Thursday, July 31, 2014

Five Things Thursday: Best of the West

Hello out there! How was everyone’s July? Mine was awesome, mostly because of the couple weeks I spent chillaxing and catching up with family and friends in California. From Nor Cal to So Cal, Disneyland to Dana Point, and many places in between, there was rarely a dull moment. Although it’s impossible to pick out absolute favorites, here are five crazy cool memories from my time on the West Coast, best coast.

1. Hiking to Mammoth Rocks

Since Stephen’s family has a cute vacation house in coastal Nor Cal, we decided to kick off our trip by spending 4th of July weekend exploring the area. Along with watching the annual fireworks over the bay and going to a local pancake breakfast fundraiser, another highlight was hiking along the gorgeous coastline to Mammoth Rocks, which scientists believe the ancient creatures once rubbed up against, creating uniquely shaped smooth patches that exist to this day. 



2. Visiting DreamWorks Studios and the Iconic Hollywood Bowl

When one of your best friends works for DreamWorks (hi P!), visiting the studios is an absolute must. Even better? Going to the Hollywood Bowl to watch the DreamWorks 20th anniversary show hosted by Jack Black. That outing was in celebration of another best friend’s 30th birthday (hi B!).


3. Three Days of Disney

It’s no secret that I’m an absolute Disneyland fanatic, so when my mom suggested a three-day girls’ trip (Stephen had to head back to DC a bit sooner than me), I was totally down. Two nights at Disney’s Grand California Hotel helped us pack in nearly three full days of park hopping at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. We also had a special dinner at Downtown Disney’s Rainforest Café, where animatronic elephants and gorillas put on a spectacular show. Even though I may have tired out my mom and sister with my go, go, go adrenaline rush, overall, it was a really great time.  



4. Giraffe Gazing at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Of course, no trip to California would be complete without a visit to one of the state’s amazing zoos. The Santa Barbara Zoo, located on the Central Coast, is big enough to be fun, but not so big that you get lost walking around. My favorite animal? The giraffes, of course!



5. Trampolining at Sky Zone

Disney, the zoo and trampolining? Yes, I’m definitely a kid at heart. My friend and I had a blast visiting an indoor trampoline park and getting a great workout while catching up. Have you ever been to one of these places? I need to find one around here ASAP and ask whether they have an exercise class I can enroll in.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from Sky Zone because my phone was stashed away inside a locker, so I'll leave you with a couple other final shots instead. 



What have been the highlights of your summer so far? 

18 comments:

  1. Sounds like you had an amazing time! That's so cool that you were able to tour Dreamworks Studios. My husband and I are planning a trip to So Cal in Fall. We've only been to Nor Cal together, so I'm excited! :)

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    1. Thanks, Ghenet! How awesome that you're planning a trip to So Cal. If you need any tips or suggestions, just let me know!

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  2. Looks like a lot of fun! We're hoping to make it out to Disney before the Summer's over, too.

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    1. I hope you make it there and have a great time. Disney's the best!

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  3. now i know what you've been up to! i wondered why you were away! i miss DL! haven't been there in 5 years, but who's counting? ;) i like it better than WDW.

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    1. Yeah, I took a break from blogging and most social media during my trip. It was great to just focus on family and friends for a couple weeks. I haven't been to DW since I was a kid. DL is my fave, too!

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  4. Looks like the perfect couple of weeks and I loved that you are still a kid at heart...only way to have fun! Spending time with family is the best.

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    1. Totally agree, Mrs. Pancakes! Family is everything, and having fun with family is simply the best.

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  5. Replies
    1. Yeah, Cali is awesome. Expensive, but awesome.

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  6. It sounds like you had a TON of fun - indoor trampolines, Disneyland, and Dreamworks tours?! I'm glad you had a great July!

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

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    1. Thanks! It was definitely the most fun I've had in a while.

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  7. It looks like you have been having an amazing summer. I LOVE that picture of the lion!

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    1. Thanks! It has definitely been an awesome summer!

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  8. oh skyzone is such a blast! it is a great workout too, totally makes you feel like a kid again

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    1. Yeah, it definitely makes you feel like a kid! I just found a trampoline fitness class nearby that I recapped on the blog today. Trampolining is all-around awesome!

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  9. This looks like such a great time! Love all the pictures! The shot of the lion is perfection. This makes me want to get my butt to CA asap! I keep telling Sean we have to visit together and he is slacking.

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    1. Yeah, you should definitely visit Cali when you can! Let me know when you're going so that I can give you suggestions and advice. :)

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