So over the years, we've realized that we take poor California for granted. I have never been to Yosemite. Brandon has never seen the Hollywood sign. I know, we have it pretty rough. But ever since I moved away from California in 2004, I have seen the light and realized that amazing things were just a drive away in my home state.
We moved back to the Golden State (not to be confused with the Sunshine State - we are not Gators!) two years ago, but between deployment and a new baby, we haven't really tackled our travel goals. So, we have decided to attack this problem systematically. We will live in Ventura County for two and a half years. We plan two weekend/day trips a month - which gives us 60 weekends. We will probably alternate day trips with weekend trips.
Here's our initial California to do list - please feel free to add suggestions in the comments! All sports-related trips are Brandon's ideas, just in case that wasn't obvious to those who know me. With a few exceptions, I haven't been to any of these places. And to keep us moving - I will give a monthly update on our progress through this list. Some of these will be combined - obviously we won't drive to the Hollywood sign and then turn around.
1. Los Angeles Dodger game at Dodger Stadium
2. San Francisco Giants game at AT&T Park
3. Yosemite
4. Disney Concert Hall
5. Disneyland
6. Hollywood Sign
7. Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory
8. Camp in Big Sur - anywhere
9. Hearst Castle
10. Napa Wine Country (maybe in conjunction with a visit to Adair Valley?)
11. Channel Islands
12. Ojai
13. Palm Springs
14. Santa Barbara Biltmore Four Seasons
15. Lotusland in Santa Barbara
16. Catalina
17. Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
18. Eat at Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles
19. Glamp at Treebones Resort in Big Sur - yurts
20. The Huntington Library and Gardens, San Marino
21. The Winchester Mystery House
22. The Monterey Bay Aquarium
23. The Dennis the Menace Park
24. LACMA. Admittedly inspired by this: http://www.tastingtable.com/entry_detail/la/9895
Booze-spiked milkshakes? Peach hand pies? Coffee? Yes please!
No doubt which ones are Brandon's. Paige would love the Monterey Bay Aquarium and if you go to Monterey then you also have to go to Dennis The Menace park. Maybe save that trip for our next vist. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin! Am about to update my list.
DeleteThe Winchester House! It is on my list after Derek and Shelly visited it on their honeymoon. It sounds like a really cool/creepy place to go.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool idea!
Also, you've really never been to Disneyland?!
Hi Aly! I will add this in! And of course I've been to Disneyland! But Brandon has never been with his girls. It seemed like we had to include it in our list of California Adventures. Obligatory, really.
DeleteI LOVE this Anna!!! I totally have to say that the feeling is mutual. John and I have talked about this quite often. We live in such a beautiful state, we need to get out and explore! We too take this place for granted. Yesterday we decided to hit the road and go on a day trip. We drove out to Ojai (neither of us had ever been) and then took the scenic route to Santa Barbara. It was a great day and we will definitely be doing more trips like that. If you ever want company, let us know. ;) Love ya!
ReplyDeleteThanks Monique! Love that you went to Ojai! How was it? I know you went to that cool bookstore. :)
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