Category: Travel

To travel is to learn. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – this category focuses on all of the trips I have taken and had the good fortune to document.

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Pacific Coast Highway Drive to San Luis Obispo

Join us for a classic California coastal day as we drive down the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) through McWay Falls, explore the local food scene in San Luis Obispo, and cap it off with a coastal hike at Montaña de Oro State Park.

🌊 Pacific Coast Highway Drive
Known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, the PCH delivers unforgettable ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and iconic stops like Bixby Creek Bridge and the rugged Big Sur coastline. This stretch of the journey is a must-do for any California road trip.

🍳 Louisa’s Place – San Luis Obispo
We stopped for breakfast at the legendary Louisa’s Place, a local favorite in downtown SLO. From massive omelets to fresh coffee, this diner blends friendly service with hearty, old-school flavor — perfect fuel before a day outdoors.

🌲 Montaña de Oro State Park
Named the “Mountain of Gold” for its seasonal golden wildflowers, this state park features cliffside trails, hidden beaches, and dramatic views of the Pacific. We visited Spooner’s Cove, explored tide pools, and took in the ocean breeze along the Bluff Trail.

If you’re planning a Central California coast road trip, this video is packed with inspiration, travel tips, and jaw-dropping views.

🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe for the next leg of our trip!

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Flavor Explosion at Butter House Monterey

Join us for a flavor-packed brunch at Butter House in Monterey (technically Seaside)—where breakfast gets a bold fusion twist! We stumbled upon a menu infused with Hawaiian, Korean, and Filipino influences, making every bite unforgettable.

🔸 What We Tried:

  • Pork Belly Fried Rice and Marciana’s Fried Rice: crispy pork belly and savory combinations of bacon, sausage, ham or Spam
  • Loco Moco: a hearty Hawaiian-style dish—beef patty smothered in gravy, topped with eggs
  • Longaniza: a sweeet filipino sausage that goes really well with fried rice and eggs.

🔸 Local Hot Sauce Obsession:

Ryan fell in love with The Pepper Plant Original California‑Style Pepper Sauce, a Monterey‑born favorite known for its smoky, garlicky heat

This zesty pepper sauce blends jalapeño, red peppers, and garlic—perfect on eggs, rice, or meats.

✨ Why Butter House Stands Out:

  • Cozy, family-friendly vibe in Seaside
  • Women- and Asian-owned
  • Bold, island-inspired menu with vegan & gluten-free choices

If you’re craving next-level brunch or breakfast with global twists and local flavors, hit “play!” Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell—lots more Central Coast adventures on the way!

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Exploring Monterey California

Come along as we kick off our California adventure in the beautiful coastal town of Monterey. From the awe-inspiring exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to discovering a hidden gem for Turkish delights and coffee, this day blends iconic attractions with unexpected surprises.

✅ What You’ll See in This Episode:

  • Highlights from the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • A stop at Troya Turkish Delights & Coffee, a cozy spot serving authentic treats
  • Scenic clips from downtown Monterey and the marina
  • A relaxing start to our Central Coast road trip

If you’re planning a trip to Monterey or just love coastal California vibes, this video is packed with inspiration, flavors, and unforgettable views.

📍Featured Locations:

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Troya Turkish Delights & Coffee
  • Marina & downtown Monterey

Subscribe to follow the rest of our journey as we drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, and beyond!

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Things to Do in New Paltz, NY – Mohonk, Restaurants, and More!

Looking for the best things to do in New Paltz, NY? After over a decade of visiting this incredible Hudson Valley town, I’m sharing my personal guide to New Paltz’s top attractions—from Mohonk Mountain House to my favorite restaurants, shops, and scenic spots.

Whether you’re visiting for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or returning for the tenth time, this video has something for everyone—great food, beautiful nature, and small-town charm.

🏞️ Mohonk Mountain House

  • World-famous resort with hiking, spa, boating, and day passes available
  • Stunning nature trails and historic grounds

🍽️ Best Restaurants in New Paltz, NY

  • Main Street Bistro – Local brunch favorite with creative, hearty breakfast options
  • Garvan’s Gastropub – Irish-style pub with refined dishes and incredible hospitality
  • Burger Box – Fast-casual burger joint with flavorful, customizable eats
  • Plaza Diner – Classic New York diner with a nostalgic vibe and comfort food staples

🛍️ Water Street Market

Eclectic outdoor shopping village with boutique stores, antiques, art galleries, and cafés

🐾 Bonus: Many of these locations are dog-friendly, making New Paltz a great destination for pet lovers too!

🌄 Whether you’re planning a hiking trip, a food-focused weekend, or just want to explore upstate New York’s hidden gems—New Paltz should be on your list.

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Main Street Bistro New Paltz | Creative American Brunch Since 1993

Join me for a delicious trip down memory lane at Main Street Bistro in downtown New Paltz — a beloved local gem that’s been delighting patrons since owners Doug & Teresa Thompson took over on July 1, 1993.

🍽️ What We Experienced:

  • Classic & creative brunch fare—think Salmon Hash with hollandaise, hearty breakfast specials, and inventive sandwiches like the Santa Cruz
  • Consistently excellent food with generous portions, charming down-to-earth service, and a bustling college-town atmosphere.
  • A menu that even earned “Best Breakfast in the Hudson Valley 2020” from Hudson Valley Magazine

👨‍🍳 What Makes It Special:

  • The Bistro’s roots date back decades—a fixture in town with a solid 25+ years under its belt
  • Doug Thompson, the owner, is a SUNY alumnus, ex-punk drummer turned restaurateur, who built a loyal staff—many with over 15 years of service
  • Launched dinner hours in 2024 featuring a fresh Vietnamese‑vegan menu, all while keeping the iconic daytime menu intact

✅ Why You’ll Love It:

  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and now even dinner.
  • Friendly, familiar service—staff often know you by name
  • A must-visit spot in the heart of New Paltz—ideal after a hike, or any time you crave comfort food with flair

Let us know: have you tried Main Street Bistro? What’s your favorite dish?

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

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Dining at Garvan’s in New Paltz, NY

Looking for a memorable meal in New Paltz, NY? We had an incredible dinner at Garvan’s Gastropub, a charming Irish-style pub known for its warm hospitality and elevated pub fare. From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond—especially in helping me stick to my low-carb/keto diet with delicious, customized options.

We were even lucky enough to meet Garvan himself, the owner and namesake of the restaurant. A true gentleman and gracious host!

📍 Located just minutes from downtown New Paltz and Mohonk Preserve, Garvan’s is a must-visit for anyone craving hearty, flavorful food in a cozy, welcoming setting.

🍽️ Highlights from our visit:

  • Friendly, attentive service
  • Great low-carb accommodations
  • Beautiful outdoor patio and Irish-inspired interior
  • Personal visit from Garvan!

✅ Whether you’re local or just visiting the Hudson Valley, Garvan’s Gastropub is a dining experience you won’t want to miss.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel and food adventures around New York and beyond!