We are all in a lock down. Cooped up in our bedrooms with nothing but the internet to connect to the world beyond our door. So when the crave for travel kicks in, you can do the next best thing - plan the trip!
Here is a weekend journey to the North that would help erase the boredom and isolation you endured for weeks. Gather up your friends and pack your bags for a weekend at the beach!
First stop! Masa Bakehouse
San Roberto St., San Juan, La Union 2514
What does any traveller need after waking up at 5:00 am and traveling for 4 hours? Coffee! The first stop would be Masa Bakehouse, where travellers can fully wake up to some healthy handmade bread, donuts and coffee. If you are craving for a heavier meal, they serve good pizzas, wraps and sandwiches as well. The pastry of Masa Bakehouse is simply irresistible.
P.S. You may want to consider buying a few loaves of their rye bread to enjoy when you get back to Metro Manila. Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
Follow them here! Facebook: /masabybarefoot | Instagram: @masabybarefoot
Ever tried picking fresh grapes?
Sometimes, we can't help but imagine ourselves picking up fresh grapes and tasting homegrown wines kept for years in those fancy vineyards we see in movies. In La Union, you can finally try it out! Stretch your legs and reach for those grapes at a vineyard in La Union.
At Lomboy Farms you can pick grapes from their beautiful vineyard that expands to more than 25-hectares. Besides learning about the industry, you will enjoy the scenic view of their farms. Be sure to bring a friend along to help you take IG-worthy photos!
Lomboy Farms: 68 McArthur Highway, Bauang, La Union 2501
Contact: (072) 705 2105
Lunch at Clean Beach
134 National Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
Lunch would best be served with a glass of refreshing iced tea - the most refreshing kind of iced tea is one that is free! Clean Beach does not just offer a wide array of breakfast and lunch menu items, they also encourage their customers to help clean up the beach. There are no take-out cups to lessen single-use plastic, but guests may bring their own reusable cups.
The people behind Clean Beach are advocates of tourism development without the negative environmental impact. Hopefully this kind of altruism spreads.
Follow them here! Facebook: /cleanbeachco | Instagram: @cleanbeachco
Surf's Up, dude!
Is that how it goes? Well anyway, with a chance to visit La Union, might as well catch some waves. It is difficult to spend a day at the surfing capital of the country and not surf! There are numerous places that offer boards for rent.
First timers may consider taking up a lesson at Jongky Surf School, where an instructor will teach you the basics from paddling to balancing on your board. Once you get the hang of it, you will not want to stop catching the waves. Don't forget to bring your sunglasses and sunblock!
Follow them here! Facebook: Jongky School of Surfing | Instagram: @jongkysurfschool
Sabong La Union Fried Chicken
The Great Northwest Philippine Travel Stop & Viewing Deck, Urbiztondo, La Union
Sabong translates to “cock fight”. That’s how confident their chicken dishes are in winning! After a long day of touring around La Union, nothing would beat the comfort of fried chicken and a beer or two.
You will find Sabong Fried Chicken in The Great North West Travel Shop & Viewing Deck - a community of establishments that serves a hub for travellers. This will be the perfect way to end the day - a remarkable view of the sunset and a relaxing evening.
Follow them here! Facebook: Sabong Fried Chicken | Instagram: @sabongfc
Contact: 0917 827 4919
Seawadeeka
National Highway, Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
Your eyes have feasted on the scenery of the famous surfing capital of the country, now your taste buds will travel and experience cuisine from our neighboring Asian countries.
At Seawadeeka, an adaptation of the greeting in Thailand, they serve dishes from Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. You will surely find what you crave for in their menu. Wake your taste buds with these exotic flavors to get you started for the day!
Follow them here! Facebook: Seawadeeka | Instagram: @seawadeeka
Contact: 0917 550 9966
BenCab Museum
On the following day of the weekend trip, take a small detour and visit the province of Baguio for an afternoon of art appreciation at the BenCab Museum. National artist, Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, is a resident of Baguio and this museum houses his artworks and a few art collections.
Check out the farm & garden in BenCab Museum where they grow local crops, coffee, and fruits with the assistance of native staff members. You can take their eco trail for a relaxing stroll in nature too!
Follow them here! Facebook: BenCab Museum
Miwishayu Burgers
27 Leonard Wood Rd., Baguio City 2600
For the last stop, before heading back south (and into reality), visit Miwishayu Burgers. This burger joint is located at the Mountain Lodge where you can get crafty burgers with unique flavors.
You may want to try their Wasabi Burger and Teriyaki Burger. But I would personally try their Goraiku Burger - which has bacon and an egg. A breakfast burger is always welcome anytime of the day. The place also has a cafe that is sure to serve the caffeine you will need for the ride home.
Follow them here! Facebook: Miwishayu, A Good Burger
Contact: (074) 442 4544
This trip is a perfect way to celebrate the end of self-quarantine. Isolation for the past few weeks had everyone itching to travel. With the uncertainty of the current situation, it is better to tough it out and stay safe indoors. In the meantime, let us continue planning the weekends coming ahead.
Stay indoors and stay healthy!
C.D.
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