In celebration of Mother's Day this weekend (and my dad's birthday), we decided to go explore a new part of town. We've been to Liberty Station before, but mostly to stop in at a grocery store or grab a quick bite to eat. I'd never actually walked the property. We accidentally parked on the wrong side of the lawn, and started strolling toward the Public Market. I was absolutely amazed at the gorgeous landscaping, fountains, and plazas that made this oasis a truly remarkable place. 

For those of you who don't know, Liberty Station is a former Naval Training Center. With the base closure in 1997, the city decided to preserve the landmark through a modernization plan. Today, the exterior of the buildings are well maintained with their original charm. Plenty of patriotic detailed mosaics, iron framed windows, and plenty of cute lawn chairs and benches lining the courtyard. I told my husband Brad that we had just found the perfect Sunday picnic location.  The interiors on the other hand have been transformed into trendy restaurants with bocce ball, vertical gardens and gourmet cuisine and an art center paradise with galleries, crafters and training classes.

Our favorite spot of the day was the Public Market, we enjoyed a delicious afternoon rosé from Uphold Wines and some snacks from a few of the vendors inside the market. The patio lights criss-crossed overhead, while kids and dogs played on the well kept artificial turf. Just around the corner was a vertical garden and through the gorgeous doors a full bar.  

It was so much fun to play "tourist" in our own city. Sometimes spontaneous adventures to well known places are the perfect place for inspiration and fun. Hope you get to check it out some time soon! 

Jessica

San Diego is known for it's microbrewery community. I'm not much of a beer fan, but I've heard of all the places, well known and boutique. So when one of my colleagues mentioned a gin distillery in downtown San Diego, I was shocked that of all places, that is where it would be. 

As part of my birthday festivities last weekend, I decided to take my family there (mom and sis pictured) and I am SO GLAD that we went.  Not only were their cocktails so unique and delicious, but their decor was AMAZING. The way I can't stop describing it is "effortless luxury". It sounds like an oxymoron, but I swear, from the minute you walk in there is a sense of comfort, yet the velvet and leather couches mixed with neutral brick walls and greenery accented throughout, it definitely has an upscale vibe. 

We took the behind the scenes tour and tasting and got to learn all about how they make their unique Sunday Gin. Did you know that you have to make vodka in order to make gin? We also learned the proper way to smell a spirit so you don't burn your nostrils! (Keep your mouth slightly open as you breath in through the nose). 

From there, we made our way to the bar and enjoyed some really unique hand-crafted cocktails while taking in the view. One of my favorite details was their back wall with an extra long velvet couch nestled against the tall white brick wall and their logo boldly carved into wood. This wall made such a statement while the wall right next door featured a quaint bookshelf featuring fun pieces that your best friend may have. Like I said, effortless luxury mixing grand designs with a comfortable atmosphere. 

You and Yours just celebrated their one year anniversary, they are up and coming and believe me, they are coming! So if you are in the area, maybe before a Padres game, you should definitely check them out. And if you're anything like us, be prepared to use your 10% discount from the tour to bring home a bottle that you can enjoy later. 

Hope you guys are having a great week! You're welcome in advance for your weekend plans ;-)

I love getting inspiration from hotels, restaurants, museums and more! I'm one that totally appreciates each and every thought and detail that goes into the design. Not every place brings all the perfect feels together but Better Buzz Coffee, a small local coffee chain here in San Diego combines my favorite shapes, colors and textures to make one seriously awesome place to hang out.

Their combination of bold metals, light and bright wood and marble accessorized with gold accents (my favorite) and spotted with greenery captures a cool and collected vibe. Every detail from the hexagon shaped tiled bar transitioning to the concrete floor to the retro lighting and coffee inspired sayings (that totally speak to my coffee addiction) incorporated in the walls and floors makes you want to just pull up a seat, maybe a laptop, and feast on some delicious avocado toast. 

And it doesn't stop there, on their small but WOW factor patio they have cornhole and swing seats to enjoy your coffee and conversation. While I was there I saw families grabbing an afternoon snack, students studying for their next exam, individuals journaling and I swear I even saw a date happening. Honestly, when a place looks this amazing and has a menu to die for (I had their vanilla buzz lite, a blended iced coffee - AMAZING) you can find just about any reason to go. 

So if you are in the San Diego area, be sure to check out this spot, they have a few locations and each one is slightly different but just as awesome. 

If I sound a little excited, it's because I am, this place has captured one of my favorite design looks with brass, hexagons, wood and white and I'm so glad that it's walking distance from my house. Do you have a local spot that you just love? Bonus if the menu is equally as good as the design!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jessica