i've said it before and i'll say it again, i love san clemente.  i mean, how can you not love this?  it's pretty much beach weather all year long and it really doesn't get much colder than 60', which is freezing, if you ask anyone from around here (ha!).  but lately, the weather has been cooling down and the skies are a little gloomier, so taking peaks at these pictures from the summer remind just how much this place rocks.  and as much as i love sweater weather, a little part of me misses summer in san clemente.  but until then, you can probably still find me on the beach; i'll just be a little bit more bundled up.

adventure // san clemente classic car show

this past sunday was the annual san clemente classic car show.  hundred of cars are on display up and down del mar st, the main street in downtown san clemente.  if you've never been to san clemente, it's a town full of historic surf culture and spanish style buildings.  we pride ourselves on our beaches and friendly residents.  it's a tourist destination no matter what time of year it is and we have the self proclaimed "best climate in the world."  the car show brings people from all around to san clemente to ooh and aah over some of the prettiest, rarest, and coolest cars around.  i highly recommend checking out the car show next year.  but, good news if you can't wait until then! you can head down for the san clemente ocean festival on july 19 & 20th where there will be classic woody's on display on the pier, as well as surf contests and an awesome sand castle competition!!

we had a great time checking out all the cars on sunday.  we even sang along to some oldies but goodies from local surf bands and sampled all the fresh fruit from the local growers at the farmers market.  and to top it all off, we popped into one of my favorite little restaurants to grab a drink to beat the heat for a bit.  it was a great way to spend a sunday - good friends, good music, good drinks and good times!!

a san clemente winter

i really hate to do this to all you who might be reading this from someplace that's covered in snow, but i just can't help myself.  when you live in a place that looks this good in the middle of winter, you gotta brag just a little bit.  the good news is, you're more than welcome to come visit anytime! 

the greatest show on surf // sc ocean fest

this past weekend was the annual san clemente ocean festival. i always try to make it down and explore at least one of the two days that it goes on. this year, i headed out with a friend to watch some competitions and have some fun. we checked out all the old woody's on the pier, cheered on the swimmers and paddle boarders and enjoyed some coconut shrimp and iced tea at the fisherman's. the weather was gloomy but that didn't stop us from having a great time.

san-o with the glass'

last weekend i met up with ashley and her hubby who were in san clemente camping at san onofre state beach.  it was a bit of a gloomy day but the company was all i really cared about.  we chatted and laughed the entire time, drinking beer and roasting corn on the cob over the bonfire.  we even made it down to the beach for a bit, just to say we did.  and of course, the day ended with multiple rounds of smores for all of us.  i'm so lucky to have friends like ash (and her hubs) and can't wait to see that crazy couple again soon.

top 5 reasons i love southern california

I have been thinking a lot lately about how lucky I am to live where I do.  I'm not only lucky that I live in Southern California, but I'm lucky because I have lived here my whole life.  So Cal is such an incredible place to grow up and there are so many wonderful things to do and see.  I thought it was about time I shared with you 5 of my most favorite things about where I live.  

1.  The beach.  That's pretty much a given though.  I mean, isn't the beach the main reason anyone ever comes to so cal anyways?  I grew up at the beach and I still live walking distance from it.  There's nothing better than a morning run or evening stroll along the beach.  And the summers?  I would spend every day at the beach if I could.  To me, the best time to go to the beach is the beginning of September.  That's when the weather warms up and the tourists go home.  I get the beach to myself.  Pure bliss.

2.  The culture.  Here in San Clemente, we have this awesome laid back vibe that just fills the air.  This little surf town is the epitome of the So Cal culture.  The surf history in So Cal is bountiful and lives on through museums and murals and gives the ares so much personality.  And not to mention, everyone seems a little happier around these parts.  I hear that the beach will do that to a person.  

3.  The history.  The deep history of the Native Americans and Spanish is still alive and apparent.  You can see spanish style buildings, old missions, Indian ruins and more.  Father Juniper Serra made his way through hundreds of years ago but the mark he left on his way through is still holding strong. 

4.  The food.  You can't find Mexican food that is as good as this unless you are actually in Mexico.  San Diego has the best Mexican food ever.  So many great restaurants and hidden taco shops.  I can't even keep writing about it without my mouth watering.  Yum.

5.  The snow.  Yes, you read that right, the snow!  Did you know that in one day in Southern California you can surf in the morning and snowboard in the afternoon?  Pretty crazy, huh?  We have some great mountain resorts just an couple hours away from us here in coastal so cal.  I love being able to take day or weekend trips to the mountains.  And now that it's getting closer and closer to ski season, I can't wait to grab my snowboard and head up that mountain. 

What about you?  What do you love about where you live?  

If you live in So Cal and want to come meet some other awesome So Cal bloggers, please join us on November 13th in Del Mar for our blogger meet up!  Hosted by Tammy, Olivia, Stephanie and myself.  We have some great things lined up - drinks, raffle prizes and sweets!  

explore orange county // san clemente

I love my hometown.  San Clemente is a surfer's paradise and artist's haven.  It has great beaches, great food, and great weather.  I know I've gushed about my little hometown before on this little blog, but I can't help but do it all again.  This time, I'm taking an article I saw in Sunset Magazine and adding some of my own, true local, suggestions.  

Why go now: The surf’s up, but the pace is slowed down in this charming small town, where fine wine and farmstands meet big waves and a chill surfer vibe.  Plus - with summer winding down, the tourist's and inlanders aren't making the day trips down here anymore so the beaches are less and less crowded, but the weather is getting better and better.

Easy-peasy pull-over: It’s right off I-5, so you can’t beat it for beach convenience.  Only about an hour from both LA and SD, it's the perfect spot to stop and explore.

Or go carless: Amtrak’s Pacific Surf liner chugs alongside San Clemente’s sandstone cliffs and stops in town (amtrak.com).  It will let you off right at the pier and from there you walk to Del Mar, the main street in San Clemente with the shops and restaurants. 

The look: White stucco adobes with red-tiled roofs line the curvy streets, making this town feel like a “Spanish village by the sea”—just what founder Ole Hanson envisioned back in 1925.

Walk on water: The fishing pier stretches 1,300 feet into the Pacific.  The Fisherman restaurant is on the pier - dining on one side, bar on the other.  You can sit on the railing and watch the surfers and the sunset as you enjoy some great food and drinks.  Or, head to the end of the pier to the Snack Shack!

Weekend sweet spot: Show up on Sunday mornings at Sugar Blossom Bake Shop for buttermilk cinnamon rolls with macadamia nut glaze (204 Avenida Del Mar; 949/429-5555).  In other breakfast news - Pipes Cafe (2017 South El Camino Real; 949/498-5002) is known for their huge breakfast burritos and delicious acai smoothies and bowls.  Definitely a must if you are looking for something more filling and local.  

Park it by the ocean: Between State Beach, Calafia, and Lobeiro park, you’re in for a coastal three-in-one at San Clemente State Beach. Which to pick? State is the largest, with calm surf perfect for swimming and bodyboarding. On Saturdays, pop into the visitor center, with a room dedicated to surf memorabilia. Calafia is just north, where steep sandstone cliffs make a dramatic backdrop for sunbathers. Or follow the path from Calafia to Lobeiro park for a picnic on the lawn with ocean views. parks.ca.gov  If you want a true "local' spot - head down to Rivieria or Lausens (Lost Winds) - both nestled in neighborhoods and more difficult to access.  The fewer number of people on the beach is well worth the extra work getting there.  

Quirky shopping: Looking for a cast concrete birdbath in the shape of a rhubarb leaf, a vintage mirror, or Chuck Berry Greatest Hits on vinyl? Look no further than La Casa Verde de Granada, an artists’ co-op that feels more like a funky antique store, with fun finds from estate and garage sales. 130 Avenida Granada; 949/498-2560.  If you want to go down the clothes path, Bunny's Secrets on Del Mar is the place to stop.  Cute and original clothes at fair prices!

Burgers and brews: Locals line up at the Riders Club Cafe, a former gas station, for craft beer, build-your-own burgers,  and carnitas topped with carrot slaw. The rock tunes and beer-themed decor add honky-tonk swagger. $; 1701 N. El Camino Real; 949/388-3758  Head to Pizza Port on N. El Camino Real for some local craft beer and delicious pizza.  They brew in house and have beer for all different tastes.  The atmosphere is fun and you can sit on the patio when the weather is nice.  Biggie's Burgers on El Camino is also a great burger place - perfect for drive through when heading to the beach.  Try their zucchini fries, they won't disappoint!

Wine break: At the Cellar wine and cheese bar, food and drink share equal billing. Pull up a stool and order a glass of Rhône-style red and a wedge of triple-cream Red Hawk. Headed back to the beach? Grab a baguette sandwich and a bar of fair-trade chocolate. $; 156 Avenida Del Mar; 949/492-3663.

Sandwich cravings:  Tina and Vince's Italian Deli is a must stop on Del Mar.  Their sandwiches are simple, Italian traditional and priced great.  They have awesome antipasti salads and pizza.  Plus, listening to the charismatic husband and wife team talk in Italian makes the whole experience.  If you are looking for more variety, at the top of Del Mar is Billy's Butcher Shop.  Their sandwiches are packed with goodness.  You can build your own sandwich or choose from their original creations.  Plus, they have many home-made and fresh sides - including potato salad, coleslaw and fresh fruit - to pair with your sandwich.

Odds and Ends: Craving some mexican food?  Hit up Pedros Tacos on S. El Camino Real.  Awesome, melt in your mouth fish tacos and huge burritos.  They are a staple in San Clemente for quick and delicious mexican food.  And don't forget about Rainbows Sandals!  Stop into their factory and grab a pair or two of their awesome sandals!

And of course, if you are ever in San Clemente, be sure to let me know!  I'd love to meet up and show you my favorite places!

Cheers,
Kels

[ another great San Clemente article by Sunset here]

adventure // san clemente ocean festival 2011

Yesterday my mom and I walked down to the beach to check out our town's annual Ocean Festival. Ocean Fest is a big celebration of all things ocean (pretty self explanatory, now that I think about it, ha!). They have surf contests, runs, food and art vendors, and old woodys lining the pier. The festival is 2 days and is always buzzing with people. There's live music and announcers for the contests and to announce the events throughout the day. 

The weather was amazing and my mom and I enjoyed people watching and chatting while we walked around. There's nothing better than enjoying the afternoon on the beach. And I just fall in love with San Clemente more and more each and every day.

explore orange county // san clemente

I'm home!  I'm all moved out of San Diego and am now in beautiful San Clemente and boy am I excited to be able to share what my hometown is all about with you.  Starting with this post - a tribute to San Clemente (aka The Clem).  I was fortunate to be born and raised in the Clem and couldn't imagine growing up in any other city.  There is something about the feeling of the city, the type of people who live there, and the overall ambiance that really is special.

San Clemente is a little beach town that is the most southern city in Orange County.  It's known for it's awesome surf spots - Trestles, San Onofre, Trails, Uppers and Lowers - beautiful houses, political history and infamous nuclear power plant.  San Clemente is also home to the North Gate of Camp Pendleton.  The city has a spanish feel and boasts old style spanish architecture throughout the town.

Without trying to give you guys a history lesson, I wanted to let you in on some of the culture that makes San Clemente what it is.

• San Clemente spans fifteen square miles of coastline and scenic foothills. 

• The location of the City remained virtually uninhabited until 1776, when Mission San Juan Capistrano was established by Father Junipero Serra and led both Indian and Spanish settlers to set up villages nearby.

• Former Mayor of Seattle, Ole Hanson purchased and designed a 2,000 acre community in 1925.  He named the City "San Clemente" after San Clemente Island which was named by the explorer Vizcaino in 1602 after Saint Clement.

• In 1969, former President Nixon purchased a Spanish mansion in the southern part of town that Hamilton Cotton had built in 1927. This "Western White House" became the site of numerous historical meetings.

• Despite rapid subsequent growth, the City today maintains its small-town atmosphere. The City is bounded on the east by the Cleveland National Forest and on the west by the great Pacific Ocean. 

• San Clemente boasts "the world's finest climate", with sunshine 342 days per year. The annual average temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

And as far as our surfing legacy goes, San Clemente catches swells all year long.  It is also the surfing media capital of the world as well as a well known surfing destination. It is home to Surfing Magazine, The Surfer's Journal, and Longboard Magazine, with Surfer Magazine just up the freeway in San Juan Capistrano.

The city has a large concentration of surfboard shapers and manufacturers and many world renowned surfers were raised in San Clemente or took up long-term residence in town.  Plus, San Clemente High School (my alma mater!) has won 6 out of 7 most recent NSSA national surfing titles.

There's nothing that I really dislike about San Clemente, except for maybe the hoards of inlanders that flock to our beaches during the summer.  But hey, I'm a local, so I know all the local spots to hit up to hide from those crazy inlanders. And if you want to visit San Clemente, and want some insider tips, let me know.  I'll make sure to fill you in on all the "hidden secrets" of the Spanish Village by the Sea.