Getaway to Torrance: A Relaxing, Non-Touristy & Dog-Friendly Escape

“You are going where?” “Torrance, near LA.” “But why?” That was pretty much the standard reaction when I told friends and family about my upcoming weekend getaway to Torrance. To be honest, I thought so as well at first. Who goes to LA on purpose, right?I was looking for a little getaway for my husband and me and our dog Robby. I had three main criteria: Close by, not overrun by tourists, and relaxing. And somehow, I stumbled on Torrance. Torrance is located just south of Redondo Beach and North of Palos Verdes, two really lovely beach towns as well. But Torrance is a little bit different. It isn’t your typical beach town with a pier and tourist shops all over. It is a local community that hasn’t been overrun with cheesy tchotchke souvenir stores and chain restaurants. Perfect for our lowkey weekend getaway, where we didn’t feel like we “had to” go to this must-see spot and that top attraction or risk FOMO. So, instead of rushing from one place to the next, we got to chill and relax.Where to Stay in Torrance – Pet-friendly HotelWe stayed at the Sonesta ES Suites Torrance/Redondo Beach and had a roomy, two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite with a full kitchen. The architecture of the hotel reminded me of an apartment complex Greg and I briefly lived in in Texas, which added to the homey feeling. It was the perfect home away from home, but with a yummy breakfast buffet, haha. I wish I had that at home every morning!The hotel is also dog-friendly and has no weight or breed restrictions. Super awesome for us, as we sometimes have issues with our 75 lbs fluffball Robby to find a hotel that doesn’t have weight restrictions. Pet fees are also very reasonable ($75 for up to 7 days and $150 for longer stays).In the hot afternoon, we went back to the hotel and chilled by the pool for a few hours, and Robby took a nap in the room, before venturing out again for the night. Check for availability here>>Dog-Friendly Things to Do in TorranceTorrance Parks Did you know that Torrance has over 30 parks? Not bad for a small-ish city with only 140k people. We explored a few of them, as we love to walk and Robby is always happy to go explore a new grassy spot. Miramar Park201 Paseo De La Playa, Redondo Beach, CA 90277This was my favorite park because I am a sucker for ocean views. The park stretches from the southern tip of Torrance all the way to Redondo Beach Pier. The park is set up on a bluff, and you can see the wide sandy beach and the famous boardwalk that starts in Torrance and goes all the way to Malibu. We talked to a few locals walking their dogs, and they said that you can even spot whales here, especially during migration season between December and March. Pretty cool, eh?One thing I didn’t like was that there was no shade. We walked there early in the morning, so it was ok, but if you walk in the hot hours in the summer, be mindful of your puppy’s paws and bring some doggy boots.Wilson ParkAddress: 2200 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501Torrance has one of the best Farmer’s Markets I have ever been to. They have fantastic produce on offer from local farms and also yummy food stalls and food trucks that offer something for everyone. From tacos to bao buns, heavenly sweet baked treats, and fiery Thai curries, there is something for everyone.Only problem: The farmers market is not dog friendly. But right next to the Farmers Market is Charles H. Wilson Park, a huge park with many walkways, sports amenities, a playground, and even a splash pad. So Greg and I took turns exploring the Farmers Market and then had a little impromptu picnic with some of the delicious treats we found (Tamale and Pupusas, yum!).Robby LOVED this park because there were squirrels everywhere. He got really excited and wanted to chase them, but since he was on a leash, he just sat below the trees, barking at the squirrels as if to say: “Come down and play with me!” Obviously, the squirrels didn’t fall for that. Torrance Breweries & Brew Pubs Greg and I are homebrewers and craft beer lovers, so we’ll check out a few breweries in Torrance as well. Added bonus: They are all dog-friendly or offer at least a dog-friendly patio. While we enjoyed our beers, Robby got some fresh water, lots of cuddles, and a few treats. It was a perfect way to get out of the sun and enjoy a few tasters.Project BarleyAddress: 1109 Van Ness Ave, Torrance, CA 90501Phone: (424) 376-5115WebsiteProject Barley was a really cool experience because we got to do a beer pairing with our food. I have had wine pairings before, but never a beer pairing. It was so much fun and delicious. The menu consisted of elevated pub food favorites.We started off with a refreshing Chicken Salad paired with a key lime sour. They actually fly in the key limes from the Florida Keys to make this sour. Pretty cool, eh? Next up was the typical SoCal pairing: Carne Asada Tacos with a West Coast IPA. The next beer pairing was a nod to the brewery’s history and previous owner, a chap from England, who wanted to brew English-style ales in California. The pairing was fish and chips with a cask ale English Bitter and a real treat. The dessert was a delicious bread pudding with spiced rum caramel sauce paired with a fabulous baltic porter. Everything was so delicious.They plan on offering this beer pairing and tasting menu soon to the public as an occasional popup event and if they do, definitely add that to you list of things to do in Torrance!!!The Brews Hall Address: 21770 Del Amo Cir E, Torrance, CA 90503Phone: (310) 294-9838WebsiteThe Brew Halls is a fun concept of Brew Pub meets Food Hall, but with sitdown service. They have a variety of options, including burgers, wings, Mexican food, an Asian food. And the best part? They have a dedicated dog menu! You can choose between an unseasoned burger patty or a plain chicken breast for your pooch. Robby was in heaven!!! Greg and I also enjoyed our food, and the beers were awesome. Greg is super picky about his burgers, but he was so happy with his perfectly cooked rare burger. I had the spicy ramen, and it definitely had some kick to it. I loved it, but unfortunately, it wrecked my palate a bit, and all the beers tasted a bit bland after thata. But according to Greg, the beers were really delicious and, he knows his beers! Absolution BreweryAddress: 2878 Columbia St, Torrance, CA 90503Phone: (310) 490-4860WebsiteAbsolution Brewery was my favorite brewery in terms of vibe. It reminded me a little bit of Lost Abbey in San Diego. They had a nice variety of beers, and they were all delicious. Two of their beers, The Rector (Belgian Strong Ale) and Cruisin’ South (Standard American Lager) won bronze at the CA State Fair Craft Beer Competition this year. The Rector uses local Orange Blossom Honey and it is only available when they can source that. They are not willing to compromise on quality and rather not brew a beer than brew one that doesn’t stand up to their high quality standards. The Flagship beer of Absolution Brewery is their Absolution 405 IPA, which won Gold in the San Diego International Beer Competition in 2022. Greg and I were really impressed with the beers we tried at Absolution and how they nailed such a wide variety of beer styles. Definitely a gem in the SoCal beer world!Red Car Brewery & RestaurantAddress: 1266 Sartori Ave, Torrance, CA 90501Phone: (310) 782-0222WebsiteCraft Beer AND Pizza? That definitely makes for a winning combination in my book. The restaurant inside is really beautiful and the antique brew kettles and landmark building give it a historic feel. The outside patio is dog friendly and shaded, a perfect spot to take a break from the midday heat with your pooch. The menu at Red Car takes pub food to the next level. I was really impressed with their menu. There wasn’t a single thing that didn’t sound delicious and was a serious contender. I love that they had a really big salad selection, which is rare for brewery pubs. Ultimately, their wood-fired oven made me choose the Fig pizza with goat cheese, bacon, and arugula, and Greg ordered the Margharita Classico with added mushrooms and fennel sausage. Both were so delicious andTheir beer menu is short but mighty. We really enjoyed their South Bay IPA and thought it was our favorite IPA we had tasted in Torrance all weekend. With over 9% ABV it packs a punch though, so sip slowly or bring a designated driver!Pro Tip: Just around the corner from Red Car Brewery, there is Torrance Bakery. This iconic bakery has been in business for over 30 years, and there is always a line out the door. But don’t worry, it moves extremely fast, and the treats are to die for. Definitely check it out!Other breweries in Torrance Greg and I also checked out Smog City Brewery and Monkish Brewing Co. during our stay in Torrance and liked them both as well. Smog City had a really nice outdoor patio area and live music, when we got there, but we didn’t get a seat there. Inside was pretty crowded and loud, so we just enjoyed a pint and left. I really enjoyed their Sabre Tooth Squirrle Hoppy Amber Ale though and would definitely go back there for that. Afterward, we walked over to Monkish Brewing Co. and got there right before they closed.. As their name suggests, they have a few Belgian beers on tap, Greg’s favorite. We both got the Belgian Tripple with Hibiscus. Yum! They also have nice beer garden and it was the perfect spot to finish up the night. As I already said, when Greg and I set up this trip, I wasn’t sure if we would like it and if there would be enough things to do. But honestly, it was so nice not to have the pressure to check off an endless list of must-see sights and just chill, relax, and soak up the local vibe, and Torrance was perfect for this. If you are looking for a destination that has a local feel, enjoys low-key things like walking in beautiful parks, going to the farmer’s market, and enjoying a few breweries, then definitely add a weekend getaway to Torrance to your list of options for a relaxing staycation near San Diego!Disclaimer: Getaway to Torrance was written by Maria Haase for SanDiegoExplorer.com. As customary in travel journalism, this article was based on a Press Trip hosted by Discover Torrance, and some of the mentioned hotels, restaurants, and experiences were complimentary. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Getaway to Torrance: A Relaxing, Non-Touristy & Dog-Friendly Escape appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Catalina Offshore Products: Where Women Rule the Fish Market

Now 51% Women-Owned, Catalina Offshore Products Continues to FlourishThe sleepy lobster probably didn’t notice as a woman’s hand lifted him from his tank, but this was a first at Catalina Offshore Products. Early one wintry, Saturday morning, the new managing owner, Brittany Strangman, carried the drowsy crustacean out of the water and over to the packing table. Together, she worked with Dave Rudie, Catalina OP’s founder, to get the live shipment ready for overseas delivery. Brittany knows fish inside and out from managing San Diego Seafood, but she’s made the most of having Rudie in-house for a few months. Brittany grew up in the family behind San Diego Seafood, Inc. Most people in the business know her mother, Kathy Strangman, who started working there forty years ago and took over the company in 2006. While shuttling her kids between school and the business, they’d complain, “Mom, close the car, everything smells like fish. She’d counter, “No, it smells like money to me.”Kathy confirms that her 31-year-old daughter is willing to work 80-plus hours a week to make the new Catalina OP a success. She says Brittany was headstrong from an early age. “My customer and family friend, Mike, laughed and said, “Isn’t that what you want? Don’t step on her.’ Now, she admits he was right, “It’s really neat to see what incredible, strong, smart people my kids are. They’re not afraid of working, of getting dirty.” Her lead paid off as Brittany, with brother Tanner’s help, now runs Catalina OP.The change in ownership didn’t happen overnight. As the pandemic took its toll on restaurants and companies across San Diego, Dave Rudie and Brittany commiserated. They talked about numbers and customers and bonded as business owners. ‘It’s us against the larger corporations. We’re the small guys,’ Rudie said before he eventually confided that he was looking to retire. During a call about merging or selling to someone else, Brittany suddenly said, ‘No, let me buy you out!’ She hung up and thought, ‘What did I just do?” But the timing was right, and things moved quickly if not always easily.“It’s been stressful. Suddenly it went from an idea to we’re here. We bought out our previous San Diego Seafood partner in January and then went into talks with Dave in March. There were so many hoops to jump through, so many legalities. We put everything that we own on the line – houses and everything.” And Brittany began plans to expand Catalina OP.More than just FishJoaquin Chaco and Brittany met ten years ago when he told her about his Sonoran cattle ranch. They discussed finding a local warehouse to sell beef and seafood. When Brittany introduced him to the Catalina OP acquisition idea, they collaborated to produce a holding company, BEISH, a play on the words Beef and Fish, which continues doing business as Catalina Offshore Products, and they’ve laid plans to carve out new uses for the underutilized spaces in the vast building. As they incorporate all the pieces, the new partners are serious about maintaining relationships with staff and customers. Catalina OP’s Wholesale Distribution Manager, Angela Gonzalez, is in alignment, “The restaurants have put their trust in Catalina and me. The relationships I built with them have been amazing. There’s so much potential for the new company and so much Brittany is doing. I’m excited.”Gonzalez is a fast learner who worked up from the shipping department to her current position as Wholesale Distribution and Lead Sales Manager with a team of fifteen. At each step, she had mentors, like Rudie, helping her to reach out and expand relationships with wholesalers and restaurants. Now at 26, she enjoys working with a woman boss. “Dave has done so much for me but it’s different. In the beginning at Catalina OP, I had to live up to all the guy’s expectations. It was hard to get people to listen to me but no longer.” What’s in the works? Brittany is plotting a full remodel. A food truck with a rotating seasonal menu is about a year out. She’s working through beer and wine license requirements and plans to host in-store events. Customers are already discovering new products each time they visit, like the beef and poultry now available. Catalina OP’s change in ownership doesn’t change who they are at their core. It’s still a mom-and-pop business, still owned and managed by a local family of fishmongers, and still dedicated to providing top-notch products and services.There’s an array of Catalina OP’s seafood and beef products available. They change daily. Shop online, sign up for special sales, and visit the fish market.Catalina Offshore Products: 5202 Lovelock StreetSan Diego, CA 92110WebsiteThe post Catalina Offshore Products: Where Women Rule the Fish Market appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Soar at Sunrise: Unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Ride in Temecula

I seriously regretted my decision to sign up for this, when my 3rd snooze alarm went off at 4:05 AM to violently rip me from dreams. Let me just tell you: Wine tasting and getting up at 4 AM does not mix well at my age! Argh…. But then again, when would I have the chance to go on a hot air balloon ride in Temecula again? Hot air balloon rides are magical and I loved my experience in Scottsdale last year so much, so once the last sleepy cobwebs were flushed away by the first sips of coffee, I was ready to go. (Pro Tip: don’t drink too much coffee before your flight though… there are no bathrooms up there…)More helpful articles about Temecula:Best Temecula Winery HotelsBest Temecula Wine ToursTop Things to Do in TemeculaBest Temecula Wines You Must TryBest Old Town Temecula RestaurantsAbduction aka Pick-up at 4:30 AMPick up was at 4:30 AM at the Ponte Vineyard Inn lobby (a fabulous hotel, by the way), where I also met one of my fellow writers on this press trip. We were picked up by a member of the Temecula Wines Marketing team and off we went to go meet with our balloon crew of Cielo Balloons.I am not sure if every balloon ride is like that, but both of mine felt a little more like a black ops abduction and not like your regular tour operator pickup. You meet up in some random remote location in the pitch dark. Then you transfer to a van, where you are mixed with the rest of the balloon riders, and you take off to an even more remote area, usually a random field in the middle of nowhere. The driver and assistant jump out and do random tests to check for wind conditions. All the while, you sit in awkward silence in the van, as some people are sleeping and the others are too grumpy to talk to. If the wind is good, you are told to get out. If not, you check the next spot.Ok, I know this doesn’t make the hot air balloon ride over Temecula sound very enticing and worth getting up for. But it is. Trust me. Let’s get to the good part now Getting Ready for TakeoffWe found a good spot for takeoff on our second try and arrived just as the deep night was fading into dusk. The team from Cielo Balloons set up the balloon quickly and before we knew it, we were ready to get into the basket. Easier said than done. In case you didn’t know, but Hot Air Balloon baskets do not have doors. You have to climb into the ~4ft tall basket. Just for reference, I am 5 ft 0 in. No, there are no pictures. No, there is no graceful way to get into that basket. Just for G*d’s sake, don’t wear a dress and high heels as I did during my first time! (In my defense, that was at a fancy resort and included dinner and wine pairing before the tethered balloon flight!)So Worth it All: Hot Air Balloon Ride over TemeculaOnce we clambered our way into the balloon, we took off pretty much immediately. We slowly ascended from the field just after the sun peaked past the horizon. The valley below us was doused in the golden light of early mornings. Thin layers of marine layers wafted over the gentle slopes of the vineyards. This is actually one of the reasons, why Temecula wines are so delicious. Thanks to the unique topography, the cool ocean air streams into the valley to cool things off and give the grapes a break from the hot temperatures. That allows the wine to retain more acidity and bright flavors over a longer time. It was so cool to see all the stunning wineries and the elegant lines on the sloped vineyards from above. We could even see Lake Skinner Reservoir from above. It is such a unique and beautiful way to see Temecula! It is hard to describe how stunning the view was, so I let the photos speak for themselves. A Cool Surprise Over The CloudsAfter takeoff, it didn’t take long for all the passengers to fully wake up and warm up to each other. The sheer beauty of our views turned even the biggest morning grouch into a morning person. We shared the basket with a couple from Quebec and family from nearby Vista. And then of course there were our two captains. Of course, we bombarded the captains with questions. “How high are we?” “How do you land this thing?” “How long have you been doing this?” etc. One of the questions was:”Is this your fulltime job?” One of the captains smiled and said that he was actually a winemaker and this was his passion side gig. He also said that he had a surprise for us, meaning my fellow writer and me. He revealed that he was Brian Marquez, the wine maker at Wiens Cellars, which would host us later that day for a blind wine tasting competition. How cool is that? That is one thing I really like about Temecula. Everyone has a cool story. So many wine makers I have met there chose this as their second career. A career of passion rather than profits. I met a pharmzeutical chemist turned vineyard manager, a winemaker, whose dad got busted for selling moonshine wine before becoming a legit winery and of course our hot air balloon flying winemaker Brian.When you go visit the tasting rooms of Temecula, I highly recommend talking to the people you meet there. Go say hello to the winemaker and get to know their story. It’ll be worth your while.A Toast to A Good FlightDid you know that it is a tradition that hot air balloons carry a bottle of sparkling wine on every flight? The reason: Steering the hot air balloons is more of a go-with-the-flow kind of thing, and there is only so much control over where you land. So, just in case you land on someone’s private property and are greeted with less-than-friendly vibes, the bottle of bubbles is supposed to be a gift and peace offering.Luckily, we did not land in someone’s backyard (yes, that has happened before), but on an empty field. Even more lucky for us was that we could enjoy a glass of champagne ourselves, ha. What an experience! If you ever have a chance to go on a hot air balloon ride in Temecula (or anywhere, really), don’t hesitate to do it. It is such an incredible experience and sooo worth getting up for!Ready to book your Temecula Hot Air Balloon Ride?If you are looking deals for your Hot Air Balloon flight over Temecula, check out these offers:– Romantic Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two (Private, perfect for a proposal or special occasion)– Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Cielo Balloons (Shared flight, but more budget-friendly, great for groups, families, or couples)Disclaimer: This article was written by Maria Haase for San Diego Explorer. As customary in travel writing, the trip to Temecula was hosted by Temecula Wines and Visit Temecula and the stay and experiences were free of charge. This has not influenced their opinion and the content of this article.Last Updated on August 14, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Soar at Sunrise: Unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Ride in Temecula appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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