Pretty much whenever I go anywhere, I bring a camera with me, because 1) my phone is a camera…and it’s usually with me (haha, dumb joke), and 2) because you have to take pics of everything; otherwise, it never happened, LOL!
These are just some pics from my adventures with my in-laws last weekend. We took them sightseeing around Sonoma and Marin Counties.
One of the places we went is the cute town of Fairfax in West Marin, which is nestled up against the mountains, on the other side of which is the Pacific Ocean.
It’s a quaint, tiny little town, almost like an island up in the mountains, because it’s off the beaten path from the highways, and the people are very friendly.
While we were there, I made the acquaintance of a cute pup named Coffee.
I’m super obsessed with her ears!
If you ever make it out to Fairfax, I highly recommend brunch at the Hummingbird Cafe. It’s a breakfast/lunch diner, and their menu has New Orleans-style flair.
I swear…their beignets are so good you’ll want to cry.
I ordered a Frenchman Po’ Boy, and it came STUFFED to the gills with fried shrimp and fried green tomatoes. Needless to say, this was my cheat meal for the week…
The downtown area is small but packed with little shops. My favorite one’s The Potting Shed, a gardening store with lots of great small plants — good for little cubicles and other small spaces.
We also made it over to Sausalito, which is a small town right on the north end of the Golden Gate (right when you get off the Golden Gate Bridge going north). When it’s sunny there, I almost forget it’s the Bay Area because it feels like a seaside European town.
Um…why is my arm like 10 feet long in this pic? I have no idea.
If you ever make it out to Sausalito on a Sunday, grab brunch at Le Garage. It’s a French bistro/diner a stone’s throw away from the docks.
The menu changes a lot, but if they happen to have the French toast with jam and creme fraiche, GET IT. No joke, that French toast will haunt your dreams…
Rebecc says
You look very fit and very young in that picture. If I didn’t like you so much I would totally want to punch you for it.
Karen says
LOL, Rebecc! I seriously don’t know why my arm looks so crazy in the picture. Anyway, I hope you’re having a nice day so far!
Kirsten says
Gosh, you make me want to move up to the bay area.
Karen says
If you ever get the chance do it! It’s a wonderful place to live (albeit an expensive place, sigh). But still, there’s lots to do and tons of great places to visit.
What’s the city/town you live in like? Do you enjoy living there?
Kirsten says
I live in Long Beach, which is nice, but LA is so crowded and hot and dry and smoggy lately. Bleeck. My dad used to live in the bay area (south bay) and I miss visiting him and getting to see the fog roll in over the hills!
Karen says
I’ve visited Long Beach before. Nice town! I’ve never lived in So Cal but would like to for a little bit, just to see what it’s like. How long have you lived there?
Kirsten says
I’ve lived in the LA area for going on 25 years, Long Beach for about 15 of those. I must admit that I do love the diversity and 24-hours-ness of it. You can find almost anything here. Also I love being able to go to the grocery store at 1am if I want to. *^_^* (Big night owl here.)
Cai says
I love quaint places like such. I will definitely add this on my “must go to – US version” list!
Karen says
Happy to add some pretty places to your list. Have a great day!
Tallulah says
Love the look of the food TASTY
Karen says
YUM! Now I’m craving French toast. 🙂
Kiss & Make-up says
What a beautiful area to visit!
Karen says
It’s super pretty! 🙂
Rachel says
Mmm that food looks amaze! That dog is super cute, I am sometimes tempted to get one, but why do they seem like so much more work than cats? And your arm does look super long in that pic, even longer than your other one, lol!
Karen says
Hi Rachel,
I’ve had dogs and they are wonderful! They’re different than cats in that they do seem to need a lot more human attention. So tell me about your cat! How long have you two been together? Tabs and I are going on our eighth year!
Rachel says
I adopted Natalia (a Russian Blue, but I’m sure they just said that to make her sound fancy, which she is) from a shelter in Sacramento in 2010 when she was 8 years old. Now I live in North Dakota in an apartment and she came with of course, soon we are moving into a house and I might adopt another cat to keep her company. We have gone on 2 successful outdoor walks on a leash so far this spring! How’s Tabs? Keeping you busy?
Karen says
Russian Blues are BEAUTIFUL! We used to live next door to one until she passed away (she was 18). I’m sure Natalia is a super model. 🙂
So happy to hear that you guys have gone for a couple walks. I think that’s a wonderful way to bond with your cat.
Today Tabs has been not that into me, LOL! The weather is warming up so he spends most of his time looking out the windows aka patrolling the neighborhood.
Jennifer says
I must go to The Potting Shed! I love all the things in the pictures, especially the mermaid statue. She would totally rock my garden 🙂
Karen says
It’s a tiny little store but there are so many cute things. The air plant section is especially good! I love the mermaid too, by the way. She might have to come visit me. 🙂
Have a nice Wednesday! What are you up to today?
denise S says
What a nice day trip. I’m obsessed with cute dog ears too! That french toast looks delicious.
Karen says
It was SO good. The contrast of the sweet jam with the tart cream was very tasty. Now I wish I had some!
LindaLibraLoca says
I love French Toast.
Looks like you had a lovely weekend!
Erin says
YUM! Everything looks like you had a splendid weekend!
Kwmechelle says
Beautiful pictures. If this whole “blogging about makeup bc it’s my passion and I’m good at it and I #werk yellow lipstick and blue cream eyeshadow like it’s nobody’s business and I have a killa eye for detail with makeup looks and such,” methinks you could totally moonlight as a photographer. That is- if your employer doesn’t mind (though he’d probably be your muse/model in all your pics).
Natalye says
Coffee is so cute! I definitely want to make a trip to Fairfax after reading your post! I’ve been to Sausalito and I love it there! Your food pics are making me hungry lol