cruising the 101

 

Since we were already in California for the cruise, afterwards we rented a car for a couple days and explored some sweet beach towns on our way down to San Diego.  Nothing like driving down the 101… one of my favorite highways.

As recommended by my friend Michelle, we made our first stop in Encinitas.  I love the extra little touches in their city scape… who knew trash cans could be so artsy? and the sidewalk mosaics – just wonderful. And since tax time is right around the corner, I had to include this fantastic accountant sign – even the number guys are hip in So*Cal.

 

Favorite shop: Art N Soul on 101–> for a number of reasons – Great local art goods, great presentation and the best part… ALL thier profits go to charities.  Their story is quite amazing and very inspiring.

 

Right next to Encinitas is Cardiff by the Sea where we enjoyed a gnormous breakfast at a local favorite, Pipes Cafe.

 

Next stop, Solana Beach – Cedros Design District… full of fabulous independent stores.  I love all the diverse flora… it's so refreshing to see after our grey Michigan winter.

 

Favorite stops: Solo and Leaping Lotus. 

   

Another colorful stop further down towards San Diego is Ocean Beach.  Quite the hippie beach town complete with a top rated hippie burger joint, Hodads (which appropriately means – a person who does not surf, but spends time at surfing beaches pretending to be a surfer).

This is only a small snapshot of the treasures along the 101…. a great road trip for any time of the year!

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