JEREMY THE BLOGGER

It had been several years since I had eaten at Ranchos Cocinas in North Park, San Diego and was pleasantly surprised that they have elevated their food and the experience. Since 1994, they have been serving authentic Mexican food in a cozy and welcoming space, using fresh and local ingredients.  Everything I had from the chips and salsa with additional bottles of habanero and mango salsas, to the nachos and then my main dish, a quesadilla, every flavor was unique and delicious and the presentation was beautiful. There are a lot of Mexican restaurant options in San Diego, but this is a must if you are craving the cuisine. They also have a vast selection of Vegetarian and Vegan Mexican dishes as well.

Liberty Station (formerly the Naval Training Center, San Diego, established in 1923 ), closed as a military institution in 1997 and in 2000 began transitioning into what is there today; a beautifully repurposed shopping complex that utilizes almost all the original buildings and layout.   "It’s home to stylish bars, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as Liberty Public Market, filled with gourmet eateries and shops. There are also art galleries and several small museums housed in Spanish Colonial Revival buildings. Along the waterfront, NTC Park has grassy lawns and bike paths." according to Google. There are also several coffee roasters to choose from and a Trader Joe's.  So many historical features and artifacts are still present that a walk around the grounds is a must.

If you are lucky enough to live or work near a Trader Joe’s, then you already know what all the hype is about; great quality organic products at affordable prices.   The very first Trader Joe's store opened in Pasadena, California, in 1967. Located at 610 S. Arroyo Parkway, it is thankfully still in operation today.  The original location is pretty much the same as modern Trader Joe’s layouts, with the exception of a large, outdoor covered area for plants and some other products.   If you are ever in Pasadena and a fan of Trader Joe’s, don’t miss out on visiting their very first store! (Below is a picture from 1967 and one from a few years ago).

Ideally located across from Main Beach, Equator Coffees newest location that opened in late 2023, is the perfect place to grab some coffee from a Bay Area coffee roaster favorite, to Southern California and specifically, to Laguna Beach.  Their latest location is uniquely situated in the revived and repurposed historic South Coast Theater on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. According to their website, “Equator is proud to source coffee from over 50 producers and co-ops in 20 countries. Dozens of these relationships span many years, built on trust and shared values.”  What better spot to enjoy delicious coffee than right across from the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach; it might just be the best view from a coffee shop I have ever been to! 

According to wikipedia, "The Japanese Friendship Garden is a Japanese garden in Balboa Park in San Diego, California. It is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama." There is quite an elaborate history starting with the first Japanese Tea Pavilion in Balboa Park that was built for the Panama–California Exposition in 1915 and operated on a site that is now located inside the San Diego Zoo until 1945.  Eventually, the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum that we see today on a different site, first opened in 1990 and was last expanded in 2015.  The grounds offer a beautiful experience immediately transporting you to Japan the second you walk through the gates. The garden is built mostly on a hillside so keep that in mind as you make your way down the meandering paths which also act as a smooth and easy transition on the way back up.   Their website boasts that the garden “...includes meticulous stone designs, calming koi ponds, delig...

Even though Yummy Sushi (also known as Yummy Coronado) has been around for the last 20 years, it wasn’t until a few months ago that I discovered this delicious all you can eat sushi option in Coronado, CA. Idyllically located across the street from the historic Hotel Del Coronado, Yummy Sushi not only offers a flavorful and fresh menu, but you can enjoy it while gazing out the window at Coronado Beach and the Pacific Ocean which is just steps away.  What I like most about this all you can eat sushi is the freshness.  They get produce from local vendors and source fresh fish daily from around the world . 

One of the first things you will notice when you start out on these trails are the incredible views everywhere you look.  Located on the bluffs above the San Clemente shoreline, is Sea Summit Trail, with over 3 miles of trails including multiple stairs to really get a great workout in, all while enjoying the sea breeze, scenery and wildlife.   You can easily find free parking at one of many trailheads including Vista Del Sol and Pico Parks or you can utilize the abundance of parking spaces at the Outlets at San Clemente across the street.  There are even fast and slow EV chargers on the freeway side of the outlets. Established somewhere between 2015-2016, these trails are a valuable asset to the area and visitors far and wide. 

According to Wikipedia, “Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state of Arizona.”  It is also “...one of the oldest botanical institutions west of the Mississippi River.”  The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is about 60 miles east of Phoenix, AZ at the base of a volcanic remnant, along Queen Creek.  This arboretum really is spectacular and visiting at the end of November was especially nice with all the different hues of fall leaves.  You can find “desert plants from the United States, Mexico, Australia, Madagascar, India, China, Japan, Israel, South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula…within 135 acres of gardens.  Situated on 372 acres of scenic upland Sonoran Desert with nearly five miles of trails.” There is also a lot of history at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum as it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.  Two homes that were built shortly after the arboretum was established in...