Santa Barbara

Lately, life has been go, go, go! And by go, go, go I mean home…work…home…work with very little dispersed in between. It was time for a much needed escape to clear my mind. Having only visited Santa Barbara once for a few mere hours, I wanted to re-visit this coastal destination so that I could experience it in slow motion. With a flight and a cozy room at Drift hotel booked, I made my way down south, opting to fly into LAX and take the Amtrak Coast Starlight down to Santa Barbara. It was on that train ride I didn’t realize just how much I needed to get away, even if it was only for 24 hours. My mind, body and soul sank into the leather seats while I gazed out the window. Watching the scenery change from a Los Angeles downtown skyline, to the boulder rocks and then, the ocean waves welcomed by Ventura County, letting me know Santa Barbara wasn’t too much further.

I self checked myself into Drift hotel and took a comfortable walk to La Super Rica Taqueria for some mildly flavored tacos. I wasn’t able to indulge to my fullest potential because this is a cash only establishment but, thankfully I had some cash on hand for two tacos. The handmade tortillas would have me going back to this establishment for more! I then headed to the Funk Zone to enjoy a curated list of wines at Pali Wine Co. which was followed by a cocktail at the Drift hotels bar, Dawn. At this point, I had reached a level where I wanted to sit and rest until my dinner reservation but, the Santa Barbara sunset was calling me. So, I headed down to the pier to gaze longingly at the sunset.

Next up on the Santa Barbara itinerary was dinner at Loquita, a tapas inspired restaurant comfortably located on State Street. As this was a solo trip, my selections were limited as I didn’t want to order more than I could handle. The ostion was different, a charred oyster settled in a warm saffron butter. The gambas al ajillo were delicious! I was left wanting to try more items from the menu but again, solo trip.

Night had ended and a new day had begun! I woke early, craving a sunrise but mother nature had other plans which limited the early morning sunrise to an overcast sky. Still, it was nice walking along the ocean, greeting other early morning risers on my walk. Watching skaters enjoy having the skate park to themselves. I grabbed a coffee at Dart Coffee where the upbeat tempo sounds of Sza instantly woke me up more than an Americano could.

Being that I did not have a car while on this trip, my views were limited to what I could see while on foot! I stumbled across beautiful secret gardens, the beauty that is Santa Barbara City Hall. Had a light breakfast at Goat Tree followed by more coffee at Dune Coffee Roasters and once all was said and done, I checked myself out of Drift hotel and headed to the Santa Barbara airport. Feeling full and satisfied by this short and sweet trip and ready to get back to the norm that is my life.

Dawn

Loquita