Eating is the best part of traveling.

For all of those scoffing at such a bold claim, let me explain. Eating is the best part of traveling for me.

Ugh. Okay, okay. Fine. Even that’s not 100% true. I’m just hungry and impatiently waiting for dinner to finish cooking as I write this post. Anyway…

Sometimes, I wish I could be a less food-obsessed traveler. You know, one of those budget-conscious people who grocery shop and meal prep on the road. I’d certainly save a lot of money on eating out expenses.

Perhaps that could be me one day… you know, that magical day when I’m no longer salivating at the mention of snacks. When I finally go one full morning without fantasizing what’s for dinner only an hour after breakfast.

Which, let’s face it, may never happen.

All kidding aside (yes, I’m kidding – wipe that look of skepticism off your face), it’s no secret I love to eat during my travels. Whenever I visit a new city, one of my favorite activities is trying the top-rated local restaurant.

Recently, I went to San Luis Obispo with my boyfriend and his family. One day of the trip, we worked up quite an appetite wine tasting at a local SLO vineyard, and decided a little BBQ was in order. We were already planning to check out the infamous gum alley in downtown SLO, so nearby Old San Luis BBQ Company was the perfect fit for our growling tummies.

Want the scoop? I’ve got you covered.

Dear Penny,

Who left you here? It must have been someone who didn’t recognize your value. After all, it’s true what they say: only the wise know that every penny counts.

I know it must not be easy out here on your own. Isolated and alone… the last of your kind, among an endless and sticky landscape of chewed gum.

But hey, at least the weather is nice on the central coast of California. You can take comfort in the fact that you weren’t abandoned at Seattle’s gum wall, where the rain can be frequent and cruel. Here in San Luis Obispo, the sun shines upon you and makes you gleam, as you were meant to.

Where were you before, Penny? Buried at the bottom of someone’s purse? Hiding behind the crook of a bookshelf in a coffee shop? If I lean in close enough, will you tell me your story? Will you tell me how the new location compares?

It’s a tempting thought. Nevertheless, I’ll push aside the temptation to step closer to you. Momma warned me of the germs that chewed gum may carry, and I can’t risk disease just to get close enough to hear your secrets.

It’s been a very weird visit. Till next time, Penny.