I’m not sure if it was the right thing to do, but as soon as Governor Newsom opened up restrictions 2 weeks ago, to Outdoor dining, short term rentals and winery’s. I quickly booked a weekend getaway to Santa Ynez Valley for a little Vino, fresh air and cozy vibes. Just a two hour drive from Los Angeles and there we were.

First Stop was Ojai, for an outdoor lunch @Azu. A delicious eatery of Mexican and Spanish menu hosting great cocktails and Ojai Valley Brewery beer. The outdoor patio setting is rustic with a home comfort feeling, filled with barn lights and native greens.

Azu, Ojai Valley Brewery

Azu, Ojai Valley-Eats

Azu, Ojai Valley Eats

Before we continue, I‘d like to share my outfit. I wore a vintage re-purposed custom embroidered jumpsuit by @fromheretotherecurated I love wearing these jumpers, especially when traveling because of the effortless attitude that take you from here to there without compromising style. I paired with a Vintage Gucci Handbag and Veja Sneakers for a low-key vibe. Check out the website for limited pieces…

Wearing Custom Vintage Jumper from @fromheretotherecurated with Vintage Gucci from Recess and Veja Sneakers

I love spontaneous travels; the discovery of local shops, eats, hiking trails, etc. Upon walking around this charming town, I stumbled across Canyon Supply a small local shop featuring independent creatives, i.e a CO-OP. Carrying unique sneakers, custom vintage, and fun novelty tees with embroidery. I picked up a pair of Crosty sneakers giving me a Stella McCartney-Chloe vibe.

If your feeling adventures explore the outdoors and go for a light nature hike. Shelf Road Trail is an easy trail about 3.5 miles taking an hour and a half. We took this trail after lunching at Azu; It’s a perfect trail to enjoy the beautiful Ojai Valley views before heading out to Santa Ynez Valley.

Next stop, The Landsby a refined and modern boutique hotel with a hint of Scandinavian interior decor located in Santa Ynez Valley. The Landsby’s neutral palette, casual-warm vibes and cozy seating, is balanced with fun and whimsical art by Rachel Brown. The Lobby highlights an edited assortment of Santa Ynez General; a must go see shop in town.

The Landsby restaurant MAD & VIN is a must, featuring seasonal ingredients from the central coast. Outdoor courtyard seating with lots of heat lamps to keep you comfortable and warm while enjoying delicious eats, local wines, and craft cocktails.

Santa Ynez General is a must see boutique in town. The shop is inviting, casual, and refined. Beautifully curated home goods, books, apothecary, and every Feburary the owners Pearson and Spencer highlight apparel by independent creatives. As a West Adams resident, I was thrilled to see Hiro Clark super cool graphic tees carried at the shop. Fair warning you may purchase a thing or two and if you missed it here, there is an edited in-store shop at The Landsby Hotel.

Okay, now that I’ve shopped @SYG, We stopped at a local favorite El Rancho Market Place for a few sandwiches and a charcuterie plate prior to wineries. Making this a perfect pairing to wine tasting.

El Rancho Markert Place- Santa Ynez Local Favoriate

We visited three wineries (Uber and Car Services available). The first Buttonwood Farm Winery, the second Barbieri Wines, and finally Sunstone Winery. All three were great, I really enjoyed Buttonwood Farm Winery because of the open farm, cute prop decor, spacious seating, great service, generous portions, and white wines. Sunstone had a great wine tasting menu and a large open layout, but felt a bit more like a production. Three wineries, doubles of charcuterie life is feeling good.

While in Los Olivos, I popped into a few additional shops. Check out Global Eye Collective. An eclectic assortment of bohemian inspired goods.

The road trip is ending, but before heading back to West Adams we stopped in Montecito for some delicious Italian eats at Tre Lune one of my favorite eateries in Santa Barbara.

Part two: The West Coast Road Trip continues….to Mammoth mountain for some winter vibes, chilly snow, and snowboarding. I’m a snowboard light type of girl which means I’m pretty bad. But the Sun was shining bright, the snow was fluffy and I gave it a shot. Because this was a spontaneous trip Mammoth, was sold out of short term rentals. We were lucky enough to find a spot @Le Motel6, that’s right Motel 6. I was pleasantly surprised the motel was descent and good enough for a short trip. Currently, the restaurants are serving takeout only which is tough to sit outside because of the cold evening temperatures. Tip: Most people pick up their dinner and take it back to their stay which is what we did too, preferring a nice warm place.

Despite the restaurant situation, it was such a great fun trip!

The early drive from here to there was so beautiful watching the sunrise, driving through red rock, and tiny old western towns. Once arriving in Mammoth the fresh air, snow on the mountains, pine trees and ground were spectacular. During my stay, I made Stellar Brew my morning coffee go-to spot, Elixir for a healthy lunch and my favorite dinner spot Mammoth Tavern. For our daily brewery break Liberty Sports Bar & Grill, and The Public House.