Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden – Long Beach, Calif.

You have got to go here…Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden – Long Beach, Calif.

Not many people would think about going to a college campus to relax and get some peace and quiet, but I did!  Located on the campus of California State University, Long Beach  is a hidden hide-a-way that many locals don’t even know about.  The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden resides on the north side of campus and is FREE for visitors (there is a fee for parking) to enjoy.

I am a huge fan of Japanese gardens and this one did not disappoint.  From the time you enter the gates until you leave, the details are beautiful.  Be sure to look around at everything from the light fixtures to the hand rails.

So, I am just going to jump right into the good stuff…the first thing you will probably spot is a beautiful serene lake and colorful Koi fish.  I can not tell a lie, this was my absolute favorite part.  Don’t be afraid…go right down to the shore to view these beautiful creatures.  For a mere quarter you can feed them – the big kid in me HIGHLY recommends this!

Andrea loves Koi!

FEED ME!

If you can pull yourself away from the lake take some time and follow the curvy path around the rest of the garden.  There are cool things to see at every turn…

Another highlight of the garden is the perfectly manicured Zen Garden.  This is a great place to stop, reflect, meditate or just take a much needed deep breath.

There are several other sights to delight your eyes, but I will leave them for you to see in real time.

I have always heard how romantic the garden was and on my visit I found a couple who thought so too.  With camera in hand I was lucky enough to witness the surprise engagement of Wyatt and Kayla – Best wishes to you both!  You just never know what you may discover when you get outside and start exploring!

Not only is the garden good for romantics, they are  perfect for children or just for some time by yourself.

Although the garden does not allow food inside, there are plenty of grassy hills to relax on and have a picnic outside of the gates.  I found that eating under a shady tree after my tour was a great way to end the day.

Don’t be sad when your day is over, if you didn’t get enough…don’t forget to take part in some of the many events through out the year!

One last note, check the hours before you go as the garden is not open every day!

Who knew that behind dorms and classrooms there was a fantastic getaway  It left me wondering what other wonderful surprises are hidden on college campuses.  I task you with finding out!

Happy Gardening,

Crystal

Tags: Exploring, Family, FREE, Gardens, Picnic, Romantic, Southern California

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

You have got to go here…Pacific Marine Mammal Center – Laguna Beach, Calif.

Have you ever wanted to something fun while on vacation and help out a good cause as well?  Look no further than the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC).

Located just minutes from the beautiful Pacific Ocean, PMMC has been working to rescue, rehabilitate and release animals since 1971.  Not only are they doing good work here, but they allow visitors to come and observe – I guarantee you will have a smile on your face when you leave!

Once you enter the parking lot (free parking), just follow the seal to a fun educational experience!

As soon as you round the corner you will hear the sounds of the many animals that PMMC is helping.  Once you enter the grounds be prepared for lots of cuteness…

I couldn’t help but be drawn to the pools that housed the gorgeous native animals.  On the day that I visited there were a mixture of Elephant Seal Pups and California Sea Lions.  Watching them swim and play was addicting.

Not only can you sit and observe them playing for as long as you like, you may also get an opportunity to see the selfless volunteers help nurse these animals back to health.  While I was watching the animals, a friendly volunteer gave me a history of the facility and was more than happy to answer any questions I had.  In addition to being a fun place to visit, PMMC is just as much an educational center and offers programs for both adults and children.  They also have many volunteer opportunities for people who may have a passion for these animals that goes above just learning about them.

PMCC is place that will warm your heart and your day.  If you are visiting the Laguna Beach area, this is a must visit.  It is the perfect place to either come by yourself or your family.  Spend as little or as long as you want on the grounds taking in the glorious creatures.

While there is no fee to visit, please consider a small donation to help continue the life-saving efforts of PMCC.

My pictures do not do the animals justice, so I encourage you to take some time to see them with your own eyes. OH and by the way, feel free to visit as often as you want as you never know what new arrivals will be on hand!

Happy Sealing,

Crystal

Tags: Animals, Family, FREE, Fun, ocean, Orange County

Montage – Laguna Beach, Calif.

You have got to go here…Montage – Laguna Beach, Calif.

If it was up to me I would be relaxing at a five-star resort every day, unfortunately that is not possible…but I have discovered an inexpensive way to relax and take in all of the beauty that a gorgeous resort has to offer.

One night after dinner some friends suggessted visting the Montage Resort  for a drink and I am sure glad I agreed to go. 

I have always loved visiting this resort as the architectures is beautiful and the ambiance is welcome and cozy, but on this night I stumbled upon something very cool in the Lobby Lounge – TEA TIME!  While glancing over the menu I noticed that in addition to the normal libations that a hotel bar has to offer, the Montage also offers over 10 brewed loose-leaf teas – and that is not all, they even come in your own personal tea pot. (Please remember that I am a big kid and it is truly the small things that make me happy.)  I wasted no time in ordering my yummy drink!

Tea selection...

TEA TIME!

Not only does your tea come with a small jar of honey just for you, it is also accompanied by some of the best biscotti and nuts I have ever eaten.  I was in  culinary heavan!

While I sipped my Malabar Sunrise, sounds of a pianist filled my ears and I couldn’t help but take in the beautiful scenary.

There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your time.  Choose from cozy couches that look out at the ocean or venture on to the deck and take in the sea air.

After several rounds of tea and many laughs with friends, it was time to leave.  My night at the Montage was a great lesson in not judging a book by its cover.  I thought that I was headed to a typical hotel bar for the evening, but was surprised by what I found.  You just never know what treasures are out there until you look!

Some tips – there is public parking just south of the hotel and after 7 p.m. it is free.  There is also beach access if you are interested in a stroll that is gorgeous both day and night!

OH WAIT!!! I forgot to tell you the best part…this night of fun and relaxation only cost roughly $20 for two people!  Sometimes the best things in life don’t have to cost an arm and a leg!

Happy Teaing,

Crystal

Tags: Fun, Great Food, ocean, Orange County, Romantic, Spectacular Views

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge – San Diego, Calif.

You have got to go here…Spruce Street Suspension Bridge – San Diego, Calif.

After visiting Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge in Vancouver I was eager to find something similar close to home…so I started to search!  To my surprise I came across a suspension bridge in San Diego, and while it is in a totally different environment, it was just as fun (and FREE)!

The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego and is 100 years old!

Historical Marker

There is ample parking as it is in neighborhood and easily accessible.  Once you park – get ready to have some fun!  OH and don’t worry – this bridge was built to hold 2,186 people!

Getting ready to cross the bridge.

Mark pretending he is Indiana Jones!

The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge links two neighborhoods and crosses Kate Sessions Canyon.  I suggest you stop in the middle and take in the beautiful scenery, but when you do don’t be alarmed – yes the bridge is wobbly!

At first I had to hold on, but then I let go and set myself free to enjoy the bridge.  I must have walked back and forth at least three times before my husband finally told me that it was time to go!  Jealous feelings arose as I so wished this path was a part of my daily walk!

While this bridge is not a place that you can stay all day, it is for sure something different.  Lots of people head down to San Diego for the big sites, but you will be sorry if you don’t take some time to experience this hidden gem!

Happy Bridging,

Crystal

Tags: adventure, Architecture, Calif., Exploring, Family, FREE, Fun, History, Spectacular Views

Pappy & Harriet’s – Pioneertown, Calif.

You have got to go here…Pappy & Harriett’s – Pioneertown, Calif.

Have you ever wanted to visit an old western town and eat an amazing meal? Well…I have just the place for you – Pappy & Harriet’s.

Located just 30 minutes from Palm Springs and 20 minutes from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, Pappys ( as the locals call it) is nestled in Pioneertown - which was founded in the 1940′s as a movie set. Before or after you eat I highly suggest you stroll around and take pictures as the buildings are very quaint and there are tons of great photo opportunities!

Just like the old West!

Oh no...who is going to bail us out?

OK, so back to the really good part…

Pappys is a place where you can just relax, eat a fabulous home-cooked meal and have some fun.  When you enter you will be greeted by amazing and eclectic decor.

There is not a bad seat in the place, (I prefer near the window so I can watch the horses and bikes roll by) so pick one and make yourself at home.

Over the years I have eaten just about everything on the menu and have never been disappointed.  Portions are huge and prices are right.  You MUST try the chili…it is to die for.

Look at the big hunks of steak in the nachos below…

There is something I love about drinking tea out of a mason jar.

OH and do you love music?  Pappys is known for hosting world-class bands and musicians.  They have live shows almost every night and no matter what your musical taste is there is something for you.

Many of greats have stood here!

In the hustle and bustle of life, you need to stop once and awhile and enjoy a good meal with good company – Pappys is just the place to do that!

When you are near, make the extra trip to check out this special gem!

Happy Pappying,

Crystal

Tags: adventure, Calif., Desert, Exploring, Fun, Great Food, History, Movie Locations, music

Orange Balloon, Great Park – Irvine, Calif

You have got to go here…Orange Balloon, Great Park – Irvine, Calif.

Who wants to ride on a balloon that soars up to 400 feet?  OH and did I mention it’s FREE???

Up up and away!

Located in the Great Park, the Orange Balloon is open Thursday through Sunday (hours vary) on a first-come, first-serve basis.

I had heard about how fun the balloon was for years and finally decided to go check it out!  The sky was blue and the clouds were puffy on the day we went for a ride, so I knew we would be able to see for miles.  I had butterflies in my stomach, but was looking forward to the amazing view that we were about to witness.

Upon arrival head to the information center where you will sign up and be assigned a time to take your ride.  You may have to wait, but don’t fret there are things to keep you busy until your flight.  A playground, carousel and an art museum just to name a few are at your fingertips…and the best part – ALL FREE!

When it is your time, head towards the balloon and get ready for a great trip!

Ready to get on!

Once in the basket at the base of the balloon you will slowly rise up – at approx. 400 feet the balloon will stop ascending and give you a chance to take in all the sights for about five minutes.  Feel free to walk around the whole balloon to see Orange County from all the angles!

The ride is totally thrilling, but it is high so if you are afraid of heights this may not be the place for you.

As we headed back to the ground I was eager to fly again – next time I will for sure try the night flight!

My recommendation is to take a picnic lunch and when you are done with your flight, relax on the lawn and watch others take their journey…

The balloon from the ground.

Happy Flying,

Crystal

Tags: adventure, Family, FREE, Fun, Orange County, Picnic, Romantic, Spectacular Views

Methuselah – Woodside, Calif.

You have got to go here…Methuselah – Woodside, Calif.

Are you in awe of gigantic trees?  I know the answer is yes, because who isn’t? Well, I have just the place for you and it is only 30 minutes south of San Francisco!

Yes, you read that right…this tree is over 1800 years old and it is massively beautiful!

My husband and I had been driving on scenic route 35 from Half Moon Bay through the Redwood Region when out of the corner of my eye I saw the sign above.  We were in no rush and our whole goal of the day was exploring, so we stopped.  We had no idea we would lay eyes on something so wonderous!

Nestled among what felt like an enchanted forest, there is a small trail leading to the tree – the stairs down to the base of the trunk can be a tad steep, but it is well worth it!

From the top the tree looks huge, but it wasn’t until I started walking to the base that I realized just how big it really was!  I know I always tell you this…but take your time.  Nature is AWESOME, so make sure you relish in every nook and cranny it has to offer.  In this case there is beauty at every angle of this tree!

This is just a quick stop, but if you prepare a lunch it would be a fantastic place to stop and have a picnic.  Bring a sweater and blanket as even though it was summertime when we went, it was freezing!

Now, there isn’t an address for this tree, so the best directions I can give you are it is on scenic route 35 about a quarter-mile south of Skeggs Point.  Along the route there are tons and tons of trails, so if you want to spend the day hiking, there will be plenty of options!

Happy Treeing,

Crystal

Tags: adventure, Exploring, Family, History, Nature, Northern California, Picnic, Spectacular Views