About

Photo courtesy of Ann Vu Nguyen

Hi There!

My name is Annette Isabelle and I am so happy that you are here. So happy to share all of the beautiful places that California has to offer. 

Originally a Midwest Transplant – I was born and raised in Illinois – but always knew I never quite belonged. I dreamed of palm trees, of warmer weather, places such as Hawaii, Florida, and California. The winters absolutely killed me and I knew for certain I did not want to live through another Polar Vortex!! (…Or sweeping snow off of my car windshield and defrosting any longer!) 

So after college, I decided to take a leap of faith and moved to California in 2015. I have now been out here for 7 years and my love for California only deepens with each passing day. 

People say that California is expensive, and to their point, it is. What you can get for your money can go so much further in another state, but what I learned about myself very early on is what I value most – and that is continuously exploring and being out in nature. I might have to rent forever, but the adventure never ends here. In doing these activities, I wanted a way to show others that a visit to California can be done on the cheap. 

You CAN experience California at a low-cost. You CAN picnic or sunbathe at incredible locations, taking in the sunset or walking in a forest. You CAN explore all the National and State Parks, swing by scenic viewpoints, and drive the most incredible highways.  

So that’s how Chasing California came to be – a way for me to share my travels with all of you on the premise of being able to reach it by car, having it be low cost, and showing you incredible scenic locations. 

I hope to inspire you to travel to California and experience it for yourself. 

To keep exploring and keep chasing.

Wishing you the safest travels,

Annette Isabelle