by Don Weberg

Imagine a town where the ghosts of Spanish-ruled California, and contemporary nightlife, trendy stores, and fabulous restaurants intersect. Located between San Francisco and Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo is nestled in the mountains of Central California, just minutes from some of the world's most beautiful coastline.

Relax on the Pacific Ocean drive and let the magic rejuvenate your overworked minds and bodies.

Looking to escape the rigors of Los Angeles, SLO seemed like the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Roughly four hours from L.A. up Highway 1, the Pacific Ocean drive could calm anyone's nerves, and relax them enough to let the magic of San Luis rejuvenate overworked, and under appreciated, minds and bodies. Of course, a super cool car doesn't hurt the journey in the slightest. Based on the idea that the trip should be fun, elegant, relaxing, and maybe a little romantic, a convertible was thought of to best complete the package. Lexus agreed, and offered up an SC430 hardtop convertible for the journey to nirvana.

Westbound 10 out of Los Angeles offers the most exciting entry to the beach, winding narrowly through Santa Monica, its final urban stretch leads to a tunnel which curves to the right and dumps you literally at the beach. The sensation felt at the exit of the tunnel is subtle, but not unnoticed, mainly because the scenery differs vastly from that of the surroundings leading into the tunnel. A feeling of calm and relaxation replaces the tense nerves brought on by L.A. freeways, and makes one thing immediately clear: the vacation has begun. Once you're through the tunnel, the famous Santa Monica pier is over your shoulder, and light sands and sparkling blue water replace the cityscape once on your left. Highway 10 has turned into Highway 1. Top down, wind lightly wisping through your hair, and sun warmly touching your face, it proves time and time again to be the perfect way to begin the journey north.

Cruising through Malibu, hunger set in, and nourishment was necessary. A little place called Neptune's Net provided the grub. With a menu based mainly on seafood, the establishment proved to be friendly to all palates, offering a wide variety of dishes such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and other quick vacationy foods. The meal was delicious and only hit the bank for about $15 for two people. (CONTINUED...)