We headed south with a two night stay planned in Carlsbad. This time of year evokes a must, for me- a visit to The Flower Fields.

Having just opened on March 1st, most of the field was not in bloom but the areas that were, were spectacular.

For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of north San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in southern California.

Ranunculus are some of my favorite flowers. Not only is there beauty here but history, as well. The fields are a direct result of over 85 years of floral cultivation that began when Luther Gage, an early settler and grower, settled in the area in the early 1920s. Mr. Gage brought Ranunculus seeds to the area. This started a business called Luther Gage Giant Tecolote Ranunculus bulbs. The name Tecolote came from the owls that nested on his property.


Oh man, flowers just make me so happy. The breathtaking color was everywhere.

I am notorious for grabbing any written literature I can find and while at the Flower Fields I picked up Carlsbad Magazine. In it was an article called "Book Nooks"... I was intrigued by LHOOQ (pronounced "look") so Steve took me there.
According to the owner, Sean Christopher, "Lhooq Books is the physical & online Storefront for our books, art gallery and merchandise which support The Exrealism Project. The physical space is a vintage bookstore, espresso bar and underground venue, as well as Exrealism headquarters & compound for "the Exrealism Project". XRLSM PRJCT: Socially, culturally and politically active changing the way we interact with rising and acclaimed artists, art & movements with global intimacy." How totally cool is this?

This is an honor system bookstore/library. Donations are given by those who can. If I lived in Carlsbad, this would be my space!
And there is even an area for events: poetry reading, film festivals, art exhibits. It exudes "small town" and I loved it. Carlsbad has hidden treasures. What a discovery!