On this episode of Big Blend Radio's Food, Wine & Travel with IFWTWA podcast, we're joined by travel writer Mary Farah, a member of the International Food Wine Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), for a mom-and-daughters getaway to Carlsbad, California. Read her article below, then listen to the full conversation.

Listen to / download the podcast episode below:

By Mary Farah

Carlsbad, California's official slogan is "it's all good." After a visit to the San Diego County hot spot, it's easy to see why. Carlsbad offers a versatile vacation for any kind of traveler. The beach, great food and drink, resorts, family activities, nightlife, outdoor adventures, affordable or luxury travel: they have it all.

Carlsbad is just under 40 miles north of San Diego, easily accessible to the city and everything in between. I visited earlier this year with my two young daughters, Mabel and Mavis. Mabel is five, and Mavis was eight months old during our visit. It was my first attempt at a solo road trip with both little ladies. Luckily, Carlsbad is just a few hours away from us in Los Angeles, so it was a pretty smooth ride, sans the inevitable LA traffic.

The best part of our trek was feeling more like a local than a tourist. We were able to combine some of the Carlsbad "must-sees" with stops that had us surrounded by the locals.

We kicked off our first evening with dinner at the Windmill Food Hall. The historic Windmill building dates back to the 1980s. It was originally home to Pea Soup Andersen's, the kitschy restaurant and hotel pit stop chain. Through the years, the building has had some makeovers, and in 2019 it became North County's first food hall. There are 15 vendors to select from, including a full bar. This is a fantastic option when multiple people are looking for different food choices in a vibrant, lively atmosphere. The hall also hosts fun events like Drag Queen Bingo and trivia nights.

As a breakfast lover, this is when Carlsbad really shines for me. We headed over to the Parakeet Cafe, and as soon as we entered, it was clear this is a local's favorite. Everything is made with purpose at the Parakeet Cafe. All ingredients are organic and locally sourced, and a good portion of the menu is gluten-free. Pop in for breakfast or lunch and stay awhile, or grab a coffee and one of their irresistible pastries from the bakery.

Another excellent place with variety is Carlsbad Village. This is a bustling "hub" where visitors and locals intertwine. Grab a pizza at Knockout Pizzeria or tacos at Señor Grubby's, then dessert from GelatoLove. Getting back to breakfast, The Goods is pretty special for doughnuts and bold coffee. If I lived in Carlsbad, these would be some of my "go-to" places.

If you're thinking Michelin star restaurant, Carlsbad has three for you: the French darling that is Jeune et Jolie, the rugged contemporary fun at Campfire, and a thrilling chef's night experience at Lilo. It can feel overwhelming with the amount of great dining in town. To get a sample, check out the popular Carlsbad Food Tours.

An easy spot to always end up at in Carlsbad is the beach. The Village is within walking distance, making it accessible for shopping and food breaks, or even going back to the hotel. Surfing, swimming, kayaking, biking, and hiking are all common activities by the ocean. I love that these options alone make for a great getaway, especially if staying on a budget is on the agenda.

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Campus is a venture that brings together both where the locals go and staying cost-conscious. Three separate lagoons in Carlsbad make up Agua Hedionda. The discovery campus' mission is to energize the community through education and outreach to preserve the Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed.

We learned so much about the lagoon during our stop. We enjoyed the family center and lagoon views from their small walking trail. Then we got to meet some of the resident animals, like Bingo the pig and Cupcake the rabbit. While this gem of a discovery center is free to enjoy, a donation is recommended. We enjoyed chatting with locals who visit frequently. It's another place I know I'd be at often if I were in the neighborhood.

The Museum of Making Music always leaves me in awe. I visited a few years ago when Mabel was around Mavis' age. The museum is a division of the National Association of Music Merchants. If you're at all in the music world, you undoubtedly have heard of NAMM. Since getting to their world-renowned annual trade show has yet to happen for me, the museum is the next best thing. The impressive space is made up of five core galleries exploring the world of music in all of its aspects, from creation to just how far it goes. I appreciate that the museum is expertly crafted to entice the grown-ups while being hands-on and very kid-friendly.

Carlsbad has an extensive selection of accommodations throughout the city. Visitors can get the full pampering, getaway experience at the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara and Omni La Costa Resort, while LEGOLAND offers two resort hotels, including the Castle Hotel, fit for royalty, young and old.

Our stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton was ideal for an on-the-go family. The spacious studios have many amenities to make guests feel more at home than in an unfamiliar hotel. The rooms feature a full kitchen and small living area with a pull-out couch. Mabel still talks about the mini golf putting green and the pool. I appreciated how central I felt to everything while staying here. Complimentary breakfast is served daily, and there's plenty of free parking on-site. The property also felt very secure for a woman traveling on her own with two young children.

On that previous venture, when Mabel was a baby, we stayed at the Tamarack Beach Resort in Carlsbad Village. This is another excellent choice for a place to stay in Carlsbad. What I love most about Tamarack is that the beach is literally across the street.

This is truly just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in Carlsbad. Those fortunate to visit in the spring must not miss a stop at the gorgeous Flower Fields. Learn more and plan your ultimate "all good" itinerary here.

Mary is a freelance travel writer based in Los Angeles. She's written on her website, Along Comes Mary, since 2012. Her work can also be found on various online outlets including GoWorld Travel, Ventura County Mom Collective, and FWT Magazine. Mary is a proud member and former executive board member of IFWTWA, the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association.

🌐 Website: http://www.alongcomesmaryblog.com/

🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/AlongComesMaryFarah

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alongcomesmary26/

👉 Plan your Carlsbad getaway: https://visitcarlsbad.com/

🌎 Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org

🎧 Food, Wine & Travel with IFWTWA on Big Blend Media House: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/food-wine-travel-ifwtwa

📰 Check out the Big Blend Radio Travel, Food & Wine Digital Podcast Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/travel-food-wine-magazine