Down East on the Coast of Maine
Big Sur or Bust
Big Sur is the kind of place you get emotionally attached to; it calls you back again and again. No matter what your religion or lack thereof, Big Sur’s powerful energetic pull and soul soothing properties cannot be denied. Situated on the most iconic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, the greater Big Sur region in Monterey County stretches from San Simeon in the south to Carmel in the north. Peace, quiet and Mother Nature are the main attractions here. Aside from the dramatic drive and infinite scenic photo ops, Big Sur is home to some incredible lodging options, legendary healing retreats and countless hiking trails traversing regal redwood forests. Of course there is good food on the menu, too.
The Magic of Mendocino
Mendocino is a temple of nature worship and slow living. Perched atop cliffs on California’s North Coast, the village of Mendocino is made up of a patchwork of historic Victorian structures and lush gardens surrounded by emerald forests on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. As my friend Jessica reflected on a recent visit, “Mendocino is a place you have to deliberately want to get to. You don’t just stumble upon it or drive through, it takes effort and intention to get here.” And that’s part of the magic of Mendocino. When you arrive after a long, winding scenic drive on the Pacific Coast Highway or through the inland redwood groves and rolling vineyards, you’re dropped into another idyllic dimension. The purity of the quiet and drama of the ruggedly beautiful landscape is matched by the quality of the organic cuisine and the welcoming embrace of the free-spirited local community.
Meandering Around West Marin
West Marin County is an easy day trip from San Francisco and offers a complete change of pace thanks to its rural, coastal setting. Think roadside waterfront oyster outposts, dairy farms and artisan cheese producers, eclectic tiny towns, isolated hiking trails and bohemian country inns. Staying overnight is even better than day-tripping so you can really slow down and luxuriate in the region’s charms.
An Ode to The Road Trip
