A California Dreamin' Thanksgiving

To be memorable!  That's how I rate a holiday experience.  And my husband, Wayne, and I just spent a Thanksgiving holiday in California we are still reliving.

Celebrating Thanksgiving away from our home state of Texas (we are El Pasoans) was something we had done only once before. A typical Texas Thanksgiving is all about large doses of Food, Family, and Football.   This holiday, however, took us up the California coast, almost to San Luis Obispo. What would the weather be like?  What clothes should we pack?  What would be an appropriate hostess gift?  Would our hosts fix a traditional meal with turkey and all the usual trimmings? 

California Coast

Our first stop on the drive up the coast from Burbank was in the city of Ventura, where Wayne found the exact shoes he had been searching for in an REI store.  No crowds, no hassles, and a friendly young salesman who told us his family was having an unusual Thanksgiving this year because his grandmother's house had been affected by wildfires in the area.  We saw evidence of  a wildfire that had jumped ten lanes of traffic to wreck havoc on the other side.

Continuing up the coast, often with a view of a sunlit sea, what impressed us most was the abundant vegetation, dear to the heart of desert dwellers.  Lunch was in the coastal town of Santa Barbara. Excellent food, atmosphere, and service.  We weren't quite acclimated enough to sit in the outside seating area, even though the weather was mild.  I made a mental note to put Santa Barbara on our list of future vacation spots.  

Restaurant in Santa Barbara

Our reservations were at the Pismo Beach Hotel, a venerable hotel in the heart of the town, a block from the beach and two blocks from a cafe specializing in freshly made cinnamon rolls.

Pismo Beach

What a relaxing sight our first view of the ocean was!  I can still close my eyes and hear the waves crashing.

Beach at Pismo

The first night in Pismo was spent with family members doing wonderfully old-fashioned activities— first bowling and later playing billiards. (Wayne and I had aching muscles for several days afterwords!)

Thanksgiving morning we walked the short distance to Pismo Beach to watch the Turkey Trot, a well-attended run/walk for charity.

Participants waiting for Turkey Trot to start

Thanksgiving dinner turned out to be a familiar affair with turkey, dressing, vegetables, rolls, gravy,  pecan pie and apple pie made with apples picked that morning off a tree on the property. Guitar playing, board games, dominoes, ping-pong, and a football game kept everyone from falling asleep in the afternoon.

The next day, our host, a native of the area, treated us to a driving tour.  Wayne's favorite spot was Hartford Pier, where he had his first delicious taste of fresh smoked salmon.

Amiable owner of shop at Hartford Pier

Describing the appeal of a coastal area in words is difficult.  The air was moist and sweet-smelling, the locals and tourists alike were relaxed and appeared to be taking life easy, and the flowering plants were exuberant compared to those that we nurse along in the desert.  I was especially impressed with the size of the succulents that can live outside all your round in this California climate.

California Succulents

My miniature succulents at home are already tucked inside in front of a bright window for the winter.

Our last meal in California before catching a plane for home was at a Mexican food restaurant in Los Angeles.  But it wasn't just any old restaurant; it was an all-vegan restaurant .Very interesting!  Pozole, tacos, gorditas, enchilada, tostadas, margaritas, chocolate ice cream all made without animal products.  Because I am not a meat lover, deciding what to order was easy.  I would have enjoyed anything on the extensive menu. I'm not sure El Paso is ready for an all-vegan restaurant, however.  We think our traditional Mexican food is the best in the world. 

Patio of All-Vegan Restaurant in  Los Angeles

The Thanksgiving we spent on the California coast now seems like a pleasant dream.  The holiday was enough like a Texas Thanksgiving for us to feel comfortable but different enough to challenge us with new ideas and experiences. I know our thoughts will drift back to coastal California for many more Thanksgiving holidays to come.