big sur – Francois et Moi

Big Sur Travel Guide: Eat + Stay + Do

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 20:55:43 +0000

Big Sur, California is a place like no other, and I’d highly recommend spending a few nights in the area if you’re making the PCH roadtrip or just need a getaway. It’s a small, welcoming community sprinkled along Highway 1 with a good mix of fine dining, spas, sweeping ocean views, and rustic outdoor activities. Here are Ken and my recommendations for where to stay and eat, and what to do while in Big Sur! Where to Stay: Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn For me, the joy of travel is immersing myself in the culture and joie de vivre of that particular place. So after discovering Deetjen’s Inn, which really seems to personify the relaxed, rustic vibe that is Big Sur with their historically sacred, storied cabins, thoughtfully furnished with antiques, and tucked beneath the giant redwoods, I knew this was our kind of place.The Inn was started by a Norwegian couple in the 1930’s as a waystop for weary travelers, and 85 years later their legacy still lives on. In a way, I felt a little like I was at summer camp, as there are no locks on the cabin doors and no TV’s–it’s really a place to unwind, decompress, and connect with the natural […]

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Our California Coast Roadtrip + Travel Tips!

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 23:33:32 +0000

If we’re acquainted in Instaland, you’re probably already aware that Ken and I road tripped down the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Big Sur for a little summer getaway last week. The plan was to get lost amongst the redwoods, eat our weight in avocados (anyone know where Jason Mraz’s farm is exactly? I couldn’t find it.) and, oh yeah, turn 30!!! Straight off the jetway in San Francisco, we picked up our rental car, a convertible to be exact, slapped on our sunnies, and hopped on Highway 1 southbound. There was no set schedule; we just needed to make it to Big Sur by sundown, so anywhere that beckoned, we pulled over to check it out. In addition to stopping off a ridiculous amount of times just to take in the views, we also hopped out at Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and Santa Cruz to explore. Santa Cruz boardwalk was a totally different vibe than the rest of the coast, I felt. The boardwalk basically consists of a big sandy beach and an amusement park. Let me tell you this place is happening and dare I say, a little too happening? a.k.a. crowded. Nonetheless, it was fun to check out. We grabbed ourselves chocolate […]

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Big Sur Style

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 01:11:18 +0000

Somehow the first half of June has snuck by us, and Ken and I are already hopping a plane to Big Sur on Saturday. Whoa. #wherehasjunegone !? I’m feeling a little unprepared so I’ve been doing a bunch of research on what to pack. Something I’ve come to realize about myself is that just about the only time I typically buy new pieces (wardrobe-wise) is when I’m preparing for a trip. Is that strange? Anyone else? I’m much more focused on the style of my home than my personal style (But that’s a story for another time!) During our time in Big Sur we plan to totally unplug (no cell service!) and hike up a storm in the Redwoods/along the coast, so I’ll be packing casual, comfy (but still put together!) pieces that can go from cool mornings, to warm hike-filled afternoons, to happy hour overlooking the sea. These are a few pieces I’ve got my eye on for the trip! Jacket | Sunnies | White Top | Backpack | Scarf | Shorts | Dress | Camera

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Summer Road Trip: The Pacific Coast Highway

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 13:04:41 +0000

Happy Friday! I have been dreaming about a Pacific Coast roadtrip for about a year now. Remember this post? And with my 30th birthday in sight, Ken and I decided to actually make it a happen. (YAHOO!!!) We’ve booked flights out to San Francisco (one of our fave cities ever!) for the end of June with the plan of renting a car and driving down Highway 1 to Big Sur. Does anyone have a favorite lookout point, town or beach along the Pacific Coast Highway? We’ll also spend a few days in San Francisco, so if you have a favorite restaurant or shop out that way, puh-leeze share. We’d LOVE recommendations! Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

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A Free-wheelin’ Summer Adventure: Roadtrip Inspiration

francoisetmoiblog@gmail.com — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 14:53:01 +0000

While in Alaska last weekend, we took a mini roadtrip from Anchorage to Seward to catch a whale-watching excursion up the Kenai Fjords, and the scenery along the drive to Seward was stunning! Glass-like water reflecting snow-capped mountains and glaciers at every turn, dense untouched forest with cliff-dwelling, dall sheep keeping company along the way. Our mini roadtrip got me thinking about how much fun it would be to rent a VW Van and roadtrip it cross-country this summer–wherever the open road happens to take us! The US has such a diverse landscape that there’s no shortage of unique scenery reachable in just a few days’ drive, and of course loads of summertime memories just waiting to be made. Who’s with me?! Photo Cred (left to right, top to bottom ): Orange Van | Hiway Host | Map | Steaming Coffee | Explore | Grass | Coastal Highway | Blanket | Big Sur | Blue Van | Highway 101 Sign | Waterfall Slide | Campfire Check out Effortlessly Geek for insight into renting a VW Van! Remember Mandy and Louie’s Roadtrip Engagement Photos from earlier this year?! So creative and fun! Happy Summer Exploring!

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