From the droopy frozen examples you can score at the local carnival to the upscale, art nouveau sticks to be found at, I’m an equal lover of all. Don’t worry gentle reader, I can hear you asking “but which is the best churro of all?” First of all, don’t ever interrupt me again. It’s rude. Secondly, I’m here to tell you…

How would you describe dense pieces of pound cake, solid as a Minnesota woman, soaked in what can only be pure nectar, then fried to a crispy shell and judiciously rolled in the perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar. I’ll tell you how I describe it – The Best God Damn Churro I’ve Ever Had. Especially since it is served with a side of, get this, chocolate malted milk with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in it. That’s right, it’s thick chocolate milk, made thicker with malt, and made thicker still by a melting vanilla iceberg. That’s your dipping sauce. Like I said, The Best God Damn Churro.

And where do you find this delicious concoction? LA’s A-Frame is your destination. The modern pale wood building is the outpost of Roy Choi, otherwise known as the owner of the Kogi Truck and the father of the food truck craze in general. Take a trip to this spot, enjoy the southern fried chicken or Asian ribs, but know that you’re really just there for that sweet sweet churro goodness.

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But this vast country of ours holds many more lesser-known — even secret — roads that few travelers have ever heard of, let alone explored. California’s Highway 395 is one such thoroughfare. It’s vast, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful. You could easily spend a month exploring every town, hike, and dirt side trail along its 557-mile stretch from Hesperia to the Oregon state line. But, here are its four can’t-miss sights.

Time-travel the Ghost Town of Bodie

Classic cars, abandoned homes, and rusted-out appliances — all spread across 500 acres of beautifully barren California wild land. This is Bodie, a perfectly preserved ghost town that feels plucked from a spaghetti western. At its peak in the late 1800s, it was home to 10,000 people, all looking to strike it rich during the state’s gold rush heyday. When the minerals dried up, so too did the town. Its residents fled in a hurry, and today nearly 170 buildings — including abandoned whorehouses, saloons, barns, and even hotels — remain in a state of “arrested decay.” Many of the interiors are still stocked with food and sundries as though the occupants just briefly stepped out. The National Park Service now manages the site and, for a small fee, visitors are free to tour the grounds. Note that the entrance road can become difficult, even impassable, during snowstorms and hard rain.

Eat at Erick Schat’s Bakery

There are few services — including gas, food, and essentials — along most of Highway 395. On arrival in the tiny town of Bishop, look for Erick Schat’s Bakery — a welcome sight for hungry roadtrippers. Since 1938, it’s been a staple of the local food scene. Gourmet cheeses, spreads, jarred foods, sweets, and pastries are all on offer and the counter also serves scratch sandwiches that are arguably the best of any deli around. Don’t miss the Sheepherder Bread — a traditional stone-baked loaf that put Schat’s on the map.

Explore the Alien Landscape of Mono Lake

Not far from where Tioga Pass Road joins Highway 395 lies Mono Lake. The lake’s iconic landscape is dotted with tufas — otherworldly geological formations unlike anything in the Eastern Sierras. The lake’s sky-high salt content provides the basis for a unique wetland ecosystem that attracts dozens of bird and mammal species, making it a great spot for wildlife-loving hikers. It’s also popular among in-the-know photographers who flock to the water’s edge at sunrise and sunset for spectacular photo ops.

Hike the Best Hikes in California

Some of the most notable points of exploration are just off 395. The base of Yosemite connects with Tioga Pass by way of a 45-mile stretch of Highway 120. The 6,000-foot elevation change provides a stunning and worthy road trip all to itself. Along the way, you’ll find sweeping panoramas of the Eastern Sierras and peeks at legendary Half Dome. As a bonus, nearby Tuolumne Meadows — one of the largest and highest elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada range at 8,600 feet — offers some of the best hiking in the state. Plan a spring trip when the meadow is at its greenest and lush with just-bloomed wildflowers.

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It’s that time again, were we take a crash course through a town and see the sounds, taste the sights, and enjoy the flavors of another city. This time, we’ve assembled a team (a squad?) and spent 48 hours in Anaheim, CA. Even better, we got Visit Anaheim to hook us up this time on our itinerary. We recruited a makeup artist, an Air Force mechanic, an accountant, and a handsome drifter (yours truly) for a broad set of opinions and interests and proceeded to lay waste to Southern California’s most overlooked destination. Anaheim is a city with a thriving brewery scene, interesting food, activities just for adults, and a unique nightlife so it’s time to see what’s what! If you’re planning your trip, check out Visit Anaheim on Instagram for good ideas.

First up was a little morning air-to-air combat at Flightdeck. This flight simulation center lets you strap into the recreation of an F-16 or 737. As one of our group actually services F-16’s as a day job (lucky!), we knew what we had to do, and that was set him loose on the other tourists and watch him pummel them out of the sky with his simulated missiles.  Before the action, you’re taken through a briefing, taught how to take off and fly the aircraft, and after the combat you land the plane for a full end-to-end experience. We had a blast here, but that might be because all of our squad dominated the top rankings after all the dog fights were over.

Nothing stirs the apatite quite like simulated air combat, so next we headed to the Packing House for some lunch. This former orange and lemon warehouse has been converted into a covered food bazaar of sorts with small restaurants and food vendors stuffed into every nook and cranny. We picked up some sandwiches, jambalaya, bespoke soda (no kidding), and ice cream all under the same roof and left stuffed for little more than $30.

Full of food but not beverage, it was time to visit Anaheim thriving brewery scene. First stop was the perfectly named Anaheim Brewery and a flight of beers at it’s quiet bar. In the afternoon, this brewery had a decidedly local feel with no discernible tourists or picture takers – besides us of course. This is the kind of place to head to when you’re sick of traveling and just want to relax.

Another of Anaheim’s brewery’s that has a decidedly different feel is Unsung Brewery and their mashup of craft beer and comic books of all things. Modern styling, friendly staff (including a portly bulldog), racks of comic books, and tables with great villain and hero quotes inscribed into them, Unsung is a place where your inner child and adult can co-exist. This is a must-visit for the ambience alone, although the beer flight here was stellar as well. The makeup artist in our group loved perusing the classic comics while sipping on a variety of beers.

If craft brews aren’t your thing and you’re looking for something a bit more lively, check out the next door town of Fullerton for their bar and club scene. With a college nearby, these spots skew a bit younger and louder but you’re guaranteed to leave with a story. No matter what your night is full of you’ll want to rest up for day two, at least that’s all we wanted after our full day, so we checked into the Marriott Residence Inn for some shuteye. Like all Residence Inns, our rooms came with kitchenette so we could make a late night without having to pop out of our complimentary robes and slippers. While all the visiting families book theme hotels close to the major parks, you’ll want something a bit quieter and more adult. We had no problem nodding off here.

After a good sleep we were ready for some good waffles, and there’s no better place in Orange County for good waffles than The Original Pancake House. This breakfast spot has been serving up eggs and bacon longer than you’ve been alive, and I think some of the staff have been around the since day one… You can’t go wrong with a bacon waffle, though the dutch baby looked mighty tempting as well.

It was now time for more adrenaline so we strapped ourselves into the electric go-karts of K1 Speed. These karts can reach 40mph, and the indoor circuit is full of challenging curves and overtaking points. At some of the other stops my guests shined, but now they were in my jungle and nobody comes into my jungle and leaves alive. And of course by that I mean I lapped the field and retired undefeated.

Orange County has long been home to many Asian immigrants, and one of the largest enclaves is a thriving Vietnamese community. Viet food has been having a bit of a moment this past year, with Pho and Bahn Mi conquering the culinary consciousness of even middle America, so what better lunch than in arguably the best Vietnamese restaurant in Anaheim’s Little Saigon where they know the truly authentic from the fad dishes. Brodard Restaurant is just such that place. Yes, I realize the name sounds like it’s your grandfather’s favorite steak joint, but this eatery is more know for their fresh spring rolls than for a porterhouse. Take the time to find this gem and one look around will tell you that you’re in the right place. Wall to wall you’ll see locals of the Vietnamese community enjoying dishes from the home country, and you’ll be smart to just point and say “I’ll have what she’s having.”

No vacation is complete with satisfying your sweet tooth, so we gathered up our group and headed out to Joe’s Italian Ice as we waived Anaheim goodbye. These flavored desserts are thick and satisfying, and the perfect accompaniment to a lively conversation as to our favorite spots. Our accountant friend loved the Packing House and I argued the merits of fresh noodles from Brodard, but as noshed on our fanciful ice we agreed that not a single one of missed having not visiting a theme park or the beach. There’s plenty to do in Anaheim that’s off the beaten track, and 48 hours isn’t nearly enough time to do all it.

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And Jeremy is far from the only one. Surfing communities online and off are awash with disappointment and dismay over not only that the 2014 US Open was such a shit show, but also over that fact that this has been the case for years now. For surfing’s laid back, live-and-let-live culture this presents a difficult problem. Is it okay that 80% of attendees are not interested in surfing at all, or should the event clamp down on these hangers-on by having designated areas accessible only by a premium paid ticket? Would that “harsh the mellow” of too many? Given that very few Open-goes even watched the surfing, and that the experience was negatively impacted for the true fans of the sport, something will have to change. If it doesn’t don’t expect to see too many more US Opens of Surfing held on SoCal shores.

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During my commute to class, I felt quite comfortable and incredibly stable, even on a few more iced over inclines at the bus-stop. This level of versatility is nothing new from Ridgemont, yet is just as much of a pleasant surprise as the first time I came in contact with an Outfitters shoe: The Monty Hi. The Crest, in contrast, is significantly lighter, and although it offers comfortable ankle support, doesn’t quite match the level of the Monty – but then again, the Crest is a drastically lighter shoe that reminds more of the Southern California skate culture, and less so of the Colorado Rockies snow communities, the way the Monty does.

With Utah fitting right between the two, I took the liberty of introducing the Crests’ to some Utah habits to get a better understanding of their abilities: I stopped at home to drop by school backpack off, grabbed my board at the door, plugged my head into the newest Yeezy album, and went for a cruise. After blowing a few stop signs, sliding the board to a standstill to test the grip of the soles, and one or two emergency bails, I was sold this shoe could easily double as a quality skate shoe. As I boarded home and hopped on my motorcycle to study at the library, I continued to enjoy the Crest. It provided a rigid composite lasting board, combined with an Ortholite sole, making it stable enough for any hike, should you choose to throw one at it, but also comfortable after quite a few hours into the night studying at the library.

The Crest Hi is perfect for anyone needing improved ankle support and water proof grade construction, without having to sacrifice their steeze.

Under normal circumstances, you’d have to take your pick: active and capable but uncomfortable and uglier than your aunt’s Crocs, cool but only wearable during sunshine and blue skies, fashionable but flimsy, the list goes on an on of possible combinations that only sometimes are the right option.

With Ridgemont Outfitters, you’re able to find a shoe that meets all your needs without compromise, tailored to your particular style, that’s always the right option.

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The last three months of last year was one rough ride for me. I left my stable job for a new exciting career path that is relevant to one of my passions…only to comprehend a month in that it was a toxic work environment with a dead end future. To top it off, I soiled some friendships over unnecessary issues,made minimal significant progress to meeting my end of the year life goals, and bought a totally wrong tire size for my 1990 Nissan 240sx project car. Nearing the end of December I realize that I was far from happy and would be ending the year on an all time personal low.

No job is worth your self-confidence consistently shot down to the point where you start questioning your self worth. Nor is any job worth trading your morals and what you stand for the sake of fitting in. With red flags flying everywhere, foreseeing no growth despite working over fifty hours a week, and almost forgetting how I really am outside of work, I called it quits on the last week of December.

I found it amusing that right when I thought I had post grad life figured out, I started off the New Year without a full time job and no definite future plan. As a person who finds relief in an organized and outlined future, I was frustrated and lost. I found myself in a state that many people consider necessary in your 20’s. Uncomfortable.

A few weeks into January, a family friend of mine told me she needed a ride to Berkeley. Being that I live in Los Angeles, I seized this as an opportunity clear my mind and reflect on the past couple months during the solo drive back home. The day before we left, I raised all four coilovers about an inch and a half to clear my new but overly huge 245/45R17 Yokohama S Drive tires. I’ve driven to the Bay several times in the past few years taking the usual routes but since life doesn’t always go as planned, I took it as an opportunity to try something new. Get there and back with minimal GPS usage, instinct, and take the roads less traveled.

On the way up, I knew I wanted to take Route 33 from Ojai and Route 198, zigzagging between the 101 Freeway and the 5. Although getting there took about twice as long, every mile was absolutely worth it. Route 33 rewarded us with never ending curvy corners and even snow at the peak of the mountain, a beautiful sight considering that California has been experiencing severe drought. Once at the top we were fortunate to catch golden hour. Amazing photographs ensued.

For the solo drive back down, it was a no brainer to take PCH from Monterey and figure my way back to LA using just road signs. I wanted to take it back to the old days, the days even before the Thomas Guide. When taking the Bay to LA via PCH, stops are a given. Being that I’ve done this trip once in the past, I took the opportunity stray away from the typical Bixby Bridge and Big Sur stops and just find places on the fly instead.

On the foggy morning of my drive back home, I set my phone on airplane mode and vowed to only use my phone for wide-angle shots as I only brought a 50mm lens with me. Taking a road trip with a friend is one story, but if you love your car and you happen to own a sporty one, taking a fourteen-hour trip down PCH alone is a whole different experience.

As the first 90-degree corner approached after a long straight, I down shifted and rev matched all the way to second gear. My bucket seat held me in place as the fresh tires gripped the apex of my lane. I stepped down on the accelerator and let my throttle open. At 4k rpm, I hear my intake, followed by the uproar of my aftermarket exhaust as I crept to redline. My Beirut album was playing low enough that I can hear the waves crashing down the cliff. I shifted up, and smiled. I had become lost in the moment. I felt free. It was then that I had a genuine glimpse of my inner peace again.

As the sun was setting, I took a random turn east bound in hopes to eventually find my way back to the 101. Although I felt lost, I insisted to not turn on my GPS. I was content with that…eventually I became lost in my thoughts. I concluded that when you pursue certain goals or career paths, things might not work out the first time around, or the second, or the third. But you know what? That’s okay, because life doesn’t always work like that. Sometimes things go south and occasionally it can be beyond your control. Sometimes it is under your control and you made a huge mistake and find difficulty coping with it. What’s important is the ability to thoroughly learn from the mistakes and quickly adapt to unplanned challenges. After about an hour of following what seemed like following mainstream traffic through isolated cities, I eventually saw the sign for the 101 south towards Los Angeles.

Although the last few months of last year were rough for me, I wouldn’t trade my hardships for anything less. To truly understand and appreciate what is good, you have to experience what is bad. Ultimately understanding these concepts are gentle reminder that you are trying to improve yourself every day. Similar to the routes I took to go up to the Bay and back, I decided to try an unconventional road for my career goals. Last month I managed to snag several awesome relevant part time jobs that left me with enough time to pursue my personal passion projects. Will I last taking the less traveled path? I don’t know, but one thing for sure is that my drive will.

One of my first victories after this trip? Being able to get a refund on those oversized tires.  

You can follow my photography @alvidee

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Day 6

Carmel to San Jose provided us with the shortest segment of the drive which was greatly welcomed as the previous day’s six hours still weighed heavy on us. After a short nap when we got to the hotel we were ready to explore San Jose.

Staying close to San Jose State University I was excited to check out the campus that supplied so many of “The Price is Right” contestants I watched as a child. It was a beautiful campus that had that distinct university smell which made long to back in school and that feeling made me want to drink.

Posting up at one of the better sports bars I’ve been to in terms of TV’s it was time to catchup on the NBA and NHL playoffs I’d fallen behind on. It was an odd sensation watching games at 6pm that were already nearing the end on the east coast, a sensation I could never get used to. Honestly, it has to be so frustrating catching live shows often on tape delays or sports incredibly early in the day.

After a few bars we found ourselves buying some ice cream sandwiches and stumbling back toward the hotel where we’d be waking up soon to head to Napa.

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Day 5

Santa Barbara to Carmel is a drive that everyone must make once in their life. Note that I didn’t say “at least once,” but once. It’s a beautiful and fun drive, but also long and miserable. I’m not talking the quickest route here, but up California’s coastal highway 1.

Google projects the 244 mile drive at five hours, but thanks to uber cautious drivers it’s more like six. Although having done it, caution is not something that should be thrown into the wind off the Pacific. Hairpin turns, narrow lanes, and loose gravel on the road make the drive one of the most harrowing ones I’ve done to date, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying it. Given a straight I was punching the gas and breaking hard into the turns, making others on the road put the passing zones to good use by pulling over.

We hit Carmel nearing sunset and checked into a quaint motel, Carmel is not a young person’s town, and headed to the beach before dark. I popped my shoes off and walked to the ocean only to be greeted by freezing cold water. It was at that point I realized everything in California was trying to kill me. The sun was out to burn me, the water to freeze me and the sand to drive me insane.

After the very anti-climactic beach trip (the only time I’d touch sand or water the whole time) it was time to eat. I knew Carmel to be composed of people in much higher tax brackets, but I didn’t think that meant the whole area around us would be art galleries, expensive restaurants, and old women clothing stores. However, the plan all along was to use this stop as a rest day before continuing to San Jose the next day, so nothing was really lost by the lack of life in Carmel.

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Day 4

We caught up with an old pal for lunch at Beverly Hills Deli before we headed up to Santa Barbara. Oddly the place was identical to a bodega back home and equally as cheap and good. With a full belly  we were back on the road with a couple modifications being made to my driving attire in light of recent sunburns. A hat, a very healthy dose of epicuren sunscreen, Arnette Dropout shades and Fox Dynomite boardshorts have become my driving attire. Why the suit? I’m a sweaty hot mess driving all the time so why burn clean clothes just to sit in a car.

A very nice La Quinta welcomed us in Santa Barbara which was a pleasant surprise considering the rate, not to mention it was walkable to all the bars and restaurants of State St. I’ve always been a sucker for cities that revolve around a main street, so needless to say this excited me greatly and it didn’t disappoint. From a buy one get one for .25 cents to a nice meal at Finch and Fork and a Monday night dance party at a bar, the main strip of Santa Barbara is as diverse as the homeless that crowd it.

In the blink of an eye or dance induced haze, our time in Santa Barbara came to an end and it was off to tackle the windy roads of the Pacific Coast Highway up to Carmel the next day.

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Day 2 & 3

I know movies, I know TV and I know way more about pop culture than most, but I know nothing about LA. Don’t believe me? It took numerous attempts at trying “Las Angeles” in the navigation before giving up and typing in West Hollywood. That’s right; we didn’t even attempt Los Angeles (the correct spelling in case there are more of us out there). However, we made it to LA now with an IQ worthy of our own Bravo show.

I’d previously spent one night in West Hollywood and knew two things: it’s trendy and celebrities. Friends of LA laughed at my choice, but with a limited time in LA that’s the lifestyle I wanted to see. So, we bar hopped our first night from the trendy overpriced bars of the Sunset Tower, The Standard and finished our night at Bar Marmont. And while only one local friend reluctantly agreed to meet us I enjoyed every second: great views, drinks, and food. Plus, it reminded me of that feeling I used to have when I first moved to New York where anyone could be somebody important and while they still could, reality of the city has set in and now I just want to drink more than I care.

Having two nights in LA we checked out Santa Monica for lunch and then drove through Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills has big homes which are always cool to see, but the shopping area and Rodeo Dr. were quite a letdown. Sure, there were expensive stores and I’m sure good restaurants, but the whole area had the charm and character of a suburban strip mall.

Having been privilege to a heat wave we were pretty burnt out by night fall and retired early to rest up for the drive to Santa Barbara. I also had to tend to my burns I obtained driving to LA in my effort to achieve a “base tan.” I guess you could say it worked.

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Day 1

I departed JFK and arrived around 1:00pm at LAX where I would pick up the car. Our (I will be meeting up with a friend in San Diego) wagon for the week is an Audi S5 Cabriolet. I ballpark the drive from LA to San Diego at two hours taking into account a little traffic, but it’s 1:00pm on a Friday afternoon, how bad could it be? And road rage would become my first quintessential Cali experience. Stop and go leads to 15 over the speed limit to stop and go and back again with no apparent rhyme or reason. The only thing I noticed is that no one respects the fast/passing lane and it’s infuriating.

I arrive safely in San Diego some three plus hours later (I forget as this would not be my last battle with traffic). We’re staying in the Gaslamp Quarter which I’d heard had a lot of bars so it’s a quick shower for me and then off to explore the bar scene. The area doesn’t disappoint with great food options and bar after bar lining the streets. Unfortunately, it seemed all the attractive girls were trying to usher you into bars they worked at rather than partying themselves. All in all a night out in San Diego was no different than any other city for me with two exceptions: beer pong was played with a weighted cup verse liquid in them and everyone dresses casually. The latter I enjoy as I’m not a particularly formal man, but I like being able to go around a room and know where I stand. The casual lifestyle brands gave me nothing to make assumptions of people based on and that bothered me.

The next day we sleep in till checkout (this will become a recurring theme), grab some lunch and with traffic in mind hit the road back up to LA for two nights. It’s on this leg of the drive that a guy who hasn’t been tan since seeing the first Twilight movie learns about the importance of sunscreen in a convertible.

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Founded in 2008 Pink Dolphin was the creation of creative director and co-founder Cena Barhaghi who with $400 cash and his friend/CEO Neima Khaila created a top-tier street wear company. The color schemes and graphics alone make the clothing unique, but Pink Dolphin went a step further to insure its uniqueness: each item is only printed once. Meaning when it is sold out, it’s sold out. With only two retail stores, one in San Francisco and one in LA, you’d think you’d have a minute to get the new looks, but also available online in 17 countries items can go fast.

Thankfully I got my Spring Waves Snap Back before they slapped the “sold out” banner up on it online. Hopefully, with today being the first day of spring, warmer/brighter days are upon us east-coasters so I can breakout the rest of my gear from their spring line: a t-shirt and reversible windbreaker. The windbreaker I admit I’ve worn, but only around the house because the fleece is so damn soft. And to answer the question of whether Pink Dolphin works out east, I wore the hat out one night and my friend instantly said, “I love that hat. I’m stealing it.” So, I’m pretty confident Pink Dolphin’s spring line is going to be well received from coast to coast. That is, of course, weather permitting for us easterners.

The spring 2014 line can be seen in the video below.

Bonus video from fall 2013 featuring a personal favorite of mine and rising star, Pia Mia!

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Heading upstairs, you are met with an immaculate presentation of tables, art, lighting, and a view of the kitchen, along with an impossibly polite staff to match.  As you sit and take it all in, you feel comfortable, warm, and at ease.  Conversations around you are at a minimal volume and not distracting from the ambiance of the restaurant.

Then the drinks arrive.  These are no ordinary drinks, but perfectly crafted, properly glassed, works of art in liquid form.  Exquisite ingredients, perfect amounts of ice, the right ratio to allow each flavor to dance on the tongue.  My drink of choice tonight was the Manhattan neat, and I left there craving another.  It was perfect, heavenly in nature, velvet on the tongue.  Smooth would not begin to describe this drink.  (It is actually the drink that inspired our latest quick fix recipe)  My fellow diners all tried other classics, from a simple vodka and lemon to an Old Fashioned, all of which were enjoyed at the perfect pace and in the same, pleasant manner.  This was the perfect start to an amazing evening.

Now, there are often a few dishes I lean towards when dining out, and lately it has been Brussels sprouts.  Having been the victim of horrible recipes in the past, it took me a long time to get passed the memories and horrible flavors to rediscover this amazing green.  OneUP has a side order of crispy Brussels sprouts, and please take it from me, you want to order these first.  Multiple plates of them.  Make these your appetizer.  The char, the bitterness, all mixed with oils and fats from the bacon and seasoning, made these heavenly.  Were they the star of the show?  I would not go that far, but to say they stole quite a bit of the spotlight would be an honest statement.  They were astounding and easily shared and enjoyed by the whole table.

The star of the show though came with the main dish, and not even mine.  Across the table, one of my fellow diners ordered the mushroom risotto, made with sauteed mushrooms, leeks, truffle oil, and Parmesan.  Simple ingredients prepared so perfectly, brought together at the right time, it was heavenly.  The risotto was cooked to perfection, the perfect texture, as the Parmesan and truffle oil did not mask, but enhanced the whole dish.  It was balanced, light, and filling.  By no means were the braised ribs I ordered anything to sell short, but this perfectly made mushroom risotto was the meal of dreams.

It’s hard to wonder how such a perfect dining experience could exist in a hotel, where food is often thought the be the afterthought of most places.  But here, within the walls of the Grand Hyatt, I sat in wonder and amazement at the ingredients I had just experienced.  The perfect balance of ambiance, modern flair, and perfectly crafted food and drink, all within a welcoming and warm setting.

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Now, let me be upfront.  I was there for business.  I booked the Parc 55 based off location and amenities, and having stayed there before, knew it would fit the bill.  During the week I was in town, to get a room at all is difficult, especially anything magnificent, so when the opportunity arose for me to stay here, I couldn’t say no.  Walking distance to both the tourist side and real side of the city, I was very much comfortable with my choice.   While my stay before was not totally ideal, the hotel and brand had since won me over for all my business focused trips.  It’s a business hotel with clean, comfortable rooms and all the amenities I look for when travelling, and even with over 1000 rooms, never feels cramped or busy.

Let’s talk about the hotel in general.  It’s the 4th largest in the city, and with people coming and going so much, it amazed me after 2 days the staff recognized me and my basic schedule.  The lobby is open, modern, and fresh, with great windows surrounding it and stone tile leading up to the desks.  The restaurant Cityhouse sits right off the lobby and provides a darker, modern lounge feel while still flowing great into the main floor.  The hotel itself is right next to a BART station and easily within walking distance of many of the city-center restaurants.  While some might see a bit of the area as rundown, it felt more like a real city then the typical, sparkle-shined tourist traps that surround.  Want a great meal for breakfast?  Head up two blocks to one of the many diners filled with locals.  Looking for a great, cheap drink?  Right around the corner are lounges with great music and local drinks.

The rooms, beyond the suite I was in, are all spacious, clean, and kept up.  The decor is a bit plain, but it allows you to focus on the views out the windows.  Every room has a bay window so you can look around and take it all in.  The beds are comfortable with a great selection of pillows, and bathrooms clean and stocked with Bath and Body Works toiletries.  For a city as packed as San Francisco, there is a surprising amount of room in even the basic rooms, and you cannot hear your neighbors one bit.

Overall, I love this hotel and it will be my go-to every time I am in town, upgrade or not.  It is clean, comfortable, and consistent.

So here I was, sitting in my armchair looking at one of the towers of the Golden Gate to my left, the capital building in front of me, and the bay to the right.  The hills had fog rolling in over the distance, and I took it all in.  Every bit of it.  It was amazing.  I am sometimes lucky, but not this lucky.  The Parc 55 has surpassed every thought or expectation of comfort, truly delivering one of my greatest extended trips I have had in a while.  The view, the room, the staff; everything was beyond perfect.

I didn’t just visit the Parc 55 San Francisco; I became a resident.

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