A curious thing happens in New York City toward the end of winter, during those desperate and disastrous last weeks of February and early March. At this point in the year, cabin fever has set in and there is a sense of a city on the brink. Citizens are desperate for the better weather which allows them to escape their tiny apartments and run to the freedom of the few small green spaces they share with the 8 million other residents (+ tourists) of this great city. It may be small, it may be crowded, but it is outside, it is sunshine, it is (almost) green grass.

But just before that happens, while we are still in the middle of rotating days full of freeze and ‘wintry mix’, there is a tightening as the residents begin to form a sense of hope that the end of winter may be near – a few sunshine rays here, a warm(ish) day there. It is a hope which must be held onto lightly (because we all know the freeze WILL return), but also tightly (for survival). A hope without wanting to hope. During this time, we are all prisoners on the brink of parole. And each year the same question rises; “Will we make it?” Will we make it through this winter and to the other side? But as silly as this question may seem it is true and real and felt sincerely by New Yorkers across the five boroughs and potentially into Connecticut as well.

A survival trick I learned during my third year in New York– after on unfortunate winter of extreme cabin fever and near insanity – was this: A winter sunshine trip. This is not a luxury. This is essential.

For this year’s sunshine trip, I went to California. I ate burritos. I ate tamales. I met my boyfriend’s parents. I ate In-N-Out Burger. I ate burritos again and I drank beer. I drank wine out of an empty La Croix can so I could take it down the street with me. I sat on the beach as often as I could manage. I watched sunsets. I listened to the Ocean’s waves crash against the shore. I, in envy, watched surfers in their wet suits catch winter waves. And I did all of this in the sunshine. For one entire week. And it saved me.

While this trip saved me from one of March’s Nor’easters, I find myself in the middle of another March Nor’easter now and dreaming of California as I am surrounded by snow on this, the first day of Spring.

If you ever find yourself in the very south of California, here are my recommendations for chill activities, delicious breakfasts, burritos you won’t want to stop eating, booze you should drink (and places to do it) & donuts worth the calories.

View from the trails at Torrey Pine State Park

Activities:

Torrey Pines State Park is located on cliffs along the beach, with trails that take you along the cliff’s edge over looking the ocean. There is a fee to park in the State-Run parking lot at the entrance ($12), but if you’d like to avoid the fee you can find parking along the 101 and walk in.
Torrey Pines Glider Port. Just up the road from the State Park you have the opportunity to go hang gliding, parasailing or simply watch the hang gliders, parasailers and hawk trainers from the café that sits at the top of the cliff. An excellent place to relax on a sunny day.
Shopping. Carlsbad has plenty of small, local shops to pop in and out of and plenty of local artists shops too. But if you are into antiquing, I recommend going to the Art & Antique Mall. Two buildings full of other people’s old things.
Surfing. Obviously. If this is your thing, this is a great spot to do it. There are some shops you can rent gear from on the main drag in Carlsbad and if you need lessons I’m sure there is someone who would be more than happy to take your money to teach you. We didn’t get to the surfing during this trip, but you can be sure I’ll get my cute little butt in a wet suit and in that ocean next time.

Breweries:

Southern California is littered with micro breweries. We certainly didn’t get to all of them, but enjoyed each of the three we made it to.

Hanger 24 is a brewery in an old airplane hanger. It is local to Redlands, CA, with plenty of outdoor space and a bring your food policy (for this, I recommend Rosa Maria's tacos and burritos)
Ritual Brewery is in a large warehouse space. There is no outdoor space, but inside there are games to play and plenty of room for a large group.
Culture Brewery is the smallest of the breweries we went to, but they have an excellent outdoor space in the sun, some good IPAs and great swag.

Wineries:

Before this trip I did not know that SoCal has its own patch of wineries one can visit. Most are centralized around Temecula.

Calloway Winery. This actually ended up being the only winery we had time for. But it was worth the stop. Their Cab Savs are delicious, but I would avoid their Rosé. No matter what you decide to drink or taste, their patio which overlooks the vineyards, is worth spending some time to enjoy.

There are plenty of other wineries that were recommended to us as good places to stop, so definitely explore!

Donuts:

Super Donut. So, we actually only went to one donut shop. It was this adorable little vintage drive-thru, colorful shop and the donuts are $1 each and delicious. They close at noon, so get up early for a good selection.

Food & Drink:

A La Minute. If you find yourself in Redlands, go to this little ice cream shop. Each cup is handmade right in front of you. I don’t usually like telling people what they should or should not do with their lives, but go here. You won’t regret it.
Park 101. Located in Carlsbad, this spot became our little go-to for the week we were there. They serve delicious food regardless if you are in the “please deep fry everything” mood or if you are feeling something a little more on the lighter “gourmet salad” side. They have plenty of brews on tap, pour some decent wines and have a killer happy hour. There is also plenty of outdoor space, fitted out with multiple fireplaces and outdoor games. For those with an aversion to family friendly establishments, this place is full of families, but somehow gets the balance right.
Swami’s: This sweet little café has a cute outdoor patio and some rockin’ café coffee. We went for breakfast – splitting an order of waffles and chilaquiles.
Surfdog’s Java Hut: Just off the 101, this little coffee spot has outdoor seating in their small back patio as well as out front. They serve a variety of food as well as bagels, if you are from out East and need a bagel fix. And while it’s true that bagels are just simply better out East, this little java hut serves up a good one, with a whole variety of toppings worth trying. They also serve smoothies, things vegan and things gluten free and the whole café has a hippy undertone + Cheers (where everybody knows your name) vibe.

Burritos & Tacos:

Cessy Taco Shop – get the fish here. Fish taco, fish burrito, wherever your little fish heart leads you.
Rosa Maria's – located in Redlands. Famous for their Garbage Burrito. I had the chile relleno burrito with chicken and my little burrito heart was happy.
Juanita’s Tacos - I had the carnitas burrito here and with it my burrito dreams were met. The homemade tortillas here are the best tortillas I have ever had. And their house made chips are delicious too. I have a feeling you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.

Hopefully that’s enough to get you started on a slow moving, sun loving, relaxing time in Southern California. And may your time in the sun return your state of mind to a happier, saner, less cold place.