A Universal World

California Vibes

This time we're going to stay in California. Welcome to the fabulous Universal Studios Hollywood!

Universal Studios Hollywood Entrance

This place is so much fun! Located in Universal City, California, Universal Studios Hollywood has tons to do. I love it here. What I like most is that the rides here, most of them are not roller coasters like everyone thinks. They are mainly 3D rides which you basically just sit there and the chairs move all around and the 3D effects come into play and its really cool especially for those who don't like rollercoasters like me.

There is a simpsons world of the park where its basically krustyland/Springfield with a bunch of food and rides and attractions. The ride there I didn't really like they were kind of boring and you had to wait in line forever, and there wasn't even that many people.

One cool thing was the Walking Dead attraction because you go into what looks like a prison and there are zombies all over the place, its really cool, if you're into that kind of thing.

My favorite of all time is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Its a replica of hogsmeade, if you know Harry Potter. They have Butter Beer and a shop where you can buy your own wands. The ride there was super cool. You basically sit in a chair and its rotates and makes it seem as if you're in the air flying and playing quidditch with the characters.

The escalators there are super beyond tall its actually kind of scary if you're afraid of heights. I would recommend if you're going during a peak period to buy the "front of the line" passes because each attraction and ride has three lines, one for multiple people, one for single riders and one for the front of the line. If you just want to wait in line thats cool too but you will wait forever.

The view from the top of Universal Studios Hollywood

The view from the tip top of the place is beautiful I love just going here and seeing this. This place is so cool and yes you will spend a lot of money so just save up and you'll be fine. I recommend this place at least once if you ever visit California.

Beach Please!

The Beautiful Pacific Coast.

Santa Monica Beach Coast

This time lets stay in the East Coast. the Beautiful Santa Monica Pier and beach. This place is amazing! The water is pretty blue I mean it may not be like the blue water of Bahamas and Cancun but compared to the Gulf of Mexico its blue. The place is so peaceful to me.

When you're on the actual sand you can just relax and chill and be at peace. When I was there, there wasn't many people. There was some families and couples but for the most part it wasn't too packed. 

Santa Monica Pier/Boardwalk.

The pier there is what attracts a lot of people. There is a small theme park called Pacific Park and carnival with games and rides. Thats when you see the huge Farris wheel. There is so much to eat and there are plenty of vendors trying to sell you stuff. What I found interesting was that there were so many individuals who are selling their own original products. Such as jewelry, art work or photos. And its only about an hour walk to venice beach if you really want some excercise and to be able to take a nice walk on the beach.

Entrance to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.

There is a lot of T-shirts for sale that are not that expensive and pretty cool. There is also a lot of people just skating and exercising. There is a set of large stair steps to sit and just watch the ocean. Its a beautiful view of the coast. 

California in general to me is such wonderful and beautiful place to visit and live and just be around and I love this place so much, it saddens me to hear about the recent fires in California. It may not mean anything but this post is dedicated to the people suffering and who have lost their homes and lives due to the fires. May those families get through this tough time and find the help they need. 

We're All Going To Hollywood!!

The City Of Angels

This week we are going to the East Coast, Los Angeles California to be exact. This place is known for many many things. Its infamous for celebrities, movies, fame and fortune. Its said that if you have made it to Hollywood then you haven't made it. So to speak.

The drive from Nevada to California was a gorgeous view. 

This place is such an amazing place to visit if you're aren't from California. There is so much to do. I have only been once and I immediately fell in love with the place. I love California in general. I plan to move there one day once I get the money because its not only sights and celebrities California is known for. The cost of living is crazy high. But of course if you've made it big then it shouldn't be a problem, right? 

Kevin Hart's Star on the Hollywood Walk of a Fame.

Walking on Stars

Hollywood is based on the downtown area of Los Angles. Once place you need to visit is of course the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it goes on for 15 blocks. There have been a lot of people to earn a star, and it is funny because its nothing fancy, its just a sidewalk with stars embedded in it. Nothing special but its the principle of earning the star that makes it a place of history. It has so many celebrities from Backstreet Boys, Elvis Presley to even Mickey Mouse and many more

Going to the Movies

TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angles

Not to far from there many a few blocks depending where you are at is the well known, TCL Chinese Theatre where they have over 50 events a year from film festivals, ceremonies and even movie premieres. The time I went they were setting up for the premiere of The Great Wall starring Matt Damon. They were already kicking us out of the area. The place is such an iconic place for film. My picture is kind of bad but it was the only one I could get before they made us leave.

Now if you're looking for souvenirs to remember your amazing trip then there is one gift shop that I recommend is so awesome full of so much stuff. Its called La La Land, with no reference to the movie. Its so cool it has things from all your favorite Hollywood movies such as the Wizard of Oz, Fast and Furious, and so many more. They even have tiny oscars with different engravings such as Best Best Friend, Bets Dog Sitter, and Best Mom, etc. Theres too many to name. 

Me in front of a life-size "Oscar"

La La Land Gift Shop in Hollywood

Buy Buy Buy!

Another place that is a must go is the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Its so insightful and informative. But fair warning it might ruin movies for you. I loved the whole thing though. There is a

chance you might run into a celebrity or someone because they are 

always shooting a movie or TV show. unfortunately I didn't run into anyone. There is a lot of Harry Potter stuff, which I dont mind. At the end of the tour they have a gift shop and the actual set from the T.V show friends, where they sat on the couch with a real working central perks coffee shop. 

One of the biggest regrets I have is that I never got a picture of the Hollywood sign up in the mountains. I just couldn't find it for the life of me. Someone told me after I left that if I would've turned the corner at the LaLaLand gift ship I would've seen in perfectly. I was so mad at myself. 

Los Angeles/Hollywood is awesome place that I recommend everyone to visit. Its a lot of fun and you can make so many memories and you never know who you can run into.

Keeping It Country

Real Country and Fun

The next place I am taking you is somewhere close and convenient that can be a quick day trip. Its the beautiful city of Fredericksburg, Texas. Known for their wine tasting of course!

Located not that far from San Antonio, part of the Texas Hill Country, its about an hour and half away. There is not that much to do but it is still such a beautiful place to go and just explore.

The main street is filled with antique shops, restaurants and places to go wine tasting and they do allow you to consume alcohol outside on the street.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Me in front of the ice cream parlor in Fredericksburg, Tx. 

One place to go to if you want a quick drink of something casual is Margarita Monkey to-go. They have choice of blended drinks such as piña coladas, margaritas and daiquiris. They put them in a styrofoam cup to go and you can just sip and go. Its awesome. 

One of my favorite places to go is sort of like a vintage Ice Cream Parlor. They serve ice cream, coffee and deserts and always have the movie Grease playing to give the old school vibe. Its delicious and pretty cheap. 

The peanut butter section of Rustling Bobs in Fredericksburg,Tx.

                                                                    

There is also a place called Rustlin Bobs that is pretty cool. It has homemade peanut butters, salsas, fudge, honey and jerkys. Theres over 100 items and you can sample a lot of them. There are some hot sauces in a back room that you literally have to fill out a waiver to but because they are allegedly so spicy and hot that you can get sick from. Since I am not a spicy person I stick with the peanut butters. My favorite is chocolate and honey flavor. It is so good especially on a PB&J. 

I am not much of a wine drinker but I have been to some places in Fredrickburg where you can taste different wines and beers from all over. They have wineries close by and let you sample the local craft beer in some places. This city is also known for having some of the best peaches. Which is so true I get a box every time I go. They are delicious and locally grown. If you ever have a day where the sun is out and have nothing planned grab your friends, or even if you want to go alone and take the trip to Fredericksburg. Make sure you go on an empty stomach so you can enjoy the food and then have a few drinks and then shop to sober up. No drinking and driving.