After multiple trips up to the Bay to visit me, it was my turn to head to SoCal to visit my friend Lizzie. We spent some time in San Diego and some time in Temecula, where she grew up. With an early flight in, we headed to Better Buzz coffee for caffeine (and acai for me) to prep for the day. We hiked in Torrey Pines and had beautiful ocean views. Led by our love for food, we headed to Lemonade for a fresh lunch and then went exploring in La Jolla, visiting the Salk Institute and chilling at the cove, people watching (and commenting on the wedding photos that were happening there). A night of Mexican food in Old Town and much wine and dancing at a dueling piano bar rounded out our first day in SD.
Off to Casa Applegate in Temecula the next day to hang with her family and enjoy some local wine. I had so much fun hanging with her hilarious family and having lunch with them. We rallied and went to a winery in the afternoon to go wine tasting. It turned out to be the best place- beautiful background, free RX Bars randomly and we got to take a picture with Santa. With a nice walk in the morning through the neighborhood with her dad and french toast from her mom, Lizzie's family was incredibly kind. We visited old town Temecula for more Mexican food and then headed back to San Diego. We puttered around Balboa, marveling at the International houses and cacti garden (such a SoCal thing). We also got to wear the sweatshirts I got us- "I'm a Cool Blonde"- needs no explanation. After a break for coffee and a dinner in Gaslamp, I was back at the airport for a late night flight back to reality.
It was a quick trip, but I love San Diego and would not mind living there some day. The hospitality from Lizzie's family made it even sweeter.
