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food Food and Beverage Oceanside San Diego travel

Valle Restaurant Oceanside, California: Michelin Star Restaurant North County San Diego

Get a taste of Valle de Guadalupe without leaving the United States.  Venture to North San Diego County to eat at Valle. The eatery is now a Michelin-starred restaurant, making it one of the few in the Northern San Diego area. 

Valle Oceanside offers a formal Mexican dining experience with options to dine at the restaurant, hang out at the bar, participate in the chef's table, or do the El Sillón Bar Experience. Sit outside on the patio for an ocean-front dining view.

Valle Restaurant Oceanside, California Carmen Varner food and travel writer Michelin starred restaurant
Valle Oceanside interior

Chef Roberto Alcocer

Roberto Alcocer is Valle's executive chef. He has over 25 years of cooking experience with a particular flair for creating Baja Mexican fare. His restaurants include Malva (located at Carretera Ensenada Tecate Km 96 San Antonio de las Minas, Mexico) as well as Valle in Oceanside.

Valle Restaurant Oceanside, California Carmen Varner food and travel writer Michelin starred restaurant
Tomato consommé, Baja clams, blood clams, chocolata clams, Ensenada uni, smoked grapes.

Menu

The menu will vary. There isn't a menu listed on the website, so you may want to browse their Instagram to get examples of what to expect. As this is a fine dining restaurant, you won't get giant portions. They're on the smaller side, so you have room to eat the various courses. 

sign Valle Restaurant Oceanside, California Carmen Varner food and travel writer Michelin starred restaurant
Valle sign in Oceanside, CA

Hours

Valle Dining Experience 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5:00 - 9:00 PM 

Valle Bar 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00 - 10:00 PM

Chef's Table 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:30 PM 

El Sillón Bar Experience

 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Bar Valle Restaurant Oceanside, California Carmen Varner food and travel writer Michelin starred restaurant
Valle bar

Valle Information

Address: 222 N Pacific St Oceanside, CA 92054

Website: https://www.valleoceanside.com/

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are located outside, connected to the courtyard of Mission Pacific Hotel.

Parking

You can find street parking in the general area. There is a free parking garage further away and paid parking as well. You can also Uber or Lyft and get dropped off right at the entrance.


in the kitchen Valle Restaurant Oceanside, California Carmen Varner food and travel writer Michelin starred restaurant
Inside the Valle kitchen

Events and Other Information

If you appreciate Mexican cuisine and desire an elevated version, this San Diego Michelin star restaurant in Oceanside, CA is for you. As with most things, it's up to you whether you like it or if you find value in it. Take a look at the reviews and previous menus to see if it's something that suits your fancy. If you like experimenting with foods and enjoy experiential dining, then this could be a great match. The prices do reflect high-end dining. 

They have events, so this is a wonderful choice when you want to visit for a particular occasion, such as the Día de los Muertos Celebration. You may find these directly on the website.

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San Luis Obispo Things To Do travel

Things to Do in Downtown San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is a refreshing city on the Central Coast of California. It's part of San Luis Obispo County and is a college town with students attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. While there, you'll probably walk around downtown SLO and its tree-lined streets. But what else can you do there? 

There are a few things to do in downtown San Luis Obispo before you leave the area!

Bubblegum Alley Things to Do in Downtown San Luis Obispo Carmen Varner food and travel writer San Diego

Bubblegum Alley 

This novel stop is a must-see while roaming around downtown San Luis Obispo. You can stay briefly at Bubblegum Alley. In fact, it's a swift stop. If you have kids or teens, it's a fun activity to chew your gum and carefully place it on the wall. It's lined with old black, dusty gum, and newer colorful pieces.

Downtown San Luis Obispo Restaurants 

You'll find many restaurants in the area based on your preference. Mistura Restaurant brings contemporary Peruvian cuisine to the table with a range of interesting flavors. Mistura has both indoor and outdoor seating and prioritizes locally sourced meat, poultry, and fish.

Thursday Night Farmers Market

Locals often recommend attending the Thursday Downtown SLO Thursday Farmers' Market Higuera Street while visiting the area. Obviously, this is only possible if you're there during that time. You can find it on Higuera Street starting Thursday at 6 PM in Downtown San Luis Obispo, California. Over 100 vendors gather to sell food, produce, art, and more. It's a fun family activity and a great way to people-watch.

Mission Plaza or visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Things to Do in Downtown San Luis Obispo Carmen Varner food and travel writer San Diego

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Walk around Mission Plaza or visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

View art at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, or SLOMA. The art museum is located on the west end of Mission Plaza at 1010 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, California 93401. SLOMA has various exhibitions and events.

Jack House & Gardens

This historic building is a two-story Victorian home where you can get a guided tour of the inside and the garden. Check ahead to confirm the tour date and time. Located at 536 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Boutiques and Shopping

There are many small businesses and boutiques that you should explore while in the downtown area. You'll find a record shop (Boo Boo Records Inc 978 Monterey St), an eco-friendly kids shop, a book store, gift shops with lots of knick-knacks, and more.

Parking

Most of the nearby parking in downtown SLO is paid parking. If you're okay to walk, you'll find some spots further away. I recommend driving around the area to get the lay of the land before committing to a parking spot. There isn't a lot of traffic on the average day, so you'll find a paid spot quickly. 

Depending on what you like to do, there's a lot to appreciate in downtown SLO. You can dine on delicious cuisines, explore the area, walk around the streets and mission, and enjoy a good view. If you're not sure what to do, head over to the San Luis Obispo Visitor Center to get some insights.

Beaches

Although not in downtown San Luis Obispo itself, there are beaches and bays in the surrounding areas of Avila Beach, Morro Beach, and Pismo Beach.

Apple Farm Inn Things to Do in Downtown San Luis Obispo Carmen Varner food and travel writer San Diego

Hotels and Where to Stay

There are a couple options in the downtown portion of SLO, but more choices if you can be a mile or more away. Hotel San Luis Obispo and Granada Hotel & Bistro are right in the heart of downtown. Apple Farm is further down the road but it's quiet and has quaint amenities like fresh cookies each day or a small wine tasting. Of course, there are options further away as well. But you're still close to town.

Is San Luis Obispo a walkable city?

Yes and no. The downtown centre area is pretty concentrated so you can walk a lot of it, but you'll definitely want access to a car or transportation to get any further than that.

While there are several things to do in downtown San Luis Obispo, the best one is to just stroll about and enjoy your experience.

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Irvine Things To Do travel

Irvine Spectrum Center: Shops, Ferris Wheel, Hours, Parking, and More

Irvine Spectrum Center has shopping, dining, and plenty of outdoor walking space. The parking garages are free, so you don't have to pay for a spot. This mall is great for all ages with its range of shops, entertainment, and food.

Irvine Spectrum Center Address: 670 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92618 

Phone number: (949) 790-4871

Irvine Spectrum Center fountain

Dining and Restaurants

Irvine Spectrum Center in Orange County has restaurants with full-service dining, fast food, and other places to grab a bite. These include BRIO Italian Grille, The Cheesecake Factory, Dave & Busters, Habana, Javier's Cantina & Grill, P.F. Chang's, Silverlake Ramen, and other sit-down eateries.

If you prefer to eat someplace quicker, there are a lot of options. Head to Luna Grill, The Melt, Panda Express, Pieology Pizza, Sweetgreen, or other casual food spots. There are also quick eats like Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Cold Stone Creamery, Hello Kitty Cafe, Sprinkles Cupcakes, and more. Learn more about the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine, CA at Irvine Spectrum.

Shops

Find retailers for men, women, kids, and beyond. This includes Brandy Melville, Claire's, Cotton On, Foot Locker, H&M, Hot Topic, Nordstrom, Old Navy, MINISO, Quicksilver, Target, and more. You'll find accessories and clothes that suit your style.

Irvine Spectrum Target

900 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92618-4958 

Phone: (949) 885-0114 

Website 

Irvine Spectrum Center Anthropologie

803 Spectrum Center Dr. #707, Irvine, CA 92618-2926

Phone: (949) 341-0104

Website

Irvine Spectrum Nordstrom

800 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618 Store #330

Phone: (949) 255-2800

Website

Irvine Spectrum Center family bathroom

Family Bathrooms

The Irvine Spectrum Center is very family-friendly, not only because it's a mall with plenty of outdoor spaces and things to look at, but because they have an entire family restaurant. You can breastfeed in a private space on a chair with a curtain. There are private bathrooms with changing tables, a small sink, and a small toilet for littles. 

Ferris Wheel or the Giant Wheel

See the world up high on the Irvine Spectrum Center Ferris wheel, also known as the Giant Wheel. It's unique to experience at a mall, that's for sure.

They have other attractions and entertainment, too. Irvine Spectrum Center has a carousel, Spectrum Climber, which is a climbing sculpture. There are many outdoor chairs and spaces where you can stop and enjoy the view or nice weather.

Spend the whole day at Irvine Spectrum Center. Start out by walking around to get the lay of the land, then head to the Giant Wheel, shop, and grab a bite to eat.

Irvine Spectrum Center Ferris wheel giant wheel

Hours

This may vary by the store or restaurant so you can check it online or when you visit in person.

Shops Sun - Thurs 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 10am - 10pm 

Attractions Sun - Thurs 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 10am - 10pm 

Quick-Service Restaurants Sun - Thurs 11am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 11am - 10pm 

Full-Service Restaurants Sun - Thurs 11am - 10pm, Fri - Sat 11am - 11pm

Irvine Spectrum Center is family-friendly for all ages. It's a fun place to spend the day walking around, ordering food, shopping, and being outside. Just park and enjoy your time there. There's a lot to do in the Irvine and Orange County area.

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Things To Do

Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100+ Things to Do in the Summer

There are many fun things to do in the summer, whether you stay home or venture somewhere fresh. The important thing is to write down a summer bucket list so you can make sure you're making the most of your time. This way, you can look at the list to see what you still need to do and can plan around it. This is a great idea for families that want to keep the kids entertained. 

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Not everything has to be expensive, like a trip to Disneyland. You can do free and affordable things like having picnics at local parks or regular outdoor activities like playing kickball or soccer with family. Or you can buy exciting experiences like science kits.

There are plenty of summer activities and fun ideas to keep you busy all season long. Summer break doesn't have to be dull or filled solely with scrolling TikTok or watching movies all day long. Family members of all ages can enjoy fun activities together.

Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100+ Things to Do in the Summer Carmen Varner travel food writer


Summer Bucket List Ideas - 100 things to do in the summer

1. Keep a list of the best things you did during the summer
2. Host an outdoor movie night using a laptop or projector 
3. Take a bike ride around the neighborhood 
4. Go to an outdoor concert 
5. Go get ice cream - this is quintessential for things to do during summer

6. Take a cooking class to learn how to make something new 
7. Go for a swim
8. Take the whole family to a local park 
9. Go bird watching 
10. Spend all day outside (100+ Things to Do Outside)

11. Play a new podcast - There are so many out there. Just do a search to see some options based on your likes.
12. Organize a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt with your friends 
13. Sign up for a yoga class 
14. Go rock climbing 
15. See if you can spot lightning bugs outside

16. Spend the day at a water park as a way to cool off 
17. Walk around the mall and window shop
18. Visit a local playground - There are loads of playgrounds and you can easily find them searching online just type in "playgrounds near me."
19. Draw with sidewalk chalk 
20. Play hide and seek 

21. Drive to a different street to go on a walk 
22. Have the kids create puppets
23. Have a puppet show - Let your creativity flow. Try to make the puppets yourself using what you have around the house.
24. Take a walk or stroll around the neighborhood
25. Go to a drive in movie 

26. Listen to an audiobook
27. Invite a couple friends or family members over for a potluck or BBQ
28. Play kickball
29. Play tennis
30. Play volleyball or beach volleyball

31. Host a sleepover (100+ Things to Do at a Sleepover)
32. Go on a fishing trip 
33. Try to learn a new language, whether you learn on an app, books, or videos
34. Eat hot dogs - This is a classic summer bucket list idea.
35. Go on a hot air balloon ride 

36. Take one photo a day to create an album of your summer
37. Schedule a helicopter tour
38. Try doing a science experiment- there are science kits online for 39. kids of different ages
40. Have a bonfire

41. Looking into tutoring to learn a subject or be a tutor and teach something you're good at
42. Make paper airplanes and see which one goes that furthest 
43. Fly a kite - you can find different kites online for different ages
44. Make a lemonade stand in your front yard 
45. Go to a flea market

46. Watch videos and try to learn a new skill
47. Build a sandcastle
48. Run through the sprinklers on a hot day
49. Spend the day at a nearby city
50. Play frisbee

51. Write in a journal (100+ Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery)
52. Visit your local botanical garden or nature preserve 
53. Complete a puzzle - like a wildflower puzzle or something with a design you like
54. Make a snow cone 
55. Spend time at your local library and check out a couple of books to read for the summer

56. Go to the beach, lake, or body of water close to you
57. Find somewhere dark to star gaze
58. Have a movie marathon - especially if they are movies about summer
59. Start planting a garden 
60. Go for a scenic drive

61. Take a pottery class 
62. Start a DIY project like making body scrub
63. Build a sandcastle - This is so fun!
64. Create a summer bucket list of everything you want to do, see, make, read, or accomplish - have the entire family create their own bucket list
65. Go to an art museum or gallery - Sometimes museums have free days, so you can check this out online before you go and plan around it.

66. Visit a landmark near you
67. Make homemade popsicles with fruit or fruit juice
68. Make cotton candy 
69. Roast marshmallows for s'mores - make the process even easier with a s'mores kit
70. Sign up for a class and try to make new friends

71. Attend a summer camp
72. Go camping
73. Visit a petting zoo or animal sanctuary
74. Invite friends over (100+ Fun Things to Do at Home with Friends)
75. Sit in a hammock

76. Write and send someone a physical letter in the mail
77. Host a game night with family or friends
78. Go ice skating
79. Go to a rollerskating rink
80. Cook a new recipe - look online or through cookbooks for inspiration on what to make

81. Go on a hike
82. Volunteer someplace like your local library or animal rescue
83. Pick strawberries at a local you-pick farm 
84. Make a time capsule of your summer - get a time capsule kit or make it yourself
85. Make ice cream from scratch and include your favorite add-ins 

86. Take a dance class 
87. Create an obstacle course in your yard 
88. Watch a sunset
89. Watch a sunrise
90. Ride a Ferris wheel - This way you can get a better view of the area around you.

91. Build your own bird feeder
92. Go to a miniature golf course 
93. Visit an amusement park or a theme park
94. Bake homemade pizza (just be sure to buy the ingredients ahead of time and plan out your toppings)
95. Stay cool by tossing water balloons - try reusable water balloons

96. Check online to find a cafe or someplace that has live music
97. Head to your local farmers market for fresh summer produce 
98. Take a road trip (can be just a day trip or longer) 
99. Sit outside at one of the nearby parks and cloud watch
100. Go to a garage sale
101. Spend quality time with your besties or family

Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100+ Things to Do in the Summer
Summer bucket list ideas

Fun Ideas to Create Your Own Summer Bucket List

These summer bucket list ideas should keep you entertained. Write down your own list based on things you want to do the most. Aim for a list of 20 things to do, which gives you time to complete without feeling overwhelmed. After all, it is summer and sometimes you just want to sleep in and watch 5 seasons of your favorite show. There's nothing wrong with taking it slow during the summer months. But if you're feeling adventurous you can make your fun summer list as long as you want. Many creative ways exist to have a fun summer and cross things off each person's bucket list.


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