The Beach House, Exquisite Waterfront Hotel in Hermosa Beach, CA

I have a special love for this hotel where I’ve stayed many times. I actually never knew there was a beach front hotel in the Manhattan / Hermosa Beach area until my Mom and I happened upon it about 20 years ago. We were out for a walk along the Strand and there it was.

Since then, it’s my go-to place when I want to escape since it’s a 5-6 hour drive along the coast from where I live in Northern California. About two weeks ago, I was heading to Long Beach to meet my Mom and sister to visit Catalina Island. On my way home I pulled over and stayed the night at the Beach House Hotel in Hermosa Beach. Let me tell you a little bit about this special hotel and the area that surrounds it.

I lived in Manhattan Beach years ago and loved it. There are a bunch of small ocean-front towns that string along the cost…Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Long Beach and on and on. The coolest part of a lot of these beaches is that they have a walkway that allows you to easily walk or ride your bike – listening to the waves, dodging the seagulls, viewing elegant yards of the massive homes and of course stopping at top notch restaurants and bar. Voyeurism at it’s greatest! Before we get to the strand, let’s visit the hotel, The Beach House in Hermosa Beach.

This is a view from my room so you can see that you are right on the water. There are no roads with crazy traffic that you have to look over to see the ocean. No, you’re just there with only The Strand to cross before you can put your feet in the sand. When you enter the hotel you’ll find a beautiful lobby. I can remember my sister waiting on one of the couches on one visit and that was so special. And my Mom and even my childhood friend Anne. At night you’ll find the fireplace burning which is always nice on chilly coastal evenings.

The rooms are wonderful and are actually small suites with kitchenettes, a fireplace (gas now, but I can remember when you could burn a duraflame log!) Not all rooms face the ocean but some have partial views. If you’re in a full ocean front you can open the sliding doors, pour yourself a glass of champagne and watch the volleyball players, bike riders and people strolling along the strand while relaxing on your deck.

Here are some of the images of the hotel room. I always ask for a corner room if possible so you get a window in the bathroom. They can’t guarantee it but they always try.

Once you’ve dropped your luggage off and put on your walking shoes, you’re ready to explore! Let’s take a walk along The Strand…

Manhattan Beach Home along The Strand

If you go, make sure to take good walking shoes. Once you park you can get everywhere on foot or by bike. Let me know if you go! If you’d like to see more of my blogs on that area they are listed below. Cheers! Photogirl

Taking Flight: Manhattan/Hermosa BeachΒ CA: https://photogirltravels.com/category/california/manhattanhermosa-beach-ca/

End of the Day

It’s 7:40pm and the end of the day here in beautiful Los Gatos CA. I’ve been making homemade pizza and tonight had a hot steaming piece with some fresh arugula and an avocado out on my swing watching my birds. What a nice end to the day…πŸ’—πŸ’—πŸ’—πŸ’—πŸ’—.

Capay Almond Festival

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Last Sunday I decided to scout out the area that will host the Capay Valley Almond Festival on February 24, 2019.Β  The blossoms are everywhere here in Los Gatos, CA where I live so I figured they would be weighing the branches down up north.Β  We’ve had tons of rain this season. It’s probably normal for this time of year but it always catches me off guard, making me long for the sun.Β  Sunday looked to be sunny so I planned an early departure.

52327029_10157029441381489_3154828421519900672_nMy first tip for any trip is start out early! I can never understand why people leave late when they’re off on an adventure. And by late, I mean 10:00 or past. Why not get there as early as possible so you have time to relax, explore and to top it off, miss the traffic?

I pushed off around 6:30 am as soon as the rain stopped with coffee in hand. The sun was creeping up over the mountains and the air was clean after a night of rain. Β With the rest of the world asleep – I can attest to this since no one was on the highway – I worked my way north over to highway 680 and then up to 505 north.Β  Before I take you through the trip I’d recommend, let me tell you a little bit about the festival.

The Capay Valley Almond Festival began in 1915 and is the only five town event in Northern California. Β I image that first year and the excitement of driving along the back roads in a brand-new Detroiter motor car (photo below) with the wind blowing through ones hair, smelling the fresh air while white blossoms would be falling around you like spring snow.

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Well, 104 years later the festival is upon us again. This β€œtraveling” festival takes you through five Capay Valley towns including Esparto, Capay, Brooks, Guinda and Rumsy. Here is a map that I got from the Esparto Regional Chamber of Commerce.Β  I used it as a reference when I did my scouting trip and can offer some thoughts if you have the opportunity to go. I marked a few places in red and to make it easy, I’ve provided addresses so you can easily drop them into your GPS. Let me note that because I went a week early there were very few blossoms.Β  So I can’t WOW you with a bunch.Β  But trust me, if you go when they are blooming you’ll be amazed.Β  Here are some examples with some photo credits. (Kite Hill Artisan Almond Milk Foods, GreaterCapayValley.org)

Back to the map:

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  1. Historic Oakdale Ranch: 17785 Country Road 86A, Esparto, CA (Bring breakfast and coffee to enjoy by the lake)
  2. Country Road (CR) 22: Directions below
  3. Road Trip Bar & Grill: 24989 CA-16, Capay, CA 95607
  4. Seka Hills Olive Mill: 19326 Rd 78, Brooks, CA 95606 (Olive oil /wine taste and have lunch outside)
  5. Western Yolo Grange: 16787 Forest Ave, Guinda, CA 95637
  6. Early dinner in Yountville: Head south via highway 128

1. Historic Oakdale Ranch: 17785 Country Road 86A, Esparto, CAΒ 

This was a little hard to find and there was actually no one there when I went.Β  However, they may have folks at the site the day of the festival.Β  It was very pretty and remote with a small lake, palm trees and a dock. Β Bring coffee and breakfast with you and sit by the waterside as a start to your tour.

 

Best way to get there so you take the scenic drive: When you’re on 505 look for 29A and exit left. Make your first right (89) and head north to Country Road 23, then right on Country Road 86A. The ranch will be on your right. The sign is a little hard to find so keep your eyes peeled.

2. Country Road 22

I tried to find the Freeheart Farms and Event Center and never did.Β  What I did find was Country Road 22 and it was beautiful.Β  Lined with almond trees, fields dotted with grazing horses and even a family of peacocks it’s a must see road. From the Historic Oakdale Ranch head south on Country Road 86A and make a right on Country Road 23. Pass Country road 85B and the next road is Country Road 22. When you get to the end of CR 22 drive along CR 87, 14 and 85 as noted in the map above to see more almond blooms.

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3. Road Trip Bar and Grill

This is a well-known restaurant / bar with a lovely outdoor dining area.Β  It also has a tribute to Veterans which was nice to see.Β  Β I would recommend to order their special of the day.Β  When I was there it was a French dip and the couple next to me got it and it looked amazing.

4. Seka Hills Olive Mill

I absolutely fell in love with this place. Make sure Β you enjoy the trees which line the drive up to the store and tasting room.Β  They have a beautiful outdoor seating area located under olive trees.Β  You can olive oil / wine taste which was great fun.Β  You can also have a glass of wine and order food to eat outside.Β  I’d recommend to have lunch here.

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5. Western Yolo Grange

I actually never saw this place but read about it in a blog from last year. It sounds like they have a number of festival events so you might want to check it out. All along the drive you’ll see almond blossoms so take your time and enjoy.

6. Back home along high 128 over to Yountville/Napa for an early dinner at Ottimo

Once you’re explored the festival consider taking an alternative route home and head over to the Yountville/Napa area and have an early dinner at Ottimo where they have the absolute best pizza!Β  The route I recommend is highway 128 west to 29 south.Β  You’ll pass lake Berryessa and drive through the countryside that will make you feel like you’re on a movie set.

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Early Dinner at Ottimo: 6525 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599

Ottimo is located in the quaint town of Yountville among shops, restaurants and tasting rooms.Β  It’s absolutely charming and the pizza is some of the best I’ve ever had.Β  Michael Chiarello is the founder and a well known chef.Β  Ottimo means β€œoptimal” and it certainly is.

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You can either stay the night up in Napa or head home. If you start early this is an easy day trip. Please let me know if you go in the comments section!Β  XO Photogirl.

Here’s a map showing where Capay is in relation to Yountville

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Cocola Break

ο»Ώο»ΏOff to Paris in a few months! Peter Mayle’s book “French Lessons”, is an inspiring guide highlighting places to see, foods to eat and fabulous wines to drink throughout France.  I’m taking a page out of the classic French lifestyle and taking a break. Reading. Listening. And savoring the sweet combination of delicate foam and rich coffee, topped with cinnamon. 

Stinson Beach for Breakfast Listening to the Waves

If you go the Stinson Beach you must eat at the Breakers Cafe!! I ordered the #1 breakfast enchiladas w bacon, fire roasted green chiles, homemade tortillas and then I take it over to the beach and eat, sitting on the sand…oh, and don’t forget to order a side of red chile sauce!

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Down by the beach and the walking path

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