Back in November 2024, Nanook and I escaped to San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach for a little getaway—my second trip since retiring, and I’m loving this new chapter. We stayed in this incredible loft apartment tucked inside a handcrafted timber-frame barn. The place was full of artistic details—think cozy vibes with unique touches everywhere. It’s surrounded by sprawling oak trees and stunning scenery, making it the ideal spot to kick back and relax.

The barn sits on a 50-acre ranch, with 10 acres dedicated to Tuscan olive trees. The owners craft award-winning olive oil from them and even left us a sample bottle to enjoy. The barn itself is a work of art—authentic timber-frame construction, all held together with wooden joints, no nails. Will, one of the owners, made the handrails and windows himself and had a big hand in building it. Simply gorgeous!

San Luis Obispo on a weekday hums with energy, especially with all the Cal Poly students buzzing around. The streets feel alive—people heading to class, grabbing coffee, or just soaking in the laid-back Central Coast vibe. Downtown SLO has this charming mix of small-town warmth and college-town spirit, with shops, cafés, and that famous Thursday night farmers’ market vibe lingering in the air even midweek.

Then there’s downtown Pismo Beach, especially near that big iconic sign. It’s got a classic beach-town feel—think salty air, the sound of waves crashing nearby, and a relaxed crowd strolling along the main drag. You’ve got cute little shops, seafood spots, and places like Woolley’s, where Nanook and I stopped in. I went for a juicy hamburger paired with an IPA from a local brewery—maybe something from Firestone Walker or SLO Brew, both solid picks in the area. Nanook chowed down on a grilled hotdog, looking pretty content.

One day, we took a short drive out to Kelsey Winery in See Canyon. Man, was it beautiful—rolling hills covered in vines, basking in the golden sunlight. Nanook and I had the best time just chilling there, sipping some wine while watching peacocks wander around nearby. It was one of those peaceful moments that sticks with you, perfect for a retired girl like me taking life a little slower these days.

Back at the loft, I cooked us a homemade meal one night. Afterward, we stepped out onto the balcony and caught a meteor shower—stars streaking across the sky, just the two of us taking it all in. The sunsets were absolutely fantastic, painting the horizon with fiery oranges and soft purples—hard to beat that kind of beauty. Mornings were my favorite, though. I’m a breakfast gal at heart, mostly because I’m lazy and love sipping coffee in my pajamas. One day, I whipped up pancakes and crispy bacon, the smell filling the loft while Nanook waited patiently. Another day, we took a walk along Pismo Beach—sand between our toes, waves rolling in, the perfect way to start the day. Retirement’s treating me well, and this trip with Nanook was pure bliss.

~Peace Out, Charlotte & Nanook