Waldport Seafood Company - Originally Published 2008

On one end of the spectrum there is the hyper-organized traveler that has an itinerary that breaks a trip down into fifteen-minute increments.  Months have been spent laboring over a stack of travel books and magazines.  No detail has been spared in the planning of the trip.

On the other end of the spectrum there is the vagabond approach to travel.  The philosophy being if you wander around long enough, you’re bound to see something worthwhile.

I suppose that my wife and I lay somewhere in the middle.  We plan out a few milestones and then leave the rest in chance’s hands.  Thank the gods we do that, because it allowed us the opportunity to happen upon a place like the Waldport Seafood Company.

This place is not much more than a wide spot in the road.  However, they serve some of the best clam chowder I have already tried.  If that wasn’t perfection enough, there is a deserted beach right in front of the place where you can wander after eating.  I hope that heaven is as good as this.

Splash Cafe - Originally Published 2008

Next time you make a run up Pacific Coast Highway, make a stop at the Splash Café in Pismo Beach.  There will be a line.  There always is.  However, it’s worth a little wait.

What makes it so special?  The serve clam chowder in bread bowls.  I know that’s not the most original idea.  But Splash Café does it right.  Their New England style clam chowder has something really unique in the flavor department.  My theory is that it’s addition of carrots that sweeten it up.  However, it could also be that mermaids make it with a touch of love.  I’m not sure, but it’s worth a stop.

The other thing that makes a visit so special is that it’s only a short stroll to the Pismo Beach Pier.  This is a place to relax and breath a lot deeper.  There is more to life than sitting inside with a remote in hand, waiting to go back to work.