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Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
L.A. Affairs: My husband left me for an actual movie star. I thought I was done with love
I was just back in L.A. after a stint in Vancouver that saw my soon-to-be-ex-husband realizing his dreams of becoming a successful actor and hooking up with a movie star who was not me. I was hurt, but it had always been a terrible relationship with more heartache than happiness. And now, though still licking my wounds and feeling adrift, I was relishing my newfound freedom. I bought a cute yoga outfit, burned innumerable overpriced scented candles, began a morning ritual of walking to the local bakery for a bagel and coffee, redecorated my apartment to my taste and took a French lover. I met him on a night that can only be described as enchanted. Spontaneously, I'd joined a group of old friends on their way to a house party in Hollywood. Crammed into a rideshare, someone passed out little yellow pills debossed with an E. I'd done ecstasy once before, and the high I felt then hadn't come anywhere close to making the low that followed worth it. I had sworn never again. But this was a new day — and a new me who wasn't deterred by anything so inconsequential as soul-crushing despair. I tucked the little yellow pill in my pocket for later. The party was in a chic work-live space: four stories of industrial design thumping with music and packed with hipsters. My crew grabbed beers and dispersed. Walking on a balcony, I turned a corner, and there he was, tall and slender, with soulful brown eyes and a longish mop of brown hair threatening to hide them. On his lapel, he wore a little button, a heart over crossbones. 'Are you a heart pirate?' I asked. His response didn't matter. The moment he opened his mouth and a French accent came out, I didn't care what he said as long as he kept talking. It wasn't long before we were kissing. The pill in my pocket forgotten, I had found all the ecstasy I needed. The next day, he texted me a time and date with a drawing of what looked like giant floating lava-lamp blobs with two pairs of little feet sticking out from underneath. I knew at once that the place was a public art exhibit in Silver Lake and that nothing could keep me from filling one pair of those shoes. An electric first date led quickly to another and another, and we slid easily into a coupledom of cute texts, dinners out and exploring Los Angeles together. He was an animator in the country on a work visa and he invited me into his group of friends, also young men from around the world on a grand adventure. They often went out to explore interesting new bars, restaurants and attractions. Or they just gathered at someone's apartment to make dinner together. When wives and girlfriends were included, I came along too. They were fun and lively, and I enjoyed them almost as much as I enjoyed him. He had opened his world to me, and showing him the sights of mine made it feel fresh and new to me as well. We took a trip up the coast to Big Sur, passing the elephant seals and San Simeon, staying at the Madonna Inn and driving on to the restaurant Nepenthe, where we ate a fancy dinner and camped across the road. We also took a trip to Baja, staying in La Fonda and visiting Ensenada. Walking on the beach, I was almost too smitten to feel embarrassed by his very European Speedo. Later, a woman at a restaurant commented how sweet it was to see two people so in love. This was so different from the tortured courtship with my ex. This was so effortless and light and so much of what I had been hoping for that when any cracks appeared in the perfect facade, I reasoned them away before they got big enough to threaten the dream. On Valentine's Day, he told me that he didn't believe in Valentine's Day because it was commercial. Instead, he said he'd make me dinner in his apartment. I would have been happy with the offer of dinner in minus the anti-consumerism explanation. But something about the fact he felt obliged to make it and that he hadn't bothered to ask me how I felt about Valentine's Day felt off — as if he was clarifying that what I thought or wanted did not figure into his choices. When we first met, he had just returned from a trip home to France. While there, he had taken up with another woman who was now sending him long, angry texts. When I asked about the situation, he shrugged and said, 'She thought it was more than a fun thing.' Surely what we had was different, I told myself, despite the telling pit in my stomach. When we were alone, his focus was all on me. But when we were with his friends, I often felt as though I'd come solo, just another member of the gang. Badly wanting this to be different from my codependent and stifling marriage, I told myself his aloofness was a good thing. It meant we both had our own lives, that we weren't getting so lost in each other that we lost ourselves. But he wasn't the one in danger of getting lost. Despite my best efforts, it was getting harder and harder to ignore that what I wanted to believe was a blossoming relationship was actually two people in very different places with very different ideas. I had come into this promising myself honesty, but I'd been working overtime to avoid the truth. Even when it was banging me over the head, like when he told me he loved me and then quickly quipped, 'Unless you get pregnant. Then bye-bye!' I laughed, pretending the comment hadn't stung. He was 28 to my 32. I wanted a baby badly, and the realities of biology were telling me I didn't have much time to waste. In the end, I was the one who broke it off. We went to a big studio launch party and, as usual, when offered the possibility of something newer and more interesting than me, he peaced out. The party was in a meandering warehouse converted to an intergalactic space station. As I explored the party, feeling abandoned and alone, the pieces began to form a complete picture I could no longer ignore. By the time we met up hours later to leave, I understood that I could linger in this half place for as long as I chose, but that it would never be the partnership I wanted. I was seeking a destination, while he was in love with the journey. He wasn't a pirate; he was a tourist to my heart. Just like the first time I took ecstasy, coming down from our romance sent me into a pit of despair. But like a stomachache from too much candy, the pain was short-lived. It wasn't long before I met someone who did want to share his life with me — all of it. For years, I kept the little yellow pill in my jewelry box. I never did take it. The author helps brands tell their stories; sometimes she tells one of her own. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children. You can find her at L.A. Affairs chronicles the search for romantic love in all its glorious expressions in the L.A. area, and we want to hear your true story. We pay $400 for a published essay. Email LAAffairs@ You can find submission guidelines here. You can find past columns here.
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Travel + Leisure
26-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
I Live in California and This Is the Most Underrated Part of the State—With a Stunning Stretch of Highway
Take your time driving through Big Sur, stopping to take in panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Lucia Mountains. The Central Coast is home to one of the Golden State's most underrated wine growing regions—indulge in a glass of vino at any of the many wineries you'll find in the area. Learn about local marine life and Central Coast history at Monterey's Cannery Row. Feast on seafood at the Sardine Factory or California cuisine at Nepenthe. Shop at unique, one-of-a-kind boutiques in charming small towns like San Luis Obispo, Solvang, or Carmel-by-the-Sea. Some people come to California to take in the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles or experience the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. But between these two metropolises, there's an idyllic stretch of rolling mountains, quaint winemaking communities, and some of the most breathtaking ocean views in the state—California's Central Coast. This region covers about 350 miles between Ventura and Monterey Counties, and is probably best known for Big Sur, a postcard-perfect section of Highway 1 bordered by towering redwood trees on one side and blue Pacific waters on the other. You've more than likely seen a few pictures of the iconic Bixby Bridge during sunset. Compared to its busier northern and southern neighbors, the Central Coast might come across as a bit on the sleepy side. Of course, it's anything but. 'We have a diversity of experiences here that range from the wonder of Big Sur to the iconic golf at Pebble Beach, to the shops, restaurants, and galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea, to the various wine experiences,' says Rob O'Keefe, president and CEO of See Monterey County. 'It's hard for people to fully wrap their minds around it.' Indeed, you'd be hard-pressed to cram all of the Central Coast's many highlights into one trip. But as noted by Mike Freed, cofounder of the Post Ranch Inn and a Central Coast resident of more than 40 years, the region is best experienced at a slower pace. 'Just take your time—don't be in a rush when you visit, because there's just so much to see,' says Freed. 'There's only one Highway 1, and the views are so special.' Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to California's Central Coast. A guest room iside The Inn at Mattei's Tavern. The Inn at Mattei's Tavern was featured in Travel + Leisure's It List and took home the gold in the World's Best Awards 2025 as the best hotel in California. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley community of Los Olivos, California, this expansive property comprises a series of cottages, suites, and studios. All of the rooms have been renovated to honor the hotel's more than 100-year-old history while fully embracing modern creature comforts. Featured in our 2023 It List, the adults-only Villa Mara Carmel has just 15 airy rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where Clint Eastwood served as mayor in the '80s. Villa Mara Carmel's warm, cream-colored interiors and furnishings contrast with the sometimes moody seashore outside. Guests can also cozy up at the outdoor fire pit with a craft cocktail from Jesena's Bar. Perched above Big Sur's thundering waves, the Post Ranch Inn appeared in T+L's World's Best Awards in 2023. From wood paneling in the rooms to heated outdoor infinity pools and the Michelin-recognized Sierra Mar restaurant, the property exudes quiet luxury. But the Post Ranch Inn also has an ecofriendly ethos, a factor of utmost importance in Big Sur's unique environment. 'We have one of the largest solar systems in the state of California for a hotel," Freed says. "We have our own farm, so we produce much of our own produce on the property, and we're now working with a number of groups to do organic and regenerative agriculture.' You might recognize Alila Ventana Big Sur from T+L's World's Best Awards or from social media posts—this five-star property's open-air spa and gorgeous gardens are the stuff of Instagram dreams. In terms of stays, you can lounge around in one of the 54 guest rooms and suites or spread out in one of 15 glamping tents for a night beneath the stars. Nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a recognized dark sky location, too. A stay at Montecito's idyllic San Ysidro Ranch puts you in good company—the property counts Winston Churchill, Groucho Marx, and John and Jackie Kennedy among its past guests. Plus, San Ysidro Ranch was voted the second best hotel in California in this year's World's Best Awards. Expect stylish details like outdoor rainfall showers, sunken in-room spa tubs, and four-poster canopy beds during your all-inclusive stay. View of McWay Falls in Big Sur. Big Sur is a veritable treasure trove of coastal scenery. Along this 90-mile stretch of Highway 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway) you'll find no less than five California state parks, dramatic cliffs plunging into bright blue waters, and purple sand beaches. A word of warning: Highway 1 closes periodically due to erosion, and a six-mile stretch of the road is currently closed. However, visitors can still enter from the north and south and drive up to the point of the closure. 'The Highway 1 driving experience is amazing,' says O'Keefe. 'You can still get all the wonder and beauty of Highway 1, even when the road isn't completely open. There's camping, glamping, hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries—all of that's still available to everybody.' According to Freed, visitors should set out early or late in the day to make the most of their time in Big Sur. 'The sunrises and sunsets are the best,' he says. 'Try to avoid midday when the crowds are driving Highway 1, because it can get busy, especially when the road from the south is closed.' The northern end of the Central Coast is capped off by Monterey Bay, home to Cannery Row (of John Steinbeck fame). Once the hub of the local sardine canning industry, it's now a picturesque spot to grab a bite to eat, play arcade games, and watch sea otters frolic in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offshore. 'You could come and make an entire two or three-day experience out of Cannery Row,' says O'Keefe. 'It's its own entertainment and tourism district.' No matter how long you spend here, you can't visit Cannery Row without seeing the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which provides a glimpse into local marine life, including the Monterey Canyon, one of the deepest underwater canyons on the West Coast, via more than 200 exhibits. Located in San Simeon, Hearst Castle is a sprawling mansion built by 20th-century media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Once frequented by celebs like Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, Hearst Castle is now open to the public for tours, which showcase Hearst's impressive art collection, massive swimming pools, and lush gardens. You might even spot some zebras—yes, zebras—grazing in the hills. The Central Coast American Viticultural Area spans the entirety of the Central Coast and includes cute small towns known for their wine scenes, such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Atascadero. While the Central Coast doesn't quite have the same name recognition as Napa or Sonoma yet, it could certainly give them a run for their money. 'Our wine country experience is almost like people would think Napa was like back in the '70s,' says O'Keefe. 'It's very authentic, very easy to approach.' There are hundreds of options up and down the Central Coast, but popular wineries include Biddle Ranch Vineyard in San Luis Obispo, Folktale Winery & Vineyard in Carmel, and Eberle Winery in Paso Robles. Though many visitors come to drive the Central Coast, you might want to spend some time exploring the area on foot as well. 'Where else can you go in the world where you have so much open space and great hiking trails?' Freed asks. 'There's no better hiking anywhere in California, if not in the world.' To get the quintessential Central Coast hiking experience (outside of Big Sur, of course), head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This 1,300-acre space has many of the same features as Andrew Molera and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks, including striking Monterey cypress trees and stellar sea views, but with fewer crowds. Danish architecture in downtown Solvang, California. DiscoThe Danish-style town of Solvang is packed with tasteful art galleries and stores selling Scandinavian-inspired wares. After shopping, snap some pics of the charming Danish architecture and stop by Ostrichland USA to feed emus and ostrich on your way out of town. Downtown San Luis Obispo's expansive retail scene has a little something for everyone. Fascinating used bookstores like Phoenix Books, one-of-a-kind gift stores like Idlewild Floral, and the music memorabilia-stuffed Boo Boo Records all make for a lively and varied day of shopping. With a population of just 18, the former dairy community of Harmony isn't a town by any stretch of the imagination. It is, however, an excellent pit stop along Highway 1 to buy hand-blown glass pieces, wheel-thrown pottery, and a scoop of freshly churned ice cream. For a wider selection of handcrafted goodies, the town of Cambria (population 6,000) is just up the road. In the center of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the outdoor shopping center Carmel Plaza hosts luxury retailers and quaint boutiques alike. Come by to browse the selection at shops like Bottega Veneta and Beachwood Home, and stay to people-watch and snack on the outdoor patio. State Street in Santa Barbara is lined with clothiers like Asher Market, brand-name department stores at Paseo Nuevo mall, and cafes like Dune Coffee Roasters, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. And you might just need a cup of the good stuff—with dozens of different retailers to choose from, you can easily spend hours here. Scenes from inside Nate's On Marsh. One of downtown San Luis Obispo's culinary gems, Nate's on Marsh serves up fresh takes on Italian classics like ragu, bolognese, and lasagne. Recognized by the Michelin Guide in 2022, Nate's on Marsh is fast becoming a local landmark. Specials like veal osso buco tend to grab most of the attention, but no matter what you order, you're sure to leave full and satisfied. Paso Robles' Six Test Kitchen earned its Michelin star thanks to its focus on seasonal produce and inventive flavor profiles. The 12-course tasting menu shifts, but past dishes have included aged pork loin and barley koji ice cream served with whipped miso. Bring an adventurous set of taste buds, and you won't be disappointed. Skip the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on your trip to Big Sur and get lunch at Nepenthe instead. This clifftop restaurant boasts colorful, California-cool decor and menu staples like a fresh beet salad and juicy hamburgers. Be sure to check out the wine menu, which is all about local vintners. Pizza fans, look no further than Santa Barbara's Bettina. This Michelin Bib Gourmand-designated spot fires up a variety of pies topped with everything from maitake trumpet mushrooms to locally produced sausage. The interior design channels all the cheer of a European bistro—if you look away from your pizzas long enough to notice, that is. If the expansive seafood menu or the Michelin recognition at the Sardine Factory doesn't impress you, then the conservatory-style dining room just might. This Monterey restaurant is a classic, and you'll be tucking into lobster linguine, freshly shucked oysters, and Spanish-style octopus before you know it. Pro tip: with its fancy interior, this is the perfect place to play like you're living in the Golden Age à la William Randolph Hearst. Since California is famous for its year-round balmy weather, you can enjoy a trip to the Central Coast in just about any season. One of the region's few seasonal variations is the summertime 'June gloom'—overcast, cool days marked by a low-hanging marine layer. However, the clouds typically give way to blue skies by midday. Other than that, you could time your visit to one of the Central Coast's many events, like the Cayucos Sea Glass Festival in March, the Carmel Bach Festival in July, Carpinteria's California Avocado Festival in October, or the Cambria Christmas Market in late November and December. A street sign along the coast of Highway 1 in Big Sur. Konstantin Yolshin/Adobe Stock One of the best things about the Central Coast is simply getting there by car, and the ocean-view roads here are some of the most gorgeous in the country. The Central Coast is roughly halfway between L.A. and San Francisco, and your drive times will depend on the places you'd like to visit. Big Sur, a point of interest for many Central Coast visitors, is about 350 miles from L.A. (approximately a six-hour drive) and a little under 150 miles from San Francisco or about a three-hour drive. If you're flying in from another part of the country, there are several airports sprinkled throughout the area, including Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), SLO County Airport (SLO), and Santa Maria Airport (SMX). You could also choose to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) if you want more flexible or direct flight options. Since there's no public transportation connecting the Central Coast, you'll need to rent a car. Depending on where on the Central Coast you want to go, however, you could also ride the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo—it has famously stunning views, too. You'll almost certainly need a car to fully explore the breadth of the Central Coast. With that said, some towns and cities may be accessible by bike or public transport. For example, Monterey offers a free trolley during the summer, San Luis Obispo has plenty of bike lanes, and Santa Barbara's bus system is easy to use.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Time of India
9 places to see on your California road trip
Image credits: Getty Images Sitting in a convertible with the breeze blowing your hair and your friends and family by your side as you gaze at the iconic spots on your Californian road trip. Sounds like a dream right? Well, what time is better than now? With the summer here in full swing and the beaches calling your name what better journey to embark on than a California road trip? If exploring breathtaking landscapes and indulging in food delicacies sounds like an exciting trip, then check out these 9 places you must see on your Californian road trip. San Francisco and Golden Gate What better way to begin your California road trip than with a beautiful sight of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge? Enjoy a cable car ride, explore the quirky neighbourhoods and indulge in some clam chowder on Fisherman's Warf. 17-mile Drive A scenic roadway located between Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula, the 17-mile drive will give you an unforgettable view of a forest of cypress trees, rocky coastlines and even some seals and their pups. For golfers, this route is heaven with seven championship courses where they can stop by. Big Sur Image credits: Getty Images Often referred to as America's most scenic road, the Big Sur is a 90-mile-long stretch of scenic waterfront that is simply unmissable when visiting California. You can sit by the water, hike down a secluded cove, stop by parks to see the endangered Californian Condors and grab some bites at Nepenthe. Carmel-by-the-sea A storybook beach town is a place worth exploring and you can find it in Carmel by the sea. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Perforated Stainless Steel Sheets – Durable & Trusted Source Engineered for Strength: Explore High-Quality Stainless Steel Sheet Designs | Search Ads Search Now Undo Walk along the white sand beach, visit art galleries, book a session of wine tasting or add some beach fits to your wardrobe from the boutique shops, you can do it all here. San Luis Obispo & Paso Robles Wine Country Image credits: Getty Images For lovers of wine or those who have been intrigued by the process, these two towns offer excellent wineries and unforgettable wine-tasting and making tours. Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley A Danish village is not far away but actually in California. Find towering windmills, horse-drawn trolleys and sweet-smelling bakeries where you can gorge on some tasty treats. Lake Tahoe and Death Valley Image credits: Getty Images Not only can you get the summer heat off your back with a cooling dip in Lake Tahoe but you can also visit Vikingsholm for a look at a modern-day castle. Moving ahead explore the popular Death Valley and click some great photos near the peaks. Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks A road trip in California is absolutely incomplete without a visit to these popular national parks. Trek up a mountain, visit the waterfalls or sit in the shade and absorb all the surrounding beauty. Los Angeles Image credits: Getty Images End your road trip with the iconic city of Los Angeles as your destination. Drive through the scenic Mulholland, stop by the Hollywood Hills, stroll along the Santa Monia Pier and enjoy some adventure rides.
