3.16.2010

Ventura Valentines Trip'

Wow I'm behind. I'm telling you, Facebook really makes me forget that I haven't blogged yet!

For Valentine's Day this year we decided to take a short trip up to Ventura and stay at a Bed and Breakfast there. We went a few weeks after Valentine's Day but it didn't make it any less romantic, or special.

Todd had a great idea of taking our bikes on the Amtrak up there. And my friends Shauna and Tony were married and a cute little B&B right in downtown Ventura and suggested we stay there.

We had a 45 minute delay at the Fullerton station. We found out once we were one the train, that someone had died in their sleep and they had to wait to remove him from the train. It was crazy!

Todd waiting:
From Ventura Valentines


A shot of the bridges in LA.
From Ventura Valentines


On the train:
From Ventura Valentines


More shots outside the window:
From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


I was a little disappointed that the sights were not very pretty. I was expecting to be going along the "coast" but I guess that doesn't happen until after Ventura. Oh well, it was still so much fun just being on the train. The seats were comfy and they even had a Cafe where we could get breakfast and drinks.

We stayed at Bella Maggiore and it was so cute! Very old and supposadly haunted though we saw no signs of that, Thank Goodness!
Our room was HUGE and it wasn't even the biggest one.
From Ventura Valentines

From Ventura Valentines

From Ventura Valentines


Once we got settled (they let us check in 3 hours early!), we headed down a block or so to grab some lunch at the Anacapa Brewing Company. The food was very good!
From Ventura Valentines

I had an Irish Red in honor of St. Patrick's Day.
From Ventura Valentines

The BEST TBLTA I've ever had!
From Ventura Valentines

We had to try out their sampler. It was very good. Though I realize I'm not a huge "hops" fan.
From Ventura Valentines


After lunch we headed back to get our bikes and went on a short ride along the Ventura River Trail. The weather was perfect. But the view was just so-so. Freeway on one side, and industrial stuff on the other. Still it felt great to both be out on our cruisers.
From Ventura Valentines

From Ventura Valentines


Then we went browsing downtown.
From Ventura Valentines


Another stop to get some really yummy Gelato. Of course Todd picked the better one and I ended up eating all his.
From Ventura Valentines


After that we headed back to our room to change and get ready for our dinner with Tony and Shauna. But first a stop downstairs to enjoy our complimentary Happy Hour. Free wine, cheese, crackers and a full Caesar salad. It was great!
From Ventura Valentines


Todd had to work a little bit but not much.
From Ventura Valentines


We had dinner at Cafe Fiore. It was right across the street from our hotel and very good! I only had my iPhone so the pictures aren't that great, but you'll just have to trust me.
I got a pesto pasta. The best I've ever had.
From Ventura Valentines

Todd got a lamb dish which he enjoyed too.
From Ventura Valentines


The next morning was the town's annual St. Patrick's Day parade. I was so excited that we were going to be there for it. Especially because "Chuck" Zachary Levi, was the Grand Marshall!
We had a wonderful breakfast at the hotel - again included in our room price. Then headed to see the parade. We got there right when "Chuck" was passing by.
From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


After the parade we headed back to the hotel to grab our bikes for a final ride.
Todd's new cruiser!
From Ventura Valentines


We rode along the beach and in the residential area. It was so pretty and the weather was perfect.
From Ventura Valentines


Self portrait while riding with one hand.
From Ventura Valentines


After that we got some lunch at Sicily's. Yummy New York style pizza.
From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


Then we made a quick stop at Dargans Irish Pub for a pint with the parade winners.
From Ventura Valentines


Our B&B:
From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


From Ventura Valentines


Heading to the train. Todd was such a great hubby and rode carrying my bag and his.
From Ventura Valentines


Almost home!
From Ventura Valentines

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