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I’ve been to Napa a handful of times but a few years ago I attended a press lunch given by Sonoma County Tourism. I’d always thought of Sonoma as a college town and Santa Rosa as just an extension of San Francisco but I was way off base: the entire area is ripe with wineries and delicious restaurants, just like Napa Valley.

After spending a week in Sonoma County I realized something: I like it so much more than Napa. It’s much more relaxed and just as beautiful with just as much amazing wine and food. From now on I will be heading to Sonoma and Santa Rosa when I plan our wine country trips (it doesn’t help I joined TWO wine clubs while we were in town!)

Sonoma County has amazing wineries and food and is more laidback and accessible than Napa!

If you’re looking for a few ideas for restaurants and wineries in Sonoma County, read on. These are some of my favorite places and I know you’ll all love them too!

Where to Eat in Sonoma County

1. The Girl and the Fig

I cannot recommend The Girl & The Fig enough. It’s an absolutely fabulous restaurant with amazing food. We enjoyed their Fig Royale (a Kir Royale made with fig liquor instead of Chambord) as well as charcuterie, several of their specialties and desserts. My favorite dessert was a Lavender Creme Brûlée that was so good. I’m making a copycat as I write this! I’ve told my husband our next wine trip will be to Sonoma, and I’m planning to eat here again (and again).

2. Cafe Citti

We stayed at a house in Kenwood which is midway between Sonoma and Santa Rosa. There weren’t a ton of restaurants super close to the house but Cafe Citti was one of them. It was recommended by two people before our trip and since we could walk from the house it was a no-brainer. It’s an order-then-sit restaurant but has waiters to bring out your food and it was so good. Italian food is my favorite and this was one of the better meals I’ve had. We tried several pasta dishes as well as a half chicken and shared them – very good! (There is no bar, just wine and beer, so keep that in mind.)

3. Palooza Brewery & Gastropub

Also down the road from our Kenwood home, Palooza was a nice find for lunch. It was easy and fresh with delicious cocktails and fried pickles on the menu. It’s a great place to grab some hearty food in between wine tastings too.

Wineries to visit in Sonoma County

Sonoma County, like Napa, is a long and spread out valley full of vineyards as far as the eye can see. Benziger, Chateau St. Jean, and La Cream are just a few of the more recognizable wineries in Sonoma County.

When you’re planning a winery tour you want to think ahead about a few things:

• How many wineries will you visit in a day?
• Transportation to and from – don’t drink and drive!
• Is there food at the winery? Or other things to do besides taste?

Personally I like one or two winery visits max in one day or I get so tipsy I can’t remember anything – and then I pass out before dinner. When I planned this Sonoma retreat I decided on one winery each day. We selected wineries that also had food pairings or experiences because I like exploring the vineyards, etc. If you’re just in and out of the car tasting, it’s not much fun.

4. St. Francis Winery

One of the wineries we visited is located on the tip of Santa Rosa and Kenwood, just 2 miles from where we were staying. The property is absolutely gorgeous and you’re allowed to walk in the vineyards while you’re on site. It was a super hot day when we were there so we couldn’t walk as much as we wanted to, but it would be fantastic to go in spring or fall when the temps are in an it’s-ok-to-be-outdoors range.

St. Francis has several wine experiences, some that are just tastings and a few that are food pairings. I’d heard amazing things about the Wine & Food Pairing and we were able to attend one while we visited.

The visit to St. Francis starts with a glass of their chardonnay as a welcome. You’re able to walk in the vineyards or lounge on the patio overlooking the valley while you wait for your tasting.

The tasting is a complete five course meal where each course is paired with one of their signature wines. The menu is seasonal, so we had their summer menu which included melon salad, an amazing pasta dish, and that cake with white nectarines and Whipped Vanilla Crème Fraîche. The meal was epic, seriously and I will plan to do it again with my husband.

After the meal I asked to taste their Rosé, and everyone else asked too, and they brought out tastings for all of us…in one carry!

St. Francis is known for their Zinfandel, but I truly enjoyed their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé. I’m not a huge red wine drinker but the Pinot Noir was so good I brought home a bottle of that as well…and I joined their wine club so it’s only a matter of time before I visit them again to pick up my shipment.

5. Jordan Winery

Located in Alexander Valley outside Healdsburg, Jordan Winery only makes two wines: Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. My husband and I love Jordan Chardonnay and order it quite often in restaurants. Jordan Winery has been family owned and operated since 1972. The Jordan Family loved French wine and brought the French style of wine making to Sonoma County.

There are several tastings to choose from at Jordan Winery, from simple to elaborate. We were able to attend a Chateau Block Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Tasting during our visit. This tasting takes place above the vineyard (bring your walking shoes!) on picnic tables overlooking their newest “baby” vineyard.

We were welcomed to the estate with a glass of chardonnay (my favorite!) and then headed up to the vineyard for the tasting. Our tasting included different Cabernet Sauvignon wines as well as local charcuterie from Journeyman Meat Co. in Healdsburg. We also got to taste Jordan Olive Oil which was, no joke, the best olive oil I’ve ever tasted. I brought some home to enjoy with bread and charcuterie…or in a glass.

I really enjoyed the different Cabernets we tasted and along with the view and good company I highly recommend this tasting.

Jordan Winery doesn’t have a traditional wine club per se, but instead they have a rewards system. Each visit or purchase accumulates points which you can use towards tastings, events or even staying overnight at the estate. You can join the club here.

Other fun things to do when you visit Sonoma County:

6. Rent a house instead of a hotel!

We stayed at Casa Bella in Kenwood. It was a 10 bedroom property that would be perfect for families or large groups like ours. There are other smaller options in the area too, and it’s nice to be able to go home after a long day and just make charcuterie for dinner.

Oriental Trading Company helped sponsor our trip so one night we put on a Gothic Halloween Party with their new line. You can also make custom shirts through Oriental Trading Company now. Amy from Living Locurto made us all “May Contain Wine” shirts to wear. I have to admit – I don’t normally like those printable t-shirts – they never fit right – but these were super comfortable. Best custom shirts ever, seriously.

We also made an epic charcuterie board that spanned the entire dining room table! After a day of charcuterie at Jordan Winery we ate more charcuterie for dinner…you can never have too much cheese!

Another thing I like about staying at a house is that we could make our own breakfast. One morning we made Hummus Toast (have you ever had it? SO GOOD). Sabra was a sponsor of our trip and it was so much fun to see what everyone did with their #hummustoast.

7. Shop in Downtown Healdsburg or Sonoma

After our trip to Jordan Winery, we stopped in Healdsburg to shop. The downtown square has tons of cute shops and restaurants and we spent an hour wandering around. I think it would be perfect to do as a full day trip: eat, visit the tasting rooms and shop.

We got ice cream and pie at Noble Folk. They had traditional flavors but also this maple cornflake ice cream which was surprisingly good and very refreshing. The pies were bomb too!

The 10 of us had a fabulous week in Sonoma County and I can’t wait to go back. I want to give a thanks to our sponsors: Mediavine, Danish Creamery, Tamron USA, Oriental Trading and Sabra. Also a huge thank you goes to The Girl & The Fig, St. Francis Winery and Jordan Winery for hosting us.

Photo credit for some photos used in this post: Amy from Living Locurto (my co-host).

This post was sponsored by the companies listed above. All opinions and my love of Sonoma County is my own.

The post 7 Reasons to Visit Sonoma County appeared first on Crazy for Crust.

Some people get excited about rides when they go to Disneyland. Some people look forward to seeing the characters or strolling main street. Me? I get excited about THE FOOD. I love all the food at Disneyland and every time I go I can’t wait to try new (and old) favorites. Usually I hit up every single bakery and buy way too many goodies, then we eat them for a week. That’s not abnormal, right?

If you’re going to Disneyland or Downtown Disney and want to get some quintessential Disney food, you must try at least one (or ten) of these 16 foods you MUST eat at Disneyland. It wouldn’t be a trip to Disneyland with out filling up your stomach or emptying your wallet, now would it?

Oh, and quick tip. You know you can bring food and drinks into Disneyland, right? (Just make sure drinks are in plastic bottles, not cans or glass.) I always pack snacks and lunch and waters, and save my money for DESSERT.

What are the best foods to eat in Disneyland? Here are my favorites – 16 things you MUST EAT at Disneyland!

1. Mickey Mouse Cake Pop

Really, any cake pop. The cake pops at Disney are amazingly good. You can find them in almost every single bakery, made for almost every character depending on the land you’re in. But my favorite is  Mickey or Minnie because they’re just classic!

2. Matterhorn Macaroon

Hands down, the Matterhorn Macaroons are the BEST MACAROON YOU’LL EVER EAT. They do something to the batter to get them almost buttery, and the white chocolate topping is the icing on the cake. I’ve even made a copycat version of them, with my BEST Macaroon Recipe. You can find the Matterhorn Macaroons at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe.

3. Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Hands down, these are one of my favorite indulgent Disneyland treats. Two graham crackers are sandwiched with a thick and rich peanut butter filling and then the whole thing is dipped in chocolate. It’s a meal in itself! Find them at most of the bakeries around the park, or make your own with my copycat Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars recipe.

4. Ginormous Cookies

I always hit up the bakery on Main Street for their ginormous cookies. They have chocolate chip, peanut butter, and snickerdoodle and they’re all good, although the peanut butter is my favorite. If you don’t want to wait to go to Disneyland, try my Disney copycat Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies and XL Peanut Butter Cookies, and I’m pretty sure my Snickerdoodle recipe gives Disneyland a run for it’s money!

5. Toffee

Where else can you get a piece of toffee the size of your hand? DISNEYLAND of course. We always buy a toffee square because it’s Mel’s favorite! You can find them at the candy shop on Main Street. This toffee is a MUST EAT at Disneyland!

6. Mickey Brownie

I mean, who can say no to brownies in general, but one shaped as Mickey ears? I’m doomed…to eat the whole thing! Find them at the bakery on Main Street. Speaking of Mickey Mouse, check out these adorable Mickey Mouse Oreo cupcakes from Big Bear’s Wife. SO cute!

7. Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port (Tomorrowland)

If you need a quick lunch that’s really good (and has a shady spot to sit down), try Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port. The slices are huge and even though there will be a long line, it moves fast. Have your family stalk a table while you wait in line and you can all have a good rest before heading back out for more touring. Plus the pizza is actually really good!

Tell me that this adorable cake pop isn’t something that you MUST EAT at Disneyland… and I’ll call your bluff.

8. Starbucks (Main Street)

I know, there are Starbucks everywhere. Why go in Disneyland? Well, one because they sell Pirate’s of the Caribbean Cake Pops. And two, because you can get your Starbucks City Mug that says Disneyland. And if you’ve been in the park since 8am, you probably need some caffeine to keep going until fireworks.

(And you can train your kids to be like you and Instagram their drinks!)

9. Mickey Mouse Beignets

I never knew these existed until recently and OMG, THEY ARE SO GOOD. You find them at the Mint Julep Bar, right next to the train station in New Orleans Square. Skip the mint juleps (really, what’s a mint julep without alcohol?) and get a bag of these beignets. They’re served warm and they’re pillowy soft, plus they stay good all day…if they last that long. If you can’t make it to Disneyland for Mickey Mouse beignets, make Cafe Du Monde beignets at home.

10. Mickey Mouse Soft Pretzel

I mean…it’s a must. I get one every single time I’m in the park. The pretzel itself is mediocre compared to the perfect soft pretzel, or even the mall pretzels, but it’s shaped like Mickey. That makes it the best pretzel you’ve ever eaten! Find a pretzel cart just on your way into Frontierland (around the corner from Big Thunder Mountain) or in a cart on Main Street near the Walt Disney statue.

11. Tigger Tail

Okay, I don’t like marshmallows that much but this? THIS WAS WORTH EVERY CALORIE. Three marshmallows, dipped in caramel, then dipped in chocolate. They have them for every character just about, but Tigger is the original. If you’ve ever had spoon candy, this is just like it, but on a stick. You can find them on Main Street at the bakery or in the store next to the Winnie the Pooh ride. (That store also carries DOG GEAR, like bowls and toys!)

12. Peanut Butter Heaven

I had this a few years ago and it’s one of the best candies in all of Disneyland. It’s almost like a peanut butter Snickers bar: peanut butter nougat with caramel and peanuts dipped in chocolate. They usually have them at the Main Street candy shop or the Jolly Holly Bakery. Also check the candy shop in Downtown Disney!

13. Aladdin’s Oasis Grab-n-Go

If you’re doing the Main Street Electrical Parade and want reserved seating (which I talked about in my Disney Touring Plan post) you can reserve a meal at Aladdin’s Oasis. It can be eaten there (in the shade, a great time to rest and relax) or taken to go. There were some different choices but the kids and I both got the chicken. It’s actually a pretty healthy meal and you get a good quantity of food (although it’s as much as a character meal!) Reservations required!

14. Goofy’s Kitchen (Downtown Disney/Disneyland Hotel)

If you want to do a character meal but don’t want to waste a park day, do it at Goofy’s Kitchen. It’s located just outside Downtown Disney in the Disneyland Hotel area. Do dinner the night before you go to the park or breakfast the day after, so you don’t waste valuable touring time. You get to meet all the characters, the food is good (it’s a buffet) and you can order cocktails. Reservations required.

My favorites: the dessert pizzas, the cake pops, and that flourless chocolate tart. I could have eaten 12 of the tarts, they are SO delicious, and something you MUST EAT at Disneyland.

15. Pop Rock Cotton Candy

They sell these at street vendors in the evening. We got ours right on main street before the first parade. There are pop rocks IN THE COTTON CANDY!

16. Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (Downtown Disney)

Looking for a nicer meal? Try Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. The food is really good and the ambience is even better. (Ask to sit on the balcony overlooking Downtown Disney.) It’s upscale but worth it after a long day of touring. Plus, they have a full bar. Reservations recommended.

That’s where we love to eat in Disneyland…what do YOU think are the things you MUST EAT at Disneyland???

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Are you going to Los Angeles and wondering how to do Disneyland in one day? Don’t worry, it can be done! You can get all of the best rides done – even in summer – just by following this One Day Disneyland Touring Plan. It’s the perfect touring plan for teens or adults, with a focus on the bigger rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and Indiana Jones. With this plan you can get all of the big rides done before noon on a busy summer day, then fill in the afternoon with some of the rides you loved as a kid, like It’s a Small World.

Some important tips for this one day Disneyland touring plan:

A few things to know BEFORE you go:

Planning Extras

Up to 60 days prior to your visit, you’re able to make reservations for dining and “extras” on the day of your visit. This is important to do for 1-day touring. If you decide to just do rides and eat from casual restaurants, you can skip this. But if you want to watch the parade, eat at a fancier restaurant, or do character dining, it’s important to plan it out.

For a one day touring plan, it’s not optimal to do a character breakfast. Breakfast would make you miss out on the morning touring that is essential to getting it all done in one day. If character dining is a must, schedule one that is held outside the park. For breakfast, do it the morning after your touring. Each of the Disneyland Resort hotels offer a character breakfast. If that’s a must-do, schedule it outside of your touring day. For dinner, Goofy’s Kitchen is quite good (and you can get cocktails). Either plan to do it the night before you are in the park or plan it as a late afternoon break from touring before the evening festivities of parade and fireworks.

If you plan to stay in the park open to close, you’re going to need some down time. It’s good to make a reservation for a sit-down restaurant (where there is A/C) to give yourself a good break. Carnation, Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans, and several others offer reservations and the food is good (and healthier than that corn dog or slice of pizza). You can also make reservations at many of the restaurants in Downtown Disney. Just remember: one end of the park to Downtown is quite a walking distance.

Lastly, think about the parade. At press time, the park is showing the Main Street Electrical Parade. Because of the popularity, you’re able to reserve a dining package, either for a sit-down meal at The Blue Bayou or for a to-go meal (that you can eat sitting down) at Aladdin’s Oasis. Depending on the timing of your meal (lunch vs dinner) you get a reserved area for seating for the parade. The reserved area is roped off by It’s a Small World and you don’t have to go as early to get a spot (by 8:00 is recommended for the 8:45 parade, which is better than when people start camping out at 5:00 or earlier). Plus, you have to eat!

Download the Disneyland App

The Disneyland App is perfect for managing your dining reservations (or making new ones as the day goes on), but it’s most valuable for wait times. This can let you know where to head next, what to avoid, and when to get fast passes.

Another important factor of my one day Disneyland touring plan is regarding TIME.

Get There EARLY.

I’ve been to Disneyland on one-day trips now several times and what I’ve noticed is that the park fills up as the day goes on. It makes sense to go early, but it seems many people just don’t do it. If you only have one day in Disneyland, it is absolutely essential that you get to the park at least 30 minutes before the gates open and get in line, especially if you are visiting in summer. Doing all your favorite rides before the lines get long (and it gets hot) requires you to lose a little sleep! If the park opens at 8am, plan to be parked and in the line at the turnstiles no later than 7:30am.

The turnstiles open before the park does. At this point a lot of people meander down main street, get buttons, use the restroom, shop, get coffee. Don’t do any of that: go straight to the ropes, work your way as close to the front as you can and wait for the rope drop. You can eat and shop later; when you’re tired and it’s super crowded and hot. Don’t waste the morning doing those things!

As of writing, Disneyland offers Magic Mornings on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Magic Morning entry is granted for anyone who is staying at a Disneyland Resort or who purchases a 3-day park pass or longer. If you’re only going 1 day and not staying at a Disney hotel, avoid those days for touring. (Also, it goes without saying to avoid weekends in general.)

I recommend Wednesday for a 1-day visit, followed by Monday or Friday in order of my preference.

Eat a good breakfast.

I know, you’re up at the crack of dawn and not hungry, but force yourself. More than likely, your hotel has some sort of breakfast, even if it’s just granola bars. Go for protein.Then pack snacks and waters. You want to use as much time in the morning as possible riding rides, not waiting in line for food.

Wear Comfortable Shoes.

This Disneyland touring plan is not a “let’s see all of one land before we go to the next”. It involves a lot of walking back and forth. Get new running shoes before you go (but break them in first).

Ready to tour? Okay, so you’ve had a good breakfast. You’ve gotten out of bed and to the rope before drop at 8am. Now it’s time for the One Day Disneyland Touring Plan that’s perfect for teens and adults that love to ride rides.

One Day Disneyland Touring Plan for Teens/Adults

1. At the rope, stand to the right (towards the Matterhorn). Once the rope drops, head to the Matterhorn Bobsleds and ride it first.
2. Head to Tomorrowland and ride Space Mountain, if the wait is under 15 minutes. Otherwise, get a Fast Pass.
3. Big Thunder Mountain.
4. Head to Frontierland and ride Indiana Jones.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean.
6. Haunted Mansion (unless wait is over 20 minutes; if so and time overlaps, get a Fast Pass) and/or return to ride Space Mountain, if you got a Fast Pass. (You can get more than one fast pass at a time once the times overlap).
7. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
8. Star Tours
9. Get a Fast Pass for Splash Mountain (ride it if wait is under 20 minutes)
10. Jungle Cruise
11. It’s a Small World
12. Autopia (Fast Pass is recommended)

At this point, it’s hot and you’re hungry and you’ve ridden all the rides you HAVE TO RIDE. And, if I’m guessing…it’s only about noon. That’s the best part about arriving early – you can get all the big stuff done before the crowds (and before it’s hot as Hades).

Go grab some lunch, rest a bit. Then head to Fantasy Land and do anything your heart desires to make you feel like a kid again. The afternoon is great for shopping, or the train or one of the boat rides (at press time they’re closed). Get another Fast Pass for Space Mountain before the return time is too late, and ride Splash Mountain again when it’s super hot.

Plan for a sit-down dinner around 5:00 when you’re hot and tired. Take your time. If you didn’t plan it before you got to the park, use the app during the day to make a reservation somewhere either in the park or Downtown Disney (bonus: cocktails served there). (If you do Downtown, be sure to do one closer to the park; I’ve walked from Toon Town to Goofy’s Kitchen before and it’s a good 20 minutes walk.)

If you’re not interested in the parade, plan to ride more rides then. Optimal fireworks viewing is in front of the castle, near the Walt Disney statue. If you head there after the parade you’ll get crowded in like cattle, but it’ll be good viewing.

After all that, head back to your hotel and sleep for 12 straight hours. Just be sure not to miss that character breakfast you scheduled the next day!

I hope you picked up some helpful information from my Disneyland touring plan. Enjoy your visit!

The post One Day Disneyland Touring Plan for Teens/Adults appeared first on Crazy for Crust.

After My Trip I Found The BEST Places To Eat In Charleston

Recently I attended a conference in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. I’d never been before so I was very excited to see this beautiful city and experience some authentic southern cuisine. From biscuits to doughnuts, fabulous cocktails and fried chicken, Charleston has it all.

I was only in town for 3 full days and two of them were mostly taken up by conferencing. I would have liked to spend weeks eating my way through downtown Charleston, but instead I had to settle for 12 of the BEST food I could find. Normally I don’t eat 3 full meals a day, but during my time in the south I not only ate 3 full meals but full snacks and cocktails too. Word of advice: if you’re going to Charleston bring your stretchy pants, because there SO many delicious places to eat in Charleston.

And now my favorite places to eat in Charleston, South Carolina, in no particular order… (except, well…biscuits and doughnuts are always in my top positions!)

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
476 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

If you love biscuits you MUST GO to Callie’s. I’ve honestly never had a better biscuit than her basic Buttermilk. The cinnamon one was to die for too, with all that drippy gooey butter. The Cheddar Chive was one of my favorites, especially when paired with the savory thyme whipped butter. Want something heartier? Go with a sandwich or one of the specials. Can’t decide what to get? They have a 3/$5 deal where you get three small biscuits (any flavors) for $5.

Cost: cheap
Time: it’s busy, so plan to wait in line. There are only a few counter seats, so get your biscuit to go.

Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts
481 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Glazed is right across the street from Callie’s. Grab a biscuit to go, then go get a dozen doughnuts. (I’m not joking; I really did that.) The menu runs the gammet from basic chocolate with sprinkles and maple bacon to more crazy flavors like bacon apple fritter and s’mores. The Salted Caramel Old Fashioned (right in the middle in that photo) was probably the best doughnut I’ve ever eaten, and the Banana Cake Doughnut (vegan) was really good too.

Cost: cheap
Time: it can get busy but wasn’t when I was there, and there is lots of seating.

HoM Charleston
563 King St, Charleston, SC 2940

We popped into HoM for lunch one afternoon and were very impressed. The cocktail menu was en pointe (what? who doesn’t order afternoon cocktails when on vacation?) and we absolutely inhaled the fries and truffle tots. I suggest asking for all the fry sauces; they were amazing. I also recommend the Dixie Flatbread and a few of the Blueberry Mint Splashes.

Cost: affordable (most menu items are $10 or less)
Time: plan to wait for a table at meal times, and even in between, because this really is one of the best places to eat in Charleston.

Prohibition
547 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

We didn’t dine at the regular restaurant at Prohibition; rather we had the back room and patio for our closing event. I’m sure the food was done by the restaurant, but it’s not food that’s on the regular menu. It was good, so it’s definitely worth your time. However, even if you don’t eat there, you MUST get drinks. The bartenders make a killer mojito (I don’t even like mojitos and I drank 3 of them). One of their specialty cocktails is a Jack Rose made with applejack and pom. Not only is it a gorgeously vibrant cocktail, but it went down super easy too.

Cost: Pricey for food, cocktails about $10 each
Time: plan on reservations

Jim ‘n Nick’s
288 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

One cannot go to the south without getting BBQ. I think that’s a law somewhere? Jim ‘n Nick’s is a chain, yes, but it’s right smack dab in the middle of King Street so it’s perfect when you need a food break from shopping. We were hot and tired and hungry and couldn’t decide where to eat until we saw the neon pig outside. How can you NOT be attracted to a giant pig on the side of a building? Being ladies who were lunching, we got salads, but I gotta say, the salad was one of the best I’ve had. The ingredients were fresh and the meat was cooked absolutely perfectly. The BBQ sauce on the table added a nice kick to the top as well. Both the Pig in the Garden Salad and the Chopped Southern Salad were winners, although looking back I should have ordered catfish or pimento cheese just to be authentic.

Whatever you do, though, when at Jim ‘n Nick’s, order the BBQ chips with an extra side of blue cheese dressing. It was drinkable.

Cost: Affordable
Time: may get crowded at meal time, but the inside is large with plenty of seating. It’s walk-up and order, so it’s faster than a traditional restaurant.

Poogan’s Porch
72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

Our first meal was at Poogan’s Porch. The restaurant is housed in an old southern home (coined for the dog – Poogan – who loved to sleep on the porch). It’s one of those restaurants that’s booked solid at 8pm on a Wednesday night, so they’re doing something right. The menu is truly southern, with fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, pimento cheese, and shrimp & grits all making an appearance. We decided to split several things instead of each order our own meal, so I can highly recommend the fried chicken and fried pimento cheese. The Kale Caesar was good too, although I was a little sad to see that kale as a salad (and not boiled as greens) had reached the south. The wine list was good too.

Cost: expensive (appetizers are affordable at under $15, but entrees range from $20-$40
Time: reservations are a must for dinner – don’t be late and don’t add people at the last minute, and expect to wait even with your reservation. Quite obviously, the entire state must think this is one of the best places to eat in Charleston.

The Cocktail Club
479 King St #200, Charleston, SC 29403

This hidden bar can be hard to find, especially when you’re a few drinks in and wearing heels. Look for a door that looks like it belongs to a different building, and then head upstairs where you’ll find the hidden bar and patio space. The menu is light on food but heavy on Gin; the cocktail menu is pages long so browse it ahead of time or you’ll be the one holding up your party from ordering. Or just do what I did: drop a finger and pick a drink. I got lucky; the At a Thyme Like This… was a delicious blend of vodka, prosecco, grapefruit juice, cinnamon, and thyme.

Cost: $10-15 cocktails
Time: get there early to get a table; by 10pm the place was standing room only.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
501 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Yes, I know there are a number of places to get ice cream in any given city, and that Jeni’s is a chain. BUT…it’s Jeni’s. When in a city that has one, you must go. I still remember eating it in Nashville years ago so when I saw the sign I pounced. Sweet Cream, Salty Caramel, Espresso, Berry…Jeni’s has flavors for kids and adults. And get a waffle cone, you know you want one. Actually, you know you need one if you’re looking for one of the best places to eat in Charleston.

Cost: Cheap
Time: expect a line

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier
90 Society St, Charleston, SC 29401

Christophe Artisan Chocolatier is off the main street in downtown Charleston. To be honest, it wasn’t even on my list, but my radar detected chocolate and veered me right towards it. Inside they have an array of gorgeous chocolates you’d expect to find in a chocolatier, as well as numerous branded chocolate bar flavors and macrons (of course). The chocolate chip cookie was good, but the sable was the best cookie I’ve ever eaten. Get it. Get one now.

Cost: cheap to medium depending on what you order. Cookies under $5, chocolates are $20 and up for a box.
Time: fast

VomFass Charleston
342 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

VomFass was another accidental visit. We were shopping and peeked our heads in to see what it was and saw olive oil. We weren’t interested until the salesman said “whisky tasting” and we were all in. You can taste as much as you want (within reason, I’m sure). Whisky isn’t my thing, but they also have liqueur. The favored vodkas were AMAZING – try the grapefruit. You won’t be sorry.

Cost: expensive if you buy something, small bottles start at around $20
Time: fast

Mercantile & Mash
701 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29403

I happened upon Mercantile & Mash accidentally during the conference. Our sessions were being held upstairs, in the old Cigar Factory. I’m pretty sure this place is a local hangout because it’s not really in the touristy area (in fact, I wouldn’t walk there from King Street after noon). We needed coffee, so we wandered in and were pleasantly surprised; this market is a trendy foodie paradise. You can grab and go, get baked goods from the bakery, or order hot sandwiches. There’s a full coffee shop in the middle with baked goods (the BEST scone I’ve ever eaten) and the rest of the store has local food, wine and gifts. I bought plates and napkins for food props, as well as some snacks.

Cost: Affordable
Time: just getting coffee or lunch? Fast. But plan some time to wander and shop; you won’t be sorry.

Caviar & Bananas
Multiple Locations; photo taken at Charleston Airport

I’d seen Caviar & Bananas pop up in my pre-Charleston research, but didn’t think much about it. A gourmet market, ho-hum. But! It was a godsend at 5am on Sunday morning when I was waiting for my flight. Full coffee shop with ginormous baked goods (perfect for…after party stomach) that tasted amazing. That sprinkle cookie got me through my flight home. The market wasn’t open that early, but it’s full of specialty foods and drinks, and worth a stop if you’re a foodie who likes to explore.

Cost: affordable
Time: fast, but leave time to shop the market

With all of these places to eat in Charleston, you should probably plan your trip now!

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You Need A Good Bad For Your Must Have Carry On Essentials

I always joke that I was a girl scout because I am always prepared. The thought of flying without every single thing I might need gives me a ton of anxiety, so I’ve fine tuned everything I bring with me in my carry-on to make my life on the flight just a little bit easier. I tend to over pack my luggage, but for the carry-on under my seat, I want it thorough but simple and I want everything to be easily accessible. Every single item in that bag has a useful purpose. Anything I don’t need is just extra weight for my shoulder to deal with running though an airport to try and catch my connecting flight.

I’d like to preface that this is my carry on essentials list as a single female traveler. This is not what my bag looks like when I travel with my husband or my kid. This is when I’m traveling for business or pleasure – alone.

First of all, you need a good carry on bag that will fit everything you need. I’ve gotten so discouraged over the past few years because I cannot find a bag that is absolutely perfect. One that will fit my laptop but have lots of pockets and places to stow things, and it has to have a long cross-body shoulder strap. I never wear it cross body, but what woman wants to tote 20 pounds of stuff around an airport with a huge bag cinched to her shoulder? NO ONE.

It took me years and lots of searching to find a good tote bag/shoulder bag that held everything (including my laptop) that had a cross body strap, and was stylish enough to use as a large purse and a business bag for travel. I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted anywhere, but I recently settled for a Calvin Klein bag I found at a discount store. I just took it with me on my trip to Charleston and it was absolutely perfect. If you’re interested, it’s the Calvin Klein Sonoma Reversible Tote. It’s a bit pricey, but it fit everything and was comfortable to wear using just the shoulder straps.

Okay so what’s IN the bag?

Top 10 Must Have Carry On Essentials:

1. Laptop Case that does double duty.

I bring my laptop everywhere I go, even if I’m going on a personal trip. As a small business owner, if I don’t work I don’t get paid, so I always like to have it with me in case of emergencies. Plus, I’m too paranoid to leave it at home in case my house gets robbed. I always put my laptop in a case to protect it from all the other things in my bag and I like having a case that does double duty. I put my boarding passes, a few magazines, maybe even my kindle or a notebook in the case so I can find them easier mid-flight.

Check it out: Laptop Neopreen Case – it comes in many colors!

2. Wallet Clutch Purse

When I’m in an airport, I absolutely hate having to search for carry on essentials in my large bag. You’re constantly having to get out money or your ID, and on the plane I want to keep my phone, gum, and Chapstick close. While I’m at my destination, I am often going out for evenings and I always worry about switching wallets to a cute clutch each night because I am certain to lose something important (like a credit card). Problem solved with a wallet clutch cross body purse! I wear this on my person through the airport (it doesn’t count as a carry-on because I wear it the whole time). It’s not uncomfortable and my valuables are always near me. Plus the straps detach, so I can use it as a wallet or clutch during my vacation. You can find these at many stores (like Target) or on amazon.

Check it out: Leather Wristlet Wallet Clutch

3. and 4. FOOD and water!

I always ALWAYS pack snacks on flights. I normally just buy water when I get through security, but if you like carrying your own bottle, you can as long as it’s empty. Many airports now have water filling stations after security.

No matter how long or what time my flight is I always pack a bag of snacks and gum. I try to pack protein snacks like granola bars and almonds or little packs of peanut butter, plus an apple or banana. I tend to buy food at airports too, because I need 3 meals a day. Not just snacks, but there have been many times where I’ve run through airports to make my connection and not had time to buy food. This way I’m covered and don’t find myself buying a $15 bag of M&Ms in flight because I’m starving.

5. Comfortable shoes and flip-flops (and socks!)

I wear two kinds of shoes on flights: Either Tieks (flats) or flip flops. They are always the most comfortable things for me to travel in, because I hate shoes. I cannot stand wearing anything restrictive on an airplane, because most of the time I have to remove them at some point. If I wear the flats, I pack the flip flops or vice versa. Tip: pack a gallon size ziploc bag in case you switch shoes. There is nothing grosser than throwing your airport-bottomed shoes in your tote bag without being in something.

And DON’T FORGET SOCKS! Sometimes airplanes are cold. Even if you’re going somewhere hot, bring socks for security and the airplane. I have TSA pre-check so I no longer have to remove my shoes, but when I did I would always put on socks. I’d literally rather stab my eyeballs out with a spoon than walk barefoot in the airport.

6. and 7. Personal Items

You’ll see that I have several different makeup bags in my carry-on. I do this because the purse I use is very large and cavernous and I want to be able to find everything quick. I have two separate pouches for miscellaneous make-up items (lip gloss, lip liner, bobby pins, hair ties, etc) and for female products. There is nothing worse than being on a flight and realizing you need female product and not having one. These are definitely carry on essentials. Make sure to carry some with you!

8. Chargers & Headphones

Please please please DO NOT forget to bring your chargers on the plane. Don’t put them in your checked luggage. Don’t put them in the suitcase that’s in the overhead compartment. Carry, at minimum, a USB cord for your phone and/or any other devices. Newer and bigger airplanes have chargers and USB ports at your seat and most airports have some sort of way to charge your devices near the gates. Unless you plan to do work with pen and paper and read a novel, you want your device fully charged and a way to charge it as you drain the battery.

I always carry mini chargers and cords with me in my purse (even at home) as well as when I travel. I also have a spare phone cord and USB plug that stays in my travel bag so I never forget it.

These are pictured with #10, but I’m mentioning them here: don’t forget your headphones. Remember that, if you have an iPhone 7, you need the adaptor to use regular headphones. Better yet, get a pair of bluetooth headphones. I finally found a pair that syncs with everything, INCLUDING MY KINDLE.

Check them out: Portable Phone/Device Chargers and a Multifunctional Universal Charger (great if you have different devices and phones).

Headphones: Phaiser Bluetooth Headphones – they stay in your ears thanks to a little hook, they’re sweat proof, block out noise from the airplane as an added bonus, and did I mention THEY WORK WITH YOUR KINDLE? At under $50 they’re a steal.

9. Your Most Important Carry On Essentials

These are going to vary person to person, but I always put them in the largest bag inside my purse. The purse I bought came with this clipped pouch, so I can always find it. Remember, I carry my wallet and super-essentials (like phone, chapstick, money, and gum) cross body for easy accessibility. This pouch is for the secondary items I want to be able to reach in a flash. Advil, Purell, a pen, deodorant (because travel days are long!), keys, etc. I also carry Splenda when I travel because it’s the only sweetener I like and most airlines and some coffee shops don’t have it.

Most importantly: Clorox travel wipes. I ALWAYS have these with me because I am that person who wipes down her headrest, seatbelt, armrests, and tray table upon boarding a plane. I clean the remote control, phone, and door handles in the hotel too, so these are always in my bag.

10. Sunglasses (& Headphones)

Seems intuitive, but please pack them before you leave. Have a second spare pair you wear to the airport or whatever and pack your favorites in your carry on the night before. On THREE of my last trips I forgot my sunglasses and had to buy them there. That’s the hazard when you leave your house at 3am: it’s still dark so you forget them. Pack them up and you’ll never find yourself wearing ugly gas station glasses in all your trip photos.

I talked about headphones in #8 but since, other than my purse, they’re my best purchase in months, I’ll put them here again: Phaiser Bluetooth Headphones.

That’s it, haha! It’s what’s in my carry on bag whenever I travel, and that doesn’t even count the suitcase, which is a whole other post on how to pack for a trip, but I always carry on a suitcase with a change of clothes in case of disaster. I’m nothing if not pessimistic!

What are YOUR carry on essentials?

This post contains amazon affiliate links.

The post 10 Must Have Carry On Essentials for Traveling appeared first on Crazy for Crust.

Even though I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I never visited Coit Tower until I moved away. It’s one of those famous San Francisco skyline buildings you always see, but rarely think to visit (if you’re a local). One day we were looking for something to do on a day trip to the city and we discovered that there are hidden stairways all over San Francisco. If you’ve never been to the city by the bay, you’ve probably seen the steep hills on TV or online. Some of the streets have such an incline that I don’t even like driving or parking on them!

The result of these steep inclines are the amazing San Francisco Hidden Steps. There are several across the city, but my favorite are the hidden steps to Coit Tower. It’s a much better way to get to the tower (parking fills up at the museum) plus it’s more scenic, pretty, and calm. And it’s exercise!

There are two sets of steps: the Filbert Street Steps and the Greenwich Stairs. We always go up the Filbert Stairs and walk back down the Greenwich ones, but you can do it either way. Lace up your walking shoes and let’s get started!

The stairs are visible right across the street from the intersection of Sansome and Filbert Streets. You’ll see some apartment buildings with a stairway between. Start climbing…but don’t forget to look behind you as you climb. The views of the Bay Bridge are stunning.

Through the climb you’ll see yourself walking alongside homes and apartments. I think of these homes as hidden, just like the stairs. The only way in or out are up and down the staircases. Can you imagine being the UPS man? Or moving in and having to get your furniture into your flat?

Some of the hidden steps to Coit Tower are wooden, some metal, and some are concrete. If you climb up or down the Greenwich steps, they’ve got designs on them and are super pretty.

The stairs take you right to the back of the Coit Tower monument. From here you can walk all the way around the tower and see 360° views of San Francisco, or you can take the elevator to the top and see the city from high above Telegraph Hill. Tip: go during the week to avoid the largest crowds.

Climbing the hidden steps to Coit Tower is one of our favorite things to do in San Francisco. It doesn’t take very long to do, doubles as exercise, and is a great way to see the city. Plus, the kids love it!

IF YOU GO

Filbert Street/Greenwich Street Steps to Coit Tower

Cost: free to walk the steps, small fee to ride the elevator up to the top of Coit Tower

Time: about 1 hour (not including visiting at Coit Tower)

Family: 4 stars

Great for kids and adults, is a quick thing to do before lunch or in the afternoon to tire them out. Just be sure an adult watches the kids at all times on the stairs.

Business: 4 stars

This is a great lunch break sight if you’re close to the area on business. A great way to get in a quick workout and see some sights at the same time.

How to get there:

Parking:

Parking is available for a fee at Levi’s Plaza Garage, right next to the steps. Street parking (with parking meters) can also be found if you’re lucky.

Traveling to San Francisco? Be sure to visit the Ferry Building, Half Moon Bay and Napa! And don’t forget about Ghiradelli chocolate!

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I absolutely love Napa, California. If you love wine, how could you not? It’s beautiful, it’s relaxing, and it has amazing food…and wine, of course. Mel and I have been there a few times before but I always forget how easy it is for us to actually go. It’s only an hour and a half from where we live, so visiting isn’t a huge commitment. Like Las Vegas, 24 hours in Napa is enough for me – and it’s an easy overnight trip from anywhere you’re staying in the San Francisco area.

If you’re in the area for any length of time, consider popping over to Napa for a night. There’s so much to see and do (and drink) that it can be overwhelming, so I’m narrowing down my favorite places for you. Here is how Mel and I like to spend a night in wine country!

Where to Stay and Eat

We’ve stayed at a few places in the Napa area but by far, the Silverado Resort and Spa is officially my favorite. It’s convenient to my favorite wineries, it’s a gorgeous property, and the room was perfect. Because we were only there for 24 hours, we didn’t get to use all the amenities, but I plan to go back with some girlfriends next summer.

The Silverado is a huge property, with rooms ranging from the normal hotel-type room all the way up to 2- and 3-bedroom apartment style suites. We had a one bedroom king suite and it not only had a large sleeping area and bathroom, but it had a huge living room and full kitchen. It would be perfect for a longer stay – you could actually cook on the regular sized stove and store lots of food in the full-sized refrigerator.

(This room would be perfect for a girls weekend!)

If you’re watching the Safeway Open this weekend, you may recognize the hotel. The golf tournament is taking place there right now! The property is huge, with a spa and a PGA golf course that I know Mel would love to play some day. Since I’m a food person, I’m way more into eating than I am into massages and golf, so our stay was centered on FOOD!

The Silverado has a brand new Market & Bakery that just opened recently. They sell pastries and bread from Model Bakery, they have coffee and sandwiches and picnic makings, plus wine and a little market of crackers and olive oils, etc. We spent a lot of time there; we got bread and cheese for lunch and had our breakfast on the patio.

Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the pastries. Mel doesn’t usually travel with me for work, so I had to introduce him to how I do breakfast:

One of everything! The Apple Crumb muffin was the best muffin I’ve ever had (expect a copycat) and that english muffin? Can not be beat! Homemade for the win.

And don’t forget dessert: cookies and caramel bars bigger than my head:

For dinner we ate at The Grill at the Silverado. After wine tasting all day I didn’t want to uber again, so we stayed on property. The food was good and the wine even better!

Other places I love to eat:

Ristorante Allegria (Italian food done amazing downtown Napa)

Bistro Don Giovani (what can I say, I love Italian food)

Gotts (for lunch) in downtown Napa

Oxbrow Public Market – great for food and shopping if you have a few hours

Bouchon Bakery – a MUST for sweet lovers!

Where to Wine Taste

Obviously, if you’re headed to Napa, you’re probably going to go wine tasting. There are so many options I don’t even know if I could list them all (I have a 2-3 winery maximum per day or I don’t remember what I’m drinking). I’m going to share with you my favorites.

How to get around: do NOT drink and drive. Please just don’t. One option is to go on a tour or hire a driver. I’m not a “tour” fan because I don’t like people, generally, and I want to go where I want to go, not where the tour takes me. But if you want to hire a private driver, consider hiring Platypus Tours. Mel and I did that as a special treat a few years ago. They’ll plan your tour for you, pack snacks and water, and drive you around. It’s expensive though ($300 + fees).

For a cheap route, do what we did on this trip: Uber. There are plenty of drivers around the Napa area and we never had to wait more than 10 minutes. I spent about $80 (fare + cash tip) going from our hotel to two wineries and back to the hotel. Totally worth it!

Wine tasting caveat: I only like white, so I set up my tours that way.

Here are my absolute favorite wineries to taste at (there are only two):

Cakebread Cellars

I’ve never seen Cakebread in the wine store, but supposedly you can find it some places. It’s mainly a restaurant wine, and boy is it good. They have both white and red, even though I only do white tastings.

You need to make an appointment for your tastings. They have different ones, from a combination of wines, to reds to a white-only tasting. That’s the one we always do. Cakebread started with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and those are two of my favorite brands wine of all time, hands down.

The BEST part about the white wine tasting at Cakebread? Greg. He’s the winemaker who leads the tour. He’s worked there for a long time and has his hands in so much of the process. He’s knowledgeable and a great host; the tasting isn’t just a pouring of wine, it’s an informational and fun. Plus the wine is SO GOOD. We took home several bottles (some day I’m going to just go ahead and join their club).

If you go, say hi to Greg for me.

Mumm Napa

If you like sparkling wine, Mumm Napa is a MUST stop for you. Even if you don’t love bubbles, you should still go there. For one, it’s a gorgeous place. There are gardens and flowers and the deck overlooks the vineyard with some gorgeous views.

Also? Their chardonnay is amazing.

You wouldn’t think that a place known for it’s sparkling wine would serve a chardonnay, but they do. I don’t think you can buy it elsewhere, but whenever we go to Mumm we buy a few bottles of it. They sell several of the wines they use to make their sparkling wine, including the Chardonnay and Pino Gris.

Mel always gets a glass of Chardonnay, and I got a tasting of Pino Gris and 3 glasses of bubbles. Of course, I like the most expensive one best. (So totally me.)

Well that’s it. Those are my favorites in Napa…and I hope you enjoy them. After two wineries and wine with dinner, I’m usually done. 24 hours in Napa is perfect for us, and I hope it is for you too!

Thank you to the Silverado Resort and Spa who hosted me overnight on our trip in exchange for social media and this post. All opinions are 100% my own (seriously, I’m only staying there from now on!)

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Before he met me, Mel lived in Half Moon Bay and once we were dating he introduced me to the wonders of the coast: hiking, the beach, and the good food. We’d get up early every Saturday morning to get over the hill before the crowds came and we’d spend hours exploring our favorite hiking spots, sitting on the beach, and eating our way through downtown. We actually fell in love on top of Montara Mountain, just a few short miles from Half Moon Bay.

Now that we live a few hours away, I have to settle for only occasional visits to this wonderful little town and I cherish each and every one. Some day (once Jordan leaves the house) our goal is to move there so that I can walk on the ocean and get my salty air recharge every day instead of only once or twice a year.

If you’ve ever in the area visiting San Francisco or San Jose, or even if you live in the Bay Area, don’t miss all that this little coastal town has to offer. It’s a must-see, even if you only spend one night. If that’s ever the case, you’ll need my guide to where to stay, eat, and play in Half Moon Bay, California!

Where to Play

For me, Half Moon Bay is all about the beach, hiking, and being outdoors. Don’t let the fog fool you! You may arrive and think it’s going to be a gloomy day, but often times it burns off by lunchtime. (The fog and varying temperatures also means you should pack layers!)

Visit the Beach. There is coastal access all up and down Highway 1. Some of the more popular stops are Venice Beach, Roosevelt Beach, Half Moon Bay State Beach, and Poplar Beach. The first three have bathroom structures, I believe, and Poplar has an outhouse. All of them require pay to park. Beach-going in Northern California isn’t like heading to Santa Monica Pier in LA. The water is COLD, so be prepared to don a wetsuit or just stick your feet in and enjoy some of the most gorgeous coastline in California.

Take a Walk or Hike: This is what we ALWAYS do in Half Moon Bay. Exercise is always our first stop because it’s so breathtaking. Here are three easy walks we love:

1. Montara Mountain. This isn’t really a walk – it’s definitely a hike. The shortest circle is about 3 miles long but it’s worth every step. You wind around the backside of the mountain through pretty coastal foliage. Just before you head down the mountain you get a gorgeous view of the entire coast (depending on the fog, of course). This is where Mel and I sat and had a picnic and fell in love!
2. Poplar Beach path. If you park at Poplar Beach (head down Poplar Ave from Highway 1) you’ll notice a path along the ocean cliffs. This path runs for miles in both directions and it’s a great starting place for a long walk. Most people head north, but south is just as beautiful!
3. Beach path via Pilarcitos. A little farther south down Highway 1 from Poplar is a beautiful community of homes. If you park on Pilarcitos right at the end (there’s a spanish style mansion) you can walk on an easement to the beach path. Head south and walk as long as you want. You’ll go over some fun walking bridges, get to see all the state beaches, and enjoy some gorgeous wildflowers and local vegetation.

Watch Mavericks: If you’re in the area in January (and sometimes December and/or February) you may notice a LOT of surfers (more than normal). The waves in one spot along the coast a few miles off the coast of Pillar Point Harbor. If you’re on Highway 1 you can tell where it is because there is Air Base Station there (it looks like a huge ball on top of a pole). You can watch the surfers from Ross Cove (and it’s a nice beach too).

Shop downtown: this is a favorite of ours too. Main Street in Half Moon Bay is a quintessential small town USA main street with tons of little shops and restaurants. We always like to walk down Main Street (and EAT) after a walk.

Where to Eat

Oh my there are some good places to eat in Half Moon Bay!! I have two favorites that are MUST STOPS. Even if you can’t eat any more, do it anyway. And then go to the two bakeries and get dessert.

Barbara’s Fishtrap (in Princeton, at Pillar Point Harbor)

This place has been my favorite since the day I fell in love with my husband. He took me there after we hiked at Montara Mountain. They have a walk-up outdoor place to get food, and a restaurant you can sit in. The outside menu is smaller (but has all the favorites) and is perfect for when there is a super long wait to eat inside. (We got there 20 minutes before they opened and we about 10th in line for a table.)

What to order: The Clam Chowder and the Tempura Shrimp. Don’t miss out on either of them! The chowder is unlike any you’ve ever had and I crave it all the time. Note: they ONLY take cash or check, NO credit cards!

The San Benito House Deli (on Main Street)

Mel introduced me to this shortly after we started dating. He told me they have the BEST bread you’ll ever eat and I was all, whatever, I’m a bread connoisseur. But, you guys, it IS. The BEST bread. They have two kinds, white and wheat, and both are fabulous. The sandwiches come to order and you can get a half or a whole. I suggest getting a whole and then taking half home for later…and a loaf of bread too.

What to order: A sandwich is a MUST!

Moonside Bakery (on Main Street)

This is my favorite bakery in Half Moon Bay. I’ve been to a few and they’re all good, but this one is my favorite. The cookies are fabulous but I always pine for their Almond Horns and Hazelnut Rings. BOTH are going on the blog this year. Get an assortment of cookies and treats for dessert, but this is a great breakfast stop too. They have good coffee and great pastries!

What to order: an almond horn and hazelnut ring can’t be missed.

We also love the Half Moon Bay Bakery (also on Main Street). And if you love coffee and hot chocolate, a stop at the Half Moon Bay Coffee Company is a must. It’s not quite on Main street, but close (it’s at one far end) and they also have a sit down breakfast and to. die. for. pastries, pies, cookies, cakes, and cheesecake!

Also, you must eat at the Ritz Carlton Ocean Terrace…see below for details and FOOD! The views alone are worth it, but the food is so good!

Where to Stay

There are a few hotels in Half Moon Bay, and there are also lots of B&Bs if you like those. I’m a hotel girl all the way, the nicer the better. (I’m a total princess!) We’ve stayed at the Half Moon Bay Lodge several times. It’s nice and clean and a good price and has really nice grounds. This website shows a lot of the other options, none of which I’ve stayed at, but a few look nice and are in good locations. BUT…if you want a gorgeous hotel with gorgeous views…you really need to stay at the Ritz Carlton. Just do it, then thank me later.

The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Our trip to Half Moon Bay last month was for our anniversary so I wanted to surprise my husband with a gorgeous hotel and the Ritz Carlton is just that. The hotel website bills the hotel as a luxury ocean front resort and it is exactly that, and then some.

When we arrived, the gate house radioed ahead and the bellhops greeted us by name. Our car and luggage was whisked away and I was handed a glass of wine at the check-in desk. (Honestly, is there anything better than that?)

Our room wasn’t quite ready so we ventured out onto The Ocean Terrace to have a drink while we waited. When I stepped outside onto the deck I think I must have gasped; I haven’t seen anything quite so beautiful in a long time. The entire terrace bar overlooks the golf course, the cliffs, and the ocean. The terrace is complete with bar tables, adirondack chairs, and fire pits to make yourself at home. You can even get a s’mores kit to indulge like a kid again!

Once our room was ready, our luggage was brought to our room within minutes. The room was gorgeous, all done in soft grays and white. The bathroom was my favorite part – it had a separate soaker tub!

My husband loved the view: we overlooked the 18th hole at one of the two golf courses on property. He spent the afternoon watching golf from the window (who needs a TV?) and joking about some of the outfits on some of the players (picture neon pink and green plaid knickers with a matching hat).

After our marathon of eating earlier in the day, we didn’t feel like a huge dinner. Plus, we wanted to soak up the view, so we headed back to The Ocean Terrace to eat. My husband indulged me as I ordered practically one of everything on the menu. At this point the fog was rolling back in so the waiter gave us blankets to use. The food was to die for and you had to roll me back to our room.

What to order: The tacos and the crab corn chowder are a must!

We got a huge surprise back in our room: the hotel knew it was our anniversary and they decorated it while we were out, complete with rose petals and photos from our wedding that they’d printed from my blog. There was even a crackling log on the fireplace channel on the TV. (They think of everything, seriously. We wanted to close the blinds and there was even a switch near the bed to electronically open and close them. GENIUS!)

The next morning we took a walk on the grounds. They’re breathtaking, really. And, if you want a good walk, you can even walk along the beach path heading north and go all the way to Poplar Beach!

I told my husband we’re going to always have to stay at the Ritz Carlton when we go to Half Moon Bay now. Everything about the hotel was welcoming, from the staff to the rooms. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the view from that terrace, ever.

So, the next time you’re in Northern California, take a stop in Half Moon Bay. Stay a night at the Ritz Carlton, do some walking and lots of eating. You’ll fall in love with the coast just like I did!

Disclosure: I was given a media rate for my stay at The Ritz Carlton in exchange for social media posts. This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.

The post Stay, Eat, and Play in Half Moon Bay, California appeared first on Crazy for Crust.

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I am absolutely obsessed with San Francisco. I grew up not far from there but didn’t appreciate it much until I left back in 2002. Now I say that I live outside Sacramento but my heart is still in that foggy city by the bay. Some day I will live there again, but for now I have to placate myself with lots of day and weekend trips. I’ve decided that I want to share these ideas with you so you can love my city too.

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, or maybe you live nearby and haven’t played tourist in awhile, my Crazy for San Francisco series is for you. First up I’m detailing what I love to eat in the Ferry Building.

First, a little bit of history. The Ferry Building is located on the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. It’s a central hub of all things quintessentially San Francisco. The Embarcadero is a long stretch of road that runs along the bay and is dotted with restaurants, ferry docks, Pier 39, AT&T Park, and the Exploratorium. The Ferry Building is, literally, at the center of it all.

The Ferry Building was originally built back in the 1800s as a ferry hub for all the visitors coming to San Francisco. Before the bridges you could only reach the city by boat (unless you were coming from the Peninsula). Once the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate were completed, there was no need for boats and the area fell into decline. It was then that a double-decker freeway was built, running up and down the street, dividing the waterfront and Ferry Building from downtown San Francisco.

When I was young, the Embarcadero was kind of a gross area. The freeway, and all that came with it, made the area undesirable. Then, in 1989, the Loma Pieta Earthquake happened and changed the face of the Ferry Building forever. The freeway collapsed during the quake and was removed. Years later, AT&T Park was built and the area started to revitalize itself.

Now, the Ferry Building once again stands in all it’s magnificent glory, gorgeous to they eye AND the stomach. Why? Because it’s FULL OF FOOD. That’s right, my friends. The entire building is full of restaurants, food stores, and pop-up food stands. On weekends, they have a farmers market in front that reaches across the street and up Market, selling everything from fresh and local produce to photography and knitted beanie hats.

One of my favorite things to do is to stand in front of the building, close my eyes, and breathe in the smell of my yoga pants getting tight in the waist.

There are countless numbers of food options in the Ferry Building. It would be impossible for me to list them all (or even eat at them all). I’m going to give you MY tour of the marketplace. This is what we do every time we visit, adding a doughnut here or a cookie there, depending on what pop-up stands are in place that day.

Get ready to EAT!

Dandelion Chocolate is located outside the main building, next to one of the main doors. It’s a MUST stop. Honestly, if I were you, I’d stop on the way in…and on the way out.

Dandelion Chocolate is based in the Mission District, and the one at the Ferry Building is a pop-up of sorts. They sell their amazing hot chocolate and mochas as well as some baked goods. The baked goods change often so if something looks good, try it, because the next time you go it might not be there. You can also purchase chocolate from all over the world, and they have tasting bowls set up. It kind of blew my mind the first time how different chocolate tastes from different parts of the world.

IF YOU GO:

Be sure to, at minimum, get the House Hot Chocolate or House Mocha. It’s unbelievable (as it should be, it’s $5/cup). If you’re adventurous, get the Mission Hot Chocolate, the semi-spicy version of their original. It’s SO good.

Pictured above: the S’mores Bar, signature Chocolate Chip Cookie, and a double Chocolate Cookie that is TO DIE FOR. Out of all three, the later is the BEST cookie I’ve ever eaten. Buy 4, then send me one.

Once I get into the Ferry Building, I’m overwhelmed with the smells and sounds (and amount of people). I suggest you go early, before it becomes a total zoo. The first place I like to hit after my hot chocolate sugar rush is Miette. You may have heard of Miette because of their cookbook, but they’re one of the more famous San Francisco bakeries. They have an entire case FULL of gorgeous baked goods, plus packaged shortbread and other candies and cookies, but the stars of the show are their Macarons.

Really, I never buy anything at Miette besides the macarons. I usually spend about $25 on them, they’re that good. They’re Jordan’s favorite, and they’ve spoiled her. Whenever we get macarons anywhere else she turns her nose up at them.

IF YOU GO:

While everything at Miette looks amazing (and I’m sure it is), their macarons are not to be missed. My favorites are the Hazelnut, Dulce de Leche, Vanilla, and Pistachio.

We have a basic pattern when we go to the Ferry Building. There are so many restaurants and eateries, it gets overwhelming. Our favorite thing to do is gather all the ingredients for a picnic lunch which we then enjoy behind the building overlooking the water. Once we’ve got our dessert, we’re ready to stock our picnic basket with all the staples: bread, cheese, and meat.

Acme Bread is delicious. The line here is always long and the number of options is overwhelming. I’ve overbuy every time I go because it’s all so good. From rolls to pastries to different kinds of bread, Acme Bread has it all. (And they serve sandwiches too, but only until they run out, so get there early.)

IF YOU GO:

I’m a sourdough girl at heart (hello, San Francisco) but I have to admit that my absolute favorite at Acme Bread is the Herb Slab. Last time I went there were 5 people and I bought 4 herb slabs and a sourdough battard. We had a little left over.

Next door to Acme Bread is The Cowgirl Creamery, where they sell every kind of cheese imaginable. They let you test drive it too, so you can make sure you’re in love with a gouda or swiss or cheddar before you buy. They were doing some construction and just had a small selection last time we visited, so I didn’t take photos. We always get a nice nutty white cheddar when we stop in, but take your time, do some tasting. You’ll find a flavor you love, I promise.

And then…the best part of the meal…

Boccalone (Tasty Salted Pig Parts). I’m sure you’ve heard of Boccalone, if you’ve ever watched the Food Network or seen any of those travel food shows. Boccalone is the home of salumi, which is confusing because it’s basically salami. I think using the “u” makes it more acceptable to spend $11 a log? Or something? It’s worth every penny, I promise.

At Boccalone you can buy all sorts of tasty salted pig parts packaged and ready to go. They also sell sandwiches and, one of my favorites: the Salumi Cone: a cone of whatever tasty parts you want.

IF YOU GO:

Pick up a sandwich or a salumi cone (choose your favorite meats). My favorite thing is to buy a Salami Pepato “chub” and slice it to go with my bread and cheese at our picnic.

Those of you not living in urban areas might think that an entire store devoted to Olive Oil is crazy, but it’s a thing. Olive oil tasting is as big as wine or coffee these days, and we always stop at Stonehouse for tasting. The have so many to choose from, flavors like rosemary or basil or lemon or chile. Grab a bottle to go with your bread!

IF YOU GO:

The basil oil is hands down my favorite. Worth every penny!

Every time we walk through the building I drool as I walk by El Porteno, the empanada shop. I’ve never bought one…but I think next time I have to. Heck, empanadas goes with salami, cheese, bread, and macarons, right?

Don’t those look amazing??

Like I said, these eateries are only a small fraction of what you can eat in the Ferry Building. There is a mushroom shop, a Farm Fresh To You Fruit Stand, wine tasting. A meat curator, fruits and nuts, Mexican. And that’s not even including the sit down restaurants like Gott’s (such amazing burgers) or the Hog Island Oyster Company.

We never make it far enough for a restaurant. We take our picnic to the back deck of the Ferry Building, sit on a bench, and watch the world go by.

(BTW, if you forget your pocket knife which we ALWAYS do, you can buy these little knives – I own a blue and now an orange one – for about $8 at Sur la Table in the Ferry Buidling, LOL.)

We enjoy the amazing food, fresh air, and this view…

And THAT, my friends, is my happy place. And my hungry place!

Have you been to San Francisco? What are your favorite parts?

The post Crazy for San Francisco: The Ferry Building appeared first on Crazy for Crust.

1. Watch the sunset every night (preferably from your own hotel room!)

We are a Marriott family. Mel travels (a lot) and he’s just always stayed at Marriott so he has lots of points. When researching where to stay on Maui, we kept coming back to the Maui Ocean Club. It’s a timeshare property (we don’t own one) but you can stay there as a regular hotel guest as well. We’ve always enjoyed staying at the resorts because they always have so much to offer (the Palm Springs and South Lake Tahoe ones are pretty nice too!)

It was a bit of a splurge to have an “0cean front” room, but it was worth it. (FYI: “Ocean FRONT” is different than “Ocean VIEW” One you are facing the beach, one you have to crane your neck to see it!) We watched the sunsets every night (and every night was different!) Wherever you stay, try and make sure you get to see the sunset at least once or twice!

2. Have a nice pool at your resort.

One of the reasons we love the Marriott Vacation Clubs is that they often have a water slide. From the time it opens at 9am, I always know where to find Jordan (Mel too!)

Wherever you choose to stay, be sure to pick a place with a nice pool. We went to the ocean a few times but it’s really nice on a relaxing day to just walk out of your room and take up residence at the pool. Two of the days we were at the pool for 8 hours!

If you happen to be going in the summer months, know that (wherever you stay) the prime pool seating fills up fast. We’d read reviews of the Marriott saying that people put towels out as early as 5am to block seats, so we were a little worried. We were always down there by 8am and found good spots, but that’s because they now patrol it. They have a pool monitor who marks absent chairs so people can’t reserve them too early, which makes it better for the rest of us!

It was so relaxing, I did a lot of this:

3. Walk on the beach.

This is obvious, right? Because Hawaii is 3 hours earlier, we were awake by 6am every day. We took that as an excuse to walk on the beach each morning. Kaanapali beach is so pretty – you can see Lanai right across the way! There is a path that runs along the beach you can walk (or run) on, or just take off your shoes and get your feet in the sand. You’re in Hawaii!

4. See the Banyan Tree and shopping in Lahaina.

Lahaina is a touristy little town that is the main city in the Kaanapali Beach area. It’s worth a stop for some shopping and lunch or dinner. Beware it gets really warm on summer afternoons, so dress accordingly (and bring lots of sunscreen!)

A must-see in Lahaina is the Banyan Tree in Courthouse Square. It’s one tree that takes up the entire square, at least that’s what it looks like. Branches come off the center tree and meet with trees all over the square. Fascinating, and fun to photograph.

Otherwise, there’s really only shopping and eating to do in downtown Lahaina. There are lots of art galleries and clothing stores but after awhile it all looks the same. It’s also not the greatest if your kids hate shopping! We did find some fun souvenirs at the ABC Store (really, the only affordable stuff) and they even have stores selling Hawaiian clothing for American Girl Dolls. (They know how to reel us in!)

5. Take a Snorkeling Catamaran Cruise.

The best day of the trip was, by far, the day we took a catamaran snorkeling cruise with Trilogy. 14 years ago on our honeymoon, Mel and I sailed to Lanai on the Trilogy “Discover Lanai” tour. That was a lot of fun (and I totally recommend it for couples) but this trip we wanted something shorter that Jordan would enjoy. We decided on their Kaanapali Snorkel tour. BEST. DECISION. EVER!

The day before we went snorkeling on the boat we had snorkeled at Black Rock, which is a popular snorkeling spot. It was fun and I recommend it, but just getting out to snorkel is HARD, especially for kids and for someone like me who is not a swimmer. You have to swim from the beach out against the waves to get to the cove where you see anything. Getting back is the worst – all you can see is the beach that feels miles and miles away.

Snorkeling off of the boat was 100% better. The boat is already in the cove when it drops you off, so you just get to snorkel and see things. There’s no current and fighting your way back to the beach. If you’re not a great swimmer or have kids, this is the perfect way to experience magic in the water.

The Trilogy sail says “West Maui” because it all depends on current and weather, but I think they normally go to Honolua Bay, which is where we went.

I like taking selfies under water too.

We swam with turtles!! And the coral and fish, oh my gosh. It’s like you’re in a wonderland. By far, this snorkeling experience was the best one I’ve ever had.

They feed you well on Trilogy too. And you get to sit on trampolines if you like, which is where Jordan parked the entire time we were on the boat.

6. Do a Luau.

Obviously, if you’ve never been to a Luau, you should try one. There are two main ones in Kaanapali Beach, the one in Lahaina and the one we chose to do, the Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt. It’s not entirely traditional but the fire dancers kept Jordan interested. Also? Open bar and we could walk from our hotel. #Priorities

We chose do do the Preferred Seating so we had a better view and got to eat earlier. Know that, if you’re going in the summer, there is not very much shade. Within an hour of seating the sun drops low enough to not be an issue but that first hour is a scorcher. The VIP seating was 90% in the shade and the first people who got seated in the preferred groups had shade also. Be prepared with LOTS of sunscreen.

Flour leis only come with the VIP tickets (we got Ti Leaf Leis), so we bought Jordan one for $5.

Also: if you’re squeamish about the Kalua Pig – just close your eyes at the beginning. (But it tastes AMAZING. More on the food in a later post.)

7. Napili Beach

Instead of doing the road to Hana (we were worried about Jordan getting bored and/or carsick) we drove north on Hwy 30 past Napili and Kapalua. There are some very nice beaches and sights along the way, but be warned that many of them include steep walks. We’d planned to get up close an personal with some of the sights in the tour book but the hikes would not have worked for Jordan (or me!) There were great views though!

My favorite place was what I think was Napili Beach, near the Ritz. Beautiful volcanic rock jets out into the ocean giving a gorgeous contrast and creating a fun place to walk around. I would have loved to spend the day at that beach – it was deserted!

8. SURFING!

If you’re at all interested in surfing, Hawaii is the place to do it. I loved trying it and I was very proud of myself. I don’t do water, so surfing was one of those bucket list items I didn’t think I’d ever do.

We used Goofy Foot Surf School for our surf lessons. They’re located in Lahaina. Our instructor was awesome and we got great photos. BUT…

Here’s a fair warning to anyone doing surf lessons – with any company: figure out how many surf schools surf where you’re going to be learning. I’m pretty sure that all the schools in Lahaina surf at the same place. We went at 10am and it was packed with people.

Here’s how it works: Picture a square. The beach is the bottom, the waves are the top. You wait on one side for your turn, then you paddle out to the wave, paddle across to your instructor, surf, then paddle back parallel to the beach across the current to where you started. This would be fine…if you’re an adult, an amazing swimmer, and/or there aren’t 75 other people surfing in the exact same spot.

Note to parents: Go first. Our instructor took Jordan before he took us. We didn’t think about it but that meant Jordan was a football field away after riding a wave and she had to get back on her board and swim across the current back to us alone. If we’d understood that was what was happening Mel would have gone first and waited for her.

She did it fine the first time, then she got hit by another surfer. She still has the bruise on her arm (thank GOD it wasn’t her head). I was so proud of her for going back and doing it again but after that she was done.

If I had to do it again I would have done it at the hotel: It was just hotel guests and off our beach. It was calmer with way less people. So, instead of doing a swim school right off the bat, research your resort’s options!

9. See a rainbow. Every darn day!

And if you’re in Maui, chances are that’ll happen.

Check out my posts on How to Pack For Hawaii and what to pack for a beach vacation over on eBay today!

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow with s’more recipes. (Get it? Haha!)

xo,
Dorothy

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