This is the first time I’ve actually been teary leaving because the lodging was SO NICE and we made such happy memories here! My husband and I spent 3 wks over Christmas, Hannukkah, & New Year’s. The “little retreat” is precisely as described by the host, so I won’t repeat everything, but to name some particular delights: Prompt, clear communication; a warm welcome and orientation to a squeaky-clean, charming 1 BR cottage, with a lovely garden (with a laden lemon tree!), screen porch, and yard. Very comfortable, clean bed; strong hot shower/tub; cushy big sofa (where my adult daughter slept over on xmas eve, though it’s not really meant for sleeping). Excellently equipped & sizeable kitchen, with all the pots, pans & dishes, a huge fridge, freezer and gas range/oven, where I cooked & served Xmas dinner for 5 very easily. Toaster oven, coffeemaker w/filtered water & microwave were great for everyday. Re groceries: I love cooking & my baggie of spices startled the TSA guys but were useful; salt & pepper were on site. Washer/dryer are big & clean & so convenient.
The location, in San Pedro, was far more interesting and convenient than I’d anticipated! Parking was easy and free, you can hop on and off the highways to the beaches and Los Angeles or Orange County attractions, but we also spent lovely unplanned & relaxed days in San Pedro itself.
For economy & convenience, malls with the usual chain grocers, e.g. Ralph’s & Trader Joe’s, are a short drive away, but the walking-distance grocery Top Value was better! it looks a bit run down outside, but inside it’s a clean, interesting store stocked with all typical groceries plus an array of multi-ethnic foods (esp. Persian, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mexican) mirroring the diversity of a harbor town. The family-owned enchilada stand across from Top Value, recommended by several neighbors, proved delicious. A local seamstress (Toyo) expertly hemmed my husband’s new jeans & told us stories of the town. We recommend: San Pedro Fish Market, Tanawin Thai Bistro curries, Omelet & Waffle House, Sirens Coffee, historic biker bar Walker’s Cafe at Point Fermin Park, and superb veggie or pastrami sandwiches from the Busy Bee for a picnic at the White Point tidepools or hiking at Deane Dana park overlook. “Crafted,”
an artists/artisans collective, was fun for beers & souvenirs.
Back “home”: We encountered friendly neighbors on a quiet modest residential street with pretty yards. As experienced city dwellers, we never felt unsafe, day or night. There was one late-night backyard karaoke party that ended about 1:30am on a Saturday, otherwise no noise disturbances and few pedestrians in the immediate area.
I used the wifi to stream movies to the TV & to work on my laptop. The FedEx/Office Depot nearby was useful for xeroxing, faxing, and shipping my spices home (to avoid disconcerting the TSA again).
We made day trips to Manhattan Beach, Malibu/Getty Villa, Los Angeles Central Market, dim sum at Lunasia & Rose Bowl in Pasadena, fantastic Persian lunch with friends at Mission Ranch Market in Mission Viejo, the Mission Inn Festival of Lights in Riverside, and a fun family New Year’s Eve glow fest at Marina Del Rey.
It felt like home ... small but so well equipped and efficiently arranged, everything needed was right on hand... a vacation for less than a hotel room would have cost, only half an hour from the airport, and without the Minnesota ice storm that we gratefully missed over New Year’s.
Oh, California.... This trip was iconic and having a place to call home that really felt like home made it blessed!