Hello, my friend! Welcome to my Sunday Five Faves. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that Chief and I are in San Diego to help my sister bring my mom home from the skilled nursing facility after an accident. Here are 5 Good Things from San Diego like beautiful beaches and California casual decor shopping! Cindy and Annie also have their five faves this week too at the end of the post.
1. San Diego North County Beaches
I did some exploring…The nursing home is in Encinitas (such a charming town) and other little beach towns like Carlsbad, Del Mar, and Solana Beach (below) are just gorgeous and relaxed.
I am looking into renting a home in one of these places to be near my mom and sister for a vacation. Does anyone have any ideas?
2. VG Bakery, Encinitas
VG Bakery (must stand for Very Good) was recommended by my sister and everyone in the line to get in was raving about it. I brought a big box to the nursing home staff. They loved it!
3. Cedros Avenue Solana Beach, CA
Cedros Avenue is a really fun area to walk around, especially if you are into Design…
Here are just a couple of my favorite stores.
Bixby And Ball: I love everything in this store. It’s in an original 1926 house that was the first on the street.
Solo is a warehouse with a bunch of cool mini-stores inside. Chief and I spent a LONG time here wandering around and found some good things!
4. West Elm Table Top Sale
There is a West Elm in Solana Beach and they are having a big table top sale! You can order online now for the holidays. Here are some fun things that caught my eye…
5. Mugs That Benefit the ASPCA
While at West Elm, we picked up a little homecoming gift for my mom…
Those are my Good Things from San Diego! But the BEST thing is having my little mama back home.
You may also like Napa California Style And Highlights.
Now let’s see what great things my friends have in store for us…
Dawn says
Encinitas is one of my favorite towns in the world. All the hearts!
Lisa H says
Del Mar is a long time favorite for our family. I grew up in San Diego, but live in Colorado now. I dream of walking on the beach! Our favorite thing to do is walk the Torrey Pines state park loop. You can park in a large lot (state park fee applies). Walk south, along the beach at low tide. You get to a stairway and head up the sandstone cliffs, walk through the native shrubs, and Torrey Pines. Gorgeous ocean views along the way! Then follow the park road back to your car. It’s about 2 1/2 miles.
It’s a favorite exercise ritual for many. When you’re done, head to Roberto’s nearby, and grab some fish tacos!
Our favorite happy hour/dinner is at Jake’s in Del Mar. it’s right on the beach.
Del Mar used to have some fun shopping, but last time we were there, seems like a lot of places have shut their doors. Cedros Design District is the very best place to stroll and shop.
These recommendations are all without any knowledge of how safety measures for COVID 19 are affecting these places. We hope our favorite businesses are being supported so they’ll be there for us when we can return!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Great advice, Lisa. I will be back soon and will take advantage of your tips!
Kelly Fister says
Mary Ann. Hope your Mom gets well soon. My family enjoys the Villas at the Aviara Residence Club in Carlsbad. There, we’re able to spread out, cook together, and golf and/or participate in yoga. Recommend.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much!! We’ve stayed at the hotel and been to the spa…so we will check out the villas!
Niki says
Last February we flew out to Southern California (from Massachusetts) to look at colleges with my daughter. I loved going into Bixby and Ball! Their San Diego vibe is very similar to my Cape Cod vibe.
Mary Ann Pickett says
It’s fun, Nikki!
Linda Henderson says
Love my summer week at Del Mar! (not this year sadly but I will be back) Great horse racing and so many fun things to do and such beautiful scenery. I am familiar with your 5 places and I enjoy going there so much. Leaping Lotus is fun browsing too. So glad about your Mom.
Karen B. says
Mary Ann,
Such good news that your mom is home and under the care of your sister and you. Best to her.
I loved the mini video of the beach and the shopping. It makes me want to drive down and have a look. I haven’t been down that way in ages. This is a pretty time of year to visit.
xo,
Karen
Mary Ann Pickett says
It was gorgeous, Karen!
Linda Salazar says
I forgot to ask…when we were in Cedros earlier this year they were doing construction on a development that includes a shopping/commercial/residential space. Did you notice if it was completed? It was slated to be done the end of 2019 but with Covid maybe it was delayed.
Linda
Mary Ann Pickett says
I’m not sure, Linda, but it didn’t look like anything was still under construction.
Linda Salazar says
Glad your mom is doing well. Sounds like you have had a nice stay. My husband and I make a point to drive up to the Cedros Design District about every 6 months. Glad to hear the stores are open! Always have to stop in at Solo and Bixby and Ball. Did you know there is one in the Lido Marina Village? It’s quite small. My absolute favorite though is David Alan Collection. I cannot visit Cedros without stopping in there. :o)
I don’t have any recommendations for rental properties but if you are a fan of Thai food some time try Bangkok-Bay on the 101. We always get the Summer Rolls, Chicken Satay and the Panang Curry. We think theirs is the best Thai food we have ever had and their prices are pretty reasonable too. We won’t eat anywhere else now when we visit Solana Beach. I believe they are doing limited dining and pickup only right now as the restaurant is fairly small.
Linda
Mary Ann Pickett says
I will have to do to David Alan next time! And thanks for the Bangkok-Bay recommendation.
Teresa Cunningham says
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Teresa Cunningham says
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Anne Anzil says
Fun ! We live in Encinitas and consider ourselves very lucky! I love Cedros too! Next time you’re down here you have to try Leucadia Donuts! We think they have the best donuts! My mother in law broke her hip a month ago and is now happy to be home recovering well. I hope your Mom does well too!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes, you are lucky, Anne! We will try Leucadia Donuts…but I should be dieting!
Gail says
That is such a wonderful area down there. Lots of fun places to explore and a great place for a vacation. Hope you’re having a wonderful time.
BarbIe says
These 5 things make me smile. I love Bixby And Ball and Solo. Breakfast at Claire’s and a walk along Cedros Is a perfect way to start a fun day. But the mention of VG’s made me laugh! As a student at UCSD we used to make a ‘VG’s run’ at 2 AM when the cinnamon roll donuts were fresh out of the grease! Those were the days when eating a donut at 2AM seemed like a good idea🤣
I hope your mom is home soon.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I did have breakfast at Claire’s, too!
holly says
I am so glad you mentioned Solo. A true favorite of mine. Always a great place for gift shopping while supporting the locals. Here’s to your mom’s recovery at home! Be well.
cindy says
I am so jealous of your Solana Beach shopping. Those places look amazing!! It looks like you had some fun along with helping your mom and sister out. Hope your mom is happy to be home!