Tag Archives: Southern California

Opening Weekend at the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Stadium

Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

There’s something so very “American” about baseball. And there’s something so very “Los Angeles” about the Dodgers.Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Some of my favorite childhood memories took place at the Dodger Stadium.

The second day of the opening weekend seemed like the perfect occasion to celebrate the beginning of spring with my baseball-loving boyfriend, Ryan.

Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

On the day of the game we stopped by CVS to grab sunscreen (which I highly recommend for day games). Ryan didn’t use any and came home with sunburnt knees which have now turned in to a very interesting tan. Use the sunscreen, people.

We fortunately didn’t hit any traffic (unheard of in L.A.) until we exited the freeway and began the drive up to the stadium parking lot.

TIP: Bring some cash, general parking costs $15.

Opening Weekend at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Since we got to the stadium early we walked around and watched them prepare the field.

It was fun to see the crowd react to Matt Kemp’s return. He has been out for quite awhile due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Needless to say, Matt’s first game back has been long-awaited and anticipated.

Matt Kemp's return to Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

The thing I anticipated? DODGER DOGS.

Dodger Hot Dogs at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

It definitely would not have been an authentic experience without the famous hot dog! Too long to even fit in the bun, piled with ketchup and mustard and onions! Yes, please.

Dodger hot dog at the Dodgers Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com[source: bryce_edwards flickr]

It wasn’t long until game time so we went back to our seats.

We made it back just in time to see Robin Thicke perform a few songs, including “Blurred Lines”, on a roll-out stage out on the field. It was definitely a cool way to start the game. The following day Lupe Fiasco performed. Yay perks of living in L.A.!

Then it was time to watch some ball!

Opening Weekend at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

I had originally bought these tickets for Ryan and I for Christmas. Our teams are rivals, and we are both very competitive, so I thought it would be interesting fun to go to one of their first games of the season versus each other.

Even though the Dodgers lost, it was nice to see Ryan’s team win. I’ll always be a Dodger fan though, don’t get me wrong.

Opening Weekend at Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

If you haven’t been to a baseball game recently (or ever) I highly recommend going to a Dodger game. It’s a great thing to do during the spring or summer with friends and family.

You can get seats from just a few bucks all the way to… uhhh, a lot. Ticket prices depend on location in the stadium, the visiting team and time of year.

If you pack snacks you can probably get away with a day at the baseball field for under $20/person or so.

Dodger Baseball Stadium in Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

I had a great time and can’t wait for the next game!

GO DODGERS!

Photography Shoot: Graduation Portraits

I was super stoked when a friend asked if I could take some photos that will go out with her college graduation announcements.

This isn’t travel-themed at all but I wanted to share it here because it’s somewhat of a portfolio of my photography. I’m no professional but I enjoy doing it!

So, without further ado…

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com
College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

College Graduation Photography Session via ZaagiTravel.com

 

Thank you to my drop-dead-gorgeous friend for being such a great model today.

And thank YOU for taking an interest in my little hobby.

If you like my photos, let me know (it makes me feel special)!

If you have tips, pointers, and/or constructive criticism… I would love for you to leave a comment!

Thanks again, y’all.

Carmela Artisanal Ice Cream in Pasadena, California

Carmela's Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

In Spanish, “Carmela” means garden.

The garden-themed ice cream concept behind Carmela began with co-owner, Jessica Mortarotti, and her childhood memories of cooking with her grandmother, whose name is… you guessed it, Carmela. Ahhh, it’s all making sense now.

Jessica, along with Zachary Cox, began producing Carmela Ice Cream in 2007. They started out at local farmers markets and eventually expanded into two permanent locations —

1) PASADENA: 2495 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104

2) LOS ANGELES: 7920 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Carmela's Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Carmela Ice Cream has now turned into a well-known and well-regarded spot in Los Angeles for a bowl (or cone) of exclusive, seasonal, artisanal frozen flavors — made with organic dairy and farmers market ingredients!

Last week my mom and I decided to go check out what we had been hearing about all across town.

Carmela's Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Our rendezvous began with lunch in downtown Pasadena and a short jaunt across to the north side of the 210 freeway to the ice cream shop for dessert.

The shop is in kind of an awkward spot — it’s difficult to find parking, but if you go past it a little bit and turn right there is 20 minute parking just before the residential street. This area was open for us, but I should point out that it was on an overcast Wednesday around noon. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to find a parking spot on a sunny day or during the weekend!

Kira scooping ice cream at Carmela's Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com After entering the shop and waiting our turn, we were helped by Jessica and one of her employees, Kira. I could immediately tell that they both have an obvious passion for their ice cream and for creating the best possible experience for each and every individual that enters their door.

Kira (Kiki) Holding Ice Cream at Carmela Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Kira and I enjoyed sharing our love for blogging (she has a fantastic food blog — www.kikicuisine.com — which you should absolutely take a look at!)

Carmela's Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

I was actually having so much fun chatting with Kira and snapping pictures of the charming interior (the chandeliers are such an adorable touch) that I nearly forgot to order.

Now, on to the good stuff: I sampled “Fresh Mint with Cacao Nibs” and “Lavender Honey”. I ultimately decided on a scoop of “Dark Chocolate with Cacao Nibs” and their best-seller, “Salted Caramel”. I was more than satisfied with my decision! Carmela ice cream is everything I hoped it would be! There’s a reason they have awards and articles on display (they’ve won multiple “best ice cream” accolades in a variety of LA-based publications), they’ve truly earned them. Seen herehere, and here

Dark Chocolate with Cacao Nibs & Salted Caramel Ice Cream at Carmela's Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

The “Dark Chocolate with Cacao Nibs” had an enticing texture — the chocolate flavor was deep and rich; cacao nibs were chopped into tiny pieces and blended throughout, allowing the right amount of crunch in each bite. The “Salted Caramel” was not your average caramel, it was mature and evolved. It had somewhat of a warmth to it that emanated through the frozen confection, in a very very good way. The saltiness made me crave more and more and more. The flavor never got old, every spoonful exploded with flavor.

My mom ordered Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean and added salted caramel sauce on top!

I’ll be honest, I don’t normally choose vanilla. They always seem to taste the same. Not this one! Carmela uses real vanilla beans with absolutely no need for artificial flavoring. By far the best vanilla ice cream I’ve ever had.

Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean Ice Cream at Carmela Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Thanks mom, you were a great hand model!

Warm Salted Caramel Sauce Ice Cream Topping at Carmela Ice Cream Shop in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Tell us! What have you ordered (or would you order) at Carmela?

The Best of “The Village” in Claremont, California

The Village in downtown Claremont, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Claremont, “The City of Trees and PhDs”…

It is well-known in the academic world for being a town of topnotch colleges. Which ones, you ask? Well, Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer. They are basically the West Coast’s version of an Ivy League. As of 2013, four of them rank in the top 25 liberal arts colleges in the entire nation.

On top of that, in 2007, it was voted the number five best place to live by CNN/Money. Being that I grew up in the town next door I’m pretty proud of that accomplishment.

Claremont has been something like an adopted hometown to me, since my own town is seriously lacking in the cool restaurants and boutiques department. We frequent C-Mont often, particularly the downtown area known as “The Village”. This aesthetically pleasing and charming part of Southern California is a can’t-miss for anyone looking for a day trip or new area to explore. I’ve collected some of my own favorite things about The Village and laid them out for your convenience below.

The Village in downtown Claremont, California via ZaagiTravel.com

P.S. You’re in for a treat, literally. The first handful are more than enough to indulge any irresistible sugar craving you may have.

If you’re on a diet, enter at your own risk.

 

So, without further ado, welcome to my ‘hood (kind of)…

 

First up!

1)  21 Choices

21 Choices Frozen Yogurt in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

Imagine mixing Baskin Robbins, Yogurtland, and Cold Stone all into one; you would get something similar to 21 Choices.

This frozen yogurt shop is one of the originals, having been in business for decades (although switching and adding locations a couple times). They now have two locations in Claremont, one in downtown Pasadena, and another on the USC campus.

Selection of Daily Flavors at 21 Choices Frozen Yogurt in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

Their unique concept begins with offering six flavors/choices each day — two usually being the classics, Dutch Chocolate and French Vanilla, and the other four changing daily. Examples of their vast variety of flavors include Kahlua Mudslide (my personal favorite), Root Beer Float, Circus Animal Cookie, Orange Creamsicle, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate-Covered Strawberry, Snicker-doodle, Reese’s Extreme, Banana Cream Pie, Nutella Chip, Brownie Magic, Oatmeal Cookie, and so on. There are literally thousands.

Selection of Daily Flavors at 21 Choices Frozen Yogurt in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

The second unique aspect to 21 Choices is that they offer to mix toppings into your frozen yogurt. Using two hand-held blades, your taste-bud-bliss-inducing associate carefully chops up and thoroughly combines whichever toppings you select into your chosen flavor(s). Toppings range from fresh fruit to M&Ms to gummy bears to baked goods to breakfast cereals to well, a lot more. Because why not?

Selection of Toppings at 21 Choices Frozen Yogurt in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

Depending on the size you choose (pretty much any size but a tres small — their smallest size), you can potentially have up to all six flavors jamming together in your cup.

21 Choices is THE place in the Inland Empire/San Gabriel Valley/whatever this area is called… to grab a sweet treat. It’s a social gathering place for high school and college students, families, dates, friends, and so on. It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door during the evenings. It has a fantastic energy with friendly, upbeat staff and delicious, customized fro yo!

21 Choices Frozen Yogurt in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

Fun Fact: nearly eight years ago I walked into 21 Choices and filled out an employment application. It became my very first (non-entertainment industry) job. And I loved it. And so did my sweet tooth. And so will yours.

 

2)  Some Crust Bakery

Baked Goods and Pastries from Some Crust Bakery in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

The Some Crust Bakery, which opened in 1916, prides itself on it’s European-style baking methods.

The Bread Wall at Some Crust Bakery in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

It’s not just a popular spot for baked goods. They serve up yummy breakfast & lunch also – including design-your-own sandwiches and sliders!

Desserts from Some Crust Bakery in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

Some Crust bakes up fresh cakes, cookies, pastries, danishes, croissants, scones, muffins, pies, bars, cupcakes and so on.

My favorite is the Mocha cookie! Nom. Nom. Nom.

 

3)  Bert & Rocky’s Cream Company

Bert and Rocky's Ice Cream Shop, Claremont, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Bert & Rocky’s Cream Company is a sugary heaven. With 50 flavors of ice cream, cases full of candy and chocolate, and massive caramel apples, it guarantees something good for everyone.

Bert and Rocky's Ice Cream Shop, Claremont, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Their ice cream counters hold all the classics as well as unique flavors like “Guava and Goat Cheese”. Say what?!

But… if ice cream isn’t your thing (then you’re weird) you can check out these beauties below.

Bert and Rocky's Ice Cream and Candy Shop, Claremont, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Bert and Rocky's Ice Cream Shop, Claremont, California via ZaagiTravel.com

 

4)  I Like Pie

Pies at I Like Pie in Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

As a somewhat new member to the Village, I Like Pie is quickly establishing itself as a big player.

Next month, this charming pie shop is partnering with the Claremont Chamber of Commerce to host the 2nd Annual Claremont Pie Festival. It’s being held out front I Like Pie on March 15th, 2014 from 11:00am-4:00 pm. It’ll be a great opportunity to come check out all the local pies!

Pies at I Like Pie in Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

Pies at I Like Pie in Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

I Like Pie also features a gluten-free option daily and vegan options Friday through Sunday.

Pies at I Like Pie in Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

All of the sweet and savory pies I’ve tasted have been delicious. I even ordered a full-size Apple Cranberry one for Thanksgiving last year! It was decorated with leaves made from pie-crust. So cute!Pies at I Like Pie in Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

 

5)  Laemmle Movie Theatre

The 5-cinema Laemmle Movie Theater offers up a wide range of movies, from the biggest box office hits to obscure independent and foreign films.

Laemmle Movie Theater in Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

In other words, a simple recipe for a romantic evening (or just a friend-date) in the Village :

Sit down for dinner on the patio at The Back Abbey (a cool gastropub behind the theater)

Catch a movie at Laemmle

And finally, enjoy a dessert at any of the fun options above!

 

6)  Nectar Boutique

Nectar Clothing Boutique in Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

Because… a review of any downtown is not complete without a shopping recommendation!

Nectar Boutique. It’s full of cute clothes and accessories for, well, women. Sorry dudes.

Nectar Clothing Boutique in Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

After being referred here by many friends I finally came in to take a look around.

I literally can’t come in without buying something. Every time.

Nectar Clothing Boutique in Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

Oh and they have an employee named Alexa. Automatic awesome. And as it turns out she’s really helpful and cute. I mean, her name IS Alexa… ha. Terrible joke. Just terrible. Moving on.

 

7)  Rhino Records

Rhino Records Music Store in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.comIf you’re a music fan, be sure to check out the impressive selection over at Rhino Records.
Rhino Records Music Store in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.comIt’s like walking back into the good ‘ole days when there were things like records… and… CDS. Gasp.Rhino Records Music Store in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

Tap into your inner hipster. You know you want to.

 

8)  Walters Restaurant

Walter's Restaurant in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.comLastly, if you’re in the mood for something a little different (but not too different) then check out Walters Restaurant. Their menu is made up of American/Afghan fusion and it’s… it’s just… really good.
Walter's Restaurant in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

Two of my favorites items on the menu are:

1) – Afghan Fries (left) – Fresh potatoes dipped in a special ethnic batter and deep fried.

Those Afghan Fries though. Served up with some ketchup. Yee haw!

And

2) – Spicy Corn Cakes (right) – Topped with homemade black beans, salsa and sour cream. (Vegan)

My mouth is watering.

Walter's Restaurant in the Claremont "Village", California via ZaagiTravel.com

My sister-in-law recommends…

3) Bolawnies – An afghan dish made up of ground beef, potatoes and onions stuffed in a thin dough and deep-fried. Served with fresh yogurt sauce.

I’ve actually never tried them but they’re on my to-try-very-soon list.

 

The Village’s HONORABLE MENTIONS!!!

Two of my other favorite places in the Village are chains and I tried to keep this post all about what is UNIQUE to Claremont.

But because I love them so I will list them here.

1) Le Pain Quotidien – I go here for breakfast and lunch with my mom quiiiiite frequently. Their steamed apple juice, coconut macaroons, cheese almond danish, and curried chicken salad tartine with harissa-cranberry chutney can turn any frown upside down. Exclamation point. Exclamation point. Exclamation point.

2) Eureka Burger – Fresno Fig burger with sweet potato fries and extra ranch. And a Belgian wheat beer. Please and thank you.

—–

What are YOUR favorite things about Claremont?

Or if you haven’t yet had the pleasure of exploring my neck-of-the-woods, which business above looks most appealing? What would you do if you had a day to spend in C-Mont?

 

Best Italian Food Outside of Italy: Aldolino’s in Azusa, California

Aldolino‘s was recommended to me by my mom’s hair stylist. As a lover of Italian cuisine I couldn’t wait to give it a try. Thank goodness I did. It was truly the best Italian food I’ve had outside of Italy! And now one of my favorite restaurants ever.

As we pulled up I tried not to pass judgment based on the exterior — an unassuming location, in a fairly old shopping center, with a Mexican grocery store as a neighbor. In fact, it has served up Italian food in this location for nearly 60 years, including back when Arrow Hwy was still a dirt road.

Aldolino's Italian Food Restaurant in Azusa, California via ZaagiTravel.comAs I entered I quickly observed how clean and charming the interior was.

Aldolino's Italian Food Restaurant in Azusa, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Gabriel, our server (who also happens to be the owner), was a beaming ray of sunshine. He could easily pass as an Italian — handsome, charismatic, and with a genuine desire to serve up the best Italian food you’ve ever had. He and his brother Jesus (the chef) love to cook. They each have an impressive resume with collective experience in nearly a dozen high-end restaurants around the Los Angeles area — establishments like Il Fornaio, Palm Restaurant, Arroyo Chop House, Twin Palms, etc.

Owners at Aldolino's Italian Food Restaurant in Azusa, California via ZaagiTravel.com

The menu displays a photo of the original owner, Aldolino Formica, whose own charisma helped land him on TV shows like I Love Lucy (with Lucille Ball below) and the Ed Sullivan Show, among others.
Menu at Aldolino's Italian Food Restaurant in Azusa, California via ZaagiTravel.com

Inside the menu you can find a diverse variety of reasonably priced and delicious Italian dishes, including recipes that have been passed down from the days of Aldolino himself.Menu at Aldolino's Italian Food Restaurant in Azusa, California via ZaagiTravel.com

This particular visit I ordered the Venezia Insalata. My other favorite dish to order is the Pasta Della Casa. Unfortunately for you, the salad looked so irresistible that, well, it was gone before I could remember to take a picture.

Below is the dish my dad ordered, Rigatoni Al Forno. If you like Italian sausage you truly can’t beat the incredible version served up at Aldolino’s.

Fun fact: All of the sauces here are made fresh, from scratch and by taste.

Rigatoni Al Forno at Aldolino's Italian Food Restaurant in Azusa, California via ZaagiTravel.com

One of my other favorite dishes (I know, there are so many!) is the Ravioli di Vitello — a beef raviolo in a mushroom herb creme sauce drizzled with white truffle oil. This stuff is to die for. The bread at Aldo’s (which is utterly amazing also, do you see a theme here?) goes perfectly with the mushroom sauce. I could literally order a bowl of the sauce and eat it with a bowl of the bread. Can’t believe I just admitted that, but it’s true!

Ravioli Di Vitello at Aldolino's Italian Food Restaurant in Azusa, California via ZaagiTravel.com

And if all of this weren’t enough to convince you that you NEED to try this place… just scroll down a bit to see the apple dessert with homemade cinnamon ice cream.

Fun fact: All of the desserts are made on-site by Gabriel himself.

Apple Dessert with Cinnamon Ice Cream at Aldolino's Italian Food Restaurant in Azusa, California via ZaagiTravel.comEnough said.

Apple Dessert with Cinnamon Ice Cream at Aldolino's Italian Food Restaurant in Azusa, California via ZaagiTravel.com Is it just me or do those pictures make you want to lick the screen?

Aldolino's Italian Food Restaurant in Azusa, California via ZaagiTravel.comAldolino’s truly deserves all the praise in the world. I wish them many more years of success (I simply never want to stop coming here)!

Aldolino’s Italian Restaurant is located at 659 E Arrow Hwy, Azusa, California 91702.

Have you ever been to Aldolino’s? What’s your favorite dish?

Swells & Surfboards: The 2013 US Open of Surfing

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Huntington Beach is where I learned to surf. It’s where I realized I was in love for the first time. It’s where I met Arnold Schwarzenegger – for the second time. No, I was not in love with Arnold. Actually this guy’s last name was even harder to pronounce, so I won’t put you through that…

Huntington Beach holds a special place in my heart. I’m excited to share the first of many posts about it with you.

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Shameless selfie time! Okay, moving on…

So a few weeks ago we pulled into the garage of my aunt and uncle’s house located less than three blocks from the Huntington Beach pier. My mom, my dad and I had brought along our dogs Kona and Beau for a stay in one of the greatest surfing destinations in the world (Huntington Beach isn’t called Surf City USA for no reason)!

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We spent the evening resting up in preparation for the monstrous surfing documenting we would be doing early the next morning.

You better wake up early if you want to eat breakfast at the Sugar Shack before it begins to get crowded.

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This place is famous. So famous in fact that our adorable server, Summer, is often recognized in other parts of the country when she’s working as a flight attendant – her other job.
SummerSugarShack

The Sugar Shack is a 3rd generation family owned business. It’s a Southern California style “mom and pop” hole-in-the-wall breakfast joint. The inside is covered with decade’s worth of photos of legendary surfers, many of them studded with autographs. A waiting list for the outside tables hangs out front under the forest green awning.

TIP: If there’s an available table inside, feel free to grab it! And you better do it quick!

ANOTHER TIP: My favorite things on the menu… If you want to feel like a true local you gotta try the Main Street Burrito which is stuffed with avocado, mushrooms, onions, sprouts and cheese. If you’re aiming for a quick bite you can’t beat the Wake Up & Shine – 2 poached eggs on toast. If you’re aiming to eat healthy I recommend Michele’s Special – grilled chicken breast, three egg whites, bell peppers and tomatoes. And if healthy eating isn’t a priority add a hot cinnamon roll to your order. You won’t regret it!

And pancakes are always a good idea!
And pancakes are always a good idea!

Main Street and the surrounding area have an impressive selection of delicious things to be consumed – everything from açai bowls to poke bowls to the best burger in Southern California. I’ll cover my favorites in detail in a post focusing on Huntington Beach as a vacation destination sometime in the next few weeks.

Okay… onto the surfing!

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The misty morning began with the horn that announces the beginning of the heat, signaling the surfers to paddle into the line up and start scoping out the incoming swells.

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As we made our way further down the pier the cool, salty ocean air filled our lungs. The breeze out on the pier was just heavy enough to need a sweater and even though it was only 8am and completely overcast I was glad to have sunglasses.

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My dad and I arrived early enough to grab a key spot huddled up next to the professional photographers. Our pictures aren’t in the same league as theirs but they treated us as one of their own – all of us reminiscing about past U.S. Open of Surfing experiences and our predictions for this years events.

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The first surfer that caught our attention was Conner Coffin, last year’s (and spoiler alert this year’s also!) Junior Pro champion from Santa Barbara, California. It turns out Conner has a blog, which you can check out here.

My family followed Conner’s progress throughout the U.S. Open and we were ecstatic to watch him take home the Junior Pro title for a second year in a row the following weekend.

Here are some shots of random surfers we observed from the pier over the next few days.

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Have you visited Huntington Beach? If so, what are your own personal highlights?

Have you ever tried surfing? Would you?