I finally made it to Road to California! This has been on my bucket list for sooo long. Even though it’s just a few hours' drive from me, life always got in the way—between raising kids and working, I never had the chance to go. But this year, I finally did it, and let me tell you—it was everything I’d hoped for and more!
We had an absolute blast. Teaching, presenting a lecture, and meeting so many of you at my booth was the highlight of the trip. A huge thank you to everyone who attended my classes, came to my lecture, or stopped by to say hello!
If you’ve never been to Road, let me give you a sneak peek and some tips to make your experience unforgettable.
Tips for a Successful Trip
Wear Comfortable Shoes (and Compression Socks!) - Road is big with lots of walking and standing! Comfortable walking shoes are a must, but here’s a game-changer: compression socks. On days when you’re exploring the vendor hall or admiring quilts, they’ll help reduce foot and ankle fatigue so you’re not wiped out by the end of the day.
Stay Fueled - Start your day with some protein and pack snacks for later. Food isn’t allowed around the quilts or in the vendor hall, but trust me, you’ll need the energy to soak it all in. Step outside for a quick snack break and nibble in class—it makes a big difference! This year, the show had a fantastic variety of food options: a daily buffet, a cozy coffee shop, bread bowls filled with soup, and giant baked potatoes loaded with toppings.
Plan, But Be Flexible - Map out a few must-dos, like classes and lectures, but leave room for spontaneous moments. Whether it’s chatting with vendors, discovering a surprise demo, making new friends, or just taking in the stunning quilts, some of the best moments happen unplanned.
Go With Friends - Everything’s better with quilting buddies! One of my favorite parts was wandering the vendor hall with my friend MaryKay. Carpooling or organizing a bus trip with your guild is a great way to make the trip even more fun.
Bring a Power Pack - You’ll be snapping tons of photos, and nothing drains a phone battery faster! A portable charger is a lifesaver, but don’t worry if you forget—there were rentable chargers available near the classrooms on the second floor.
Check a Bag - Shopping galore means you’ll probably end up with more than you can carry. Luckily, the Boy Scouts offered a bag-check service for just a few dollars. Drop off your goodies at the front and pick them up when you’re ready to leave. It’s a game-changer!
What Road to California Has to Offer
This year’s show was incredible! Here’s what you can expect when you go:
A Perfectly Sized Show: With 35,000 attendees, it’s big enough to feel exciting but not so overwhelming that you don’t know where to start.
Shopping Heaven: With 145 vendors, there’s something for everyone, from fabrics and notions to machines and gadgets.
Learn Something New: The show offered over 125 classes, covering everything from traditional to modern quilting techniques. There’s truly something for every skill level.
Inspiring Quilts on Display: From judged categories to special exhibits and museum collections, the quilts were breathtaking.
Big Prizes: This year, $60,000 in cash prizes were awarded across 10 categories, showcasing the amazing talent in our quilting community.
If you’ve been dreaming about attending Road, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you go for the shopping, classes, or inspiration (or all of the above), it’s an experience you won’t forget. I’m already counting down the days until next year!
Have you been to Road to California? What were your favorite parts? Let me know in the comments!
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