I made it!
After a long flight from Dallas to Fresno, I arrived in California safe and sound.
Check out the snow-topped mountains from the California sky:
Every time I travel, it makes me want to travel more. I think it’s because traveling makes me realize that there is so much world out there to see and explore. I want to climb some mountains!
Once the plane landed, I headed outside to catch a cab to the hotel I will be calling my home for the next couple of days.
Upon check in, I was handed a fun bag from POM filled with neat swag.
I dropped off everything in my room before heading out to find something to put in my belly. I was starving. I didn’t want to pay for any snacks on the flight (American Airlines charges you for snacks now?), so though it was around 1 p.m. in Fresno, it was 5 p.m. in Orlando, which meant I missed my afternoon snack.
I like to eat at least every three hours, so it was no wonder I was so hungry!
I asked the hotel receptionist about a good local place to grab something to eat and she referred me to Subway across the street. I wanted something with a little bit more Fresno flava, but she said that was the best option within walking distance of the hotel.
To Subway I went!
I ordered a turkey sub on honey oat with lots of veggies. I instantly felt better!
I walked around the hotel a bit, exploring the pool and fitness areas before coming back to my room to change for dinner.
Dinner
All of the bloggers participating in the POM Harvest Tour had plans to meet in the lobby of our hotel and head out to BJ’s Brewhouse for dinner.
Bloggers in attendance included:
– Nicole: http://pinchmysalt.com
– Gina: http://www.skinnytaste.com/
– Liren: http://kitchen-confidante.com/
– Yujin: http://blog.daum.net/design11111
– Paula: http://www.bellalimento.com/
– Mary: http://www.deepsouthdish.com/
– Rosa: http://blog.naver.com/rokimsa/
– Olga: http://www.mangotomato.com/
– Rachael: http://www.lafujimama.com/
Before (and after) dinner, we enjoyed the most amazingly delicious chocolate almond toffee that Rachael brought for us to try. 
So stinkin’ good! That toffee is definitely going on my “to make” list for the holidays!
Once we were seated, we all split various appetizers, my favorite being the calamari.
I definitely ate my fair share of the calamari. Mmm, mmm.
(Nicole, Paula and Rachael)
I really enjoyed getting to know the other bloggers over a yummy meal. Everyone was really friendly!
(Me and Olga)
We were chatting away, which made the wait time for our food fly by! 
For my main course, I opted for a market salad that included marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers and creamy feta cheese.
I ate every last bite. Apparently the sub I ate before dinner didn’t squash my appetite too much!
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel and discussed the plans for tomorrow.
I’m so excited to tour the POM factory tomorrow, but now it’s time for bed. I am pretty pooped from such a long day of traveling!
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Fun! I can’t wait to read about the tour 🙂
I love BJ’s! I wish I could go to the POM Tour, I live in Sacramento which isn’t far away 🙁
I read your blog all the time & grew up in Fresno! Make sure you eat some good Armenian & Mexican food while you’re there, it’s what we’re good at! Email me if you’d like some specifics! 😀
Welcome to California! I’m from Sacramento, which isn’t too far from Fresno and I’ve never even been there!
BJ’s is delicious though, I’m actually going there tomorrow!
I’m from sacramento too! so funny that you’re all in fresno. that area is the butt of a lot of jokes in california, but its a nice place. BJs is amazing! buffalo chicken pizza is to die for. try that if you can, and definitely find some good mexican food.
hahah i love how everyone has their cameras out! 😉
aww what a fun blogger dinner!!! homemade toffee is amazing!! my moms friend makes it and it is so hard to not eat the entire batch in onesitting!
glad you are having a nice time!!
What a great adventure! Have a blast girl!
Sounds like lots of fun! Enjoy your trip!
This looks amazing! Have a great time learning about POM. They make a delish product, I’m interested to read about what you learn while you’re touring.
Enjoy Cali!
How fun! My husband served a mission in Fresno.
p.s. Your salad looked delish!
Looks like it’s off to a great start! I’m sure you’re gonna have a great time 🙂
Oh how fun!!:) I bet the tour is going to be such a good time.
Ahhh, so much fun!! I was invited to the tour – so bummed I couldn’t make it! :/ I’ll be sure to check back for updates. Have fun sweetie! Xoxo
That shirt looks huge! Or is that just bec you’re holding it up? And Julie, you’re becoming a married woman. It’s not good to say you’re easy. LOL You know I’m kidding. 😉
Sounds like such a fun time!!!
haha i thought the same thing… i wonder what ryan will think of that shirt!
I am SO excited for you! I can’t wait to hear all about it 😀
Dinner looks great – love, love, love calamari!
Have fun today! I can’t wait to hear more. Looks like you have a lovely group of bloggers to share it with.
What a risque POM shirt 😉
Traveling always makes me want to travel more too! I actually get really excited being in an airport. All those people going various places, I get a huge sense of adventure!
that shirt is hysterical! enjoy your time in california!
that salad looks amazing – I love that combination of flavors!! 🙂 Hope you enjoy the POM tour!
Wonderful – can’t believe you didn’t get a group photo! Sounds like a lot of great bonding going on. DId you get your schedule and grouping for the next two days?
😛
Valerie