Wednesday, July 23, 2014

celebrating my 40th birthday on Coronado . . .

 


I told my husband a year ago that I wanted to have a big party to celebrate my 40th birthday . . . but as the year passed, my thoughts changed.

Instead, I dreamed of a quiet birthday . . . away.




The idea of a big party wasn't as appealing anymore.  I thought it would be more enjoyable to gather over the month with friends and family for small lunch or dinner dates to celebrate my birthday.

I've come to appreciate smaller gatherings, as they tend to be more relaxing . . . and they give me the chance to have meaningful conversations.




And so my birthday wish came true . . .

We spent a quiet, wonderful weekend on Coronado Island.

My husband and I took the Amtrak Surfliner south to San Diego, and then ferried across the water to Coronado, where we biked and strolled all weekend.




We enjoyed long, leisurely bike rides on the island,  moonlit walks on the beach, and relaxed meals on the harbor.

One of the highlights of our weekend was having Sunday brunch in the Crown Room at Hotel del Coronado.

I could have taken hundreds of photos of the hotel alone, but my focus this visit was the Sunday Brunch in the Crown Room.

The brunch is well-known for its extravagance; and after having gone now, I can see why.




The Crown Room is quite stunning with its wood ceilings, crown chandeliers, and beautiful views of the harbor . . . but the food was equally impressive.

I'm still in awe over the incredible menu that not only included typical American brunch entrees, but also Mediterranean, Italian, Spanish, and French. Take a peak at the menu here.

I brought my "good camera" to take photos while we were there, but found that it was more convenient to take photos with my cell phone. I'm quite happy with how many of them turned out.

I hope you enjoy . . .







a seafood bar . . .



seating in the garden too . . .




A few of my favorite photos of the grounds of Hotel del Coronado . . .





A peak at the exterior of the hotel from the courtyard. I love the white . . . and all the details.





One of many beach bungalows . . .




On our way to the beach, we found the hotel's herb garden.





We had a wonderful weekend!

Actually, the whole month has been filled with fun, friends, family, and small celebrations. I love birthdays, don't you!?






LET'S STAY in touch!












28 comments:

  1. Beautiful pictures, Suzanne! What a great place to celebrate your birthday! :)

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  2. Happy Birthday, Suzanne. What a lovely place for a little time away from the humdrum of life.

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  3. Anonymous9:14 PM

    Belated birthday wishes Suzanne. Looks like a fabulous place to celebrate your birthday!

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  4. Love seeing this, my husband proposed to me there on my birthday get away many decades ago. A place for special memories for many, captured beautifully~

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  5. Hi again, Suzanne! I wanted to let you know I nominated you for the Sunshine Award on my blog today. You can read about it here. http://www.normaleverydaylife.com/2014/07/the-sunshine-award.html Thanks for being a blogging inspiration to me! I always enjoy your posts and photographs! :)

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  6. I simply love Coronado and adore the Hotel Del. When we lived in San Diego, we spent many enjoyable days there. So glad you had a wonderful time.

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  7. This is one of our favorite places! We have been there a few times since moving to California and I just love that white soft sand. What a wonderful place to spend your birthday!

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  8. Heard of the hotel a lot. But I had never been there before, the brunch buffet looks awesome!!!

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  9. What a great birthday celebration! Beautiful place and yummy food and I am sure the company was fun too. happy Birthday!....Christine

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  10. Now that is certainly a great way to spend a birthday!

    Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Monday on Smart Party Planning :-)

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  11. Anonymous6:05 AM

    Perfect birthday as far as I'm concerned, I love taking the hour Coaster train south to SD and then hopping on the ferry. Usually we take our bikes, but your pics of the Crown Room, make me realize we do need eat there, sans our biking outfits. So next time we will wear some nice clothes and take the 904 bus from the ferry landing to the Del. Thanks so much for sharing and Happy 40th Birthday!
    Wanda at WeekendWanderlust.co

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  12. I have always thought Coronado was a magical place! I grew up in Southern Cal and I never spent the night there but loved to visit when I was in La Jolla or San Diego. The brunch menu is incredible, thanks for sharing that~if I can read the menu, it's almost as good as being there! Happy Birthday!
    Jenna

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  13. Happy ( belated ) 40th Suzanne - sounds like a beautiful birthday weekend - those photos are amazing - what a gorgeous spot !
    XOXO

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  14. Wow what a wonderful birthday you had! I am loving Coronado right now and will have to put it on my bucket list!

    Happy belated Birthday!

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  15. i hope you had a fabulous birthday. i have never been there, but i've heard fabulous things about it. we are going away for my 35th birthday for a relaxing vacation, and i can't wait!
    b

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  16. Happy Birthday Suzanne!! I can't think of a better way to spend a birthday. Coronado is the best place in the world.

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  17. Just Beautiful! I have always wanted to stay at the Hotel Del Coronado. Hope you had a wonderful birthday Suzanne!
    XO Barbara

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  18. Beautiful photos. I can imagine you had a wonderful time celebrating. I have stayed there twice and loved it both times!

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  19. I just stopped by from the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. What beautiful photos! I have been wanting to visit the Hotel Del Coronado - and this has convinced me that I really should go sometime!

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  20. I have always wanted to visit there! It is simply breathtaking. Hope you had a wonderful time!

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  21. What a delightful place to celebrate your special day, Suzanne.
    Thanks for sharing the Coronado with us at Project Inspire{d}!

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  22. Anonymous5:39 AM

    What a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing!

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  23. Lovely...so very nice!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  24. Ah, the Del... :-) How wonderful!! Lovely photos, too. Such a great place. Hope you enjoyed your birthday!

    Lory
    Designthusiasm.com

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  25. What a lovely place to spend your birthday! Happy Birthday and thanks for sharing your weekend with everyone.
    Julie
    Julie's Lifestyle

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  26. Anonymous5:25 AM

    How lovely Suzanne, it looks beautiful there. Happy birthday! Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!! Laura@Baking in Pyjamas

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  27. Happy Birthday, Suzanne! What a great place! We will be visiting San Diego soon so I hope to visit Coronado as well while we are there. Glad you had such a great time!
    Will be featuring you on Monday's Project Inspire{d} Link Party. Thanks for sharing and hope you'll come by again!

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  28. What a wonderful birthday celebration! I hope the year ahead is filled with sweet surprises!

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