BuenQamino Spirit
Musings about adventure and becoming
One Day (and Gluten and Dairy-Free) in Ojai, CA Guide
We decided to spend a recent weekend getaway in Ojai, CA. I only heard great reviews about this mountain-side “small town” saddled between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara and wanted to check it out for myself. I imagined a true small town, far inland, and away from it all. Like one of those Hallmark channel Christmas movie settings (is anyone else obsessed with those? I’m going to imagine you just said, yes.). What I got was a quaint town, only 15-20 minutes inland from the coastal city of Ventura. Surrounded by mountains and ranches, and filled with things to do and see (and eat), especially during our weekend stay, Ojai is definitely a unique place to visit. Here are a few of our favorites, to create your own ideal itinerary…
7 THINGS TO DO IN YOSEMITE’S LAST CALL TO FALL
It’s not too late to plan a trip to Yosemite this fall! Check out this article I wrote for Redwoods in Yosemite on the must-do’s for the season.
The Ultimate Weekend Guide for Joshua Tree National Park/City, CA and The High Desert (Gluten-free, plant-based-friendly)
Most people agree that Joshua Tree is a magical place. Situated between California’s Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert, it’s home to the native Joshua Tree (hence the name), Joshua Tree National Park and Little San Bernardino Mountains. Due to its beautiful topography and nature, it has a long history of luring in artists, hikers, rock climbers alike. Only located 2.5 hours away from both Los Angeles and San Diego, it’s no wonder why so many Angelinos and San Diegans purchase second homes here. Joshua Tree has quite a bit to offer, whether you’re there for a day, the weekend, or forever. Here’s our must-dos…
THE GRIZZLY GIANT: 4 MUST-KNOW FACTS ABOUT YOSEMITE’S OLDEST TREE
I was able to write about this giant for Redwoods in Yosemite, before revisiting it in June 2018… It is truly a sight to behold.
YOSEMITE VALLEY HAS RE-OPENED! HERE IS WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO VISIT AT THE END OF THE SUMMER IN YOSEMITE
The Ferguson fire that roared through the Yosemite region was scary but was no match for the brave firefighters who defended our amazing National Park. Now that the park re-opened, we have compiled a list of must-sees and dos during your next visit. Late Summer is a great time to jump in the cool water, take a hike on a misty trail and visit the phenomenal high country. Read more via the link...
The 10 Best Bakeries and Gluten Free Restaurants in San Diego
We can all agree that living with an autoimmune disease such as Celiac, or with any food intolerances or allergies is not very fun, or convenient, for that matter. Especially when trying to find something tasty! The amount of San Diego restaurants who cater to these communities, makes it feel almost effortless to find allergen-friendly food! As someone diagnosed with Celiac and other food intolerances, who is San Diego based, I have tried and tested most of what America’s Finest City has to offer time and time again, and the results have been delicious! I have compiled a list of my ten favorite spots that I regularly visit, and I recommend them to anyone visiting or living in San Diego.
40 Things to See and Do in San Diego, CA (that the locals are keeping a secret!)
When you visit America's Finest City aka San Diego, California, you’re probably going to start with our world-renowned San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, amble around the museums in Balboa Park, run up for a day at Legoland, and take your family to Seaworld (what Blackfish?).
One Day in Idyllwild, California (and Gluten-Free!)
Tucked in the mountains of San Jacinto, and just a hop, skip and jump away (aka 2 hours) from both busy metropolises of Los Angeles and San Diego exists the beautiful and quaint town of Idyllwild. The town serves as nice escape for anyone. Whether that’s a solo getaway, camping trip with friends or family, or a romantic adventure, driving up the hill will sure be worth it.
10 places Californian residents won’t tell you about
I wrote this article for Matador Network on some of the hottest spots in California, that we may be keeping a secret from you...
10 quintessential facts for first time travelers to California
A must read list before visiting our beautiful state!
15 Things the world needs to be thanking California for
I wrote this fun article for Matador Network on just some of things we should all be thanking the great Golden State for...
EASTERN SIERRA CALIFORNIA MAMMOTH DOMICILES THERMAL TUB SPRINGS
I fell in love with Mammoth and its surrounding hot springs. What I didn't fall in love with was the fact that it was incredibly difficult to navigate to, until I found this treasure map...
DESERT X MEETS THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIFECTA CHALLENGE
I had such an amazing time combining the Adventure 16's Trifecta Challenge (snow, desert and ocean in one day) and Palm Springs DesertX temporary outdoor art installation all in one day that I wrote a fun article all about it...