Unlike Tennessee, no buffer exists between cities and towns on the Southern California Coast. One town runs into another in an endless string of charming landscapes and lovely homes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Where Seal Beach, California, ends going north, Long Beach, California, begins. Helen and I decided to cross the line and visit Long Beach on a delightful Sunday Morning. Our reward was a fabulous Farmer’s Market with fresh vegetables, fruit, and meat offerings for two people who love to eat.
Heavy shopping
The marketplace was abuzz with food shoppers, tourists, and locals out for a stroll in the crisp morning air. After walking through the long line of stands, we walked away with a bag of delicious-looking fresh tomatoes, several ears of corn, fresh asparagus, and two thick, organically grown pork chops. Helen spotted a heavy line of shoppers waiting to pick up tamales as we left. We got in the line, and after 30 minutes, we walked out with six. Be assured they were worth the wait. We also saw a miniature Mortimer walking through the crowd. It was a fun-filled experience.
At our son’s recommendation, the following day, we drove to Huntington Beach, California, another in the string of towns, to walk the Huntington Beach Pier (picture at top). We have tried to visit as many piers along the coast as possible, and I plan to write a “Pier Review” later, but this pier is an example of several of the better ones. The pier crosses over a strand filled with walkers, bikers, and others out for exercise before crossing an extensive beach. It was a busy day in Huntington Beach.
In the years we have traveled to California, I have always intended to visit In-N-Out Burger but have yet to make it. On this trip, Helen and I decided the best way to make it happen was to ask our grandchildren to take us. They agreed. Carter loves In-N-Out Burger and usually has two orders of French Fries to accompany his burger—he orders them “Animal Style,” which includes grilled onions and a special sauce or “spread.” He only ordered one serving on this trip. Helen followed his lead and let Carter finish her fries. Abby ordered an “Animal Style” Grilled Cheese and Animal Fries. Big Daddy (that be me) ordered a “Double-Double” combo. Finally, we accomplished our In-N-Out mission and had a grand time. Thanks, kids!
Before we left the Seal Beach area, we wanted to visit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, California, about 20 miles from the campground. We arrived around 11:00 a.m. and found only a few parking spaces available. We received a warm welcome from the volunteer staff and were directed to a small theater, where we watched a short film about Nixon and his presidency.
I was a college student when Richard Nixon was elected President and a young Army Officer serving in Germany during his second term. I admired his visit to China and watched his downfall with sadness. The library visit put much of his presidency’s history into context, and I’m happy we went. My personal opinion of the man is that he was brilliant, hard-working, and politically astute. Richard Nixon was also complex, untrusting, and very insecure–traits that led to his undoing.
To the credit of the library founders, every aspect of the President’s term was covered fairly. The accomplishments covered the walls and were displayed prominently on movie screens throughout the library. The last room on the tour was devoted entirely to the Watergate coverup. I was somewhat of a Watergate Junkie during the 1970s and followed the details from the break-in to the impeachment hearings. Every detail of the sordid affair was covered accurately in the library’s recounting. I’m glad we went, and I recommend a visit to all.
We had a fabulous time in Seal Beach, but after 16 days, it was time to Ease Along. Our next stop is Point Mugu, California, and I hope you’ll join us there. I’ll be the big guy in the big beach chair…
“Pier Review” – love it! There is nothing better than freshly harvested fruits and vegetables during the summer months! I would have loved to tag along on your excursion to the Farmer’s Market. It was just a few days back that I realized we were going to miss this year’s entire season for our delectable local sweet corn. So sad! In-N-Out was a must do on our itinerary, too, when we were in California on our West Coast National Parks trip – kind of like a right of passage. Very cool that you and Helen got to enjoy it with your grandkids!
Good morning, Mary
As Farmer’s Markets go, Long Beach has a great one. The tomatoes were fabulous, and the tamales were outstanding. My In-N-Out “Double Double” doubled for lunch AND dinner. We had fun! Great to hear from you! I’m loving your Alaska journey. Joe
I have loved following your journey, and this installation especially took me back “home”, as I recall our many trips to In-n-Out and the Nixon Library. We were members of the Library and very much enjoyed all our visits there. There was always something more to learn. So glad you’re having a fabulous trip!
Hi, Rachel,
The library was a real learning experience, and In-N-Out was a fabulous eating experience. They certainly keep those burgers moving. We’re having a lot of fun, but I do miss everyone at exercise class. I’m going to need it when we return–burgers are not kind to me! Thanks for stopping by. Joe
I swear that girl in Rose Parade car looked just like Helen!😳 Anyway, I’m glad you toured the Nixon Library … I probably wouldn’t have had my two trips to China if he hadn’t opened things up there…. Truck On, Friends !
Hey there!
Nixon library was very interesting, and we lived through most of that history. We’re Easin’ Along and havin’ fun. See you in September!
Joe, it looks like you two are continuing to enjoy every bit of your California summer adventure. Farmers’ markets are always high on our list of attractions, wherever we go. Yum, freshly made tamales! Haven’t had those in a while, and they’re way too much work to make at home. So wonderful that you’ve had such a great time with your family.
Have fun supervising the beach at your next stop! 🙂
Good afternoon, Laurel,
We’re having a second round of the tamales tonight and I am pumped–so good! Tomorrow, we plan to hit another farmer’s market in Malibu. I’m sure the movie stars will be out, so I’m taking my camera ;-). We are having fun on the coast, and having family close is even better. We have another week at Point Mugu, then our kids will join us in Santa Barbara. If it doesn’t happen, I think Helen will explode. Great to hear from you! Please stay in touch. Joe
Enjoyed your recent posts. In-N-Out brings back a lot of good memories. When I stayed with my brother in Pasadena, during his last few months, I spent many trips to In-N-Out getting hamburgers for him.
Good morning, Ginny,
Your brother had great taste! Always great to hear from you. See you in September. Joe and Helen
I do love California, the beautiful beaches and a fun farmer’s market. When we went to a farmer’s market in Southern California once a booth was selling, what looked like, sea urchins, to eat! On a more pleasant food note… I agree that In-n-Out Burger is one of the better fast food joints and we are getting one in our area soon – I will definitely be ordering my burger “animal style.” Thanks for that tip. 😊
Good morning, Marian,
The rumor is that there will be an In-N-Out coming to Nashville soon. Maybe we’ll eventually have one in Knoxville. My grands say “Animal Style” is the only way to go. Helen and I loved the Farmer’s Market in Long Beach–I would never expect to find Tamales there, but they were so good, and had to be better than sea urchins!?! Thanks for stopping by. Have a blessed day. Joe
Hi, Joe and Helen – I greatly enjoy following your travels, and all of the cool places this takes you to. Attending Farmers Markets have been a life long summer passion of mine. (:
Good morning, Donna,
Long Beach Farmer’s Market was one of the best. Southern California is remarkable for the fruits and vegetables grown here. We’re a little north of Malibu and pass thousands of acres of farmland everywhere we go. Have a wonderful day, and please stay in touch. Joe and Helen.
Joe, I’m catching up on blog reading. Beautiful pictures of Huntington Beach and pier. The Farmer’s Market at Long Beach must have tons of fresh fruit and veggies thanks to CA nice climate. I also had an In-and-Out burger when I was in CA in June. I’ll put the Richard Nixon Presidential Library on my list of places to visit next time I’m in southern CA.
Good morning, Natalie,
As you may have guessed, I’m catching up on blog reading as well. We love Farmer’s Markets, and the one in Long Beach is one of the best I’ve visited. The agriculture in CA is incredible, especially in the Imperial Valley. The Nixon Library was very interesting for someone who lived through the Watergate era as a college student. I thought the subject was treated very fairly in the Library. Great to hear from you!