With Memorial Day less than a week away, we are dreaming of where we might want to be if not in the vacation destination (lovely Santa Barbara is a destination unto itself) where we live. As a child my family used to go to Palm Springs for Memorial Day. It always feels like summer there even if the weather is still chilly at home. We still drive down to the desert a few times a year to visit family, but if I were to plan the perfect holiday weekend, it would definitely include a few days at The Parker Palm Springs. I love the chic, yet low key Jonathan Adler design of this boutique hotel. The food at Norma’s is tasty and The Palm Springs Yacht Club, the Parker’s spa, is heaven on earth! No trip down to Palm Desert is complete without a stop by Trio Palm Desert to do some shopping for myself and my daughter. Trio is now carrying some Adesso & Sorellina pieces as well. Another great reason to stop by and see what Heather has in the store!
The pathways through The Parker are magical...
I have yet to stay at the Korakia Pensione, but my dear friend Lisa recently made a trip to Palm Springs and stayed there. She said it was absolutely magical and that she felt transported to Morocco, another destination near the top of my “when can I book my ticket?” list! And, who knows, perhaps for something more low key, my friend Anne will just loan us the vintage Airstream so that we can head out to Joshua Tree to take in some of nature’s finest?
Anne's Vintage Airstream
If I were going to head North, I would hope that I would end up in Paso Robles for a weekend at the Hotel Cheval. Paso Robles is a sweet little town with a main square, many wine tasting rooms and a few great places to eat. We always plan at least one dinner and often brunch at Artisan for delicious, local seasonal cuisine when we are up there. And when not enjoying the relaxing courtyard at the Hotel Cheval and town, we make sure to drive around the countryside (which truly is reminiscent of the Italian countryside) to do a tasting at Jada Vineyard, an olive oil tasting (their Meyer Lemon Olive Oil is dreamy) at Pasolivo and Farmstand 46 for a snack or lunch.
Delicious olive oil tasting at Pasolivo
Visiting LA is always a fun option for a long weekend. I grew up there, but somehow going back still seems quite novel. Having lived in New York City, Washington, DC and Italy, Santa Barbara can feel small at times. So a jaunt to LA is always a great way to get a quick city fix. All of my visits down to the City of Angels include the following: a few meals at the delicious macrobiotic M Café, including Babycakes cupcakes after any and every meal there, sushi at Sushi Kiyono, a stroll down Abbot Kinney to take in all of the latest finds at the great boutiques in Venice, a visit to the Getty or MOCA, lunch at Joan’s on Third and some shopping for my daughter at the unbelievably adorable children’s store, Eggy (I always wish everything came in my size!).
Eggy is the cutest kids' store! Their clothes are beyond adorable and they have their own custom Adesso for Kids collection!
The amazing desserts at Joan's on Third (photo courtesy of goop.com). I love the Cloud Cupcakes with marshmallow dipped in chocolate on a chocolate cupcake...
We are not the only ones with SoCal on the brain…check out Elle Décor’s recent “Elle Décor Goes to Coastal California” for some great ideas about where to spend some quality time in California. I have no idea if I will go anywhere this Memorial Day or if it will be business as usual in Santa Barbara. Regardless, I am getting very excited to welcome in the Summer season with all of the fun things that I already have planned and the unknown experiences that will surely unravel in due time.
