Tag Archives: walking path

La Jolla, California, the Jewel of the West Coast

+120312 La Jolla Cove Beach

After a long day of hiking in Poway, my friends and I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in La Jolla, an exclusive, upscale suburb of San Diego.   La Jolla means “the Jewel” in Spanish which is befitting its name with perfect weather year around, high end fashion boutiques, picturesque coastal bluffs and a scenic seaside.

My favorite hangout is La Jolla Cove, a sandy beach inlet with crystal clear water.  This beautiful harbor is also home to sea lion colonies, pesky pelicans and gorgeous blue Brandt’s Cormorants.  I enjoyed the time I spent at the beach, watching the noisy sea lions bark for a spot on the rocks.  More often than not I would stroll out to the craggy coastline to watch them fight for their small piece of high end real estate.   Along the beach, there is a small, cave-like cluster of rocks where I could have a much closer view of the seals.  The opening into the cove provides a perfect frame for some amazing wildlife photography.

Often times I would check out the walking path above the cove where I could take in the dramatic cliffs.  The stunning views of the shoreline and the cove below are the reason why some refer to this area as the California Riviera.

We decided to stop for drinks at Duke’s La Jolla, to enjoy the views of the upper level which look out into the Pacific.  We thought about booking tickets at the La Jolla Playhouse or even playing a round of golf at Torrey Pines Golf Course, but since we were celebrating my friend Kristy’s birthday, we made reservations at George’s at the Cove which gave us plenty of time to stroll Prospect Street with its upscale shops and boutiques.

I never tire of the scenery at La Jolla cove, nor strolling the streets of its downtown. This is truly a Southern California paradise.

Have you had the opportunity to visit La Jolla, California?  What are your favorite restaurants and shops? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave your message in the comments section below!  Many Thanks for checking out my fun evening in La Jolla and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:  Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

La Jolla Cove – stroll the beaches and check out the amazing wildlife at The Cove!

La Jolla By the Sea – explore the boutique shops and enjoy a fabulous meal in La Jolla!

Where to Stay:

La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites
1155 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA  92037
Telephone:  858 459 2621

Where to Eat:

George’s at the Cove
1250 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA  92037
Telephone:  858 454 4244

Duke’s La Jolla
1216 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA  92037
Telephone:  858 454 5888

What to Eat:

  • Mexican cuisine, especially tamales
  • California wood-fired pizza
  • Southeast Asian foods
  • Sushi
  • Seafood
  • Local Wines

What to Read:

  • The Dawn Patrol, by Don Winslow
  • San Diego Noir, by Maryelizabeth Hart
  • I So Don’t Do Mysteries, by Barrie Summy
  • Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See, by Mike Davis

Photo Guide for La Jolla and nearby San Diego:

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Downtown La Jolla
  • The Botanical Building and Lily Pond at Balboa Park
  • Greetings from San Diego mural on the sidewall of Belching Beaver Brewery
  • Sunset Cliffs
  • Old Town San Diego

+120312 Seals on the South End of La Jolla Cove

Massive Seals at La Jolla Cove

120312, Close to the Seals

So Many Birds, La Jolla Cove

120312, Close Up of Birds with Blue Beak

120312, Penguins at La Jolla Cove

Flowers with La Jolla Cove in the Background+Birds on a Rock at La Jolla Cove, March_2012

Finding Solitude at Sylvan Lake

After a restful night, I woke up bright and early at the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn in Custer, South Dakota. It was a perfect overnight stay where the hotel staff were friendly and helpful.  At the breakfast bar, there was a large selection of food items and the dining area was very clean with modern furnishings.  The hotel was centrally located (about 20 minutes) from the attractions I wanted to visit and I couldn’t wait to check out and explore.

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It was Sunday morning and I wanted to visit Lake Sylvan to read my Bible and devotional before  reaching my next stop, Deadwood.  In awe of God’s creation, I started along the path where I could circle the lake, taking in the beauty of my surroundings.  With my camera in hand, I captured the reflection of the rock formations on the water.  The walking path continued along the banks with an additional route where one could walk the main thoroughfare for a shorter hike.

Sylvan Lake is one of five mountain lakes within the Custer State Park and is the one most visited.  Used as a scene in “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets”, it is also popular with photographers and nature lovers.  For those who like to fish, the lake is fully stocked with trout, crappies and perch and canoes and kayaks are available for rent as well.  Although I could have stayed to enjoy a few of the amenities at Sylvan Lake, I came for the solitude. And as I finished my hour of devotions, I prayed for safety and began my drive towards Deadwood.

Have you visited Sylvan Lake while touring Custer State Park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading by post and Happy Travels!

For more information about Sylvan Lake and Custer State Park, visit South Dakota’s state park website at www.gfp.sd.gov.

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For those of you that may be interested in my hotel evaluation at Custer, South Dakota, I have provided a very brief opinion of my experience at the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn located at West Mount Rushmore Road.

Hotel Information:

Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn
310 W. Mount Rushmore Road
Custer, South Dakota  57730
Phone: 605 673 2275
Rate: 80.90 (AAA rate) + tax = 89.87 (includes $2 lodging tax)

Hotel Rating:

The hotel is a great hotel with friendly, helpful staff. There were great food options for breakfast including omelets, yogurt, hot oatmeal, cereal, toast, fresh fruit and danishes. The only fast food option in the area was Dairy Queen, but there were several places to eat along Mount Rushmore Road. Perfect location…about 20 minutes from each of the attractions. Very, very clean with modern furnishings. The television did not work that night, but I was too tired to watch it. I would highly recommend the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn. There is also wi-fi service available as well.

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Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla, North Carolina

From the top of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, we had a beautiful bird’s eye view of Currituck Heritage Park below.  The 39-acre property includes the lighthouse as well as the Whalehead Club located along the sound.  Our walk was a short stroll from the light.  Through the parking lot, we traveled towards the footbridge crossing over the pond to explore the waterfront.

It was a great change from a day at the beach as we strolled among the breezy 80 degree weather.  Various water fowl gathered in the shallow end of the marsh looking for their afternoon snack while tourists were securing their life jackets for a short kayak trip around the Currituck Sound.

Overhead we noticed an osprey flying towards the Whalehead Club, so out of curiosity, we followed it and watched it come to rest at the crest of the rooftop.  Fragments of thick, tall grass draped over the roof which suggested there was a nest.  Walking further away from the building, we had a clearer view of the tiny beaks stretching up towards the sky.  The children mimicked the birds with their necks distended trying to catch a glimpse of the baby birds.  They lit up with excitement as their father put each one on his shoulders so they could have a clearer view and a few minutes to watch the baby chicks.

The Whalehead Club was built by Edward and Marie Louise Knight in the 1920s.  During this time, it was not uncommon for the wealthy northeasterners to build hunt clubs and invite their friends for some recreational waterfowl and duck hunting.  The former mansion is available for tours by appointment.

Following the walking path, we passed by the main pond where we noticed a family taking their chance at crabbing.  They added a piece of chicken to the end of a string and waited for a crab to clamp down.  It wasn’t long until one of the young boys, about seven years old, pulled up on his twine and a little crab was holding tightly to the end of it.  We were just as excited for him as he handed over his catch of the day.

Throughout the park were beautiful outstretched oaks that provided adequate shade for a picnic or solitary space to relax.  There were several walking trails that followed along the saltwater pond, led to the canal that feeds into the sound and directed visitors to waterfront vistas and boardwalks.

Displayed outside of the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education was the skull a whale that had washed ashore in September of 2009.  By the time it was discovered, it had already decomposed to the point that its bones were exposed.  The placard notes that the whale was “found  to be a male, sub-adult approximately three years old and twenty four feet in length.”

Additional exhibits showcasing the Outer Banks’ ecosystem continued inside the 5,000 square foot complex.   There were numerous attractions and artifacts as well as an 8,000 gallon aquarium. A life-sized demonstration of the saltwater marsh duck-blind was a reminder of Currituck’s history of water-fowl hunting.

Have you visited Currituck Heritage Park?  Have you attended one of their events?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Currituck and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Currituck Heritage Park
1160 Village Lane
Corolla, NC  27927
Telephone:  252 453 0221

  • Admission Fee:  There is no fee to enter the park.
  • Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Amenities:  fishing, picnicking, nearby Currituck lighthouse, rental of the Whalehead Club, kayaking, bird watching
  • Scenic View: Spectacular views of the sound from the bridge; beautiful views of the area from the lighthouse.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit to watch the sunrise and sunset.

Where to Stay:

Inn at Corolla Light
9606, 1066 Ocean Trail
Corolla, NC 27927
Telephone: 252 453 3340

Where to Eat:

Outer Banks Boil Company
Timbuck II Shopping Village
9501 Suite D, 785 Sunset Blvd.
Corolla, NC  27927
Telephone:  252 453 6578

We ordered the shrimp boil pot which included jumbo shrimp, Louisiana spicy andouille sausage, red bliss potatoes, corn on the cob and Vidalia onion which are all cooked together in a pot.

Duck Donuts
1190 Duck Road
Duck, NC  27949
Telephone:  252 480 3304

Try their maple bacon donut!c

What to Eat: 

  • Crab Benedict at Sam and Ornies on Nag’s Head
  • Frogmore Stew Steamer Bucket from Armstrong’s Seafood in Nag’s Head
  • Donuts at Duck Donuts
  • Carolina Barbecue at Pigman’s BBQ on Nag’s Head

What to Read: 

  • Hatteras Blue, by David Poyer
  • Early from the Dance, by David Payne
  • Surf Men by C.T. Marshall
  • Murder at Hatteras by Joe C. Ellis
  • Return to the Outer Banks by Diann Ducharme

Photo Guide for the Outer Banks

  • Pea Island Wildlife Refuge for capturing local birds
  • Jennette’s Pier to photograph local fishermen and beautiful sunrises
  • Ocracoke Horses
  • Triangle Shipwreck at Kill Devils Hill
  • Shipwreck artifacts at Seagreen Gallery
  • The Cape Hatteras lighthouse at Cape Hatteras
  • Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo

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