{"id":498,"date":"2009-04-05T22:29:42","date_gmt":"2009-04-05T22:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/catchingfireflies.com\/blog\/?p=498"},"modified":"2009-04-05T22:29:42","modified_gmt":"2009-04-05T22:29:42","slug":"cruising-the-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.catchingfirefliesgifts.com\/blog\/2009\/04\/cruising-the-101\/","title":{"rendered":"cruising the 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Blog10\"<\/a>  <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Blog17\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

As recommended by my friend Michelle<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

\"Blog13\"<\/a>  <\/p>\n

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

\"Blog9\"<\/a>  <\/p>\n

Right next to Encinitas is Cardiff by the Sea where we enjoyed a gnormous breakfast at a local favorite, Pipes Cafe<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Blog11\"<\/a>  <\/p>\n

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

\"Blog12\"<\/a>  <\/p>\n

Favorite stops: Solo<\/span><\/a> and Leaping Lotus<\/a>. <\/p>\n

<\/a>\"Blog8\"<\/a>    <\/p>\n

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<\/a> (which appropriately means – a person who does not surf, but spends time at surfing beaches pretending to be a surfer).<\/p>\n

This is only a small snapshot of the treasures along the 101…. a great road trip for any time of the year!<\/p>\n

Like seeing some of our vacation adventures<\/strong><\/span>?  Then sign up to receive these on-the-road blog posts in your email inbox <\/strong><\/span><\/span>HERE<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a>!<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n