Yes, It’s A Buick. 

For the first time in 20 years, I found myself behind the wheel of a convertible and I feel alive again. I dropped the top of the new Buick Cascada and cruised North on PCH towards Malibu. All by my lonesome with the radio as my co-pilot, I cruised passed the Getty and Pepperdine, blew past Neptune’s Net and just kept smiling as the sun kissed my cheeks and the wind blew my hair. I kept asking myself, “What year is it again?”

Somewhere between Point Mugu, Ventura and Las Posas Road on my way to Westlake Village, something occurred to me. Not only was I driving a Buick for the first time ever, but I was living the dream I dreamt long ago and far away as a teen in New Jersey. Blue skies, surf, sand, and freedom in the ‘Bu. 

Full Circle Moments

This ride was certainly not the cabriolets I recall. I lost count at how many times as a teen I was caught with top down during a warm summer rain storm. More than once I wished with all of my might I could bottle these memories in one of those Pinterest mason jars under my sink collecting dust. But even though I’ll never be able to pinpoint when, I apparently did grow-up at some point because I can now fully-appreciate roofs that are able to raise and lower on-the-fly up to 31 MPH. 

I had the radio cemented on XM Lithium and Matt Pinfield was cranking out tunes I hadn’t thought of in ages. Shocker, I know. Suddenly, it was 1996 all over again and I didn’t want the sun to ever go down. In fact, I didn’t want this ride to end. Ever. Round every corner, herb field, valley and canyon the bands playing anthems of my youth screamed from the speakers and I couldn’t sing loud enough. 

Take the long way home

The drive down Mulholland Drive was unreal and the tunes just continued to fuel my excitement even more. The drive is something I’ve always wanted to do, but never did until that day. I experienced first hand why guys can’t wait to “hop on their bike and cruise up Mulholland.” Ignoring all of the signs for PCH, I kept going east which made me feel even more like a 17 year old rebel.

Well, a 17 year old rebel in a fancy dancy drop top. 

It took every ounce of discipline not to stop and get out of the car at every single scened overlook to snap a selfie and capture video of these beautiful views and scream, “I LIVE HERE PEOPLE!” This is my home now. I couldn’t contain the pride I felt at that moment. Like earning a badge, I can finally say, I’m from “here” now, not “there” anymore.

“Don’t look back, you can never look back.” – Boys of Summer 

They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. I have a confession, I never wanted the concrete jungle. I never wanted hustle and bustle. I never wanted big, grey buildings, and stormy skies. I wanted paradise. I’ve dreamt of Malibu, California for as long as I could remember. This was the moment I finally realized, “I’m a New Jersey success story” just like the song says. 

But the most fitting was en route home. It was time to head back and as I made the left from Topanga Canyon Road back on to PCH, Malibu came on radio. Courtney Love was reminding me not only was the day coming full-circle, but so had my life. 

Thank you, Buick for making this full circle moment happen. xx

2016 Cascada Premium 1SP
MSRP: $37,385.00
Fuel Economy: 20 City / 27 Highway MPG 

Promotional consideration has been furnished by Buick. On occasion, contributors of The JetSet Family receive products, compensation and/or services gratis or at discounted rates. This practice does not hinder the influencer’s point of view. All descriptions are factual and accurately reflect the overall experience. This post may contain affiliate links.