NEW BEGINNINGS: MEET TREVOR STONE, PHOTOGRAPHER
This Northern California photographer decided to leave small town life for a new adventure in the bustle of Los Angeles. We’re sharing his work and his story with you all today.
A SPOTLIGHT ON PHOTOGRAPHER, TREVOR STONE
This Northern California photographer decided to leave small town life for a new adventure in the bustling big city of Los Angeles. We’re sharing his work and his story with you all today.
What’s a typical day look like for you?
Are usually take every day as a new day, so no routines really. I do however start it with a cup of coffee no sugar no milk. The plan is always to try to make myself as happy as I can as much as I can every day.
What keeps you inspired?
The thing that keeps me inspired is knowing that every single person that I or you look up to started somewhere and most likely similar to where you and i started even the people with millions of followers and all the money in the world.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
About two weeks ago when I moved away from my hometown for the first time and saw Los Angeles for the first time.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
Something most people don’t know about me is that I am a very shy person, I will act like I’m not shy and force myself to not be shy and be more outgoing, but it really used to affect me in a major way, then one day I kind of realized that everyone is a little shy and that helped me a lot.
“Everything has an end, all the good things and all the bad things.”
What would you name this chapter of your life?
Trevor Stone 2.0
Favorite thing about California?
My favorite thing about California is that you have a little bit of everything here. There’s dessert, forest, beaches, city, suburbs, and everything in between.
What’s the most memorable moment you had while traveling?
Honestly i think in the near future I’m going to have way better memorable traveling moments than this, but the most memorable moment i think I’ve experienced is after moving to LA, i definitely saw it and thought “Wow this place is big!” However what i was referring to was the tall buildings and a small portion of the surrounding area. It wasn’t until i went to visit the Hollywood sign and saw the entirety of Los Angeles and it literally blew my mind at how MASSIVE this place is. I had never seen an area of land that big in that perspective in my life.
What’s one thing you found challenging but eventually overcame?
Honestly, the move to Los Angeles. The plan was to move here with two roommates, they both backed out due to different reasons, i had to interview 3 times for a job transfer, and once i got the job transfer i had a deadline to find a living situation (which i didn’t find till a week that i had to be in LA) through this process i realized that i have a path, everyone has a path, and that we all have this thing in us. Some people call it Instinct, some people call it your gut, some call it your heart. I describe it as my arrow, and as long as I didn’t think about the big picture and just thought about that arrow and where it showed me to go and listened to it, everything ended up working out.
What’s next for you?
So I’ve always been known for photography, which is amazing, but I’ve always been much more fascinated and more passionate about filmmaking and video production, so i feel that my next chapter or step in my life journey is really targeting video production and seeing what i can do in that space.
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Contributed by estCA staff, Lindsay Vacek
MORE THAN JUST A PINK WALL: AN ADVENTURE IN NORTH PARK, CA
If you do any kind of photo location search on Instagram for “North Park, San Diego” the pink wall outside of Pigment will surely show up. And for good reason! Who doesn’t love a bright pink wall?
EXPLORING SAN DIEGO’S NORTH PARK SUBURB
Contributed by estCA staff, Lindsay Vacek
If you do any kind of photo location search on Instagram for “North Park, San Diego” the pink wall outside of Pigment will surely show up. And for good reason! Who doesn’t love a bright pink wall?
And, while we do love ourselves a good pink wall, North Park is more than just that.
But since you are there, you might as well pop into Pigment, a one-stop shop for art, flora, furniture and thoughtful gifts - we wouldn’t be mad if husband-and-wife duo Chad Anglin and Amy Paul came to decorate our home!
So, now that you’ve gotten your pink wall fix, let’s go explore more.
But first, coffee.
Lofty Coffee is my go-to, must-have coffee any time I go to San Diego — and although, technically, this coffee shop isn’t in North Park - it’s worth pulling off the freeway for (they are located in North County in Encintas). You’ll thank me later.
Once you actually get to North Park, The Lafayette Hotel is definitely worth the stop. This renovated hotel still holds all the charm from the 50s. Whether you are staying in the area, or just looking to grab lunch or a drink, it’s a notable stop on your North Park Adventure. Afterwards, head over to Juneshine Brewery for a flight of their unique hard kombucha drinks. You can even take a growler home with you (and bring me one too please)
Walk off the booze and walk around the city, taking photos of all the local murals. Those alone are worth the visit to this funky little suburb.
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Contributed by estCA staff, Lindsay Vacek
UNDER THE DEEP BLUE SEA
A new kind of California adventure - the underwater kind. Underwater Photographer, Damon Loble, shares some of his photographs taken off the coast of California.
AN UNDERWATER ADVENTURE OFF THE CALIFORNIA COAST
Photography by Damon Loble
Poetry by Nathaniel Hawthorne (c. 1825)
The Ocean has its silent caves,
Deep, quiet, and alone;
Though there be fury on the waves,
Beneath them there is none.
The awful spirits of the deep
Hold their communion there;
And there are those for whom we weep,
The young, the bright, the fair.
Calmly the wearied seamen rest
Beneath their own blue sea.
The ocean solitudes are blest,
For there is purity.
The earth has guilt, the earth has care,
Unquiet are its graves;
But peaceful sleep is ever there,
Beneath the dark blue waves.
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
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Stonewall Peak: An Epic Day Hike near San Diego, California
Stonewall Peak is one of the most popular hikes in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and with good reason. The trail is easily accessible, beginning just across the street from the park’s main campground (Paso Picacho) and it provides some amazing views.
AN ADVENTURE NEAR SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Photography by Ashley Willams (@ashdubsphoto)
Stonewall Peak is one of the most popular hikes in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and with good reason. The trail is easily accessible, beginning just across the street from the park’s main campground (Paso Picacho) and it provides some amazing views.
A Bit Of History
Stonewall its name due to its proximity to the nearby Stonewall Mine, which was itself named after Stonewall Jackson. My review of the history of the does not turn up much else until 2003, when largest fire in California’s recorded history swept across Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and incinerated most of the landscape. The destruction from that fire is still very much in evidence, and it also presents the main challenges of the trail, including overgrown vegetation and some plants with a nasty tendency to cause allergic reactions
A Beautiful View
The views are incredible. From here you can see the Salton Sea, looking closely to the northwest the Palomar mountain Observatory can be seen as well as the trailhead where you began this scenic back country journey
To the west is Cuyamaca Peak, Middle Peak, and the distant outline of the Palomar Mountains.
To the North: Cuyamaca Lake and North Peak
To the East: the eastern side of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and the Laguna Mountains beyond
If you’re looking for a new twist on this popular hike, you can try this variation: After summiting, continue along the Stonewall Peak Trail as it descends the back side of the mountain to meet with the California Riding and Hiking Trail, then continue on the Cold Stream Trail to loop back to the start. This adds about 1 mile to the hike, but will offer significant solitude compared to the busy trail that leads up to the Peak.
Essential Gear
Walking shoes
Sun protection
Water
How To Get There
Take I-8 East to the CA-79 N/Japatul Valley Road exit. Turn left and follow 79 north (towards Julian). After 2.7 miles, there is a sharp left to stay on 79 – make sure not to miss this turn (follow signs for 79 and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park). Continue on 79 for about 9 more miles to Paso Picacho campground on the left. Pay the parking fee ($8) at the kiosk and park in the Day Use parking on the right.
Activities
Walking
Brush up on local history
Photography
Skill Level
Moderate – the track is pretty easy going, though there is a steady climb uphill and many switchbacks (offering wonderful views). The trail will arrive at a rocky staircase with a guard rail to protect hikers from going man overboard. This section is probably best avoided if there is ice or snow on the trail, as the staircase can be excessively slippery under those conditions. People have fallen from this section and even died in the past, so if conditions look icy, you may wish to try something else or stop short of the peak.
Duration
2-3 hours walking
Length: 4-5 miles roundtrip, depending if you take the loop or not // Difficulty: Moderate
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This More-Than-A-Decade Old Camp Offers the Wild Isolation We All Need Right Now
Sturtevant Camp, just north of L.A., gets you off the grid and socially distanced from everyone except the deer. This 4-mile hike-in camp is over a decade old and completely run by volunteers. If you are looking to disconnect in nature, this is the perfect adventure for you.
Hikers take in the view of the San Gabriel Mountians, just north of Downtown LA. Photo via Alyx S (Hipcamp)
A SPOTLIGHT ON THE HISTORIC STURTEVANT CAMP
Contributed by Kelsey Pegher
The trip to the local mountains seemed doomed from the start. COVID-19 cases in California were on the rise. Testing requirements had changed from anyone with or without symptoms to those most at risk. Then there was a fire at the trailhead that temporarily shut the area mere days before our 4-mile hike in. Going to camp in the San Gabriel Mountains wasn’t going to be easy.
I got the idea after a previous long hike to Sturtevant Falls in the Angeles National Forest in late May. I emerged feeling refreshed. We didn’t have cell service the entire hike. We wore masks during the hike and ate sandwiches by the falls at a safe distance from everyone. We stopped at the local mule-pack station on our way out and asked about the cabins dotted along our trail. Could people rent those?
One of the cabins located 4 miles into San Gabriel Mountains at Camp Sturtevant. Photo by Natalie Rose.
No, but there is a camp with cabins where you could spend the night, the helpful woman behind the counter replied. After we left the trail and drove down Santa Anita Canyon toward the city, toward cellphone service and emails and a steady stream of notifications, I was ready to plan my next escape.
The more-than-a-century-old camp
Sturtevant Camp looked like a typical sleep-away camp, according to the online photos. There’s a lodge with a cafeteria and cabins with twin bunk beds. It was founded in 1893 and eventually sold to a Methodist church association, which ran the camp until 2011. Now it’s run by volunteers with the Sturtevant Conservancy, said board member Deb Burgess, who runs the board.
The bliss upon arriving was like none other. There’s absolutely no cell service near Sturtevant Camp. There’s a small nature trail that leads to a helipad overlooking the canyon. If we were truly the hiking type, we could have used our Saturday to hike to Mt. Wilson or Mt. Zion.
Instead, we spent our time mostly luxuriating in the quiet. We watched young bucks and fawns come right through the camp, unbothered by our presence. We walked down to the creek and counted butterflies. We tried our hand at archery and played card games.
The swing outside of the main lodge at Camp Sturtevant. Photo by Alyx S (Hipcamp)
Photos inside the lodge show black-and-white images going as far back as women wearing prairie dresses. In that way, it was not like a typical sleep-away camp. Sturtevant Camp was founded 12 years prior to the founding of the Forest Service. In the early half of the 20th century, Angelenos would stay for the entire summer as their big getaway.
Just a half-hour from downtown Los Angeles, Big Santa Anita Canyon remains a reprieve for many. Day hikes to Sturtevant Falls and Hermit Falls are popular even on weekdays, with an often overflowing parking lot at Chantry Flat. (During the pandemic, hikers are turned away when the lot fills.)
In 2015, Burgess purchased the camp for “a whopping $25,000.” With a small team, she and others spent months painting and making repairs to the camp and formed a nonprofit organization to run it. “Until COVID happened, it [was] not unusual for that camp to be completely full,” Burgess said.
How the pandemic changed camp
Like everything else, the camp was closed through April and May. In the last two months, volunteers worked toward a slow reopening, with just a couple of cabins in rotation and more rigorous cleaning measures.
The lodge, typically open to any hikers passing through for coffee and water, now is closed to passers-by. People usually first encounter Sturtevant Camp on a day hike and then follow up by booking a spot. “We just want to keep Sturtevant Camp alive,” Burgess said.
The lodge, typically open to any hikers passing through for coffee and water, is currently closed to passers-by due to Covid-19 - but just another reason to book into the camp to experience it for yourself. Photo by Alyx S (Hipcamp)
I planned the trip with friends at the end of May, when cases were trending downward and it looked like the city was gearing up to reopen by July 4. As the trip came closer, and cases began to rise, we started making compromises and rationalizations. Could everyone get tested the week before? Could everyone isolate themselves as much as humanly possible prior to seeing each other? What precautions could we take to ensure we could remain socially distanced — aside from sleeping?
Then I learned the Forest Service was closing down the Chantry Flat trailhead because of a small fire. How would we get there? I sent several panicked emails to our volunteer counselor, who assured me we would be allowed in the canyon because of our reservation.
Finally it was time to go. I prepared our meals and packed them in bags. The day before, we dropped everything off at Adams’ Pack Station. Burgess said Sturtevant Camp is the No. 1 revenue driver for the last remaining mule-pack station in L.A. County. On Fridays, mules make the slow climb to camp loaded down with groceries, gear or duffel bags. The pack station charges $1 per pound, as it has for more than 100 years.
Then it was time to go. The hike to Sturtevant Camp can be deceiving. The fire road at the start of Chantry Flat slopes downward, giving a false sense of hope that the hike is long but not challenging. Though the website noted it is a difficult hike, it also said even small children can make it. “Maybe kids in California,” a friend quipped as we made our first ascent.
The views nearly made up for the grueling climb.
“It’s one of the very, very few canyons in the Angeles [area] that has a really nice canopy and has water running through it. It’s a beautiful place, nearly 10 degrees or plus cooler than Sierra Madre,” Burgess said.
The hike to camp is no joke but it’s worth it!. Photo by Lindsay Vacek.
The 4-mile hike includes crossing bridges and streams. Photo by Lindsay Vacek.
The last half-mile is the most unforgiving, with switchbacks and a near-constant climb up to an elevation of 3,200 feet. When I arrived at the final sign — with Sturtevant Camp 1/10 of a mile away, out of water and out of breath — I nearly gave up.
Burgess called the last mile a tease. “The sign says it’s a half-mile — it’s a mile.”
Under the Tree Canopy in the San Gabriel Mountains. Photo by Lindsay Vacek.
Once we arrived, we were met by a volunteer camp counselor who takes care of the property on weekends. Electricity comes on every evening from 5 p.m. till dusk, and refrigerators run on propane. We were able to keep our distance from the other couple staying at the camp, and we used separate bathrooms to keep risks low.
Our two nights passed quickly by the fire. Our volunteer camp counselor, Teah Vaughn, spent much of the weekend working through a to-do list of items to repair or check on around the camp. She also found time to bake cookies and brownies after dinner and made breakfast pastries in the morning.
“There’s something special about the fact it hasn’t changed much in almost 130 years of folks being there,” she said. “There’s a lot of hard, dirty work that goes into maintaining a very old, off-grid camp, but there’s never any complaints.”
The camp counselors at Camp Sturtevant are all volunteers and spend most of their time making repairs and upkeeping the off-grid camp. This is Jake posing in front of the Ranger Cabin. Photo by Alyx S (Hipcamp)
Later, Vaughn said she realized our weekend trip was her one-year anniversary as a volunteer counselor. Though the volunteer counselors don’t often see one another, they do all share one cabin. Vaughn described different pairs of hiking boots under the bed and extra jackets from other counselors.
“There is something so unique but so familiar in the whole experience, and I can’t imagine not being a part of it.”
When The Times wrote about Sturtevant Camp in 1986, the location boasted many of the same amenities that exist today, including its biggest draw: seclusion.
“The adults really know how to enjoy it — there are no phones up there, no way for them to be bugged,” Gary Keene, a Methodist minister who worked at the camp from the late 1970s through the mid-’80s, said in the piece.
The appeal of seclusion
More than 30 years later, I could relate. The relentless barrage of news notifications on my phone over the last four months left me tired and burnt out. The seclusion was the biggest and only motivation for planning the trip in the first place.
Because of the fire a week prior, the canyon was closed to everyone except for cabin owners. There are just 81 cabins, built at the turn of the 20th century, which have a laundry list of requirements for the owners. One such requirement is that owners cannot reside there year-round. The few people we ran into warily asked how we got into the canyon. Without the steady stream of day hikers, the canyon felt more like the wilderness than the woods.
On Sunday, refreshed from the silence, we retraced our steps to head out. It felt like seeing the journey for the first time. As we made it down to the little dams that are part of many day hikes in the canyon, we heard a rustle in the bushes.
A small brown bear climbed out. We made our presence known, and rather than running away, the bear took a dip in the creek. It took its time, and eventually climbed up the sloped mountain. I had never seen a bear in my life, let alone one a mere 40 feet away from me. Rather than fear, I was in awe.
I don’t think I’ll ever become much of a true camper. The idea of carrying a tent with me and sleeping on the ground has never been appealing. When my parents sent me to a two-week sleep-away camp as a child in Pennsylvania, I wrote daily letters filled with grievances.
But in a time period of deep uncertainty, where renting an Airbnb or going to a hotel room feels unsafe, a cabin in the woods was enough.
How to go
You can book a trip to Sturtevant Camp at its website: sturtevantcamp.com. We stayed in the Retreat Cabin, which sleeps up to six and costs $270 per night. The honeymoon cottage for two runs $90 per night, and guest cabins that sleep up to eight are $320 per night. You’ll find a pack list of what you need to bring, directions to the trail head and other information.
BOOK HERE: http://www.sturtevantcamp.com/
Inside the main lodge, you’ll find a ping-pong table and lots of games. There is even a music room where you can play guitar and piano and sign around the fire with friends. Photo via Camp Sturtevant.
The camp kitchen is open to all guests to cook their meals. It includes pots and pans, you just need to bring your own food. Photo by Emily T (Hipcamp)
Inside the Retreat Cabin, which can sleep up to 6 people. Includes its own bathroom and kitchen as well. Photo by Alyx S (Hipcamp)
Best way to keep warm when it’s pouring rain outside. Photo by Lindsay Vacek.
When Friends of the San Gabriels took ownership of the Camp, one of the volunteer hosts restored this historic Ranger’s Cabin to its original decor. Photo by Alyx S (Hipcamp)
The camp kitchen might not be the most glamorous but there is plenty of space to move around and you can store your perishables in the communal fridges. . Photo by Emily T (Hipcamp)
Who’s ready to come with us? Photo via @Hikeology (Instagram)
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FREE BIRDS: An Adventure in Downtown LA.
Rooftops, abandoned buildings, glorious lighting, fire escapes (complete with almost horribly gone moments with an all too clumsy friend), adventure and exploration at its finest—which you can confirm when, by day’s end, your already ripped boyfriend jeans are actually completely frayed to a point of no return.
Routine and formulated plans. Monotony. One in the same.
...Or maybe that’s simply the teenage response to laziness and failed alarm clocks. But of course, when your plans to go to Los Angeles with your best friend are created within a 10 minute window from waking up from her phone call that morning (you both woke up late and wanted to hitch a ride with her parents) to driving like a maniac to her house, a day nothing short of unbridled vigor and carpe diem is what you can expect. We’re young and alive.
And awake (somewhat on time).
And we both serendipitously happened to be wearing matching leather jackets. Yes, take heed.
After getting ready in the bathroom of a corporate building and breakfast at 11:30 am from a restaurant's lunch menu...the city of angels is ours.
Rooftops, abandoned buildings, glorious lighting, fire escapes (complete with almost horribly gone moments with an all too clumsy friend), adventure and exploration at its finest—which you can confirm when, by day’s end, your already ripped boyfriend jeans are actually completely frayed to a point of no return.
Upon reviewing the visual glory of that day, I noticed the images of birds and feathers paralleling us humans were all too blatant, thus the title of this post... Motifs aren't just for the books, ladies and gentlemen. (May the skills you learned in english class forever alter your symbolic perception of the world)
And so, I suppose we come to the conclusion together, dear viewers:
The pursuit of fire escapes and rooftops. The pursuit of happiness. One in the same.
I swear we live for moments like this.
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This adventure originally appeared on ADIMAY - Submitted by photographer and blogger, Aditi Mayer for sharing on Established California.
Summer Fun at the San Diego County Fair
Summer is officially here and that means fun in the sun! One of my all-time favorite summer past times is spending time at the County Fair. What’s not to love!? Rides, games, concerts, animals, exhibits, festivals, and wacky foods that aren’t acceptable to eat any other time of the year. It is the perfect way to spend a summer day with so much to see and do you are bound to have a good time!
Photography by Ashley Williams
This post previously was shared with Established California viewers. Unfortunately, the County Fair has been postponed this year but we are looking forward to playing again when it’s safe to do so!
Summer is officially here and that means fun in the sun! One of my all-time favorite summer past times is spending time at the County Fair. What’s not to love!? Rides, games, concerts, animals, exhibits, festivals, and wacky foods that aren’t acceptable to eat any other time of the year. It is the perfect way to spend a summer day with so much to see and do you are bound to have a good time!
Photos taken at the San Diego County Fair by Ashley Williams Photography
THE BEST SPOTS ALONG CALIFORNIA'S COAST: LOS ANGELES
Nikki Lazaran from Resfeber Junket is sharing the ULTIMATE California Coast road trip! Follow along all month as she shares her favorite stops all over the Golden State. Let’s explore: Los Angeles
Great White Venice. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
From guest contributor: Nikki Lazaran of Resfeber Junket
Planning a California Coast road trip? If you’re not, you should be. From the sunbathed shores of San Diego to to the thick groves of NorCal’s redwoods, California is arguably one of the most beautiful and diverse states in the contiguous United States.
I’ll be sharing my favorite spots all month, so stay tuned to read up on what gives “The Golden State” its signature sparkle!
LET’S EXPLORE: LOS ANGELES
Photo by Michael Palumbo from @nikkthequick
VENICE BEACH
If you’re cruising the California coast, you’d be remiss to skip over Venice Beach. This LA-adjacent beach brings the slower-paced Beach Boys vibes to the big city. Start your day by munching on LA favorites for breakfast or brunch, like avocado toast and grain bowls at The Butcher’s Daughter, the blue açaí bowl at Great White, or pretty much everything on the menu at Gjelina. Once you’re fed and caffeinated, make your way to the famous Venice Sign!
Pro tip: Wait for the crosswalk to allow crossing in all directions to snap the perfect photo without getting hit by public transit. Had to learn this tip the hard way…
Gjusta, Gjelina’s casual little sister. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Venice Canals. Photo by Michael Palumbo from @nikkthequick.
Once you’ve snagged your sign photo without getting hit by a bus, head down to the boardwalk and take a leisurely stroll to visit Muscle Beach, the rainbow lifeguard tower, and skateboarders and bikers frequenting the beach. If you’re over the chaos of Muscle Beach, it’s time to head to the Venice Canals to take in the views and window shop for your dream vacation home.
Santa Monica Pier. Photo by Michael Palumbo from @nikkthequick
SANTA MONICA
Bike along the beach or jump in a car to head up the coast to Santa Monica. First stop is walking Third Street Mall to take in the street performers and peruse the shops. Feeling the need for a reprieve from the crowds? Head up to the top of the Hotel Shangri-La and enjoy a refreshing drink on their rooftop. If you’re looking for a sea view with all the vibes, try Elephante - make a reservation before you go to ensure you get a table.
Grab a bite while you’re there or venture to Flower Child for one of my favorite healthy alternatives. End the day with a sunset stroll down Santa Monica Pier for treats, rides, and subpar restaurants.
Downtown LA. Photo by Michael Palumbo from @nikkthequick
DOWNTOWN LA
Los Angeles is one of those rare cities where downtown seems to have less going on than the outskirts of the city, but in recent years there has been a veritable culinary resurgence. While it shouldn’t comprise the majority of your trip to LA, it is absolutely worth a stop. Kick off the day with breakfast hopping at Grand Central Market. You need coffee from G&B and an egg breakfast sandwich from Egg Slut. Go early to avoid long lines, bring a camera for pics of all the neon signs, and come hungry. Also parking is a nightmare - take a rideshare if you can.
If museums are on the docket, a pre-booked visit to The Broad art museum downtown is a must.
Grand Central Market. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Once you’ve refueled, make your way to adjacent Hollywood…
HOLLYWOOD
Hollywood is known for well…the Hollywood sign, actors, and the Walk of Fame. The best way to experience the he Hollywood sign is to get out and hike! Hollyhock trail head offers a leisurely climb up the mountains with views of the sign. The Wisdom Tree trail head offers a more rigorous route to the top with equally stunning views. And if hikes aren’t your thing, drive right up to Lake Hollywood Park for views sans incline.
Hollywood Sign hike for the last sunset of the year
From there, it’s just a short drive to the Walk Of Fame to see the handprints of your favorite actor or actress. Maybe consider not touching them because, well...I’ve personally people pee on that sidewalk. If the mood strikes, catch a movie at the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Post movie, take a late afternoon cruise down Mulholland for those La La Land views - you can even stop at several of the turnouts they used to film the movie! During your time in Hollywood, if you plan in advance, you can also book tickets online to The Stahl House (Case Study #22), an architectural marvel and LA icon with unreal sunset views. Start looking into these tickets more than a month in advance to secure them and Uber to the house to avoid the parking nightmare.
The Stahl House. Photo by Michael Palumbo on @nikkthequick
Photo by Michael Palumbo on @nikkthequick
That night, rest your weary had at Hollywood’s famous Roosevelt Hotel or the iconic Chateau Marmont. If you’re staying closer to Hollywood, sample old school Italian at Dan Tana’s, rocker themed Thai at Toi On Sunset, or a martini (and Hollywood glam eats) at Musso and Frank’s.
View of DTLA from The Ace Hotel Rooftop by Nikki Lazaran
For a more modern look in one of LA newer properties, head downtown to The Ace Downtown, The Freehand, or The NoMad Hotel for the night. Enjoy dinner downtown at one of the many amazing establishments nearby, from The Exchange at The Freehand for delicious mediterranean, 71Above for 360 downtown views, and Preux and Proper for southern fair, to Bar Ama for elevated Tex-Mex.
Little Dom’s in Los Feliz. Photo by Michael Palumbo on @nikkthequick
EAST LA
If you’re in the area, grab breakfast at Little Dom’s (their french toast skillet is a must) or brunch at Trois Familia. The best coffee can also be found nearby at Eightfold, Dayglow or Woodcat, if espresso is your jam. For delicious pour-overs, Dinosaur has got you covered. Closer to lunch time? Night Market + Song is a on of my all-time favorites when I’m craving Thai.
If you have it in you, consider another hike - this time to the Griffith Observatory. head to the Fern Dell Park (near Trails Cafe) to begin your hike. Take the leisurely hour walk up to stunning views of the city below and the free planetarium! Head out early to avoid crowds.
Sunset at Griffith Observatory. Photo by @nikkthequick
LACMA. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
BEVERLY HILLS, MIRACLE MILE & WEST HOLLYWOOD
A mere hop, skip, and a jump from East LA is Miracle Mile and a cluster of some of LA’s best museums. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art regularly features fantastic interactive exhibits from the likes of James Turrell and is recognized by it’s signature street light display out front. If there is a popular exhibit you’re looking to see, check online a few months in advance to purchase tickets. Plan on a few hours at the museum before grabbing lunch.
Backyard Bowls acai bowl. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Try Cecconi’s for Italian and all the decor. Need a quick bite? Try Potato Chips for sandwiches, Mainland Poke for…well..poke, or Backyard Bowls for acai bowls. Something cute, but still sit down? Joan’s On Third, Croft Alley, Republique, or Gracias Madre (vegan friendly) are all safe bets.
Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Post-meal, it’s time to do what we Angelenos do best – drink coffee and shop. Hit up Melrose for vintage or eclectic clothing, Rodeo Drive for designer, or The Grove and The Beverly Center for a traditional mall with a potential celebrity citing. If it happens to be a Sunday, pay $3 cash to check out the Melrose Trading Post for everything from vintage furniture and succulents to records and handmade jewelry.
Some of my favorite cafes in the area include Verve Coffee Roasters, Coffee For Sasquatch, Smith & Tait, Coffee Commissary, and King’s Road Cafe. It may not be the best espresso in the city, but Carrera Cafe’s is known for their Ryan Gosling’s lattes, if that’s your jam.
Carrera Cafe Ryan Gosling latte art. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Sunset at El Matador Beach in Malibu. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
MALIBU
It’s time to get out of the city and back to the beach, where every California dream begins. Head up the coast to Malibu and straight to the pier to enjoy lunch at Malibu Pier Cafe before jetting to El Matador Beach. If it’s too crowded for your taste, Zuma is also quite beautiful and slightly less popular.
Malibu Farms’ cauliflower pizza. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
For wine and some gorgeous Santa Monica mountains views, purchase tickets several weeks in advance online for the Malibu Wine Safari giraffe tour. You’ll spend the afternoon feeding and viewing exotic animals, including a giraffe named Stanley, and sipping wine in some of the most picturesque spots in Malibu wine country.
Malibu Farms giraffe tour with Stanley the giraffe. Photo by Michael Palumbo from @nikkthequick
“Malibu Wines Safari got me like the emoji.” Photo by Michael Palumbo on @nikkthequick
Spend the night at the newly opened boutique property, The Surfrider Malibu for all the California vibes you can handle or grab one of the many unique AirBnB’s in the area.
Have you been to Los Angeles? Comment below and tell us what your favorite place is! Or use #estcalifornia on social media to share with us!
Meet Nikki
Hi, I’m Nikki Lazaran, travel TV producer, avid wanderer, and the creator & author of Resfeber Junket. I plan extravagant dates and exotic travel for a living as one of “The Bachelor” franchise producers. On my occasional days off, I like to help you do the same.
“Resfeber” is a Swedish word which describes the “jitter” before an impending trip or “travel fever.” Pronounced, “res/feb/ə(r).”
I chose “Resfeber Junket” to encapsulate the travel fever I hope you experience when you join me here for your curated travel and romance content. I aim to help you feed that hunger to explore and point you towards what you need to live an intrepid life, whether you are fearless in your pursuit of travel or love…or both!
FOLLOW NIKKI
THE BEST SPOTS ALONG CALIFORNIA'S COAST: ORANGE COUNTY
Next stop along the California Coast: Orange County! Whether you are looking for Cinderella’s castle at Disneyland or a drive down Route 66, Nikki (@nikkthequick) is sharing her favorite spots this week. 🍊🍊🍊 Be sure to tag us or use #estcalifornia to share your California adventures too!
Nikki at a Lifeguard tower in Orange County - Photo from @nikkthequick
From guest contributor: Nikki Lazaran of Resfeber Junket
Planning a California Coast road trip? If you’re not, you should be. From the sunbathed shores of San Diego to to the thick groves of NorCal’s redwoods, California is arguably one of the most beautiful and diverse states in the contiguous United States.
I’ll be sharing my favorite spots all month, so stay tuned to read up on what gives “The Golden State” its signature sparkle!
LET’S EXPLORE: ORANGE COUNTY
ORANGE COUNTY
Just a few hours drive from San Diego, you’ll find plenty of quintessential California “fun in the sun” in Orange County. First stop?
Photo by Meg Crade from @nikkthequick
ANAHEIM
Anaheim, better known as the home to Disneyland. No trip through Orange County is complete without it. Scoop up a day pass, plan to head to the park before they open and on a weekday to beat some of the crowds, and make sure to eat an oversized churro for me.
What are the must-do rides? It’s tough to choose, but some of the classics and a few of my favorites are:
The Haunted Mansion
Thunder Mountain
Splash Mountain
Indiana Jones Adventure
Space Mountain
It’s A Small World
Pirates Of The Caribbean
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Mad Tea Party (the “Tea Cups”)
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Grab all the fast passes you can to skip to the front of the line at your favorite rides.
Photo by Meg Crade from @nikkthequick
LAGUNA BEACH
If you’re looking for a relaxing seaside day sans the hoards of people at Disneyland, opt for a day in Laguna Beach, cruising Route 66. Grab a burger and milkshake from one of the many vintage diners, such as the cliffside Ruby’s on PCH (also called Crystal Cove Shake Shack), and go tide pooling during low tide at Shaw’s Cove or Crystal Cove Park. Don’t forget your water shoes so you can explore for critters on the sharp rocks!
Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Pro tip: Check the tides on the “Tides” app so you can determine the best time of day for your tide pooling adventures.
Not into exploring for creatures? Meander Crystal Cove State Park instead and take in the sea views. Or head to Victoria Beach to see the old stone light house. Fair warning: it pretty much disappears at high tide and can get quite crowded on weekends or during midday low tides.
If the surf is more your speed, join the locals at The Wedge or Thousand Steps Beach, but be prepared to walk the steps in (and more importantly) out. Once you’ve worked up an appetite from climbing all those steps, grab breakfast burritos or banana pancakes at Coyote Grill or make reservations at Nick’s Laguna Beach for a delectable steak dinner.
Have you been to ORANGE COUNTY? COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE THING! OR USE #ESTCALIFORNIA ON YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNEL TO SHARE.
Meet Nikki
Hi, I’m Nikki Lazaran, travel TV producer, avid wanderer, and the creator & author of Resfeber Junket. I plan extravagant dates and exotic travel for a living as one of “The Bachelor” franchise producers. On my occasional days off, I like to help you do the same.
“Resfeber” is a Swedish word which describes the “jitter” before an impending trip or “travel fever.” Pronounced, “res/feb/ə(r).”
I chose “Resfeber Junket” to encapsulate the travel fever I hope you experience when you join me here for your curated travel and romance content. I aim to help you feed that hunger to explore and point you towards what you need to live an intrepid life, whether you are fearless in your pursuit of travel or love…or both!
FOLLOW NIKKI
THE BEST SPOTS ALONG CALIFORNIA'S COAST: SAN DIEGO & LA JOLLA
Nikki Lazaran from Resfeber Junket is sharing the best spots along the California Coast! Follow along all month as she shares her favorite stops all over the Golden State. First Up: San Diego & La Jolla!
Photo by Kate Gantner from @nikkthequick
From guest contributor: Nikki Lazaran of Resfeber Junket
Planning a California Coast road trip? If you’re not, you should be. From the sunbathed shores of San Diego to the thick groves of NorCal’s redwoods, California is arguably one of the most beautiful and diverse states in the contiguous United States.
I’ll be sharing my favorite spots all month, so stay tuned to read up on what gives “The Golden State” its signature sparkle!
LET’S EXPLORE: SAN DEIGO
Pigment’s famous multi-toned pink wall. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Southern California is known for its sunshine and surfer-strewn beaches and nowhere embodies that more than San Diego. First thing’s first - get outside with a visit to Belmont Park’s vintage fair rides or hike Point Loma all the way to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Feeling more adventurous? Try whale watching or sea kayaking.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, hit up some of the best grub in SD with a stoop into Herb and Eatery, Lionfish, Pisco Rotisserie for Peruvian fare, Born & Raised to sooth your steak cravings or Maestoso for delectable Italian. My ultimate recommendation? Ironside Fish & Oyster. Seafood is the way to go in this city and the folks at Ironside do tasteful nautical decor and massive seafood towers like nobody’s business. For more casual fair, The Grass Skirt specializes in poke bowls and Hawaiian cocktails set amidst a 50’s tiki bar.
Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Photo by Nikki Lazaran
No day in San Diego is complete without watching the sun dip below the horizon Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
If you can muster the energy, head out for a night on the town in the Gaslamp Quarter. Bang, Bang and its famous Ryan Gosling women’s bathroom are a must-see. Ladies, only. Sorry, boys!
Rest your head for the night at Hotel del Coronado for a dose of 1800’s Victorian with modern interiors or the decadent Westgate Hotel. Looking for something a little more low-key? Hit up The US Grant. Seeking modern and millennial? The Pendry San Diego is your spot.
Roy McMakin’s “Favorite Color” tile mural in La Jolla. Photo from @nikkthequick
LA JOLLA
A natural stop on your way out of San Diego is the slightly sleepier, but equally sundrenched La Jolla, a mere 30 minutes north. Stroll La Jolla Cove to spot sunbathers and sea lions and harbor seals. Enjoy swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, or hunkering down on your claimed patch of shoreline for a seaside picnic. Land-lovers can hike nearby Torrey Pines State Reserve for stunning seaside views.
Seal lions sunbathing at La Jolla Cove. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
La Jolla Cove. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
Adrenaline-seekers look no further - SD Expeditions specializes in half day cage-less shark encounters. Departing from the La Jolla marina, their tours take you several hours out into open water for the opportunity to free swim with blue sharks, mako sharks, and occasionally, hammerheads! This thrilling experience is not for the feint of heart and is certainly “swim at your own risk,” but I love few things more than a shark encounter.
Boating back from SD Expeditions’ Cageless Shark Diving. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
As the day comes to a close, check the tide tables and head to Wipeout and Hospitals Beach for tide pooling at low tide. When low tide happens to coincide with sunset? Magic.
Tide pooling at Hospital Beach. Photo by Nikki Lazaran
After a long day of exploring, make your way to one of La Jolla’s many delicious restaurants - most sporting a laidback and low-key vibe. A few favorites of mine include Whisknladle, Galaxy Taco (known for what, you ask? Tacos, duh), or El Pescador Fish Market. If you’re seeking fine dining, head to George’s At The Cove.
Overnight at one of my favorite boutique estancia-style hotels, Estancia La Jolla, or the equally adorable La Valencia Hotel.
Have you been to San Diego? Comment below and tell us about it! What was your favorite? use #estcalifornia and tag @nikkthequick and Resfeber Junket on your favorite social media platform to share!
Meet Nikki
Hi, I’m Nikki Lazaran, travel TV producer, avid wanderer, and the creator & author of Resfeber Junket. I plan extravagant dates and exotic travel for a living as one of “The Bachelor” franchise producers. On my occasional days off, I like to help you do the same.
“Resfeber” is a Swedish word which describes the “jitter” before an impending trip or “travel fever.” Pronounced, “res/feb/ə(r).”
I chose “Resfeber Junket” to encapsulate the travel fever I hope you experience when you join me here for your curated travel and romance content. I aim to help you feed that hunger to explore and point you towards what you need to live an intrepid life, whether you are fearless in your pursuit of travel or love…or both!
FOLLOW NIKKI
FIESTA ISLAND, CA
Come along on this End of Summer Adventure to Fiesta Island in Southern California. VW buses, ukulele's, photographs and fun! This is what California nights are all about.
My girls and I had a blast shooting, laughing and hanging around Fiesta Island with our yellow VW bus. We got the help from Haydee's Creative Flowers to decorate the bus with some amazing flowers, and Kim Egel who made some rad necklaces to match our colorful kimonos from The Witches. Such a fun afternoon out and about in beautiful San Diego. Oh, and Thanks to "Hottie", the puppy, for being so cute and adorable.
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These photos are the product of a collaboration by Ashley Williams, Amy Lynn, Shannon Baily, Renata Amazonas, Kim Egel - Photography submitted by Renata Amazonas for Established California.
Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
For years I have been wanting to see a movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (an event put on by Cinespia). I was finally able to get a few close friends together to see the cult classic Empire Records (1995) a few weeks ago and let me tell you -- What a blast!!
Image via Cinespia
For years I have been wanting to see a movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (an event put on by Cinespia). I was finally able to get a few close friends together to see the cult classic Empire Records (1995) a few weeks ago and let me tell you -- What a blast!! This was such a fantastic way to spend a Saturday night in the summer than spending too much money on a fancy dinner or going out to a bar. It was an experience, an ADVENTURE and the best part is that it would be appropriate for a group of friends, family, colleagues or.. even a date night. [hint hint guys]
Even though Los Angeles has some of the greatest weather [almost] year round, the movie nights only run from May through September and tickets (almost always) sell out a few weeks before the event.
Speaking of planning ahead, here is what I learned and wish I knew going into the experience. I want to pass along to those of you who are reading this; consider it a bit of a “How To” or “Do’s and Don’ts” (alter accordingly of course)
Image via
Do not wear heels. No – I did not go to the movies in a cemetery and wear high heels but I did wear a boot with a heel and even that was too much. Chances are you will be standing in line for quite a bit of time on cement, uneven grass and dirt and then walking to the massive field where you eventually find your spot. I took my shoes off immediately upon settling down and had to put them on and off to make trips to the bathroom. Next time, I will wear flip flops.
Bring a jacket or sweater! Even though our summers have hot days as soon as the sun goes down it gets chilly and a little damp.
Food: if you have time to pack your own picnic great! If you don’t and probably for about the same cost you can pre order picnic boxes from the amazing Food + Lab and save yourself a bunch of time. Food + Lab is literally down the street and you can pick it up with just a quick stop over. The picnic boxes are twenty bucks and include a big sandwich, deli salad, side salad, cookie and small bottle of water. All of the food is delicious.
Beverages. Ok, for fear of running out of wine we packed way too much and didn’t get through it all. The biggest drag about that is that glass is heavy! These days there are great boxed wines you can get from wine shops or Target and I would probably do that next time to lighten the load. They allow beer and wine only.
I have a few other tips that I think could be useful: If you can get a seat near the edge of the field it makes it so much easier coming in and out throughout the movie and when you are ready to leave. The one thing, that hopefully they will maybe come up with in the near future, is creating some marked out pathways because, as of now, people literally have to walk through your picnic to get to the inner seating areas. This is clearly because this has become such a popular thing to do and they want to maximize the amount of people they can invite to enjoy.
Remember: Movies are always on Saturday nights. Buy your tickets at least a few weeks in advance. Gates open at 7pm (with a long line so get there early) and shows start at 9pm.
Oh – and one last important thing. For those of you that feel it’s kinda creepy to be in a cemetery, don’t worry! You aren’t sitting on gravestones (unless you are in the smoking section which is ironically appropriate) and it really wasn’t strange at all!
For additional “How To’s” you can visit their website for the basics.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole Woods is a California native who has worked in the entertainment industry for sixteen years. She is an internationally traveled entertainment executive by trade, yet a California woman at her core. California identifies who she is; down to earth, successful, beautiful (inside and out), positive and always looking for more.
With a passion for finding her own journey and a love for all categories this publication includes, now, no matter where she is in the world, she can always have a part of home with her and a community to share it with.
WORK OUT LIKE A LOCAL: LOS ANGELES
Fitness is front and center as part of Los Angeles' draw. There's no shortage of juice bars to satiate your thirst, yoga studios to get your Downward Dog on, or running paths to help you hit the road. And if it's the latest fitness trend you're seeking, it's got that too.
Fitness is front and center as part of Los Angeles' draw. There's no shortage of juice bars to satiate your thirst, yoga studios to get your Downward Dog on, or running paths to help you hit the road. And if it's the latest fitness trend you're seeking, it's got that too.
Runyon Canyon
If you want to see where the locals go, then make sure you hit Runyon Canyon (2001 North Fuller Ave.) during your stay. From a leisurely dog walk to an intense 5-mile run up and down the trail, there's something here for everyone — including free yoga classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. With great views offered at the top, make sure you've got a stash of water on you since the canyon offers little in the way of shade.
YogaWorks
A favorite amongst our LA-based editors, YogaWorks (multiple locations) offers a wide variety of yoga and Pilates classes for the beginner to the advanced. But even if an intense Vinyasa flow is not calling to you, look to one of the non-yoga offerings (DanceWorks, BarWorks, and SculptWorks) to captivate your interest.
Santa Monica
With a perfect seaside location, there's little that can't be done in Santa Monica, making it a one-stop dream for the fitness fanatic. Bike rentals are readily available near the Santa Monica Pier, or join the locals for a run (if you're feeling really adventurous, take The Strand, a 25-mile paved bike path that runs along the coast from Pacific Palisades to Redondo Beach). While cruising down the coast, make sure to stop off at Muscle Beach (just south of the pier) for a back-to-basics workout in the gymnastics training area. But if it's a stretch you're needing, hit up local studio faves, Hustle & Flow (2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291) or Hot 8 Yoga (1422 Second St., 310-866-5280). And no visit to the area is quite complete without a visit up and down the Santa Monica Stairs (4th St. and Adelaide Dr.)!
YAS Fitness Centers
These hybrid yoga and spinning classes at at YAS (locations in downtown LA and Silverlake) burn calories and strengthen muscles, but don't look for any quiet reflective-style yoga when coming here. One of the most popular classes ($18) at YAS offers students 30 minutes of heart-pounding cardio on the spin bike before 30 minutes of "yoga for athletes," which we like because it helps warm up the muscles for a deeper stretch.
Box N' Burn
Get ready to SWEAT! This bootcamp style work out is great at mixing cardio, toning and taking out some aggression! ;) Box n Burn was started by Olympian Bronze Medalist, Tony Jeffrees and certified trainer, Kevan Watson, the two have taken this boxing community to new levels and started a gym that Los Angeles was desperately missing. Don't be afraid to jump in the ring with these guys.. they'll be easy on you.. kind of.
Groov3
Now here's a class that will leave you feeling so energized and full of laughter! The Groov3 Movement is happening all over Los Angeles at local dance studios but the thing we love MOST is the rooftop series that happens on top of the Montalban Theater in Hollywood. The party starts June 9th at 7pm and you can not miss out!
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LOS ANGELES WORK-OUTS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW AND BE SURE TO SHARE WITH US USING #ESTCALIFORNIA ON YOUR SOCIAL CHANNELS!
ALAINA & TODD: An Adventure in Oceanside
Alaina and Todd are local residents of Oceanside. They love everything about their neighborhood, so they decided to get their photos taken exploring the area. And what better way to finished off the day, than with a beautiful San Diego sunset.
Photography by Renata Amazonas
Alaina and Todd are local residents of Oceanside. They love everything about their neighborhood, so they decided to get their photos taken exploring the area. Just to make things more perfect, Todd is the proud owner of an awesome yellow VW bus that they use as their weekend drive. So we were driving around in style :) It's amazing how many people stopped us to say hi and to talk about the car. Super rad!
Being huge fans of beer, we stopped at Bagby Beer Brewery for a quick drink at their awesome outside patio. Definitely a cool place to check out (read more about it here). And what better way to finished off the day, than with a beautiful San Diego sunset.
WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN CALIFORNIA TO EXPLORE? SHOW US BY USING #ESTCALIFORNIA ON YOUR SOCIAL CHANNELS. HAVE A SHOOT YOU WANT TO SHARE? SUBMIT TO US HERE!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renata Amazonas is a Brazilian photographer living, and working, in San Diego for the last 10 years. Her biggest passions include photography, travel, nature... and red wine! She loves exploring different locations, meeting new people, working with talented artists and being a part of a community.
36 Hours (and the 10 top things to do) in San Diego
San Diego is a beautifully vibrant place, filled with nooks and crannies of adventures. With the weather being better than ever lately, there's no better time to take a stay cation or vacation to one of the most beautiful cities in California. Here, a San Diego insider and style blogger, Conni of Art in the Find, shares 10 of her favorite San Diego things to do...cause one of the best ways to get to know any city is from the people who love it most!
San Diego is a beautifully vibrant place, filled with nooks and crannies of adventures. With the weather being better than ever lately, there's no better time to take a stay cation or vacation to one of the most beautiful cities in California. Here, a San Diego insider and style blogger, Conni of Art in the Find, shares 10 of her favorite San Diego things to do...cause one of the best ways to get to know any city is from the people who love it most!
1 | Drink a Hazelnut Latte & eat a croissant at Extraordinary Desserts | I’ve never been a real fan of hazelnut. But for some reason, this particular latte has & croissant combo has me in love with the coffee + pastry combo.
2 | Take the ferry to Coronado, rent bikes, and ride around the island | From our place in Little Italy, we can walk to the ferry at the Embarcadero. Ferries leave every 30 minutes and it’s a 15 minute ride across the (gorgeous) bay to Coronado. From there, I love renting bikes for a few hours to zoom by all my future dream homes…
3 | Walk through Balboa Park near sunset then have dinner at Cucina Urbana | When Cucina Urbana opened up a few years ago, I knew I found a great spot to sit at the bar, have a sangria, followed up by a great glass of wine & pizza. They have a wine ‘store’ inside the restaurant, so you pay no mark up, only the corkage fee. Reso highly recommended, unless you show up right at 5!
4 | Have a champagne cocktail & Oysters at Ironside | One of my all time favorites for eye candy, Ironside has a great champagne cocktail list and their $1 oysters for happy hour can’t be beat.
5 | Have brunch at Cafe Chloe | I cannot say enough about how darling this gem in downtown San Diego is. They’ve been open for around 10 years and I think I’ve been dining there just about that long. Order a glass of rose, their cheese plate, and the Croque Madame.
6 | Sail on the San Diego bay | We are supremely lucky to have better weather in January than most. So sailing on the bay is a lovely option. For $80 a person, you can sail with Sail San Diego with up to 8 people (who can all be your friends!). Snacks and drinks are included.
7 | Drink a michelada & eat tacos at Puesto, then shop at Seaside Paperie and try cheese at Venissimo (at the Headquarters) | If you’re looking for a great place to find lovely shops, great food, and yummy cheese, the Headquarters, which opened last year, is a great place to hang.
8 | Hit up the Little Italy farmers market early then head to Queenstown for the weekend brunch | The Little Italy Farmer’s Market is another little gem in my book. But you have to get there early because it gets really packed. After a quick visit for some local produce, stopping at Queenstown is another favorite. Order the Elvis. Peanut butter, bananas, and waffles..done and done.
9 | Coffee Hop to all my favorite coffee places in San Diego, like Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, influx, Cafe Madeleine, and Tartine, just to name a few. | Breweries and coffee shops are stuff that dreams are made of and San Diego has a wide variety for every palate. As far as coffee shops go, I love that in every neighborhood, there are favorites, and each has a story.
10 | Order a Mona Lisa #12 Sandwich with pepperoncinis and fresh mozzarella, to go. | I mean, I can’t even begin to talk about Mona Lisa without starting to crave their sandwiches. I have them saved in my phone, it’s that good.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT IN SAN DIEGO? SHOW US BY USING #ESTCALIFORNIA ON YOUR SOCIAL DEVICES. HAVE A PLACE WE NEED TO SEE? CONTACT US!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Conni is a native Californian and adventuring creative at heart. She started her blog, Art in the Find back in 2013, as a way to bring style and her sense of adventure to her readers. Conni is a full time personal wardrobe stylist and blogger who loves bringing everyday style to her clients. She is based out of San Diego and also creates style lookbooks for clients all over the U.S. Conni loves a good cup of coffee in the morning, can be found scouring the flea markets for creative projects, and won't turn down a glass of bubbly for anything!
ALONG THE VENICE BOARDWALK
When the morning light touches the boardwalk in Venice Beach, California - it could feel as if you have the entire place to yourself. A truely rare moment for the always-populated landmark and visitor destination.
When the early morning light touches the boardwalk in Venice Beach, California - it could feel as if you have the entire place to yourself. A truely rare moment for the always-populated landmark and visitor destination. However, photographer & stylist couple, Aaron and Lwayn Smith, managed to capture this perfect "Golden Hour" moment with model, Torian Ellison, and the results are simply phenomenal.
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Photographer: Aaron Smith / Stylist : Lwany Smith / Hair/Make Up: Mel Daniel /Assistant: Keith Oshiro & Noah Mensink / Model: Torian Ellison
Fashion Credits:
Pocket Tee Look: Sunglasses, Raen / Pocket Tee, James Perse / Black Pant, Knomadik by Daniel Patrick / Slip-Ons, Vans | Blue Hoodie Look: Optics, Raen / Short Sleeve Hoodie, Unyforme / Black Pant, Knomadik by Daniel Patrick / Slip-Ons, Vans | White Thermal Look: Sunglasses, Raen / Thermal Crew, 7 For All Mankind / Black Pant, Knomadik by Daniel Patrick / Slip-Ons, Vans | Leather 5 Panel Look: Black Tee, Calvin Klein / Brown Cardigan,Your Neighbors by Urban Outfitters | Quilted Jacket Look: Sunglasses, Raen / Quilted Jacket, Sacai / White Button-Up, Hugo Boss / Gray Sweater, H&M / Black Pant, Knomadik by Daniel Patrick
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
We are a husband and wife, photographer and stylist team. Our lives collided while living in the dorms of the Savannah College of Art and Design. We were both pursuing our BFA’s in Photography and Fashion Design, Marketing and Management. After loosing touch for a couple years, our paths crossed and we fell madly in love. Our move to Los Angeles, like our collaborative career paths, were never discussed, always assumed and one of the greatest things to ever happen to us. Since tying the knot in October of 2013 our work has become more intertwined as we push each other’s creative boundaries and redefine what marriage means to us.
FOLLOW US: WEBSITE / HIS INSTAGRAM / HER INSTAGRAM
EST. SPOTLIGHT: BOOZE BROTHERS BREWING CO.
When first entering the Vista brewery Booze Brothers you don’t initially get the feeling of an industrial park brewery. But, located along the Hoops Highway (Hwy 78) in North County San Diego, it's somewhere you want to hang out.
When first entering the Vista brewery, Booze Brothers Brewing Co., you don’t initially get the feeling of an industrial park brewery. Located along the Hoops Highway (Hwy 78) in North County San Diego, is somewhere you want to hang out. With the decor being very visually appealing it does not feel like your typical brewery. This place has style! With the décor having an Old West feel the brewery features planks of different wood paneling throughout creates a rustic décor and the antler taps, American Flags and vintage hanging bulbs doesn’t hurt either. They were able to create the homey vibe with a lot of help from family and friends.
Brother’s Donny and Dave Firth first started brewing beer in their garage after making beer for their sister’s wedding about 5 year ago. Donny, who has a science background started experimenting with the help of Dave and realized just how much they enjoyed it. As they continued to get better at brewing and receiving praise from everyone who tried their beer the idea came to be they should move their operation out of the garage and open their own brewery. Booze Brother’s first opening in October 2013 with only 4 beers on tap. Donny and Dave continued to brew new beers and with the help of their family and friends. All employees are either family or friends and have been helping grow the brewery from the ground up. The Firth Brother’s have created a laid back atmosphere and are continuing to grow their brewery with some of their closest friends.
Currently, Booze Brother’s is open Wednesday-Sunday and has anywhere from 8-14 beers on tap at a time. My first visit I thoroughly enjoyed the creative beer names and had to try as many as I could so I ordered a flight I was thrilled to have enjoyed each one I tried. Some of the beers you can find on tap (that I loved!) are Pail Ale, Easy Rider Brown, Ol’ Grand Daddy IIPA, and Mama Kombucha. The brewery features ping pong, a large outdoor patio with taps outside for busier nights, food stand (Thursday-Sundays), dog and kid friendly, live music and tons of space to kick back and enjoy some tasty beer. The brewery also features one of the largest patios with tons of nooks for good conversation over delicious beer. If you can’t find a beer you like you should probably reconsider drinking beer and stick to wine or hard liquor! Manager Kris Anacleto said it perfectly “Brew Beer, Have Fun, Make a Living”.
http://boozebrothersbrewery.com/
@boozebros
2545 Progress Street, Suite D - Vista, CA 92081
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashley Williams was born and raised in Encinitas, a beach community in Northern San Diego. She has been photographing weddings and lifestyle photography for the past four years and loves it! Living in Southern California, she enjoys road tripping and exploring this beautiful state of California. She is looking forward to sharing her travels and being a part of the Established California Team. Keep an eye out for her as she shares this beautiful state we are all lucky to call home!
HOT COFFEE, COLD BEER: An Adventure in North Park.
North Park has been a destination of its own for some time now. Its cultural diversity and trendiness has always provided a sort of gravity, drawing San Diegans in. Streets lined with art galleries, tasting rooms, specialty shops, and boutiques are crowded daily by people and pets, taking in the atmosphere and exploring the surrounding area.
In 1911, when North Park was founded, the only things besides a failing lemon grove were the rows and rows of Sear’s ready-made bungalows. Nearly 100 years since its inception, these homes stand in rows like brightly painted easter eggs in a carton. 100 years of paint and renovations show a town that has grown with each passing era.
North Park has been a destination of its own for some time now. Its cultural diversity and trendiness has always provided a sort of gravity, drawing San Diegans in. Streets lined with art galleries, tasting rooms, specialty shops, and boutiques are crowded daily by people and pets, taking in the atmosphere and exploring the surrounding area. One such new establishment to explore is Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream at University and 31st which offers a temptingly diverse selection of imported iced creams. In the spirit of broadening ones mind, and for those indecicives types, we recommend trying a flight of ice cream, which Hammond’s offers in ridiculously cute mini-tasting cones.
But Hammond’s is just one of the many new restaurants and boutiques that call North Park home and it was really just an instance of serendipity that lead us there out of the many. Along University Ave and El Cajon blvd, trendy bars, craft breweries, ice-cream parlors, and boutiques have made this town a place of cultural diversity and nightlife. The North Park Theatre stands at the center. Built at the town’s zenith in the 1920’s, the theatre brings together the “small town” history with the pedigree of art and creativity embraced by town today. Though business and people come and go, there’s something about North Park that wont change, and that’s what keeps people coming back.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thomas Williams grew up in a town where it’s weird if your hair isn’t salty or if you wear shoes all the time. A writer by trade, his days are filled exploring his passions for art, music, and literature. Education and aspiration brought him to Los Angeles and back but it’s his vagrant’s strain that keeps him discovering his surroundings and himself in the city or not.
Thomas is as at home on the surf-washed sand on the beach, in the musk of antique stores and flea-markets, or under the neon glow of dive bars and hole-in-the-wall venues. With a a love of the unexpected and the occasionally raw, Thomas is is eager to share with you a slice of his “Golden State of Mind”
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Photography by Ashley Williams & Thomas Williams for Established California.
DEL MAR RACETRACK: The Era of Bing is Back!
Summer in San Diego is never complete without a trip to the horse races at the Del Mar Racetrack. However, if you missed the races over the summer, you're in luck! With the closure of Hollywood Park last December, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has picked up another season of racing with Bing’s Season.
Photography by Ashley Williams
Summer in San Diego is never complete without a trip to the horse races at the Del Mar Racetrack. However, if you missed the races over the summer, you're in luck! With the closure of Hollywood Park last December, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has picked up another season of racing with Bing’s Season.
The season began November 7th and will run through November 30th (with racing days Thursday to Sunday). This is the first time, since the 1960’s, that Del Mar has had a racing season in the Fall. That's why this season is being coined as “Bing’s Season”, after Bing Crosby -- throwing it back to when racing first started in Del Mar in 1937.
Concerts and festivals are planned throughout the season so there is something for everyone this Fall. And Kentucky Derby, Preakness Winner and Race Horse of the Year, California Chrome, is scheduled to race again on November 29th at the Del Mar Racetrack. Don't miss out on your own fun-filled memories at the racetrack.
When
Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 30.
Dark Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (15 Racing days)
Telephone
858-755-1141 • Information Line 858-793-5533
Location Directions
In the city of Del Mar, 20 miles north of downtown San Diego, 100 miles south of Los Angeles on I-5.
Post Times
12:30 p.m. every Racing Day; Thanksgiving (Nov 27) 11:00 a.m.
Gates Open
11:00 a.m.; 10:00 a.m. on Sundays.
Admission Buy Online
Thu. & Fri./ $4 – Sat./$8 - Sun./$6
Free Admission/Active Duty Military & Dependents (Daily)
Parking
General $10 • Early Bird $10 • Valet $20
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashley Williams was born and raised in Encinitas, a beach community in Northern San Diego. She has been photographing weddings and lifestyle photography for the past four years and loves it! Living in Southern California, she enjoys road tripping and exploring this beautiful state of California. She is looking forward to sharing her travels and being a part of the Established California Team. Keep an eye out for her as she shares this beautiful state we are all lucky to call home!
SANTA ROSA PLATEAU, CA
While California may be the prettiest state in all of the United States, it is also, extremely populated. Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming and you just need an escape. Luckily, Tranquility can usually be found within a 15 minute drive out of town.
Image by Tyler Branch
While California may be the prettiest state in all of the United States, it is also, extremely populated. Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming and like you need an escape. Although, there are millions of people stretched all over this wonderful state, there are also places to escape everywhere. Tranquility can usually be found within a 15 minute drive out of town.
Santa Rosa Plateau is one of those tranquil places. It’s located in a bustling part of southern California, but yet, feels like you’re in the middle of no where! Lots of southern California is a desert and it takes a while to find beauty in the desert scape, but once you can appreciate that, you see beauty all around you.
That’s what you’ll get at Santa Rosa Plateau; desert charm. It’s 9,000 acres of gorgeous trails and wild life. You can hike, bike, ride horses, and picnic all over the places. There are all sorts of programs and field trips you can attend to learn more about the area and the animal and plant species that inhabit it. In fact, they have so much to offer, you might want to check it out for yourself and visit their site.
And, if you’re a sucker for oak trees (like myself); this is the place! Around every corner, there seems to be a lovely, old Oak waiting for you.
Santa Rosa Plateau is a hidden gem in southern California. If you need a place to catch some fresh air and clear your mind; this is the place. You won’t be disappointed!
Images via Dearest Nature
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Skye Schanzer was born and raised in Southern California. Growing up, she spent her Summers on the sandy beaches and her Winters in the snowy mountains. She is now nestled in the hills of the Temecula Valley, with her handsome husband and two life-loving kids.
She's a writer and strives to spread positivity in everyday life through her blog, Bring The Happy. She is most at ease with that California sunshine warming her face, pen in hand, the sound of her kids laughing and husband by her side. Writing, photography, family and love is what it breaks down to. Every day is a happy adventure!
