I'm sharing some pictures of our Road Trip up north to Sacramento last weekend.
We were able to leave early enoughto catch the sunriseoutside of Bakersfieldover the almond groves.
There is something about road trips and the open road that feel like anything is possible.
We enjoy going off the beaten pathto search out hidden gems.
Though not hiddenwe certainly found a gem of a diner in Bakersfield!
24th Street Cafeis housed in a diner that was built in the 50'sbut they serve a fabulous updated diner menuwith a choices of mimosasincluding one made with a generous pour of Chambord!It certainly exceeded my expectations of cafe food in California's heartland!
Everything on the menu was absolutely top notchand Road Tripbreakfast memories were definitely made!If you ever find yourself in Bakersfield CaliforniaI heartily recommendthe 24th Street Cafe for a most excellent Road Trip breakfast!
Where we live in Southern Californiait is a very new suburban communityso I am always so happy to see the historyof even neon signs along the way!
It's easy to forget just how vast our state really is until you really get out on the road!
Driving on Highway 99we stumbled on Bravo Farmsout in the middle of what felt like no where,
Who knew it was the home of the World Famous 7 Story Treehouse!
Obviously many people did because there were 3 tour bus loads of people from France visiting and takingin all of Bravo Farms!
Bravo Farms had me with historic cheese factory!
Everywhere you turned there was something different and unusual to see.
What little boy wouldn't be smitten with this Tonka truck heaven!I know my two would have loved this find in their day!
We were also happy to discover there are quite a few wine regionsoutside of Bakersfield.
We literally stumbled on some lovelylittle single family wineriesoff the beaten path!
We lunched in Stocktonalong the river.
In an area where they have repurposed an old wharfin charming ways.
Our trip destination was Sacramento.We stayed right next to the historic Tower Bridgein Old Town.
It was just as charming as I had remembered.It must have been almost a decade agowe visited when we were homeschoolingand studying California History!
It made for a fabulous field trip back then ...
and a lovely place to catch up now.
As the impetus of our Sacramento trip was to visit our oldestwho these days lives in Sacramento!
It was so meaningful to spend timewith our 'little boy'.I had to be on tip toes just to get in the picture!
Old Town Sacramentowill always have a most special charm for me.
We breakfasted in the most charming town of Auburnwhere they just happened to be having a wonderful antique show.
Just a little more neon love!
After a lovely visit it was time once again to head back.We opted to take interstate 5 back south where Harris Ranchis always a favorite stop for a wonderful meal and any Road Trip needs you could possibly have.Or you can even make a night of itat their resort accommodations!
The vast views of open spaceare always a soulful gift to meand always one of my favorite parts of anyRoad Trip!
I am always grateful to live where we dobutit always feels like a calm exhaleto be surrounded by only nature.
I'm happily back home this weekendpreparing for a family Birthday Partybut a part of me is already dreamingof our next time out on the open road!
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy as you style your life