JEREMY THE BLOGGER

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...

With several locations in the South Bay, Offset Coffee Roasters offers delicious coffee with a welcoming environment.  I visited their location in El Segundo, CA at 150 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite B. This location also serves as their roastery, which is on display and viewable as you wait in line or sit inside for a while.  I am not sure which days they roast, but I was lucky enough to watch them roasting fresh coffee on my visit.  As you know, nothing quite beats that smell.  It was rather busy the day I visited, but the space was modern and inviting, with courteous and helpful staff.

Since 2008, this unassuming Italian restaurant has been serving the community of Huntington Beach, CA and the surrounding area, delicious and high-quality masterpieces.  In recent years, they have expanded their dining room with a warm and inviting atmosphere.  Some top recommendations are: Tortellini Spinaci (cheese filled hat-shaped pasta, red onions, fresh spinach and Vodka sauce) and Linguini Pescatore (linguini with Mexican Wild Shrimp, calamari, fresh Venus clams and mussels in a light tomato white wine sauce). Don’t let the generic strip mall where this restaurant is located discourage you from walking in and enjoying a little  slice of Italy.   Like their website mentions, “Let Mona Lisa Cucina experience and mastery in the kitchen, take your palette on a journey to exquisite flavors.”

Located in Point Loma, a community within the city San Diego, CA, is the Pearl Hotel.  Ideally situated one block from America’s Cup Harbor is a perfectly restored mid-century modern hotel which offers a quaint and surprisingly quiet respite from the bustling surroundings.   Originally constructed in 1959 and operating as a sportsman lodge throughout the 1960s, the Pearl Hotel as seen today, was carefully renovated in 2020 to reflect the sophistication of the 1960s with added modern conveniences and style. The boutique hotel consists of 23 rooms surrounding an inviting courtyard pool, which connects with the on-site restaurant and cocktail bar.  Rooms range from cozy spaces (Mini Pearl) to spacious suites (Pearl Suite) and everything in between, offering something for everyone.

This location of Bristol Farms sits directly in Downtown Yorba Linda, next to the vibrant old town and just down the street from the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.  This is a large store, fairly new, with a clean and modern design.  The staff is friendly and they have a wonderful selection of products, some of which I haven’t seen before at other Bristol Farms locations.  There are some nice looking restaurants in the same center, along with a Peet's Coffee and a fast charger for EVs as well, near the front of the store.