Adventure Archives - THE VINTAGE EXPLORER

#752: Play Host in San Diego

Posted on March 27, 2017June 11, 2017 by Vintageexplorer

After Jackie and Will’s pomegranate, farm-inspired wedding came to a bittersweet end, old roommate Caleb and his friend Rachel told me they had one day left to soak in the Southern California sunshine before their flight. With 24 hours at our disposal in my former city, I played host.

#751: Wedding on a Pomegranate Farm

Posted on March 25, 2017May 29, 2017 by Vintageexplorer

It’s been one month since Jackie said “I Do” but it feels like yesterday when I took that first step inside the big tree, walked down the isle and took my place alongside the bridal party. One of my best friends, Jackie, was getting married and I was lucky enough to be one of her bridesmaids. Her venue? One of the coolest places I could ever imagine. She picked a pomegranate farm in a tiny town outside of Temecula, California as her and Will’s spot to say “I Do.”

I can’t say enough about this amazing woman, life-long friend, former college roommate and fellow road-tripping groupie, Jackie. Or her amazingly sweet, kind, funny husband Will. I’ve known them both for over 10 years, since Richmond VCU days.

The weekend was a confluence of food truck delights, pomegranate-infused drinks, old college memories, drunken dance parties, matching bridesmaid tattoos (fake, let me assure you) and bittersweet goodbyes to friends I hadn’t seen in 10 years and probably wouldn’t see for another 10. Overall, despite the lack of cell phone reception, the gravel ground that permanently tinged my peach bridesmaid dress, and the chilly weather, I had a blast. I crashed in the same bed with my old best friend, Caleb, stayed up dancing all night, even squeezed in a bachelorette-style girl’s day at Glen Ivy Spa to celebrate the bride-to-be.

Can’t wait for my own wedding. Wonder if I should go for a pineapple plantation or apple orchard…

#748: Surf The Original Dog Beach.

Posted on July 15, 2016May 29, 2017 by Vintageexplorer

I surfed, I dogged, I conquered. The tide was low and my Surfline app was translating that to good surf weather. So I gathered my brick of a Costco 8″ board and trekked to the famous, original Dog Beach. Where surfers surf, dogs can be dogs and man can play with their best friends. Turns out, I made friends with dogs and shoals.

#745: Pass A Bottle to Mr. Jones.

Posted on May 20, 2016May 1, 2017 by Vintageexplorer

Laguna Beach wasn’t all beaches, billionaires and babes. Somewhere in the back of a tiny, hole-in-the-wall dive bar called The Marine Room, I found a funky, blue grass band and a man who defied the Southern California norm and rocked the house. And when I say rocked, I mean the pulsating, still-ringing-in-my-head kind of rock. With a unique guitar twang, a token tambourine man and a Johnny Cash, freight train-like sound. Awe-struck and smitten, I randomly and spontaneously slid a beer bottle across the wooden table to Mr. Jones. Secretly hoping he would say thanks but knowing he’d probably only grab it and go, he did neither, actually. Instead, much to my dismay, Mr. Brad Jones turned around smiling and said hello back. I might have died and gone to heaven.

#734: Meet a Famous Designer.

Posted on May 4, 2016July 10, 2016 by Vintageexplorer

She was just as divine as I imagined. And her vine-covered, cottage-esque chateau was too. Tucked away in the California countryside, it was like something out of Southern Living magazine or Travel Channel or Dream Listings. My dream house. And my new boss’s house. Who knew a little leap of faith on an unexpected freelance gig would lead me to working with a famous designer in her own home studio? Am I dreaming? Don’t wake me up yet if I am. This is too good to be true.

#729: Drive Up CA’s Coastal Route.

Posted on April 29, 2016July 10, 2016 by Vintageexplorer

It’s America’s most popular roadtrip for a reason. Many a honeymoon has been spent, a novel born and a virgin road trip consummated (raises hands in excitement) along the Pacific Coast Highway’s breathtaking, winding coastal route. Travel Channel says it’s ideal to drive the Pacific Coast Highway from North to South. But like the unconventional traveler I am, I did it from South to North. Survey says? Mind-blowing scenery, quirky stop-offs and that wind-in-your-hair serendipity of wondering what the next bend in the road will bring.

#718: Meet With A NatGeo Designer.

Posted on April 17, 2016July 10, 2016 by Vintageexplorer

The closest thing to living my National Geographic dream was meeting one of their top designers today at a hole-in-the-wall bar in Venice Beach, CA. Although our chat only lasted only 45 min (and it took me 2 hours and 45 min to get here), it was absolutely 110% worth it. He said something I’ll never forget:

Never play your “Ace” card on the 1st hand. Wait for the right moment when you’ve got everything in you and nothing to lose. You say you want a big city, a solid career, National Geographic as your client, and the beach in your backyard? You have start somewhere. I did by moving to NYC; that’s what launched my career. I never thought I’d break in, but I started with one small commercial. 5 years later, NatGeo remembered that commercial and asked who the guy was behind it.

#709: Cruise Down Hollywood Blvd.

Posted on April 3, 2016July 14, 2016 by Vintageexplorer

An amusement park in itself, Hollywood Boulevard is a spectacle of ALL sorts. From the Chinese Theatre to the Wax Museum to the Stars’ Footprints to the Dolby Theatre to the packed grungy sidewalks to postcard stands on ever corner, this star-studded, theatre-lined street should be a city all on its own. Yet despite the stereotyped reputation this Hollywood drag gets, it is quite possible to spend a pleasant day on Hollywood Boulevard and have a good time.

#708: See the Iconic Hollywood Sign.

Posted on April 3, 2016July 10, 2016 by Vintageexplorer

Hey, Hollywood! What’s your dream?

705: Visit The Lake-Less Silver Lake.

Posted on April 3, 2016July 14, 2016 by Vintageexplorer

Bad news, guys. There actually is no lake in Silver Lake; it was built around what used to be a city reservoir, and now is an empty canyon. Yet despite the serious lack of water in my new found discovery, I immediately fell in love with this hipster neighborhood. It feels NOTHING like L.A., which appeals to me even more. After an hour of strolling through with personal tour guide and friend, Dennis, I found a confluence of Southern California charm, some of the best coffee shops (Cafecito Organico!) ever, boutiques galore (Mohawk!) and all the eateries (Poseidon’s Catch!) LA has to offer and to keep me consuming for days. Pro-tip for first-timers: Whether you come on two wheels or two feet, definitely check out this hidden gem.

#704: Make Honor Roll At Public School.

Posted on April 2, 2016July 14, 2016 by Vintageexplorer

If you know a bartender here at this bar, you’ll make the Honor Roll. After a long day of spontaneous road-tripping and neighborhood strolling around vast Los Angeles, friend Dennis and I need some libations to wash down the thirst of our sunny, sweaty day. Luckily, Dennis knew a watering hole, Public School in downtown Los Angeles and a trusty bartender named Jim. Jim treated us like “A” students. With unlimited play on a life-size Jenga time, a foot high Tic-Tac-Toe board, and a glossy finished shuffle board. With a FREE four-cheese pizza. AND with a few locally crafted suds. 4 hours later, Dennis and I walked out feeling like giddy school kids again.

#691: Visit An Urban Winery.

Posted on March 26, 2016July 15, 2016 by Vintageexplorer

A TOAST!!!….
To delicious, mouth-watering California wines, in general.
To the never-ending grape varieties and flavors that keep my tastebuds wanting more.
To the entrepreneurs who bring dreamy, far-off vineyards to urban reality.
To the architects who know just how to put an urban touch on a classic winery feel.
To roommates who have an inside scoop on watering hole and a guy who owns it.
I knew I picked a good roommate. Frank had the inside scoop on a delicious watering hole called BK Cellars. Turns out, his co-worker owned it. BK Urban Cellars Winery & Tasting Room, an urban winery 15 miles outside San Diego in Escondido with aluminum exposed pipes, a fabulous piano playing musician, flexible hours, better cheese board selections and a private tour by the owner himself.

#689: Leucadia Farmers Market, SD.

Posted on March 20, 2016July 18, 2016 by Vintageexplorer

My happy place on Sundays, the Leucadia Farmers Market. Full of sunny patches, fruit stands, coffee pop-ups, intoxicating breakfast foods and Southern California appeal. Parking is a kind of a hassle, but the earlier you get there the better. But if you park behind the elementary school on the side neighborhood streets, there’s usually spots open.

There’s tons of gluten-free options.
Healthy food vendors in abundance.
The aromas will tempt your senses at every booth. Come hungry and leave well fed.
If you bring kids, there’s a fenced-in playground area.

Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of the MorningStarRanch Green Drink too!
Sunday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Paul Ecke Elementary School
185 Union Street,
Encinitas, CA 92024