A few days ago Chris, Penelope and I hopped into the car and headed out the cute mountain town of Idyllwild, CA. Nestled in the San Jacinto mountains and about an hour and fifteen minute drive from Temecula.

The main part of town is filled with several little shops where you can get everything from jerky to vintage records. It also has a few eateries and a couple of ice cream shops. The town reminds me of Talkeetna, Alaska only with more to do. It is quiet and sleepy, the kind of place you could live if you never had to go anywhere. It is a tourist destination but it wasn't over run and didn't feel very touristy. Maybe it's the time of the year. I hear it's a popular place for campers, hikers and those who like to rock climb. We strolled through the shops and Penelope had fun spending her allowance on gems to add to her rock collection. We had lunch at a restaurant called Gastrosnome per a locals suggestion.


The menu was kind of random but the food was pretty tasty. I enjoyed the crab cakes.


While Chris had a shrimp salad and really good cream of jalapeno soup.


Penelope's chicken strips were probably some of the best chicken strips from a kids menu she has ever ordered. They were made fresh and not frozen! Service was excellent, the ambience was just like the town, quiet and mellow. We also enjoyed some sorbet and gelato before heading back home.


Here is a shot of the valley below. Gorgeous!