Big Sur by a Big Sir

Hello friends! I like to think I have a lot of great ideas, especially when it comes to burritos, beers, and bakeries. But you know who else has great ideas? Everyone else! So today, we have our first guest post: a chance for someone else to tell you a little about how they live the “food as a lifestyle” mantra: whether it’s recipes, day-trip itineraries, or restaurant recommendations. (Note: these posts will be almost entirely the work of the guest-poster, so don't give me too much credit). What's better than a fresh perspective?

We’re kicking off the guest posts with Charles. He is an avid cyclist, adventurous hiker, music aficionado, and food connoisseur. Originally from the Midwest, Charles moved to San Francisco a few years ago and is taking advantage of the great food city he now calls home.

Charles' favorite:

Burrito:  La Taqueria (Carnitas, no sour cream)

Beer:  SF Brewing (IPA)

Bakery: It's-It Ice Cream Sandwich (Chocolate)

Day Trip to Big Sur

So you've been reading about burritos, beers and bakeries, and all the wonderful things you can do in San Francisco. Which is great, keep it up! But what happens when you start to feel a bit of wanderlust? What if, and this is pure conjecture, as you're dodging street poop on the way to get coffee, you say to yourself: "I need to stop stepping on shit, I have to see some shit!"

Some good news: you live on planet Earth. Which is full of some amazing stuff. And one of those amazing stuffs is called Big Sur, a 90 mile stretch of coastal mountains just a few hours south of the bay. And here's some more exciting news, we're going there! 

And, to help you out, I'm going to share a few pro tips to make your day trip a smashing success.

PRO TIP #1: Carb up on the way

The trip from SF will take you about 3 hours without traffic; I would try to leave before 8am to ensure this is the case. You'll take the 101 highway and then the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). It's actually kind of a dull drive until the landscape turns scenic after Monterey. As you'll be gearing up a for a big day, it's a great idea to stop and get breakfast in Monterey or Carmel, to break up the trip. Katy's Place is a nice spot in Carmel which boasts the "largest breakfast menu on the west coast." It was delightful; a country kitchen on a sleepy little street by the beach. I've also had a lovely experience at First Awakenings in Monterey. It tends to get busy early, but you can walk across the street and watch seals hang out on the beach while you wait. Hey, that's pretty neat.

(Katy's Combo, yum!)

PRO TIP #2: Physical Activity!

Now you're full and entering food coma status. But if you're going to spend 6 hours driving in one day, it's important to get your heart rate moving in between. Luckily, the sights in Big Sur will cause you to stop every 15 minutes to get out and look around. And for a little more sustained activity, you'll have supreme fun hiking at the myriad of state parks in the area. Next up, we're going to two of very the best. Let's go!

 (One of the many look-out points along the PCH)

Andrew Molera State Park "The Gateway to Big Sur"

The first stop is Andrew Molera State Park, which tends to get passed up by a lot of travelers who are headed, and rightfully so, straight to Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park (the queen bee of the region). But for those who want to find a parking spot easily and get a great 9 mile loop in, this place is a real treat. Bluffs trail, which snakes up the coast after a shaded sandy walk is an option for those looking to recreate the wheat field scene from Gladiator. Fun fact, I had my first rattlesnake sighting on this hike last summer. Whoa, adventure!

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Now for the show stopper. This park contains the picture that you've undoubtedly seen the most in reference to Big Sur. And a really great way to earn that picture is to start off by climbing, up. Like, roughly 1,600 vertical feet up. And you'll do this on Ewoldsen trail, which tours a magical FernGully-like forest before shooting above the tree line, to a breathtaking lookout point. Breathtaking partially because it's a lot of work, but mostly in the view. It's going to be totally worth it, because at the end of that 5 mile loop, you'll pickup the trailhead to McWay Falls which takes you under the PCH in a metal tunnel, and opens up to the falls and ocean, as seen below. Wowzers.

 (McWay Falls at Julie Pfieffer Burns State Park)

PRO TIP #3 Treat Yo-self

Let's get existential for a moment. Life is about balance. Yin and yang. Work hard, play hard. Eat some green stuff, eat some ice cream stuff. And luckily, physical activity is no exception to this precious rule. Go hiking, then feast and have a beer! You've earned it. And you're in luck, because I've got some great places for you to go after sweating out your Friday night on the hiking trail. 

Nepenthe

We start at the most accessible: the oldest established business in Big Sur called Nepenthe. Built by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, the restaurant structure itself is a work of art, as its foundation cuts directly into the side of a sea cliff. But you won't spend much time admiring the open floor plan and built-ins, because the hypnotizing view is all yours over pub fare and a couple of draft brews. Come here in your dusty hiking boots, kick back and just be.

 (Dinner for two at Nepenthe, cheers!)

Big Sur Bakery

If you want something a bit more refined, you can check out a slow food restaurant started by a couple from Los Angeles who wanted to leave the city life for the tree life. They call the place Big Sur Bakery and it sits in a cozy spot above a rustic gas station, engulfed by towering redwoods. Get here early if you want a shot at their touted chocolate croissants, or pop over after a hike to grab dinner on the back patio. Disclaimer, you might feel a bit of sticker shock over $14 trail mix, but (if you're coming from San Francisco) maybe not.

Post Ranch Inn

Lastly, for the romantics, swing by the Post Ranch Inn to grab an unforgettable experience before heading back up to the city. A collection of ocean front properties, the views from individual suites (which start at $1,800 a night) are also available to those swinging by for just a meal. The resort's restaurant, Sierra Mar, offers a prix fixe dinner in varieties of six or nine courses, though make sure to pack some fancier clothes as items like "sandals" are not allowed. Ughhh, sandals, gross...

Well there you have it. A day trip full of views, hiking and food. What else do you need?! And good luck trying to wipe the smile off your face as you head home. Until next time, happy trails.

-Charles