Big Sur Adventuring

About four days before Labor Day, I decided I needed to take some time for myself. I needed to take advantage of the entire country pressing the pause button and press that pause button on my everyday worries and such as well. I needed to go out in the world and do what I’ve been referring to as adventuring. Big Sur seemed like just the place to do that. Now that I’m back, here’s my list of favs and recommendations for you if you too decide to go on an adventure there!

I packed in quite a bit in two days, but just enough and not too much. I even got a little nap in both days. A NAP. In the middle of the day. TWO DAYS IN A ROW. What is this, college?

Activities: Horseback riding at Andrew Molera State Park, see the McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns, hike amongst the redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (different than Julia Pfeiffer), and get your bookworm on at Henry Miller Library and see a live show under the stars if you can. There are tons of great hikes, of course. Head to Big Sur Station to get maps and advice on the best ones. Tip- park on the street near the entrance to the parks and walk up to avoid the $10 parking fee. Or not. If you pay the $10 once you’re good for the rest of the day at any of the parks.

PS- I wasn’t able to make a reservation, but EVERYONE told me to go to late night bathing at Esalen. All you need to know is- natural hot springs, 20 people max, a tub on a cliff, 1 AM, naked.  I will do this the next time. And I will book in advance.

Eats and Drinks: eat ANYTHING at Big Sur Bakery and you’ll be golden, make your own burrito and eat while sitting in the river out back behind Big Sur River Inn, grab a bite and check out the incredible view (and zen atmosphere) at Cafe Kevah/Nepenthe, head to 1833 in Monterey for great cocktails (see barrel aged Negroni below!), and drive to nearby Pacific Grove for delicious fish and a great wine list at Passionfish. Shout out to the homie Janae, wine director of Passionfish, for saying hi and fighting the good (wine) fight. I had a yummy and very affordable glass of Lemasson‘s “Poivre et Sel” and a little rare Tissot called “Spirale” that is kind of a dessert wine made from passito style Savagnin and Poulsard. So delicious.

It was a magical couple of days and I’m so grateful I got to experience it. It’s easy to get caught up in your day to day bullshit, but sometimes you need to remove yourself, unplug, and realize what’s really important. And just how small you are. Mother Nature is certainly a marvelous thing to behold. As is a really great Negroni and a nap.

You can follow along with all of my adventuring on Instgram @ubriaca