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(Note: This review post about Circus Vargas in SLO is for a performance in 2019. To see the information for Circus Vargas 2021, click here.)

Read my tips about attending Circus Vargas with kids.

Yesterday, my family went to the Circus Vargas performance at the 4pm showing. It was nice to break our day with a fun family-friendly show at the beautiful Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California! See below for our highlights, videos and pictures that SanLuisObispoMom.com captured at this show time.

Parking was $10 per vehicle to park by the circus. We arrived about 25 minutes before the 4PM performance to enjoy some pre-show activities for the kids on the stage. As you enter through, you'll find food and merchandise available for purchase. So if you didn't have time to eat beforehand, don't worry, they have options! 

It was very nice that they had a lot of fun kid's activities for the pre-show. It helped our kids release a bit of energy and get them excited. After they've alerted us to return to our seats, they started dimming the lights and the show began! 

The opening was so thrilling because all of the performers were on stage to welcome you with dance! I couldn't wait to see what's to come! We sat in the arena section and because we got there early enough, we found seats along the entrance so we were able to see everything in plain view. 








One of the many fascinating performances was when this contortionist shot an arrow with her feet and hit her target!


There were performances that were absolutely delightful while there were others that were scary; like when this circus performer jumped through a ring of knives while walking on a trampoline!


Usually when I think of the circus, I would think of looking up at trapeze tricks and Circus Vargas did not disappoint!


My son's favorite was when the juggler was juggling 10 balls at once!


When it was the final performance, we were at the edge of our seats when the motorcyclists came out! They started out with two motorcyclists inside a globe and then gradually moved up to four! It was incredible and no one got hurt!


They even performed in the dark at one point!

When the fourth motorcyclist joined in, I could barely open my eyes!


These were the highlights that SanLuisObispoMom.com captured and there were many performances not shown here! The circus show is great for any age and it's very family-friendly. 

Circus Vargas usually comes to San Luis Obispo, California every year! Right now they are performing at the Madonna Inn from June 28 - July 8, 2019 so if it's not too late, you can still catch their show for 2019!

See Circus Vargas prices and show times at: http://www.circusvargas.com.




All photos and videos were taken by SanLuisObispoMom.com. Please give credit to SanLuisObispoMom.com if you plan on using any of our media. Thank you! 

Visit the website of Circus Vargas to find out more details on their next circus show!

Read about my staycation at the famous Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.

Many people from the Central Coast go north or south on the 101 to explore big cities for vacations. We decided to take a trip to the Bay Area! Without traffic, San Francisco is only a 3.5 hour drive north from San Luis Obispo. With a famous major city this close to SLO, we took advantage of the proximity and went on a family weekend getaway this past weekend to explore San Francisco and the California Academy of Sciences!
(Picture of 1st level of California Academy of Sciences)
The California Academy of Sciences is an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural history museum (plus more) all in one place! This multi-storied building with also live animals at almost every corner of the large space is fun for the entire family. It's an incredible experience and you won't find any place like it. California Academy of Sciences is located at Golden Gate Park and you can get there by public transportation from really anywhere in San Francisco using the "Muni" system.
(Unique garden on the rooftop right above Level 3)

We started on the ground level which has the planetarium, rainforest, aquarium (you can get to the aquarium via the elevator inside of the rainforest), Curious Grove (for kids 5 and under), natural history, restaurant and cafe. The second level is the forum level, which we walked through the "What is Skin?" forum and the third level is the Education Center where students can get really interactive and learn more. We also saw beautiful gems and crystals on the third level. Lastly, the rooftop "R" level is the Living Roof with a one-of-a-kind garden where you can take in the beautiful view and a nice breath of fresh air. 

Broken down by each main level, scroll down to see  more pictures taken by SanLuisObispoMom.com. Looking back at these wonderful pictures is making me so eager to revisit California Academy of Sciences once again!

Level 1: 
This large dome structure on the first floor is the Osher Rainforest. It's luscious with different interesting creatures you can find as you continue the climb up and blissfully, with butterflies flying all around you. It's so beautiful and one of my favorite places to take pictures. It's also stroller-friendly and the sounds of nature was so soothing, my 3 year old was asleep in his stroller the entire time while we were inside the rainforest. 


After you've reached the very top of the rainforest, there will be a guide near the elevator who will press the elevator button to get you to the Steinhart Aquarium level that's underground from here.

The Steinhart Aquarium section is quite big. Just when you think you've seen it all, there continues to be more sections and beautiful sea life to see. It was at the aquarium that my 3 year old suddenly awoken and boy, what a sight for him to wake up to! Both of my sons loved the aquarium.




After a couple hours of exploring, it was time for lunch and surprisingly, the California Academy of Sciences has a wide range of dining options at the Cafe! There were options like chicken tenders and fries, sushi, desserts, craft coffee and more. So if you didn't pack a lunch, it's okay. The Cafe here is great!



After lunch, the exploration continued for the rest of Level 1. We spotted the large fossils of a Tyrannosaurus Rex towering over us, cute penguins swimming, and a rare white alligator (yes, a real living one!). 




Another really fantastic section on the first floor is Curiosity Grove, which is intended for children 5 years old and younger. As a mom of a 5 year old and 3 year old, this is such a great treat for the parents and little ones as we get to take a bit of a break while the kids release some energy in a child-centered space. There were blocks, puzzles, a small playhouse, tree house, books and a nursing room as well!



Level 2:
Importantly, I want to note that the first floor's restroom near the elevator had a really long line so I suggest going to the second level to go to the restroom if you want to find a shorter line (or in our case, no line at all)!

A quieter floor than the first one, level 2 is where we found the "What is Skin?" forum. My kids are still too little to indulge in this section but if you have time, learn more about the largest organ of the human body here.



Level 3: 
I really enjoyed seeing all the gems and crystals on level 3. I couldn't help but sing "Money, money, money" out loud in the singing style of a BTS song while looking at these beautiful rocks. This mama may have caused a few odd looks with my singing but these gems really put me in a good mood! This level is also where anyone can get hands-on and touch some fur and be interactive with some more learning materials in the Educational Center. 

From Level 3, you'll find a set or stairs that leads up to the Living Rooftop or you can take the elevator and press "R" to get to the rooftop

Rooftop Level: (above Level 3)
This rooftop level at the California Academy of Sciences is really special. The unique living garden and the view from up high makes this floor a great finale and ending to an amazing educational adventure! Even if you're a little tired, try not skip this floor! It's really worth it. 



After three hours at the California Academy of Sciences, it was time for us to start our journey back to our stay and locate our "Muni". If we get the chance again and when the kids are a little bit older, we would love to sign up for the planetarium show. There's just so much beauty and interesting knowledge to absorb! This trip here has been so eye-opening!

(All photos on this post were taken by SanLuisObispoMom.com. Please give credit if you plan on using any of these pictures.)

For more information about the California Academy of Sciences, you can go to their website: https://www.calacademy.org.

The price of admission varies by date. Check out the discounted California Academy of Sciences prices through our travel partner aResTravel or buy from the California Academy of Sciences website and select the amount of tickets and exact date you plan on visiting. I recommend comparing from both websites and one is usually cheaper than the other, even with convenience fees factored in. Many attractions changed their ticketing system during the pandemic and come out at the end of it with a more clunky and harder to use booking system. However, many times I find arestravel.com to be a much more user friendly website experience for buying many tickets and it could be cheaper than buying from the attraction's website too, depending on the season. See all available tickets in San Francisco through arestravel.com.  

Address of California Academy of Sciences: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

Find a Hotel in San Francisco.

There is just something really refreshing about street food that makes eating out so exciting. Although street food is illegal around here, like you know bringing out your pots of food and selling it on the corner of a street type, the many city-run farmers markets around San Luis Obispo area and the authentic little restaurant stands give the very same exciting feel.

You get to eat out on the streets or buy it and take it home while it's still piping hot. Here some of the great street food finds that we've found in the San Luis Obispo county area.

Shalimar, Indian food stand vendor, in downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers Market (weekly on Thursdays year round)

They have vegetarian options as well and your plate is packed full of flavor. You can find many street food booths at the Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers Market every Thursday evening! Address for GPS: Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

La Tapatia Deli & Market in Grover Beach
Sometimes you can see them grilling meat in front and smell it as you're driving by La Tapatia. There are seatings right outside. When they have a hunk of meat cooking, you can order inside to pay and then come back out and get your food, freshly made right in front of you.

It almost feels like you're going to a friend's barbeque. They are so friendly and welcoming and they also have some tables in front to eat if you wanted to dine there. Address: 646 S 13th St, Grover Beach, CA 93433


Local Honey from Avila Beach Farmers Market (weekly on Fridays during the warmer months only)

The California Bee Company (CBC) is based in San Luis Obispo, California. They travel to farmers markets around here but we picked up our first eucalyptus honey from the farmers market at Avila Beach. They have a lot of different unique honey flavors like almond honey and others. It's great to pick up local honey if you tend to have seasonal allergies because it helps your system acclimate to the environment here when you are consuming honey sourced locally.

Juanita's Homemade Mexican Food in Grover Beach

(2024 Update: Juanita's at this Grover Beach location is now closed and is called something else.) Just the picture of the food says it all! Large burritos and home made tortillas made by theirs truly. They close earlier than most Mexican shops around here and they are only a few days a week! They have a small store shack right in front of 7-Eleven. The only seating they have is right outside next to the parking lot on Grand Ave. It feels like street food at it's finest. Sometimes the owner loves to chat it up and it makes you feel like you've known her for years, even if it's your first time there. Address: 350 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433

See kid-friendly restaurants in San Luis Obispo county.

To see other pictures of restaurants that I've visited in San Luis Obispo County, go to the Restaurants Page.

(Note: This giveaway was for 2019. To see the latest information for Circus Vargas performances in 2021 at the Madonna Inn, click here.)


Win tickets to see Circus Vargas’ 50th anniversary extravaganza, 'The Greatest of Ease’ under the Big Top in San Luis Obispo at Madonna Inn June 28 through July 8! Always fun for the entire family, Circus Vargas’ incredible new 2019 production highlights an amazing cast of world- renowned performers! Death- Defying Acrobats, Daredevils, Aerialists, Jugglers, Contortionists, Clowns, Motorcycles and much, much, more! A magnificent, mega-hit production guaranteed to thrill and enchant children of all ages …only at Circus Vargas, where memories are made and cherished for a lifetime!
 
Sponsored by Circus Vargus, SanLuisObispoMom.com will have a giveaway for one lucky winner and their 3 guests to see the show! 

UPDATE: Giveaway Link is up at:
http://www.sanluisobispomom.com/giveaway.php. Good luck!

For more information about Circus Vargus, go to www.circusvargus.com.

(Enter Giveaway between June 17 - June 22, 2019 via the Giveaway form starting on Mon., June 17th on SanLuisObispoMom.com's website. Cut off time to enter will be 8:00 AM PST on June 22, 2019!)

A new hobby that I picked up after I became a mom is finding old furniture and turning them into newly painted gems. I've experimented with spray paint and hand paint but now, I'm sticking to just hand painting because you have better control and it's less wasteful and more environmentally-friendly.

I found this faded brown nightstand on the curb after someone posted it on craigslist.org for free. They didn't ask me to contact them so it was a first come, first serve situation and provided an address. Within 10 minutes of finding the post, I went ahead and drove to their curb and lo and behold, someone has not picked it up yet. To me, this is treasure, free treasure. There's been times where someone has gotten to it before me so it always makes me so happy when I actually get to take it home! 

My favorite colors to paint furniture with are charcoal gray or light gray. For this nightstand, I chose light gray and used a bottle of chalk paint that I already had at home from another project. I originally bought it from WalMart; brand is Waverly. The name of this particular color is 'mineral'. 

Here are the before pictures:


Here are the after pictures after two coats of chalk paint: 

I used a pretty sticky lining pattern to line the drawers. This particular white/gray floral pattern is very sentimental to me. This is the same lining I used for the cabinets and drawers for the house we used to live in South Carolina before we moved to SLO. 

To read more about my usual process when painting furniture and the cost of my painting supplies, go to this entry: http://www.sanluisobispomom.com/blog/before-and-after-with-chalk-paint.