An Unforgettable Culinary Journey: My Experience at The Big Traveling Potluck in Temecula
Stepping away from the daily grind and immersing myself in the vibrant world of culinary creativity was a much-needed escape a couple of weeks ago. My destination? Temecula, California, a picturesque region known for its rolling vineyards and award-winning wines, located just an hour north of San Diego. The occasion was The Big Traveling Potluck, a highly anticipated food blogger conference that promised not only professional growth but also genuine connection and, as it delightfully turned out, an abundance of laughter and good cheer. Having never visited Temecula before, I was eager to explore its charm and delve into a weekend packed with inspiration and delicious experiences.
The Visionaries Behind The Big Traveling Potluck
The Big Traveling Potluck stands apart from typical conferences, thanks to the insightful vision of its incredible organizers: Maggy and Pam from Three Many Cooks, and Erika from The Ivory Hut. Their collective goal was clear: to create an environment where food bloggers could truly connect, fostering meaningful relationships rather than just exchanging business cards. This emphasis on authentic engagement, shared passion, and a sense of community is what makes this event so special. From the moment I arrived, it was evident that their vision had come to life, transforming a gathering of professionals into a warm and welcoming reunion of like-minded individuals.
Journey to Temecula: Friendship, Road Trips, and Iconic Cali Bites
The adventure began on a sunny Friday afternoon when my fellow food-loving friends, Meagan, Megan (affectionately known as M2), and I touched down in San Diego. With our rental car – a reliable Nissan Sentra, ready for whatever California’s roads might bring – we embarked on our scenic drive to Temecula, buzzing with excitement for the weekend ahead. The road trip itself became part of the fun, a precursor to the wonderful shenanigans and culinary explorations awaiting us.
Of course, no journey to Southern California is complete without indulging in one of its most iconic culinary institutions: In-N-Out Burger. We made our essential pit stop, savoring the classic flavors. A mental note for next time: remember to order it “animal style” to truly experience the full In-N-Out magic! It’s these small, regional traditions that truly enhance the travel experience, adding a local flavor to our broader culinary quest.
Arrivals, Welcomes, and Evening Festivities
Upon reaching our hotel in Temecula, we were greeted with a fantastic “bag o’ swag,” filled with goodies from the generous sponsors. This thoughtful gesture immediately set a welcoming tone, reminding us of the incredible support that makes events like The Big Traveling Potluck possible. A huge shout-out to all the sponsors whose contributions enriched our entire weekend! Their involvement truly elevates the experience for every attendee, providing valuable resources and delightful surprises.
With our swag bags in hand, it was time to prepare for the evening’s dinner. But first, a classic school-bus selfie with my wonderful companions – Megan, Meagan, and Ashley. These moments of camaraderie are what truly define The Big Traveling Potluck, blending professional networking with genuine friendship and fun. The anticipation for the evening’s events, set against the beautiful backdrop of Temecula wine country, was palpable.
Evening Delights at Callaway Vineyard and Winery
Our Friday evening dinner was hosted at the breathtaking Callaway Vineyard and Winery, a stunning venue perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the Temecula landscape as the sun began to set. The ambiance was simply magical, providing a perfect setting for food bloggers to relax and connect. The cocktail hour was made even more delightful by Kerrygold, who provided an exquisite selection of cheeses to pair with the region’s fine wines. There’s truly nothing better than cheese and wine in good company!
This was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends and finally meet new individuals whose work I had admired for a long time. I had the pleasure of chatting with Shana from Pineapple and Coconut, Dara from Cooking Canuck, and Gerry from Foodness Gracious. These conversations, spanning from blog strategies to shared culinary passions, were invigorating and highlighted the power of this community.
Dinner, catered by Fork in the Road, was a delightfully casual yet gourmet affair. We enjoyed organic wieners, accompanied by an impressive assortment of toppings and a truly unforgettable potato salad. It was the perfect, relaxed start to a weekend full of culinary discoveries and professional enrichment – what better way to kick off The Big Traveling Potluck than with delicious food and delightful company?
Day Two: Fueling Minds and Bodies
Saturday morning dawned bright and early, bringing with it a packed schedule of learning, engaging, and, of course, more eating! To kickstart our day on a fresh and healthy note, Earthbound Farm and KitchenAid sponsored a vibrant green smoothie bar. It was an invigorating start, offering a delicious and nutritious boost before diving into the day’s events. The energy in the room was palpable as bloggers gathered, ready to absorb new knowledge and connect further.
From the hotel, we boarded the “busmobile” and journeyed northward to a truly picturesque farm nestled on the Santa Rosa Plateau – the idyllic setting for the main conference sessions. The views during breakfast were simply breathtaking, offering a serene start to a day focused on inspiration and growth within the food blogging community. It was a unique venue that truly emphasized the “traveling” aspect of The Big Traveling Potluck.
Inspiration and Wisdom from Leading Food Bloggers
After breakfast, we dove straight into an enriching series of speaker sessions designed to ignite our creativity and refine our blogging skills. Aran from Cannelle et Vanille delivered a powerful message about the importance of vulnerability and embracing imperfection in our creative work. Her insights resonated deeply, reminding us that authenticity often trumps a polished facade. Following her, Ashley from Not Without Salt offered a compelling directive: to “date your blog,” urging us to give our online spaces the attention, care, and passion they deserve. Both speakers not only shared profound wisdom on the business of blogging but also offered invaluable tips on food styling and photography, essential skills for any food content creator.
A Culinary Midday Oasis
Lunch was a delightful affair, generously provided once again by Earthbound Farm. It was an impressive “salad smorgasbord” that truly showcased the versatility and deliciousness of fresh, organic produce. Imagine a spread so abundant and appealing that even those typically resistant to “rabbit food” would be converted. If I had access to such a vibrant and varied salad bar every day, my diet would certainly be overflowing with more greens! It was a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can create an unforgettable meal.
Deeper Insights and Sweet Surprises
The afternoon sessions brought more profound discussions and engaging learning experiences. Cheryl from Five Second Rule captivated us with her insights, encouraging us to embrace and be proud of every achievement, big or small, in our blogging journey. Her most resonant point, however, was the liberating reminder that we can always change the course of our blog at any time. This particular piece of advice struck a chord with me, prompting deep reflection about the future of my own platform, CGM. It solidified my growing desire to expand beyond just recipes and incorporate more lifestyle pieces, creating a more holistic and personal space for my readers.
To refresh our minds and palates, KitchenAid provided a wonderfully creative break-time treat: a color-coordinated ice cream bar! Offering adventurous flavor combinations like pistachio, avocado, coconut, chocolate, and raspberry, it was playfully dubbed a “suicide” for those who dared to mix them all. This clever and delicious interlude was not only a fantastic way to recharge but also a testament to the innovative spirit present throughout the conference.
Mastering the Art of Whiskey and Winning Big
As five o’clock approached, we gathered for a truly engaging session on whiskey, led by Jocelyn and Jordan from This Girl Walks Into a Bar. I absolutely adored this segment! They expertly guided us through the process of making a classic whiskey sour from scratch, even demonstrating how to bottle it beautifully for a thoughtful gift. Their passion for mixology was infectious, and I’m now eager to get my hands on their book to explore more of their cocktail wisdom. It was a perfect blend of education and hands-on fun, offering a new skill to take home.
The excitement continued with the much-anticipated prize drawing, where sponsors offered incredible giveaways. And true to form, the “#condocurse strikes again” – a running joke among us! My friend Megan and I were thrilled to win a year’s supply of butter and cheese from Kerrygold! It was an incredibly generous prize and a fantastic end to the day’s official sessions, adding another layer of joy to an already wonderful weekend.
An Evening of Connection and Culinary Delights
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, it was time for dinner once more! The Saturday evening feast was held at another stunning estate, boasting even more jaw-dropping views of Temecula’s enchanting landscape. These exquisite venues consistently enhanced the overall experience, creating memorable backdrops for our culinary adventures and networking opportunities.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this trip was forging new connections, such as meeting Ashley from Edible Perspective. Despite both of us living in Denver, it took traveling all the way to California for two Colorado girls to finally meet! This serendipitous encounter perfectly illustrated the magic of The Big Traveling Potluck – bringing people together from different corners, united by a shared passion for food and blogging.
The evening’s magnificent spread, provided by Gourmet Garden, was a true feast for the senses. We indulged in delicious curry cauliflower, a variety of olives, warm homemade Naan, and succulent lamb. Sitting at a table where 99% of the conversation revolved around food, with no one batting an eye at photos being snapped mid-bite, was an absolute joy. It was a testament to the unique understanding and shared passion within this community. I felt incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such a fantastic group of women, sharing stories, laughter, and an unforgettable meal. It was the perfect, enriching way to conclude an already inspiring day.
Farewell Temecula: A Last Taste of California
Sunday morning brought the bittersweet reality of flights to catch, meaning we unfortunately missed out on the video sessions – a major bummer, but a necessary sacrifice. Before hitting the road for the airport, we managed to grab an organic breakfast, a delightful and quintessentially “Cali” send-off. It perfectly encapsulated the fresh, health-conscious spirit that permeates much of the California culinary scene.
Reflections and Lasting Inspiration
The Big Traveling Potluck was, without a doubt, a unique and deeply enriching experience that I am immensely grateful to have been a part of. It was a harmonious blend of good friends, incredible food, and invaluable inspiration, all contributing to a profound expansion of my culinary and blogging universe. The connections made, the knowledge gained, and the sheer joy shared truly made it an unforgettable event.
But if I had to distil all the amazing takeaways from The Big Traveling Potluck into one singular, powerful message, it would be this: the empowering realization that you can always change your course. This resonated deeply with my personal reflections on my blog, CGM, and reinforced my desire to evolve and grow. The conference wasn’t just about sharing recipes; it was about fostering a community where creativity flourishes, and personal growth is celebrated. It encouraged me to think bigger, to embrace new directions, and to continuously challenge myself to explore beyond my established boundaries. This powerful mantra is one I carry forward, inspiring me to keep pushing the creative limits of my blog and my life.