In the 90's Mike and I would go at least once a month to Laguna Beach and I think we ate at every Italian Restaurant through the area up to Newport Beach. It was a very magical place and I remember that's where I first met the "zebra" (which I don't mean to sound mysterious but it's too long of a story for a blog post). Anyway we only get to this area maybe once every two or three years because it's pretty far from the mountains and So Cal freeway traffic is something you have to plan around and avoid rush hour which is almost all day long any more. We will be going back in a few weeks. I'll see more of the area next time.
We are driving along Pacific Coast Hwy - the hwy that follows the coastline and this is the particular area just through Laguna Beach. We actually didn't park and get out because we wanted to make it up to Balboa Island and we had spent too much time in Dana Point (these names mean nothing probably to anybody except those who live in California. Laura you will see the old pottery shack area in some of the photos below.
I couldn't believe that my favorite Laguna Nursery is no longer there - After probably twenty years the owner of the business didn't sign a new lease - I read an article where he said that because of the drought in California and especially because of his "artsy" area where he had art imported from other countries that it became more of a tourist stop to just look around (like we did) and less of a garden shop to buy plants. It wasn't producing a profit.
We discovered this restaurant in the 90's when it farther away from town between Laguna and Dana Point - ...and use to eat there once in awhile - Best Italian food around. I'm glad to see it's still there. Some day we may try it again.
Laura - the old pottery shack is now The new Pottery Place with many little shops however, too much traffic to find parking and go through it.
We are driving along Pacific Coast Hwy - the hwy that follows the coastline and this is the particular area just through Laguna Beach. We actually didn't park and get out because we wanted to make it up to Balboa Island and we had spent too much time in Dana Point (these names mean nothing probably to anybody except those who live in California. Laura you will see the old pottery shack area in some of the photos below.
I couldn't believe that my favorite Laguna Nursery is no longer there - After probably twenty years the owner of the business didn't sign a new lease - I read an article where he said that because of the drought in California and especially because of his "artsy" area where he had art imported from other countries that it became more of a tourist stop to just look around (like we did) and less of a garden shop to buy plants. It wasn't producing a profit.
We discovered this restaurant in the 90's when it farther away from town between Laguna and Dana Point - ...and use to eat there once in awhile - Best Italian food around. I'm glad to see it's still there. Some day we may try it again.
Laura - the old pottery shack is now The new Pottery Place with many little shops however, too much traffic to find parking and go through it.
There is a lot I don't recognize now. It looks like it would be a nice, interesting walk through town now. I don't remember really spending much time there, even though we used to drive there occasionally. Also, I'm sure there are a lot of new places I've never seen.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like such a pretty area to explore. I always enjoy going in and out of little shops like that. You find the most interesting items.
ReplyDeletedefinitely a fun place! thanks for looking. I spent a lot of time there in the past. Laura do you remember when Mom was in the mountains and she got sick and our labor day weekend up there was called off and we went and found the greatest little hotel/motel room in Dana point by Doheny beach - as there was a vacancy. This would never happen in today's world - first off the price would be way way too high and no where is there a vacancy at the coast during a holiday weekend.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your pictures, Sandy. Looks like it would be a fun place to explore.
ReplyDeleteNice to see your pictures here Sandy.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I love these pictures! They really capture the atmosphere of the place. It looks like a really fun area.
ReplyDeleteI have only visited California once, many years ago but I just LOVED it, I did not want to return to Canada, I was so sad to leave. Seeing these photos brings back memories of the beautiful homes, flowers, trees....sounds like a lot of fun, visiting Italian restaurants in that area. I love that pink stucco building, so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely summer Sandy, happy and safe trails. Geraldine :-)
thanks everyone! I've been neglectful somewhat with my blogs - I gotta get back with the program.
ReplyDelete