West Coast Road Trip, PT 2

It was a quick stay in SF before we started heading south once again. We realized that we weren't going to be able to make it all the way to Monterey Bay, so we started looking for a hotel south of SF. We stumbled upon the Costano Lodge in Pescadero, CA and decided that it would be a good place to take a break from driving in the dense advection fog. It was nearly midnight when we arrived, so we went straight to our room. We noticed that there wasn't a TV or even WIFI available, which we thought was pretty cool! It feels nice to unplug - even when it is due to an unexpected situation. The next morning, we stepped onto our patio and were stunned. Apparently Costanoa Lodge is a gorgeous wellness retreat with a lodge that makes incredible, healthy foods. It was a remarkably lucky accidental discovery.

After breakfast, we headed to the Monterey Bay Aquarium! Jared had been wanting to visit this aquarium for years, so exploring it together was a dream! It is undoubtedly my favorite aquarium. I love the design of the building and the kelp forest exhibit is incredible! The views from the back pier are stunning. Pretty much everything about it is wonderful and I highly suggest you go check it out next time you are on the west coast!

That evening, we drove farther south until we entered Big Sur. One of my favorite bloggers had mentioned Big Sur Bakery and I'd wanted to eat there ever since. We had a delicious dinner that night and found lodging nearby in Caramel. The next morning, we went back for ginger scones and coffee. After exploring the area, we had lunch at a restaurant with incredible views: Nepenthe.

Our final stop in Big Sur was Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It doesn't get much better than that.

After a night at the nearest Air Force base, we headed to LA. This was Jared's first time to the city. When the desk clerk at The Standard found out, he said "Welcome to LA" and gave us a $300 room upgrade. 

We left the hotel early, grabbed coffee at Handsome Coffee Roasters and headed to our motel near DISNEYLAND!!! We were up early the next morning and enjoyed a full day at the happiest place on earth. I visited Disneyland with my family every two to three years during my childhood, so I have tons of fond memories there.

Stay tuned for Part 3!

See also: West Coast Road Trip Part 1

West TX

November 2014 // During our last weeks in Texas before moving to Florida, we decided to take a trip we had been longing to make for years. Del Rio was likely the closest we will ever live to Marfa, TX and Big Bend, so we decided to make the drive. It was one of those weekends that reminds me why Texans have so much pride in our state. It's freaking awesome.

We stayed at El Cosmico in Marfa, which was a no-brainer for us since we had longed to check it out for some time. The first night was spent in a trailer worthy of the world's coolest trailer park. It was a bitterly cold night, so we let Zuri share our full-size bed. It was a bit of a squeeze. 

If you haven't been to the McDonald Observatory in West TX, put it on your bucket list. We attended a star party that blew my mind. So many amazing celestial bodies out there. There's something cool about being in such a remarkably dark part of the country. You simply can't find that kind of remote darkness near big city limits.

The second night was spent in a glorious teepee. Again, freezing cold night, but this time we had a fire pit in the middle of our abode. Why don't all homes have a fire pit in the middle of the living room? Can't we find a relatively safe way to make that work?

Aside from El Cosmico, we came to Marfa for the art. Donald Judd's 15 untitled works in concrete and 100 untitled works in mill aluminum stand out as two of my favorite things that we viewed. Photos of the mill aluminum aren't allowed, so you will have to trust me when I say that it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. As far as food is concerned, I suggest Pizza Foundation, but there's a whole host of things that we weren't lucky enough to try. Apparently most places close on Sunday and Monday - two of the days that we were there. This link is a fairly complete list of options. I've heard great things about the Grilled Cheese Parlour and Comida Futura.

After exploring Marfa for a couple of days, we headed out to Big Bend (and almost accidentally crossed into Mexico in the process). There's something special about Texas sunsets. Sunsets are the thing I miss most from Del Rio - along with the shaved fruit ice and $3 movie theatre. The sunsets over the ocean in Florida are obviously gorgeous, but they don't hold the same wow-factor as Texas sunsets for me.

It was certainly a trip for the books. Texas desert, thank you for sharing your harsh sunlight, fat raindrops and charming towns with us one last time. We're gonna miss you. 

A Day in Oklahoma

J and I decided that we need to make the most of our brief time in North Texas. I had never been to Oklahoma before, so we drove up to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, OK. As we crossed the border, I taught J about Oklahoma! the musical and we sang the title song with gusto more than a few times. Upon arriving at the refuge, we encountered herds of longhorns (Hook em'!), coteries of prairie dogs and a lone buffalo. I got out of the truck to achieve a better view of the prairie dogs and I think we bonded a bit. One of the brave little dogs came close enough to get some tight shots with my zoom lens. Funny little fellows!

After enjoying the scenery for a few hours, we made our way to Meers thanks to a recommendation from my brother-in-law. The historic restaurant raises their own herd of longhorns for meat. This results in an ethical, lean and absolutely delicious burger. If you are ever in that area, please make the trip to Meers! Bon Appétit Magazine dubbed the Meerscheeseburger one of the top three burgers in America. In my opinion, the accolades are not hype. 

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Note: I've had requests to purchase the longhorn photos. Select prints for sale at Society 6: society6.com/paigebecker

Jeans: Topshop / Sweater: Topshop / Scarf: Rhuel No.925 (similar: here) / Hat: Target / Biker boots: Madewell / Lipstick: YSL Rouge Volupté #12