Category: On the Move (travel)

If you don't follow me on Instagram (shameless plug @buyorbyebymaggie) you wouldn't know that every summer we stay in Manhattan Beach, California as a family.  My dad has been coming here since he was in his 20's so by now we feel like locals.  I am so beyond in love with this town in LA and can't wait to share it with you guys!

to eat:

-Rockin' Fish

~mysuggestion~ the artichoke appetizer is TO. DIE. FOR.

-Fonz's

~my suggestion~ the filet medallions are unreal

-Nick's

~my suggestion~ my sister is addicted to the buttermilk fried chicken

-Strand House

~my suggestion~ the French fries (dipped in the garlic aioli) & the donuts for dessert!!

-Mama D's

~mysuggestion~ I'm all about the stuffed shells

-True Food Kitchen

~my suggestion~ the teriyaki bowl (with chicken)

-Manhattan Beach Creamery

~mysuggestion~ I stick to the classic cookie dough

-Hennessey's

~my suggestion~ the ahi tuna poke all the way

-In n Out

–not a MB essential… but a Cali essential for sure

to do:

–beachin' it

– how could you resist going to the beach everyday with the LA weather!

-the pier aquarium

-the cutest thing about Manhattan Beach is the aquarium at the end of the pier… YOU GET TO HOLD STARFISH!!!!

-Manhattan Beach Open (in August)

-usually our annual trip falls in mid/late August and we get to be there for the MBOpen which is a huge volleyball tournament

-if you're there in July take a trip to the town over, Hermosa Beach, and catch the     Hermosa Open for some serious free samples (and overall an awesome experience)

-Farmers Market

-every Tuesday there is a farmers market in the Metlox Plaza (by Beehive and Lemonade) and its my favorite thing ever

-my essential vendors are the plums (samples, mostly) and the balsamic vinegar station (so so good)

-surf

-if you already know how: you can rent boards at Nikau Kai for $15 an hour

-if you are clueless (like me) Craig's List has a bunch of cheaper instructors that can come to MB and teach you or Nikau Kai offers lessons as well

-pizza on the beach

-this is one of our favorite things to do as a family… we bundle up in sweatshirts, stop at the pizza place on the way down to the beach, then we eat and play football/volleyball together

to shop:

Manhattan Beach has some of the best local shops…

swim

-Diane's Swimwear

-Seafolly

retail chains

-LF

-Spyder

-Free People

-Aviator Nation 

boutiques (MB merch)

-Katwalk

-Udderly Perfect

-The Beehive

-Gum Tree

to wear:

It is super chill and laid-back here so I'm usually in a tank and denim cutoffs over my bikini and I'm good to go!  It's hot during the day but at night its pretty chilly- I'm usually in some sort of jeans for dinner if I'm not wearing a dress (with a sweater/jacket). 

✰ Maggie

 

Welcome to My New Travel Series!
I’ll be sharing my favorite spots to hit while visiting Wine Country, or more specifically: Healdsburg, California (Sonoma County). This is a place my family has been coming to for years, mostly because our “feels like” family has a vineyard and winery out here, so I like to think I know a few of the best attractions here!

to eat:
-Campo Fina
– this family favorite has some of the tastiest spicy dishes (or so I’ve heard from the entire family… I hate spicy lol), super fresh pizza, and you can play bacci ball outside while waiting for your food!
~my order~ always the burrata, for dessert: pistachio gelato or tiramisu-Healdsburg Bar & Grill
⁃ Go out for a chill dinner or lunch for some good ole American eats! I recommend sitting outside with friends or family and await the insanely delicious food (the burger buns taste like garlic bread… aka heaven).
~my order~  the pulled pork sandwich and a side of truffle fries

to do:
-boating on Lake Sonoma
⁃ If you’re feeling adventurous, a boat ride or tubing trip is definitely necessary. After discovering this lake many years ago, we have religiously gone back each summer… you will 100% fall in love with the views.
⁃ Be sure to stop at the Dry Creek general store to pick up some of the best sandwiches you’ve ever had before heading out!

-wine tasting at Comstock Wines Winery
⁃ Hey, maybe I’m biased but you’ve gotta go taste these wines… and tell Sandy and Bob I sent you if you do! Trust me, or my parents, the flavor of these wines will not disappoint. And, I’ve seen the BTS and the hard work and love that goes into each bottle is insane.

to shop:
– In the small town of Healdsburg, I strongly recommend peaking into each local boutique if you get the chance!