Big Sur on a Budget, is it possible? Yes!

One of my most favorite places to getaway to is Big Sur. It always takes away my stress and worries. We have not been in awhile, so a trip there is long over due.

There are only two drawbacks to Big Sur:

1. Not very dog friendly
2. Not very cheap

So over the years we have found ways to make Big Sur affordable. As for the dogs, Ill get back to how we have over come that hurdle.

Fortunately we only live about 45 minutes from Big Sur, so a day trip is easy.

Our most favorite stop for food in Big Sur is the Big Sur Bakery. However with quiche at almost $9 a slice and other out of this world food, it can get expensive fast. So we simply share a few of our favorites- a slice of quiche, a jelly donut, frittata and whatever else looks amazing.

It is no exaggeration when it is said that that they have the World's Best Jelly Donut. It is a dense cake like dough filled with a homemade jelly of fresh fruit. We usually get two, it is that good.

As for the quiche, it makes my chef boyfriend angry with envy every time we have it. It drives him crazy that he cannot figure out how they make it so good. He truly appreciates the talent it has taken to make it so incredible.

Yes, it is that GOOD.

They also serve our favorite local coffee, ACME Coffee from Seaside.

Another stop we enjoy is Nepenthe. We enjoy stopping there for a great Bloody Mary or ice tea and a basket of fries while enjoying an amazing view.  Another great stop for good beer and a burger (big enough to split for a snack) is The Maiden Publik House. Its small with a great Pub atmosphere with affordable food. We always stop on our way out of town.

As for lodging, we usually camp. We love the outdoors and nothing beats sitting by the fire in the redwoods in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It also allows us to take the dogs. We try to stay at  State Parks when there is spots available. We never make reservations, we usually drive down when we need to getaway. We have always found a spot to camp at, wether it is at a State Park, Park Management Parks or private campgrounds.

Of course there are a places that are great for splurges- Ventana Inn and Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn. We have enjoyed an amazing dinner at Sierra Mar, but we had split the prix fix menu and it was still expensive, but worth every penny. We cant wait to be able to do it again. Both Ventana Inn and Sierra Mar have the views that Big Sur. is known for.

So with all of that said- Kevin (chef boyfriend) and I are taking my Mom to Big Sur tomorrow to share some of favorite stops in Big Sur:

• Big Sur Bakery- for quiche and jelly donuts
• Spirit Garden- always find interesting "stuff" there
• Julia Pfieffer Falls- the fall will be bursting into the ocean with all the rain
• Nepenthe- Bloody Mary & ice tea for us and Ramos Fizz for Mom
• Hiking
• Publik House- beer, burger and fish & chips

And whatever else we feel like.

As for the dogs, Dad has offered to "dog sit" them for the day. Thanks Dad!