NOVO in San Luis Obispo

This has become our go-to stop on our annual trip to Cambria.

Not just getting off the highway to walk around San Luis Obispo, but sitting down at NOVO to watch and listen to the water rush down the creek beside our cafe table.

And there was actual rushing this year as most parts of California have been getting quite a bit of rain!

Mixed Lettuces

Salmon Bisque

Fresh Avocado-Shrimp Spring Rolls

Seasonal Store Displays

If memory serves, Christmas displays started popping up in August. Or at least bits and pieces of Christmas-specific products.

As we wind down to New Year's and then quickly get into the plethora of red hearts that will mark the coming of Valentine's Day, let's take a moment to reflect.

Here are my top 3 favorite retail displays of 2014.

All found this past week on the Central Coast of California.

Bubblegum Alley in SLO

Freshman orientation at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo included a nighttime foray in the creek that runs through town and a stop at bubblegum alley to stick a wad on the wall.

At least that is what I remember.

It was creepy and muddy and dank along the creek but the alley was all fun and whimsy.

Well, times have changed. The creek sparkles. It is now lined with upscale eateries and walking bridges.

The alley is another story.

Yes, they did put in a bubblegum machine nearby, in case you forgot to bring your own chew.

But the smell and sight of Bubblegum Alley is ewwwwwwwwwwwwww.

The concept is still amusing, but all the flies, not so much.

And I wasn't able to identify my petrified gum from years ago.