We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Serafini and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
A Note From The Coast® started as a small idea, an idea that stemmed from a book I wanted to write in 1999. The book concept was a guided journal that owners of second homes could leave in their cabins, cottages or vacation condos so that they, and their family and friends who visited, could share their stories and adventures from their home away from home. Years passed and during the pandemic, I decided it was time to write the book and to begin to write about my passions: travel, culture and joie de vivre.

The book, Getaway Home, was published and A Note From The Coast was born. A creative work in progress, A Note From The Coast, continues to evolve and grow, integrating my passion for storytelling with my professional experiences in travel, real estate, and public speaking.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
A Note From The Coast is evolving. It started as a travel blog and has grown into a business that offers ideas on travel from the lens of culture, experience, and discovery. We are expanding to include how to live a rich full life at any age, offering dialogue and in depth writing that is focused on storytelling, not lists and influencer adventures. And as we expand our team of journalist we are incorporating history, architecture and intentional travel that involves stepping outside comfort zones and building resilience and mindfulness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego county is diverse with so many great experiences to embrace from the coast to the mountains and desert. I, however, am in love with the San Diego coastal communities along the 101. When I have friends and family visit, I share my love for the entire almost 45-mile stretch of coastline and coastal communities and take them to see my favorite spots, each with their own vibe.

The perfect five-day itinerary includes starting in Oceanside and Carlsbad. The first day begins with coffee and toast at Banana Dang, then walking the pier and beach area before heading to the Surf Museum. In the afternoon we head to Carlsbad and stroll through art galleries and beach shops ending the day with cocktails and an early dinner watching the sunset at Tower 39.

Day two starts in Encinitas where the vintage 60s California vibe along the 101 serves-up local boutiques, surf shops, galleries and a plethora of eateries. In the afternoon, we head south through Cardiff-by-the-Sea, snap a photo by the renown Cardiff Kook, a 6 foot bronze statue of a surfer, and end the day in Solana Beach on Cedros Avenue, the design district. There we stroll, shop and sip our way into the evening, or if we are really ready to get our groove on we check out who is playing at the Belly Up.

A visit to San Diego isn’t complete without a stroll through the luxury enclave of Del Mar, taking in the beach and vistas then heading down the coast by Torrey Pines State beach into La Jolla where I love to take visitors to the Village, stroll along the Cove watching sealions, pelicans and the rolling surf. Then wandering the boutiques and galleries and ending the day on the outdoor patio at La Valencia where I feel like I’ve transported to a villa in the Mediterranean.

Day four is when I showcase San Diego’s boating and sailing culture, visiting Shelter Island and walking the Embarcadero visiting the Midway and Star of India and finishing with an al fresco seafood meal at the Brigantine.

For the last day, I love to finish with Coronado Island and the Hotel Del Coronado. With rich history, this idyllic seaside city has kept its charm with stunning views of the San Diego skyline to long stretches of sandy beaches and a main street dotted with darling shops. And the pièce de resistance that ends my family and friends tour is the Hotel Del.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve had so many people throughout my life that have impacted my journey, contributed to my success and been an inspiration. My strength and courage to try new things and stretch myself comes from my husband, he never waivers, and is my partner in all that life throws my way. My children and grandchildren are my inspiration. They keep me young and looking toward the future and the adventures that are still to be experienced.

Website: https://www.anotefromthecoast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anotefromthecoast/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleserafini/

Twitter: https://x.com/LaJollaMichelle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANoteFromTheCoast

Image Credits
Michelle Serafini
Franco Serafini, Michelle’s husband

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.