all recommended.

VEGAN EATS~ Choice in Carlsbad & Encinitas. The Plot in Oceanside all dog friendly. Good on ya Organic + market and wine lounge. ❥

SWEETS~ Adorable little window serving homemade ice cream in waffle cone tacos + vegan and GF available @littlefoxcupsandcones ❥
Donuts~Broad Street Dough Co. Encintas & The Goods in Carlsbad both have GF & VEGAN options ❥

COFFEE~There are a lot of coffee shops in Encinitas and surrounds so here are just a few that I had time to try @coffeecoffeeleucadia 970 N. Coast
@betterbuzz 578 S. Coast  @loftycoffeeco 90 N. Coast
Also Oceanside on your way~ @risingco coffee + locally curated goods

FLOWERS~Plant Beach Farm is the cutest little farm store + flowers.  @plant_beach
Luecadia Floral & Plant. (in the same complex as Threadspun)
Sunday Farmers Market. Plants and pots in abundance at  @shopwithlandmark
Look at pretty flowers at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. @the_flower_fields  (seasonal)

ZEN~Four Moons Spa @fourmoonsspa Drop in for yoga or reflexology. Encinitas

SHOP~ Definitely check out Threadspun @threadspun. Well curated shop with ceramics, jewelry, cards and generally cool stuff. Vuori clothing is based in Encinitas so if you've been wondering about the coveted workout pants-try them on at the local shop. @vuoriclothing

PACK ~ Tote for beach + shopping
JOSHUA TREE~

SLEEP~I think the best ideas are these homestays/airbnb when it comes to Joshua tree.
Some favs on IG~ @thejoshuatreehouse
@hawkandmesa                                     

SHOP~
 
Mojave Flea~Yucca Valley  @mojaveflea
Acme 5 Lifestyle~ 55870 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Industry of All Nations  @industryofallnations
Shop Wheelhouse   @shop_wheelhouse

COFFEE~
Joshua Tree Coffee 61738 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Mas O Menos 66031 29 Palms Hwy. JT @masomenosbar

EAT~
 La Copine 848 Old Womans Spring Rd.   @lacopinekitchen
Dez Fine Food~Grab & Go  @dezfinefood
Natural Sisters Cafe~  @thenaturalsisterscafe
Kitchen in the Desert  @kitcheninthedesert29
6427 Mesquite, 29 Palms

ZEN~
Meditation at @integratronofficial

STROLL~
The park obviously
Farmers market on Sat. 

BREAD~LUNA sourdough  @lunasourdough
and Wild bread Bakery  @wildbreadbakery

MARKET CRUSH
~
Wine and Rock shop @wineandrockshop
Joshua Tree Bottleshop   @joshuatreebottleshop
Desierto Alto  @desierto_alto

SPA~ Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs  @twobunchpalms

PACK~ Travel size fragrance
PALM SPRINGS
SLEEP~All time favorite @korakia ❥
The have all been recommended or I have stayed   @lasarenavillas   @parkerpalmsprings  @holidayhouseps

EAT
~Azucar  @azucarpalmsprings at La Serena Villas
339 S. Belardo Road
Birba @birbaps  622 N. Palm Canyon
DRINK~Bootlegger Tiki @bootleggertiki They had me at Aloha~Bar Cecil @barcecil
WANDER~Take a hike at Indian Canyons.
 The Living Desert @thelivingdesert
SHOP~
Soukie Modern Rugs @soukiemodern 1345 N. Palm Canyon
and my favorite~ Thick as Thieves  @shopthieves ❥
183 S. Indian Canyon Dr.
Mojave Flea Trading Post @mojaveflea
COFFEE~Ernest Coffee @ernestcoffee  1101 N. Palm Canyon
Cafe la Jefa  @cafelajefa
SWEETS~Kreem     @ilovekreem 170 E. Palm Canyon 
CACTUS~Mariscal Cactus & Succulents
MARKET CRUSH~On the Mark  @onthemarkpalmsprings   111 N. Palm Canyon

PACK~ toiletry + everything bag
 
 
LAGUNA BEACH & OC~
SLEEP~Hotel Joaquin @hoteljoaquin  love the vibe, the pool, the bikes and the food 
Casa Laguna Hotel @casalagunahotel  Beautiful Spanish style, lovely pool, gorgeous design, great hospitality. ❥
or @lacasahotellb A historic hotel right in the middle of LB. Spanish style rooms and a roof-top bar
Splurge ~Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort Away from PCH so it's very quiet. Trolley to beach. Amazing pool areas. Beautiful rooms with luxurious bath tubs. Spa, juice, golf..basically you don't need to leave 

EAT~
Malibu Farm @malibufarmlido  Newport Beach Lido Village I'm a huge fan of Malibu Farm 
Gracias Madre~@graciasmadresocal  ❥
Coastal Kitchen @coastalkitchendanapoint  ~recommended by a local.
Laguna~ @eatahba

TACOS~ looking for recs

BREAD~ Bread Artisan Bakery   @breadartisanbakery


SHOP
~LALA  @kerrycassill  1145 S. Coast Hwy

 @the.garage.collective  1524 S. Coast Hwy Cutest store in Laguna. So many treasures!!
Cutest little farmers market + quality goods @thesalthorse ❥
Ligne Blanche~@ligneblancheca Dreamy tops, dresses, linens , bags & more
1175 South Coast Highway. Lovely French owner with great taste.


STROLL~
Farmers market Sat ~521 Forest Ave. Catch my friend @breadartisanbakery + purple roses at the flower stand

Heisler Park~lovely walk along the cliffs

 

SAND~Prettiest beaches & coves. Victoria beach. Thousand steps for exercise (really only 220). The Strand. Divers Cove. Crescent Bay. Table Rock. Totuava

COFFEE~ Laguna Coffee Co @lagunacoffeeco  (recommended by my friend who owns the Bread Artisan Bakery)
Anastasia Cafe  @anastasiacafelaguna another local likes Anastasia

SMOOTHIES
~SEJUICED Organic Juice bar. Newport Beach + juices, bowls and drive to NP worthy gluten free & vegan avocado toast @sejuiced  ❥
The Stand~OG Vegan spot. 238 Thalia Street. @thestandlaguna for smoothies

MARKET CRUSH~
Sapphire Laguna 1200 S. Coast Hwy. 
 
PACK~ travel bag

More inspiration found at my travel IG~ @keeplefttravel Inspired by travels driving on the other side + the surprises, synchronicity and adventures that await when you make that left turn when you planned to go right..

 

 

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