There’s no place like Southern California to soak up the sun and the sea. And Santa Monica checks all the boxes. How to get there, where to stay and what to do.
Last weekend Jim and I took a quick trip to Santa Monica.
To start the New Year off right by soaking up some sun and sea.
And catch the Eagles Long Goodbye Tour.
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Last week I hosted two fun giveaways.
One here on the blog and the other on Instagram.
On each platform I gave away a copy of Patric Richardson’s latest book, House Love.
And the winners are Karla M (blog) and Karen B (Instagram)!
Thanks to everyone who entered for your enthusiasm AND amazing cleaning tips.
More about those at the end of the post.
Let’s get back to the beach …
FLY JSX
Last weekend Jim and I took a little jaunt to Santa Monica and flew JSX for the first time. Do you know about JSX? Billed as a semi-private (which makes it sound a lot more glamorous than it is), the 30 seat jets fly in and out of executive (private) airports and take much of the hassle out of air travel. You can read more about JSX in this Travel & Leisure article. We flew out of our local municipal airport, Buchanan Field in Concord, and into Burbank (near Los Angeles). I can’t believe how quick and convenient it was, with none of the hassle of standard airport travel. Even better, drinks, snacks and Wifi, provided by Starlink, are all free. And the Wifi is available as soon as you get on the plane, no waiting until you’re in the air. Nice.
We flew into Burbank (Los Angeles area), waited about 5 minutes for our bags and were quickly in an Uber and into LA traffic. One very cool note, the JSX terminal in Burbank is in a historic hangar used by Amelia Earhart.
JSX has expanded their service a lot in the last few years and flies in and out of over 20 airports, mostly in the Western states (three in the Bay Area) as well as Cabo San Lucas and the Bahamas. You can check out their website here. I think their airfares comparable to other airlines doing the same routes, maybe a tad more. But you can’t beat it for ease, convenience … and pleasantness.
HOTEL CASA DEL MAR
After our amazing experience on JSX, not even the dreadful LA traffic could put me in a bad mood. I was one happy camper when we rolled up to the hotel Casa Del Mar a historic ocean front hotel in Santa Monica. We usually stay at their sister hotel, Shutters on the Beach, next door. When I say next door, I mean about 25 steps. We love both hotels and their rooms are very similar. White built-ins, dark wood furniture and lots of rattan. Woven baskets, books and blue and white ginger jars decorate the rooms … and, of course, coral and seashells. The vibe is elegant, cozy, beachy … a very Nancy Meyers movie set feeling. Where the hotels differ is in their public spaces. The Casa’s entrance is quite grand and spectacular, and the Lobby Lounge bar area feels more expansive with soaring ceilings. Shutters entrance and lobby are have a more intimate, clubby feel. Both are AMAZING and have a similar beach club feel … gorgeous upholstered sofas, comfy chairs, fabric covered, pleated lamp shades, potted plants, garden stools and lanterns. The stuff my dreams are made of.
After arriving, we quickly unpacked and headed to the Lobby Lounge for a cocktail and light dinner. While we were sipping and nibbling guess who we saw?!
Mama Kelce and her mama! In the unlikely event you don’t know who I’m talking about, Mama (Donna) Kelce is mother to two NFL stars. Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs aka Taylor Swift’s boyfriend. Turns out the Chiefs were in town to play the San Diego LA Chargers. And, no I didn’t recognize Mama Kelce even though she was wearing a shirt that said ‘Mama Kelce’ and her mom was wearing a Kansas City Chief’s sweatshirt. We did notice the Chief’s attire, and wondered if they were in town, and if Taylor Swift might be in town. Our server told us that not only were the Chief’s in town, but Mama Kelce and grandma were both ensconced in the hotel and had just walked in the bar. Hello clueless me. Over the next couple of days we ran into them several times in the elevator lobby and lobby lounge. No, we didn’t speak to them, we just smiled, nodded and tried to be cool. Sadly there was no Taylor sighting, but we kept our eyes peeled. Turns out she was in town, not for the game but to attend the Golden Globes.
We stayed in an ocean front king room overlooking the pool. None of Casa Del Mar’s rooms have balconies … but you can crack the window and hear the soothing sound of the surf.
Casa Del Mar has a wonderful boutique, Wheat, just off the Lobby Lounge where I never fail to find something fabulous.
Last time I bought a Barefoot Dreams poncho/wrap that I wear constantly, and this time I splurged on a Frame boucle cardigan. It’s like wearing a teddy bear. It was very chilly on the day we departed so I wore it to travel home, and I’ve worn it several times this week so the cost-per-wear has already been reduced significantly.
THE EAGLES LONG GOODBYE TOUR – THE CALIFORNIA CONCERTS
When I heard the Eagles scheduled a series of shows billed as The California Concerts at LA’s Forum, I knew we had to go. The Eagles are a quintessential California (American) band and their music is truly the soundtrack of my tweens, teens, and beyond. The Forum has seen better days, but the Eagles refer to it as their ‘home field’ … and have long history playing there … they said preferred to do four shows at the Forum to one show at ‘the spaceship across the parking lot’ … referring to Sofi Stadium. And I’m glad they did it that way because it was a much more intimate experience and the sound was way better in a less massive venue. They asked the audience not to use their cameras, and most of us (reluctantly) respected that.
As with many bands of this longevity, some of the original members have left. Glenn Frey died in 2016 and other original members have left and some have returned. Their current line up includes Glenn’s son Deacon Frey … who is a very good guitar player and vocalist. Vince Gill has been playing and singing with them for a long time. And, Joe Walsh, who was not an original member (but who can imagine the Eagles without him?) is such a character. They put on a really good show and it was a fun, fun night.
Jim stumbled across this documentary of the band, it’s about 10 years old. They’ve had quite a fascinating history … and if you love the Eagles too put it on your watch list.
WHERE TO EAT AND WHAT TO DO IN SANTA MONICA
There are so many wonderful places to eat in Santa Monica and neighboring Venice. But we’re creatures of habit and returned to our favorites. We also have limited time. I already mentioned our quick dinner in Casa Del Mar’s Lobby Lounge. We shared a wonderful prawn cocktail and out-of-this-world fig flatbread. I was all gaga over Mama Kelce on the neighboring sofa that I neglected to snap a photo of the flatbread in all its glory. The main hotel restaurant, Terrazza, is right off the lobby and with gorgeous ocean views. During the summer months the al fresco Patio Del Mar is a dream.
Both mornings we were lazy and ordered room service. I love room service and I really love a hotel fruit salad. Since the Covid era many hotels have stopped or limited room service options and it can take forever to arrive. Not at the Casa … our breakfast arrived lickity split both mornings. And I’m pleased to report that their hot chocolate is exceptional.
On Saturday we walked to lunch at Ivy at the Shore. It’s a second location of the famed The Ivy in Beverly Hills.
Both Ivy’s are the happiest restaurants … from their bright, floral decor and pottery to charming servers and delighted diners. Their menu is extensive and everything is delish (and generously portioned!).
As if we hadn’t eaten enough already we had our second night’s dinner at 1 Pico, the ocean front restaurant at Shutters with a wonderful view of the Santa Monica Pier. I don’t know what got into me but I ordered the special catch of the day, a spiny lobster. A ginormous spiny lobster. When it arrived at our table it created quite a spectacle and neighboring diners took notice and said, we’ll have what she’s having. Sadly for them, I got the last one.
1 Pico also offers al fresco dining in the patio courtyard at main entrance. No ocean view, but it’s a charming and magical spot to enjoy brunch or lunch. And so pretty lit up at night … I don’t think dinner is served here in the winter months.
Jim recommends Meat on Ocean if you’re in the mood for a good steak. He’s been there on business many times. We walked by … it’s not far from Ivy at the Shore … it’s a wonderful location. If our stay had been longer I would have booked a table.
Other things to do? You mean other than eat? Hmmm. I’m kidding. Sort of. My visits to Santa Monica have revolved around other events … work related, concerts and shows and so I haven’t gotten out about about much aside from walking along the long stretch of gorgeous coastline, up and down the Santa Monica Pier and to and from restaurants. And there are so many wonderful restaurants, that can keep you pretty busy.
I’ve already mentioned the obvious, walking on the beach and the pier. If you’re traveling with kids, the pier is a must. If not, talk a walk out to the end of the pier for a great view back toward the shore and maybe catch the sea lions antics. Otherwise, it’s a boardwalk like any other and I’m not a fan.
Rent cute bikes at Casa Del Mar or Shutters and pedal up and down the paved beach paths to neighboring towns.
Both hotels have spa’s, excuse me, Wellness Centers. It’s not a luxury, it’s self-care.
And of course, each hotel has an amazing pool/spa area … at Shutters you can rent wonderful poolside cabanas. I mean, seriously, why leave the hotel?
The Santa Monica Farmers Market – on Wednesday and Saturday – is an easy (less than a mile) walk from the hotel.
The famed Erewhon Market’s Santa Monica location is just two miles from the hotel and I intended to walk there Sunday morning. But the weather took a turn and it was chilly and very windy so we passed on it. Jim breathed a sigh of relief to avoid paying $20 for a smoothie!
The Getty Villa is not to be missed, or so people tell me. I’ve never been but I swear I’m going to make it there on our next trip.
For more ideas of places to eat, sip and shop check out Goop’s Westside LA Guide for the most up to date hot spot info.
WHAT I PACKED
This dispatch is getting a tad long so here’s a brief rundown of my packing.
On the plane I wore Madewell’s super wide-leg jeans, a white t-shirt under a cropped cable knit sweater and Dolce Vita tennies. I didn’t have time to change and wore the same thing to the concert.
For lunch at the Ivy I wore my Alo trousers (I love these pants), the same white tee, a cashmere sweater and Adidas Superstars. I brought my Everywhere bag to use as a crossbody. I took it to the concert too … The Forum has a clear bag policy, but the Everywhere bag meets the size requirements to be an exception.
To dinner at 1 Pico I wore my New Year’s Eve outfit … the one that I didn’t wear on New Year’s Eve. Long story. The Michael Stars black midi-dress was a purchase from Kim’s blog last year, and I threw over a many years old Joie leopard print cardigan with Via Spiga booties.
I brought a pair of straight leg jeans that are easy to roll up for walking on beach, my cozy Quince cable knit cardigan and Birkenstock clogs.
I brought a pair of joggers, another white tee and this cropped heather grey sweater (currently on sale for $29.40!!! I have it in oatmeal too.) to wear on morning walks. I wore the same outfit to travel home because after eating non-stop for three days I didn’t dare attempt to zip up my jeans. There was no room to spare in my suitcase, plus it was cold, and I wore my new boucle cardigan for the trip home too.
What I should have packed and didn’t … a hat and flip flops. What a rookie mistake.
Yes, I packed too much, but I’m proud to say I got everything zipped into my carry-on bag (although with JSX there’s no carrying-on) without having to sit on it and struggle with the zipper. Oh, and I brought along my Ivy Cove East West Tote (remember to use my code SPRITZER20 for 20% off site wide). It doesn’t have a zip or a snap closure, so I used a purse dust bag inside the tote to hold the contents and cinched it up. Good thinking, right?!
So there you have it, a little recap of our jaunt to Santa Monica.
After checking out we plopped down in the Lobby Lounge for an iced tea and quick bite.
After reviewing our hotel bill, Jim may have needed something stronger.
Odds & Socks ~
Last November I started taking yoga classes again. I noticed this cute sweatshirt style jacket on a woman in one of my classes and ordered it in true navy . It arrived this week and I really love it. Especially the longer length in back … I like to keep my tushie covered when at all possible. Anyway, it’s on final sale for $99. The true navy is sold out, but it’s also available in a beautiful smoked spruce in sizes 2 & 4. Lulu clothing can run small, I ordered a 4 and it’s a really good fit. You can also sign up to be notified when your size and color choice is back in stock.
It’s that time of year and our Meyer lemon tree is going bonkers. If your lemon basket runneth over these are a few recipes ideas I shared last year that might come in handy.
Lavender Lemon Tom Collins and Lemon Pudding Cakes.
Lemonade Hot Toddy and links to Ina’s Lemonade and (very best ever) Lemon Cake recipes.
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you this week.
Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth …
Let’s circle back to the House Love giveaway.
Congratulations, again, to Karla and Karen!
I was blown away by everyone’s wonderful comments and cleaning tips.
There were some recurring themes.
If you hop back over to last week’s post and scroll down to the comments section,
you’ll find a wealth of great info.
Until next time, cheers from Snowberry!
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