🎧 51. How to Take a Vacation from Writing
Embracing breaks from our writing routine, plus a city guide to San Diego! ☀️
Welcome to Part 2 of our three-part series on liminal space. (If you haven’t caught up yet, start with Episode 50 on the sacred pause.) We’re continuing with a discussion on writing breaks—namely, how to approach these essential seasons in our creative life, and ways to embrace writing (or not) when away from home.
The inspiration for this episode came after spending three weeks in San Diego this past January (I discuss why in the show), where I noticed a few things about how my writing life shifted while we were gone. Tune in for real-time insights on preparing for a break, including suggestions for mindfully setting expectations and cultivating curiosity along the way.
Episode Highlights:
What *not* to do when preparing for a break or vacation
How to set realistic expectations
6 things to try when you’re out of your regular writing routine
My biggest takeaways from three weeks away from home
Do you have any vacations, school breaks, or holidays coming up? Let’s chat about how you can prepare your writing practice to make the most out of it. (And yes, not writing at all totally counts.)
☀️ Bonus! San Diego Travel Guide ☀️
For any readers planning a trip to San Diego in the near future or live nearby, here are some of my local favorites.
Restaurants
Wolf in the Woods / A cozy neighborhood restaurant with delicious tapas (don’t miss the homemade potato chips).
Trust / Elevated American food in Hillcrest with an emphasis on grilling techniques—the little gem salad was a standout, as well as the cauliflower and octopus.
Fort & Oak / Smoky, oak-kissed flavors in a former Ford dealership in Mission Hills. Loved the food and the atmosphere.
Born & Raised / Classic steakhouse vibes in the heart of Little Italy, with tableside Caesar salad tossing and melt-in-your mouth Wagyu.
Pappelecco / After dinner in Little Italy, walk a block off Columbia St. for a scoop of gelato.
Lola 55 / Michelin-star tacos downtown, enough said.
Himitsu / This small sushi restaurant in La Jolla is a family favorite. Enjoy the lush covered patio or sit at the bar to watch the chefs prepare your meal.
The Henry / An always-busy eatery in Coronado with a California-forward menu. Make a reservation, as wait times on the weekends can be up to two hours.
Ketch / Seafood-focused, with views of the harbor in Point Loma.
Ambrogio15 / We loved the pizza here (locations in Pacific Beach and Little Italy), which uses organic flour imported from Italy, plus a two-day rise for easier digestibility (and flavor).
Coffee Shops
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters / This local chain is named for the laid-back neighborhood just south of La Jolla, and has multiple locations around town.
Moniker / An airy coffee shop in Liberty Station with toasts, small bites, and lots of seating options.
Java Earth / If you go to Himitsu, this cute coffee shop is right next door.
Activities/Bookstores/Etc.
Balboa Park / If you or your family are museum fans, consider the Balboa Park Explorer Pass—it’ll pay for itself in a few visits. There’s so much to explore here, but our personal (kid-friendly) favorites were The Museum of Us, the Fleet Science Center, and the Air & Space Museum.
Warwick’s Bookstore / Tucked in bustling downtown La Jolla, this cozy bookshop has something for everyone.
Bay Books Coronado / After brunch or lunch at The Henry, stroll a few doors down to Coronado’s beachy bookshop.
Point Loma/Hervey Public Library / We picked up a non-resident library card and visited several locations during our stay. Point Loma was our favorite for the dedicated children’s area that took up the entire lower level, plus pirate-themed reading nooks and quiet spaces.
SoCal Mini Pigs / For a day at the farm, head inland to pet with mini pigs, sheep, and goats. On the way to or from, swing by the Escondido location of Stone Brewing.
San Diego Botanic Garden / This was a last-minute addition to our itinerary and I’m so glad we went to this tranquil haven in Encinitas.
Beaches
Windansea Beach / This might be my favorite beach in San Diego. It’s more of a neighborhood spot (popular with surfers) than a tourist destination, wtih gloriously clear water, rugged rock formations to traverse if you venture down to shore, and benches to enjoy the view.
Coronado Beach / We love crossing the bridge into Coronado and spending an afternoon at the expansive beach. The sand is extra soft, but depending on the training schedule, you may see (and hear) some military aircraft overhead.
Powerhouse & Seagrove Parks / This area in Del Mar boasts a playground, large grassy knoll, and a walkway through a botanic garden. Even if you stay on the cliffs, the views are top notch.
San Elijo State Beach / A bit north in Cardiff, walk down the long staircase and search for smooth rocks. You can also pick up a drink at Rose Hill Purveyors up the road.
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