Something I love to do, whether it’s for myself or for a group of people, is to plan working getaways.  There is something about getting out of the office and into a a great remote location that can help people get a lot of good work done.  Surrounded by nature, where you can’t be interrupted, work takes on a whole new feel.  You can think about that project that you keep setting to the side, can focus as a group on future plans, or can focus on that new software product and walk away with a prototype (or better yet a bet version that people can start using!).

While a lot of people think (and justifiably so) that group off-site = lots of fluffy stuff that has no real long term impact… when an off-site is limited to a small (3-6 people) group of people with a very focused mission and end goal… the results can be staggering.  You may be shocked by what can be produced over 48-72 hours… entire companies and products can be launched over a focused getaway.

So, the next time you’re trying to figure out how you and/or your team are going to pull of your idea(s)… think about a well planned getaway.  Your business will thank you for it!

So, you have a great idea, you know it will be perfect… you’re just missing a team!  Not to fear, there are great resources out there for people just like you.  There is one I’m highlighting today that has produced a few companies within the weekend.  Check out Startup Weekend where you can find an event taking place in your city.  If you participate, the only real requirements are that you be willing to work hard, and be willing to share your idea with the group.  It’s got an Open Source feel… and a hard working vibe.

So… take your idea, and yourself, and get that product out there!  This is a form of an escape that can really bring you a tangible result.

Fast Tube by Casper

Today my husband and I were on the Central Coast and decided to check out the Boatzart Festival.  This is an annual event in its sixth year.  It is a free concert for all, and is focused on giving the local community an afternoon to hang out by the Pier with free music.  The ‘Baywood Navy’ puts on the event, and even provides a ‘boat load’ of cookies to munch on.  Many of the locals arrive via kayak or canoe, and they just park up on the beach to listen to the music from their boat.  It really is a great local event that I recommend people check out if they are in the area next year.

The band playing this year was, Red Skunk Gypsy Band and they were fantastic!  Great sound, perfect for a concert by the bay.

I captured a quick video while I was there so you can see for yourselves what it is like.  In typical Los Osos fashion the fog was in and out during the concert.  A fun time was had by all!

Fast Tube by Casper

When my husband and I travel, many times we turn to vacation home rentals instead of hotels.  We like the added space, having a kitchen and the ability to really get away from the crowds.  While not ideal for all trips, it is a great way to experience an area, for around the same price of a hotel.

Upsides to renting a vacation home:

1. Kitchen – we can make coffee in the morning and cook dinner with items we’ve bought form the local farmer’s market at night.  Added flexibility around meals and potential cost savings, as well.

1. More room – we can get at least a couple bedrooms, living room and dining area, for around the same price as a nice hotel, most times.

1. Less People – by staying outside of a hotel and in a community, we leave behind the crowds of people and subsequent ‘hustle and bustle’.
2. Better Location – In many areas, especially beach communities, a vacation home may land you in the best area, with access to all the area has to offer.  On the central coast, we can stay close to the beach and hiking trails so we can take peaceful morning and afternoon walks without any hassle of getting there.

Downsides:

1. No services – You won’t have your room cleaned up after you each morning, or room service to order from.
2. Internet – While most homes come with internet connections, there are times that they don’t… best to ask the rental service if this is critical to you.
3. Outside the main attraction area – in some instances, a vacation home may be outside of the main area you are wanting to visit which can mean more driving.
4. Cost – It may cost more than a hotel, especially if the hotel is offering a great ‘getaway package’.

All in all, I find that renting a house can be the best part of the vacation.  I can sit around and read all day, take great walks, and go see attractions all day.  I like to have down time on my vacations, so a house works out very well.  I don’t get cabin fever if I decide to stay in, and it provides me with a very relaxing environment.

There are times I prefer a hotel… usually when I want to be pampered, know that I’ll be out and about a lot more than I will be lounging around, and when I just don’t want that much space.

Would love to hear others stories about renting a vacation home.

When up on the Central Coast, we tend to look for fun little nooks to hang out in.  Mostly coffee houses, cafes, delis, etc.  This trip was no different, and when we read the local newspaper we read about a coffee shop that has already become a local favorite in the time that it has been open.  Of course, this led us over to Morro Bay to check it out and walk around the waterfront.

Top Dog coffee house is located at 857 Main Street in Morro Bay (They recently moved… my pictures, which still give a good sense of the atmosphere, are from the old location which was right across the street). They roast their own beans, which you can buy at the coffee house or online. For locals, they will deliver your cup of coffee to you if you’re not able to leave work. In the cafe they have wireless access that is free for patrons.

Top Dog

Top Dog – Coffee Bar

Top Dog – Cinnamon Roll & Coffee – Yum!

Morro Bay Harbor – Sea Lion Lounging On The Dock

Morro Rock on a Beautiful Day

]]> http://topshelfescapes.com/blog/2009/07/morning-in-morro-bay-california/feed/ 0 http://topshelfescapes.com/blog/2009/07/canon-beach-oregon/ http://topshelfescapes.com/blog/2009/07/canon-beach-oregon/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:54:11 +0000 topshelfescapes http://topshelfescapes.com/?p=141

As part of one of our trips in the North West, my husband and I found Cannon Beach on the coast of Oregon. This is a very quaint, beautiful and relaxing spot. The people are nice, the views are incredible, and the local food is good. The first time we found this beautiful place, we were driving up Highway 101 for two weeks, from Southern California to Seattle. We had planned on a one night stop, but it became 3 nights/3 days.

Canon Beach at Sunset

The trip was in October of 2004 and paralleled the playoffs and World Series, so every town we stopped in had to have a place to watch the game. Well, Cannon Beach provided what I think became our favorite spot to watch the games. Bills Tavern. Oh yes, the Jalapeño Poppers, the blackberry beer that is seasonal (and tastes so good with a a burger or a sandwich and fries), all fantastic! My mouth waters just thinking about it. They make the beer on the premises and it is awesome! We went there every night, and one night, we left our little digital camera behind by accident, and it was turned in. The couple who turned it in took pictures, and made us smile… because, this is a town where people turn in your camera when you leave it behind.

Bill’s Tavern

We stayed at a great place that had direct access to the ocean and great views… The Waves Motel. We had a little kitchen with our own coffee maker, oven, refrigerator and sink. It was so great to get up in the morning, make a cup of coffee and sit on our deck with the seagulls. In the afternoon I’d go down to the local candy store, Bruce’s Candy Kitchen, and get some homemade salt water taffy and walk through the town.

The Waves Motel – Fabulous

Cannon Beach is home to haystack rock, which is incredible at all times of the day, but at sunset, is absolutely breathtaking. It looks different from all angles, but always looks like… well, a haystack. The beach is rocky and sandy, and if you go walking on it in the morning you are bound to find fresh shells, sand dollars or just amazing patterns in the sand from high tide.

Haystack Rock

To get here, you can come up (or down) Highway 101, or you can come in from Portland by going west on Highway 26 and then south of Highway 101. You may want to plan on adding a day or two to your planned trip as you will want to stay longer once you get there.

]]> http://topshelfescapes.com/blog/2009/07/canon-beach-oregon/feed/ 0 http://topshelfescapes.com/blog/2009/07/santa-cruz/ http://topshelfescapes.com/blog/2009/07/santa-cruz/#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:23:03 +0000 topshelfescapes http://topshelfescapes.com/?p=121

I love Santa Cruz and have spent a considerable amount of time there.  This is just a quick peak at an area I love and will definitely write more about in months to come.  For now, enjoy some pictures from around the area.

If you’re looking for nature, head to Henry Cowell Park in Felton; a few miles outside of Santa Cruz, where you can drive in for $6 or park on the street and walk in for free. You will instantly smell the redwoods, the clean air and will feel the temperature drop by multiple degrees as you are under the canopies of the giant redwood trees. You can follow one of the numerous trails… I took the river trail this trip which was as beautiful as I remember.

If you’re looking for a great browsing experience, especially if you like to browse records, check out Logos in downtown Santa Cruz, you may find great album covers like this:

Any questions… feel free to ask in the comments section.