#CatTravels: From Topanga to Ventura

By Catherine Toth Fox • October 12, 2013 • #CatTravels, Food

I hadn’t been back to Los Angeles in more than 10 years, my mom more than 30.

We had a lot of catching up to do!

We didn’t really have any plans — except to eat and visit my sister, who lives in Ventura. But everything in between — the sights, the shops, the bakeries — we left up to chance. Well, and Google Maps.

I booked a bed and breakfast spot in the remote Topanga Canyon online and decided to visit my sister on the first full day we were in town. After that, it was up to our smartphones!

Here’s what the drive from Topanga to Ventura looked like, with scenes from Santa Barbara to come later:

First things first

Image 2 of 37

We arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday night and the first thing we did was get the rental car — the line was 45-minutes long! — and head to the nearest In-N-Out Burger. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea.

Follow my adventures — with my Mom! — in LA on Twitter @thedailydish and on Instagram @catherinetoth.

6 Comments

Reply Dennis October 12, 2013 at 7:43 am
Hi Cat! Love your drive to Ventura. Leo Carrillo was my favorite cowboy in the 50’s The Cisco Kid! Takes me back to the good old days. Strawberries are my favorite!

Reply Catherine Toth October 15, 2013 at 2:21 pm
I didn’t realize how involved Leo Carrillo was in conversation in California!

Reply M October 12, 2013 at 2:21 pm
Hello Cat,
I never been to LA.

Reply Catherine Toth October 15, 2013 at 2:20 pm
You’re kidding, right?!?!?!

Reply Val October 14, 2013 at 5:06 am
I’ve heard such mixed reviews about IN-N-Out, I can’t wait to eventually try it for myself! It looks good. Also I love Airbnb, it’s so convenient and you can get such good deals. Too bad it’s not allowed in NYC!

Reply Catherine Toth October 15, 2013 at 2:19 pm
In-N-Out is a good burger, no doubt. But there are probably better burgers — for a higher price. Five Guys is great, too. So is Umami — but you’ll spend $12 to $15 on one. I think for a decent burger, made fresh and to order, you can’t go wrong with In-N-Out.