Cruising SD…Mitsubishi Style

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I don’t know if San Diego is usually (or ever) called “SD” but that’s what I’ve christened it. I recently got to jet over there to test drive the new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander, on behalf of Simply Real Moms (a totally awesome blog, and not just because I’m a contributor). Thanks to both Simply Real Moms for sending me, and to Mitsubishi for funding the trip and expenses!

If you’d like to learn more about the sweet ride (aka the aforementioned 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander), you can read my review of the vehicle on the Simply Real Moms blog.

I left midday, and a quick 45 minute flight later, I was being picked up by the Mitsubishi representatives at the airport and driven to the gorgeous Hotel Solamar (a Kimpton hotel) in downtown SD.

Seriously, this hotel is beautiful. I loved the nautical decor in my room. Also I loved the fact that I was on my own for the night, in my very own hotel room that I could keep as chilly as I wanted, without having to set up a pack and play, or worry about losing toys under the beds! A night away does a mom good sometimes!

The Mitsubishi peeps had already checked me in, so after I filled out a form (necessary to be able to drive the car the next day), I visited the hospitality room they had set aside for us for those few days, grabbed a couple of cokes, and spent the next couple of hours in my lovely room, watching The Voice and taking a bath (and yes, I did both simultaneously for awhile). A hotel employee also stopped by with a card, some truffles, and a bottle of water (oh and a beer, but…Mormon…and pregnant) courtesy of Mitsubishi. They know how to take care of their people. ;)

Later it was time for dinner, so I went downstairs to the hotel’s restaurant to meet up with the Mitsubishi execs and the other people who were there to test drive the cars. It was…intimidating at first! I thought it would be mostly bloggers at the event, but this “wave” (a term I learned) had a lot of older males who write for various media in the automotive industry. Meanwhile I’m like, “hey, so what did you guys post on WIW Wednesday?!” Okay, I didn’t really say that.

Luckily Christine (of Overstreet Events, who organized the event) saw me and quickly introduced me to Kristin (of Surf and Sunshine) another blogger, with whom I’d be driving the next day. We chatted for a bit, and then it was time for dinner. The restaurant served us a gourmet surf and turf meal (the fish was delicious, and I’m not a big fish-eater!), and luckily I wasn’t the only person Instagramming my food.

There was no way I was going to miss out on dessert, but shortly after devouring my blueberry cheesecake, I excused myself to my room for the night (more The Voice and bathing ensued).

The next morning we had a buffet breakfast while we were given a presentation on the Outlander, learning about the new redesign and all the cool features. Then it was time for our drive!

Kristin and I headed out in our silver Outlander, for the first leg of our four-leg journey, which ended up taking us four hours through downtown and then the rolling country hills of San Diego! At our first stop, we checked out this cute little country store.

Then it was my turn to drive. We were having a nice little conversation when all of a sudden a bird decides to fly directly into the front of the car! I can state with confidence: the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander stands up against bird attacks. At least small birds. I cannot guarantee the same with, say, an ostrich.

Kristin: “We cannot guarantee that no animals were harmed during our drive.”
Me: “No, we CAN guarantee that animals were harmed during our drive!”

Near the end of our drive I was starting to get just a wee bit queasy from all the twisty turns and hills, but we made it back without any incidents or going into labor! Kristin was starting to look for an eject button for me, I think.

By then we were good and hungry, so we walked over to Basic Pizza, where everyone was having lunch. They serve a mashed potato pizza there! I tried it, but I liked the classic mozzarella and pepperoni a bit better!

Pretty soon it was time to be driven back to the airport, and after another quick flight, I was home with my family! I was gone for less than 30 hours, but I really enjoyed attending the event and having a night away!

Thanks so much to Jasmine at Simply Real Moms, Christine at Overstreet Events, and Mitsubishi for a great time in SD!