Our last minute family weekend getaway for under $500 - Part II: Fun and food

We got a great deal on a hotel in California for two nights during the holiday weekend.  Our total ended up being less than $150. We had all the amenities we desired, including a microwave and small fridge that I needed to store baby's milk. We also had complimentary WiFi, a free hot breakfast buffet each morning, and free parking (a consideration in California!) How did we do it?

I signed up for a free membership in the hotel's points program.  By getting points for every dollar we spend on our stay, we quickly accumulate points that allow a reduced or even free night's stay.  I had used my free nights last year for vacation, but I was able to get the rate down significantly.  Score!

Tip: Consider signing up for your favorite hotel's membership/reward program.  Also elect to receive e-mails that detail promotions and discounts throughout the year to get the best deals.

Of course, after the long drive we were so very hungry.  For us, it was a no-brainer: Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles! This place is well known, and in fact, is a place many celebrities frequent, judging by all the pictures on the wall.  They have several locations throughout Southern California. 


Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles


This place draws a huge variety of cultures with it's offering of tasty soul food.  My husband and I had the wings with macaroni and cheese (yummy!) and greens.  My daughter will never turn down a waffle so we got her that.

Roscoe's #22

This was definitely a treat, as Roscoe's is not on the cheap side.  Our total was $45  for three meals and two drinks.  Stuffed, we found a small quiet park to walk in and allow my daughter to burn off some energy.

One thing we resolved before leaving home, was NOT to rush and not to try to cram too many activities into the weekend.  I believe that sticking to this resolve greatly added to our trip, especially because it was so short and unplanned.

Eating breakfast at the hotel kept us full for a good while, the next morning.  We did a little sightseeing, the highlight of which was seeing all of the high end shops on the famed Rodeo Drive--it's nice to dream, sigh.  The weather was a bit on the warm side, but nothing near what we'd left from.

Tip: Consider mapping out and planning your own sightseeing outing.  You can go at your own pace and it saves money compared to the cost of similar tours offered by local companies.



Kassava's Caribbean Cafe



Grumbling tummies meant it was lunch time.  We are not very brave when it comes to eating out.  We are very much creatures of habit, preferring to stick with what we know.  Our safe choice for lunch was a little place we just loved on our last trip out--Kassava's Caribbean Cafe in Los Angeles.

We love this place. It is quaint and charming.  The front door was open just across from our table and the warm breeze mixed with the caribbean music playing made me feel as if I was at a tropical island cafe.  The service is slow, but we were in no hurry, and the food was definitely worth it.

Kassava's dining room

I had the Brown Stew chicken meal that included steamed cabbage, rice and beans, and plantains.  My husband had Jerk chicken with the same sides as I had.  My little one had a big bowl of Mac and cheese.  My husband will never pass up pineapple soda and had a bottle with his meal.  I had a Coke.  Can you say a-mazing!  The food was exquisite--so flavorful. Our total for all was about $36.





Jerk chicken with sides





Brown Stew chicken with sides



Will Rogers Memorial Park

Now fully stuffed, we wanted to go for a walk to enjoy the outdoors.  We drove around for a little bit and literally stumbled upon a gorgeous, peaceful park in Beverly Hills, Will Rogers Memorial Park.  This was such a lovely spot for walking and taking pictures. 


Fountain at the park

 

Flowers up close





We spent time walking here and snapping family pictures.  It made for a wonderful afternoon.  We now had a taste for a sweet dessert. I had a buy one get one free Coldstone ice cream coupon.  We found one and enjoyed two yummy treats for only $5. 



Pretty flowering bush



Tip:  Look for coupons to attractions and eateries in the city you plan to visit.  Check the websites for specials that may not be advertised.  (For example: An aquarium we had initially planned to visit had a special where everyone could get in after a certain time for the children's admission, which was half of the adults price.  I found out that I had a coupon for buy one get one free so we could all get in for just over $20--a total savings of $40!) 

We had hoped, very much, to spend time at the beach.  This is always a highlight of our trips to California.  However, being a holiday weekend, the beach was insanely crowded and parking was impossible.  We had to scrap that idea this time.

By keeping our plans low-key we truly felt like this unplanned trip was one of our better ones.  We felt rested and the trip felt longer than it actually was.  The main thing was spending uninterrupted time together as a family and making precious memories.