Come to Morro Bay with me!

Traveling is one of my favorite ways to find inspiration and get out of my own head. I have been to Morro Bay a handful of times, but this year we had a chance to chat and connect with some local artists and shop owners who really inspired me and just made me feel so grateful that I get so many of these moments.

On this birthday trip, we stopped in Ventura, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, and Los Olivos. And everywhere we went I was just reminded about how special artists and small businesses make my life. 

First up we stopped for lunch in Ventura and happened to catch the Thursday Happy Hour Hangout and enjoyed the live music and vibes in the Ventura Harbor Village.

We had lunch at one of my favorite place Brophy Bros and I had the chance to introduce Ben to this place that reminds me of so many of my East Coast favorites.

Then we stopped in the Ventura Pottery Gallery and and picked out a few pieces for our growing mismatched sake collection from the artist that was in the shop that day.

Next we made our way to San Luis Obispo to visit my friend Rachel of REK Inc at the Downtown Slo Farmers Market

She gave us the best recommendations for bbq for Ben and birthday treats from Breda Slo

I couldn't leave without the cutest otter and Cali love magnets from knot and moon.

Our Morro Bay adventures began the next day which meant seeing as many otters and all the sea life that we could!

We rented kayaks from A Kayak Shack. I hadn't launched from that end before, so it was really fun to paddle from a new spot. 

We had so much fun we had to go back the next day a little earlier so we could dock and cross the dunes to get to the beach.

We got to chat with sea life steward volunteers, and now I very much want to be one someday. They taught us some fun new things about the area and especially about the otter population!

More delicious food we loved:

Savory Palette: This place was an absolute delight. The views, the wine, and the cheese plate, the owners everything was amazing. This will be a must stop on future trips! They offer tea service, wine, beer, and a great menu of food. 

We also loved our lunch at Bayside Cafe after kayaking. They make all of their desserts in house and the key lime pie was the perfect summer birthday treat. They've been there since 1986!

Morro Bay Lobster Co: I loved the Connecticut lobster roll and Ben loved his shrimp roll. The fries were also great. Fun fact as a lobster loving lady from Maine, I absolutely despise mayo, so I only ever order Connecticut style.

Nautical Bean is my new favorite coffee shop stop for the central coast. Bowie skate boards, punk rock, lots of stickers, and good coffee. What's not to love?

Scout Coffee was also a new stop for an afternoon strawberry matcha after kayaking.

Local Shop Love:

Sol Sisters Collective: This shop was another highlight of the trip. Lacey's sign caught my eye on the sidewalk and her shop filled with plants, flowers, ceramics, and sunshine had me wanting everything. I already have a wishlist for ceramics from her. 

Morro Made has been on my list to stop into and we finally made it. This shop carries a fantastic mix of local artists and we saw some of the artists we already have work with on display there which was a treat!

Estero Bay Art and Craft for arts and crafts supplies, and they also have classes and events if you're local.

On our way back we stopped to visit our talented friends Horizon Cellars in Los Olivos. This tasting room is truly something special built by the passion, talent, and amazing taste of Melissa and Ken. I've known Melissa since I moved to LA and met her at the boardshop I worked at all those years ago.

We also stopped in to check out Pony Cocktails + Kitchen in Santa Ynez and really loved the new look and menu there. We went before when it was a coffee shop and heard they had great cocktails so we had the best time celebrating my birthday with one of my friends who lives up in Solvang.

We got hooked on olive oil from Olive Hill Farm years ago, so we couldn't leave without restocking a few of our favorites.

If you have favorite spots to add let me know. I love bookmarking places for our next trip up the California Coast.