Big news! We’re going to California this October for our second anniversary!! I am bursting with excitement. Ever since I lived in San Diego for a summer, I’ve been dying to go back. At the time, I could really see myself there for more than just a summer, and now I feel the same way about Nick and I possibly living in California. For now I’m so excited to take a fun trip together. Nick grew up outside of Los Angeles, so we’re going to visit where he used to live, too! We’ll be in Southern California, renting an apartment in Long Beach and exploring the Los Angeles area. We may also head south, possibly all the way to San Diego.
So to my California readers, I’d love to hear, do you have any recommendations for things to do or places to eat? We’re looking for local spots and the only “touristy” thing that we’re probably going to do is the Warner Bros. tour (to see the Friends set!!). We want to visit the beach and eat the best fresh, local food in different neighborhoods! (For recommendation purposes: I’m a vegetarian; Nick is a carnivore and beer connoisseur.) I also want to do a bit of shopping (if I can convince Nick- ssh, don’t tell him!;). I’ve heard the Rose Bowl Flea Market is a must, too! Any other shops or thrift stores you’d recommend?
Thanks so much for your help! xo
(photo by Max Wanger)
Tuesday, August 14th, 2012, 7:30 am | 
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August 14, 2012 at 12:34 pm
hooray! you should also check out bluewindows on 2nd street when you are in long beach :)
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Colleen Reply:
August 15th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Ok thanks Jennifer!! :)
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August 14, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Eee–what fun! I wish I had some awesome LA spots to recommend, but hopefully you’ll share your favorite places when you get back!
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August 14, 2012 at 4:09 pm
:):) Yeah, girl!!
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August 14, 2012 at 4:31 pm
I grew up in Manhattan Beach
http://www.thekettle.net/ is one of my favorite places! =)
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Colleen Reply:
August 15th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Awesome, thanks Ashley! xo.
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August 14, 2012 at 5:03 pm
So happy for you! We went to LA and Palm Springs for our honeymoon (I have photos on my blog if you’re interested) and fell in love with the state, too. If you’re looking for a place to eat in LA, I highly recommend Gjelina. The goat cheese flatbread is to die for – also, make sure you check out Griffith Park. Not sure if you’ll make it out to the Palm Springs area, but definitely stop by the Ace and Joshua Tree National Park if you do!
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Colleen Reply:
August 15th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
Oh my goodness, thank you Anni! I’m going to check out your photos!! xo!
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August 14, 2012 at 7:55 pm
One of my favorite new neighborhoods to spend some time is the downtown LA arts district. The new Poketo store is a must. Down the street is Wurstkuche where you can get veggie and regular sausages, yummy Belgian frites, and a drink. And around the corner is the Pie Hole, where you can follow it up with a slice of delicious pie.
Email me if you want more recs! My husband is vegetarian, but I’m not, so I am used to feeding both. :)
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Colleen Reply:
August 15th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Christine, thanks so much! The Poketo store is at the top of my list! Totally going to go to those restaurants now, yay! Going to email you, thanks! xo
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August 14, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Wow I’m so jealous! I could use some sunny California in my life!!
I also wanted to let you know I’ve nominated you for a Liebster award! Check out my post about your nomination here: http://jenniferleighblog.com/ive-been-nominated/
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August 14, 2012 at 9:43 pm
Downtown Anaheim just opened up a few vegan/veg/raw food places. The Gypsy Den, Healthy Junk, and a few others. It’s on Center Street Promenade. A tiny little place but so delicious!
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Colleen Reply:
August 15th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
Awesome, thanks Diana! xo.
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August 15, 2012 at 12:01 am
i live in long beach and we have great places to shop and eat. Visit 4th st for vintage heaven. Portfolio is the local hip coffee shop and its on the corner of junipero and 4th.Also if your husband likes beer I would suggest Beachwood BBQ or Congregation, they are next door to each other on broadway between long beach blvd and pine (downtown) or depending where you are staying the factory is located in bixby knolls on atlantic blvd. I hope u have a great trip!
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Colleen Reply:
August 15th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
Those all sound amazing, thanks so much Oni!!! xoxo
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August 15, 2012 at 1:09 am
Happy for your heart, you will love it here! In LA area: Bottega Louie (my FAV, yum!), The Getty, Silver Lake boutiques. If you wander south, Crystal Cove beach, The Beachcomber restaurant & Laguna galleries are a must!
Enjoy!
XO
S
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Colleen Reply:
August 15th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
Aw thank you Sarah!! I think so too. :) Excited to try these places, thanks! xoxo
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August 15, 2012 at 3:48 pm
This is so exciting! Congrats on your second anniversary as well! In April my husband & I road tripped from Houston, TX to Portland, OR… the purpose of the trip was to move me back home after working in TX for 2 years… but we took 15 days to make the drive and turned it into our Honeymoon! We did 3 stops in Southern CA: San Diego/Coronado, Palm Springs, and Avila Beach (near San Luis Obispo). My favorite thing in San Diego were the beaches in Coronado and Torrey Pines State Reserve. If you get a chance, definitely visit Avila Beach… it is the most charming, non-touristy beach spot… so serene, peaceful and beautiful (I’ve got a few photos up on my blog).
I’m excited to hear about your trip and it’s so awesome that you & your husband are dreaming BIG!
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August 20, 2012 at 9:56 am
yay!!! i’m so excited for you! that will be SO fun to see where nick grew up! and the Friends set… haha i love you.
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August 20, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Where are you staying in Long Beach? If you’re along the ocean you can take the Passport (the red bus) to most places for $1.25. It is SO convenient.
320 on Main in Seal Beach has amazing vintage cocktails and food. In Long Beach, stick to 2nd street in Belmont Shore and 4th street (Retro Row). During the day you can shop at all the thrift stores then catch a movie at the Art Theatre (original, one screen art deco theatre=amazing). There are also lots of bars in the area. My favorite places to eat/drink on 2nd are Le Creperie, Simmzys (have beer and WINE on tap), Roe fish market, and Tavern on 2 for a great beer selection.
And definitely eat at Bottega Louie in LA. You’ll love the Silver Lake neighborhood too! Enjoy!!
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Colleen Reply:
August 20th, 2012 at 11:37 pm
Erika, ahh thank you so much!! Can’t wait to try these places! Good to know about the bus, too! We’re staying near Lakewood, so it’s a short drive to the beach. Thanks again! :) xo
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October 3, 2012 at 12:41 am