At the start of our journey to Santa Monica, we didn’t yet realize the magical donuts that would be waiting for us on the other coast – near to our new temporary home. But they’re very real and amazing and we might have fallen in LOVE!!!
We had another awesome opportunity to hop in the car #twopeepsandapup style and live in Santa Monica for three months. We’d be living blocks from the Third Street Promenade, the Santa Monica Pier and caring for Sadie (the fluffy & fickle Cat) while her mom was working on the East Coast.
So we did it – We took five days to drive from outside of Atlanta to California. As we started out on our journey – we cruised through Memphis (as my husband, had never been) – we spotted Sun Studio right as we were coming into town – Which was very cool – because we had JUST seen Million Dollar Quartet – so it was fun to happen upon this site. We hopped out of the car and got some pics and planned to make a longer trip to town once we were back.
Upon leaving the city and getting ready to head into Arkansas, we apparently hit a pothole (yep) – which bent our rim and would become obvious to us as the journey continued. Driving . . . driving . . . jamming out to our favorite Martin Sexton when all of a sudden the low tire pressure light comes on. At this point, we are in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, Oklahoma (pretty sure that was the name of the town). This is a road-tripping nightmare!! Especially because our car is packed to the ceiling. This is not good. We finally spot a little roadside shack – that seems to be more of a convenience store and they do NOT have fix-a-flat. Might be a handy item to carry – but – certainly, I’m no shack convenience store expert. We just keep driving on it, as there’s not really an alternative. Finally, we spot a small gas station. Fill the tire full of air – to just see how far we can get to civilization.
I am frantically yelping ‘tire repair’ in Little Rock as that’s where our Airbnb is. It’s now starting to rain and getting dark, of course – because we’re clearly in a horror movie. I finally find a man on yelp – who has a small body/tire shop – able to stay open late for our arrival. He doesn’t speak much english. So I am honestly not sure he will be open or able to help. But there’s no other options. He was waiting for us and he literally, completely saved us. And get this – only charges us $35. to hit out the rim and get us back in action. (We drive on this our entire stay on the West Coast – finally getting a new tire before heading back – he clearly did a brilliant job) What a freakin’ miracle!!
Still raining – we arrive at our Airbnb – which was warm and cozy. Our host, has kindly left us a loaf of Chocolate Cherry Bread and Girlscout cookies – exhausted – that’s our dinner. This is a complete day of relying on the kindness of strangers.
Fortunately, our journey the rest of the way is significantly less dramatic.
We spent a few days in Amarillo, TX – I think spending so much time in the car on a long trip like this – it’s good for all of us to have a full day off. This spot had a great fenced in yard – so Olive got some good time to frolic before hitting the road again. While there, we visited the Cadillac Ranch – a Route 66 roadside art attraction, went to the movies, ate out . . . Nothing too eventful.
After that, we headed to Winslow, AZ. because . . . I also heart The Eagles and needed to see this ‘Corner’ – and I was thrilled by it. There is not much else to do in Winslow other than the famous corner and a VERY lovely PET-FRIENDLY hotel – La Posada. We had a gorgeous stay and I completely recommend a stop here if you’re passing by.
The next day – we’re heading to Santa Monica!! Our new home was super cute and well situated. Sadie, hated us – but – we put in the time to work through it. I mean, honestly, complete strangers show up with a dog and start sleeping in your house. I’d be pissed too. She was very sweet once we all figured each other out. Our time here was brilliant – eating at amazing restaurants – catching up with so many friends that have moved out there – heading to the beach and of course, stumbling on to – our DONUT OBSESSION – Sidecar donuts. It’s real, guys, and they are a gift.
I took some classes, which I loved. Got very into Spier pilates. For my husbands Birthday, we celebrated at The Bazaar – with some friends – a total splurge – but we LOVE to celebrate. We made new friends. We did an odd ‘urban sweat lodge’ session at The Shape House. Dave loved it – I did not. Perhaps sweating is just not my thing. We celebrated Easter at The Getty Villa. Attended a brilliant fundraising event benefitting Voice for The Animals Foundation – stop a few times at The Farmers Market – I could honestly go on and on.
This was the first of many trips to, hopefully, stay for longer and longer. It’s hard NOT to fall in love with a lot of things California (aside from the traffic) – it’s gorgeous there and you really are at the center of so much. Plus, SIDECARS DONUTS. Was it worth the drive??? You bet your much bigger butt because you ate so many donuts – it was.
What’re some of your favorite California stops?? We’d love to hear about the PIZZA?? For such Pizza snobs, we really didn’t get any – help!!! Next time – must eat pizza. Leave your suggestions below.
