#8. Westlake Village Inn

This countdown would not be complete if we didn’t include the site of our August 17^th, 2007 wedding. Considering we both have families far away, this location felt like Mr. Rogers neighborhood, including European style accommodations, centrally located pool, golf coarse, dining and, of course, our unforgettable/personal ceremony and party. This place is romantic and special and we have visited annually to reminisce about our day! Memories include: a live rendition of the Minnesota Rouser, a sweaty Geoff Agnor getting his groove on with Bonnie Rolig on the dance floor, and of course our “Reverend” and good friend Billy Dumone for conducting a meaningful and unforgettable marriage ceremony.

#9. Big Sur and the Central Coast

So...California is unique for many reasons, but one thing Jay and I love about our life here is how you can travel in any direction 2 hours and get a different climate and terrain. Our favorite direction has been traveling North to Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, Mill Valley, and San Fran. We mini-mooned here for 3 nights after our wedding which is exactly the kind of energy we were hoping for...relaxing, beautiful, quiet, and rustic. For those of you who have taken this road trip, you know why this destination has made our top 20 list. The scenery is the most breath taking that I've seen. Jay and I talk seriously about needing to make our way back to this part of California for our 5 year anniversary. So even though the pictures for this post are from Google, Big Sur really does look this way in person.

#10. The San Vicente Median Strip

Over the course of the last eight years living in Brentwood, Jay and Karen(more Jay than Karen) have logged many miles running the San Vicente median strip. We've clocked the mileage several times to know how close we were to our training goals. Depending on our starting location and route, it is about 3.5 miles from our apartment to the beach...round trip 7-8 miles. It's the perfect run...a little cushion from the grass, other bikers, runners, weight lifters, yogis, and martial artists along the way for inspiration, a little decline, and therefore the dreaded incline, beautiful homes to lust over, and of course the perfect coastal weather for a good workout.

#11. The Farmers Market on San Vicente

While sitting on the couch in our now close-to-empty apartment, Karen turned to me and said, "How sad and devastating it's going to be not having the farmers market anymore." That could be an exaggeration, but it's certainly true that the San Vicente farmers market has become part of our routine out here, especially since Lucas has been in the picture. Almost every Sunday morning without fail we throw Lucas in the stroller, hit up our Starbucks, stop off at the Whole Foods magazine stand and stroll through the rows of fruit and vegetables to stock up for the week. Karen has made great use of it all, priding herself in the fact that she provides Lucas with the freshest, most organic food around. If only we could guess what he was in the mood for this week...


The Farmers market is really great for people watching and some of the worst plastic surgery you've ever seen is on display there. Pretty sure we won't see that in St. Paul.

#12. Mani/Pedis

For 9 years, I have been thoroughly enjoying my weekly mani/pedis. I realized very soon after I moved from Minnesota to the valley that having your nails groomed was a MUST! I know Jay will agree that this HAD to make our top 20 list, especially since he has had a handful of pedicures(although in my mind not frequently enough). Not that I can't get this done in Minnesota, but where else will they cost $20. Now that's a bargain! Thank you Lovely Nails!

#13. The 18th Street Coffee House

There's a little independently-owned coffee shop on the corner of 18th and Broadway in Santa Monica that has been a part of our lives as long as we've been on the westside. Jay spent many mornings rapping with his colleagues after their morning swim in the Crossroads pool. We will never forget the many great employees there, especially Miguel and our favorite barista, simply known as "The Barista."

I will always fondly remember the tile mosaic tables, double mochas, garlic bagels toasted with hummus, the amazing murals on the walls, aspiring writers hammering away on their laptops, the no cell phone rule, cash only, and the free coffee cards.

"18th Street" is an old-school coffee house and proud of it. Please be open when we come back in September.

#14. Bay Cities Italian Deli

For those of you who live out here and have enjoyed their food, you know what I'm talking about. Pretty much every weekend, Karen and I order our sandwiches on-line and then hit up the hot counter for meatballs and macaroni and cheese. When we visit friends, we have been known to show up with some Bay Cities Tuscan tapenade, manchego cheese, and the special Bay Cities Italian bread. The lines are long, but it's worth the wait.

The service at this place is pretty amazing, too. It's like a well-oiled machine in there. It kind of reminds me of Giammalvo's Market in New Bedford. We are already excited about the sandwiches from there we'll eat on the plane.