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Elkhorn Slough & Moss Landing
Playful Otters, barking sea lions, and graceful egrets are only a few of the amazing wildlife you may see at Elkhorn Slough and Moss Landing. The area is also home to a plethora of good restaurants, art galleries, and shops. You can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities here, including fishing, surfing, beach combing, sea kayaking, whale watching, walking trails and even hydro biking.
A lone fisherman on Moss Landing Beach during the King Tides. The extreme low tides pose prime conditions for fishing. HISTORY
Located between Monterey and Santa Cruz, Moss Landing is located where the Elkhorn Slough creates an estuary as it flows into Monterey Bay. Moss Landing is named for Charles Moss, a ship captain from Texas who built a wharf here in the mid-1800s. The area was once a very busy whaling and fishing port and the site of many fish processing plants and canneries. Today, Moss Landing Harbor is home to hundreds of fishing, pleasure, research and tour boats. Commercial boats bring in Dungeness crab, halibut, salmon, albacore, sardines, squid, mackerel, prawns, and more. Fresh seafood can be purchased off the boats and in the local restaurants.
The Sea Goddess is one of several whale watching tour ships in the area. 
Moss Landing Harbor is home to the Monterey Submarine Canyon, a mile-deep chasm filled with a variety of sea life, including whales! 
The twin towers of the power plant can be seen for miles. BUILDINGS AND RESTAURANTS
Notable buildings in Moss Landing include the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories operated by California State University, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and the Moss Landing Power Plant. Some of the amazing restaurants in the area include Moss Landing Cafe, The Whole Enchilada, Haute Enchilada, Lighthouse Harbor Grille, Pacific Grill, Lemongrass Seafood, Sea Harvest and Phil’s Fish Market. Lines form daily at Phil’s for the cioppino, one of the restaurant’s most famous dishes. For more information on local eateries in Moss Landing, see Restaurants.
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Moss Landing offers many fun activities and events including dancing, music, and wine and other tastings at both the Haute Enchilada and the Whole Enchilada. The Elkhorn Yacht Club also hosts a multitude of fun events including a crab feed in February as well as seasonal parties and races. There are also open studio art tours in September and October featuring local artists. One of the most popular summer events in the area is the annual Moss Landing Antique Street Fair. It is usually held the last Sunday in July and brings hundreds of vendors and shoppers together for a day of fun. Other activities in the area include the May opener for rock cod fishing, blessing the fleet May 1, open house at the Marine Labs every spring, and a Nautical Flea Market in May. For more information on events in the area, see Moss Landing.
The main drag in Moss Landing has many quaint, historic buildings and shops. 
Moss Landing is a great place to bike and enjoy the quiet fishing village. WILDLIFE
Elkhorn Slough is one of the largest wetlands in California. It began as a salt marsh and efforts are being made to help restore this habitat. It is considered one of the top ten best birding spots in the country, according to Audubon. More than 350 bird species migrate through Elkhorn Slough each year. It is a nesting place for Western Snowy Plover in spring and summer. In fall and winter, the wetland provides habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. My favorites are the snowy egrets and the endangered brown pelicans.
Moss Landing offers wonderful opportunities to view resident sea otters. You can see rafts of sea otters swimming here, sometimes holding hands. A raft refers to a group of sea otters in the water. A group can also be called a family, romp, lodge, and bevy. Whatever they are called, who doesn’t love those faces? Too much cuteness!
Moss Landing is also one of the best places to spot whales up close! I hope you are able to visit Moss Landing and enjoy its beauty. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas.
Nothing is more fun than playing in the sea foam when the tide is low. It reminds me of when my Mom used to pour Mr. Bubble in the bathwater and the bubbles got higher and higher in the tub! Good times 🙂 -
River Road Wine Trail in Monterey County
Nestled in the highlands of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range in Monterey County, the River Road Wine Trail snakes its way from Salinas to Greenfield, California. The River Road Wine Trail is billed as “one of the Central Coast’s premiere wine touring destinations”. I have to say that is absolutely true. The climate in the Santa Lucia Highlands is perfect for creating very unique and highly sought after wines including pinot noir, chardonnay, pino gris, and syrah, among others. Furthermore, River Road wineries are passionate about what they do. Many are family-owned businesses going back for generations. There is pride and respect for what they do, and it shows not only in the quality of their wine, but also in the way they treat their customers. Tasting room staff are professional, friendly, and willing to discuss any questions you may have. Wine tasting here is the ultimate, authentic experience.
Each year, wineries along the River Road Wine Trail in Monterey County celebrate Valentine’s Day by hosting a special event. This event features some of the finest wines in Monterey County, along with food pairings, music, and fun.
I think this sign is my favorite, can you tell why? This year, Odonata, Pessagno Winery, Manzoni Estate Vineyard, Puma Road Winery, Hahn Family Wines, Smith Family Wines, Scheid Vineyards, Chalone Vineyard, and Michaud Vineyard participated in the event. What I love about this event is that not only do you get to sample a huge variety of wines, you get to see the actual vineyards and wineries where they are created and meet the makers. How cool is that?
Scheid Vineyards had a very relaxed atmosphere, with amiable and helpful staff. My first stop was Scheid Vineyards. Michaud Vineyard was also here for the event. I loved all the visitor-friendly outdoor seating!
Wine tasters partake in a game of Jenga at Scheid Vineyards. After leaving Scheid I headed for Smith Family Wines. My GPS was going wonky and telling me to turn on dirt roads leading to abandoned muddy fields, but I persisted, and eventually arrived at my destination.
The tasting room at Smith Family Wines was warm and elegant. Smith Family Wineries represents three generations of hard-working vintners. Their three award-winning brands are Alexander-Smith, Paraiso, and Irie.
Smith Family Wines offered a beautiful setting for visitors. 
Next, I headed north to Hahn Family Wines. Chalone Vineyards was also set up here. It seemed like it took forever to navigate the narrow road flanked by fir trees back to the winery, but finally, I arrived!
The deck at Hahn’s tasting room offers gorgeous vistas. 
Heading north from Hahn, in another 7.3 miles, I reached Puma Road Winery. On the way, I passed rustic farm buildings and witnessed a huge rainbow arching over the Salinas Valley. While there were a few occasional patchy sprinkles, the day remained, overall, quite beautiful.
The staff at Puma were super friendly! A hop, skip and jump north of Puma Road is Manzoni Estate Vineyard. The estate is comprised of a mere six acres (that’s only twice as big as my farm!) but the wines they produce are exceptional. The Manzoni family has called this area home for nearly 100 years.
The Manzoni Estate Vineyard tasting room was intimate and inviting. 
The Swiss fare served at the Manzoni Estate Vineyard brought back memories of my days living in the Swiss area of Wisconsin. Indeed, my three sons are half Swiss! Following my visit at Manzoni, I headed just over a mile north to Pessagno Winery. This, in my humble opinion, is the coziest tasting room ever. I think it might be the combination of the warmth exuding from the wood burning stove, the cute cat curled up on a chair, the beautiful stained glass window, and the long, roomy wooden bar. Pessagno Winery just exudes ambiance and comfort.
The final stop on my wine tasting venture was Odonata Wines. Did you know that Odanata is another word for dragonfly? Odonata states that variety and quality are their watchwords and that the batches of wine they produce are made from grapes that are organic and grown sustainably. I’ll raise my glass to that!
I had so much fun today and I can’t wait to repeat the experience next year! I hope that you get a chance to check out the River Road Wine Trail and enjoy it as much as I did. Remember, you don’t have to wait until the Valentine’s Passport event to visit, most of the wineries here are open year round. For more information on any of the wineries listed, or for information on the annual Valentine’s wine tasting event, see Wine Trail.
Helpful Hints for attending the Valentine’s Passport event:
- Arrive as early as possible as parking and crowds increase the later you start.
- Be aware that the wine service ends at 4 pm.
- Designated drivers who will not be imbibing get a discount: tickets are half price!
- Parking areas fill up quickly and you may end up walking quite a distance; choose footwear accordingly.
- Bring a warm sweater or coat as it can be chilly this time of year.
- Many transportation options are available if you don’t have a designated driver, including the Monterey Party Bus, limos, and of course, Uber.
- All wineries provide vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food pairings.
Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and happy wine tasting!
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Vintage Fun in San Jose’s Willow Glen
Willow Glen is known as “San Jose’s Local Treasure”. It is an area filled with quaint vintage houses on quiet tree-lined avenues. It is also home to some unique shops and amazing restaurants.
Magpie welcomes you with a variety of felicities, from jewelry to clothing to home decor to paint. It is one of those unique, creative, quirky places where there is so much to look at you don’t know where to start.
Bertucelli’s La Villa Delicatessen was packed to the gills, even in the middle of the afternoon. It was standing room only. They have outdoor dining and this was also packed. Waiting in line here for handmade ravioli and fresh, delicious sandwiches and desserts is well worth it.
Park Place Vintage carries vintage clothing and collectibles and even has costume rentals!
Petroglyph is a cool ceramics lounge. I have not seen ceramics like this since my Mom painted Peanuts characters for my brothers and me in the 1970s. They supply use of all paints, brushes and art materials as well as assistance. Once your artwork is complete they fire them in on-site kilns for you. They even host group activities. Petroglyph indicates they are “designed as a place to gather, connect, and creatively explore”. I wanted to stay and creatively explore, but so many shops, so little time!
The cozy Mariette Chocolates has not only freshly made chocolates, but also fudge, coffee, pastries, gelato, and hot chocolate. I love the cute little vintage tables and chairs.
Susie Cakes is a super cute vintage bakery with very friendly staff.
The Willow Glen Collective is chockful of antiques and vintage finds.
The cozy outdoor seating at Vin Santo is so inviting.
Downtown Willow Glen frequently hosts festive events, including its annual summer festival, “Dancin’ on the Avenue”, which features music, food, and local wines. On Thursday, February 7th, from 5-8 pm Willow Glen is hosting a “Ladies’ Night Out”, which features “pampering”, as well as refreshments and specials! Sounds like fun to me!
San Jose is home to some wonderful places, and I am adding Willow Glen to the list. For more information, see Willow Glen.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, joy, and beautiful vistas!
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Point Lobos: Crown Jewel of State Parks
With turquoise waves crashing onto pristine sandy beaches, sunlight cascading through towering cypress trees, and beautiful flora and fauna surrounding you, it’s hard not to fall in love with Point Lobos. Located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos is named for a rock formation called Punta de los Lobos Marinos, or Point of the Sea Wolves. It is considered the “crown jewel” of the state park system. Whenever I have visitors from out of town, this is one of the first places I take them.
Point Lobos is one of only two places where the rare Monterey Cypress are found. One of the first things you may notice when you enter Point Lobos is the wonderful olfactory experience. If you could bottle this fresh, piney, ocean scent, I’m sure it would outsell Tom Ford. If you have sinus problems or a headache I think you should come here and just inhale the clean, sweet air. I swear it is that powerful. I love the scent, the scenery, and the flexibility of the trails here. It doesn’t matter if you are wheelchair bound or have scaled Half Dome at Yosemite, there are trails here for everyone.
Multiple movies have been filmed here, including Treasure Island, Lassie Come Home, The Sandpiper, The Graduate, and Turner and Hooch.
You may see Gray, Humpback & Blue Whales in the area as well as other wildlife. 
History buffs may enjoy the Whaler’s Cabin and museum filled with interesting artifacts relating to the history of the area. Whales were widely hunted here (I know, it makes me sad too) for their oil. Apparently, whale oil was quite the commodity until the early 1880s. It was used primarily for lamp fuel until it was replaced by cheaper petroleum products. Abalone was another industry at Point Lobos.
Over time, Point Lobos evolved from the whale and abalone industry to an area to simply enjoy nature, thanks to the efforts of Alexander MacMillan Allan, who began purchasing the land in 1898 in an attempt to preserve it, and the State Parks Commission who in turn purchased it from him in 1933. Thanks to the forethought and dedication of Mr. Allan, we are able to enjoy this pristine beauty today.
My favorite trail here is the North Shore Trail which leads you along the ocean’s edge with breathtaking views of the forest and sea. This time of year, harbor seals are giving birth and you may see areas cordoned off to protect the mothers and their pups. Be aware that on this particular trail you may have to squeeze by or climb over boulders and/or navigate large tree roots and rocky, uneven terrain. The trail ends in a large meadow which leads to a parking lot. You can continue to follow the trail on the right side of the parking lot to view exquisite overlooks of the beach.
Numerous benches are placed along all trails, offering a place to enjoy a picnic lunch or simply contemplate the beauty around you. 
Beware the tree roots! Point Lobos offers poetry walks on Wednesday afternoons. Apparently, these are led by a docent with sojourns to various spots to contemplate the area’s beauty and write poems. While I love poetry I will refrain from attempting to entertain you with one of my own concoctions. I recommend that they also host Plein Air wine & paint sessions, I would definitely sign up for that!
I think that if you only have time to do one hike in the Monterey area, this is it. It has trails for all levels and it has spectacular, unparalleled views. I would personally rate Point Lobos a 10 and also give it summa cum laude honors. You will not be disappointed!
These fungi were everywhere at Point Lobos. I do not think they are edible but they are very pretty! Point Lobos is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. For more information, see Point Lobos.
HELPFUL HINTS:
- Park alongside Highway 1 just south of Monastery Beach for free and follow the path to the entrance as inside parking is usually full.
- I recommend coming during the week as weekends can be crazy busy!
- Dogs & Horses are not allowed.
- Smoking is forbidden. (Although when I was there, a girl was quite flauntaciously smoking whilst hiking. I made that word up, by the way; it is a combination of flaunt and ostentatious. Basically, she was being a stinker doodle.)
- Bicycles are not allowed on the trails.
- Fishing is not allowed.
- Restrooms are available at the parking lots at both the beginning and end of the North Shore Trail.
- Kayaking and Scuba diving are allowed. Bring your own stuff, because no equipment rentals are provided. A popular scuba diving area is at Whaler’s Cove. You can make reservations up to three months in advance. For more information see scuba diving.
- Binoculars may be checked out from the information station to view sea otters, seals, whales, and birds.
- Wear layers of clothing as it can be chilly and windy at times.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Foraging for Fungi in Beautiful Big Sur
January is peak mushroom season in central coastal California. Each year the Big Sur area hosts a four-day Foragers Festival to raise money for the Big Sur Health Center, a non-profit facility that provides much needed local medical services. Multiple well-known restaurants and renowned chefs create magical meals featuring wild ingredients foraged in Big Sur paired with delicious local wines and beers. There are also raffles, auctions, and a “Fungus Face-Off”, which pits local chefs against each other in a cooking competition featuring fungi. While I have been known to consume mushrooms on my pizza and occasionally partake of portobellos I must admit that my knowledge of mushrooms is rather scant. Mushrooms are ubiquitous at my farm and I always wonder if they are edible or poisonous, so when I saw that the festival included foraging hikes led by fungi experts, I jumped at the chance.
The hikes were led by Todd Spanier, who truly is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge as well as a talented chef. I liked that he could not only identify wild plants and fungi, but also explain how they could be used for culinary purposes. He explained that he started learning about mushrooms from his Italian grandfather when he was only five years old. Todd owns a company called “King of Mushrooms” which provides wild foraged foods to many local restaurants and businesses. He is considered to be a pioneer of the sustainable and wild food movements in California. If you would like to join Todd or other experts to learn about wild edibles, see Wild Food Walks.
The Good (Edible) Fungi. 
The Bad (Won’t Kill You But Yucky) Fungi. I learned that the biggest threat to fungi is not over picking, but rather, destruction of their habitat. I also learned that you can touch poisonous fungi and not worry about getting sick, that the only way to become ill is if you ingest the mushroom. Stories were also related regarding people from Asia and Russia coming to California and picking and eating mushrooms that looked identical to those in their original countries but which were toxic and poisonous. You can imagine the dire consequences. Yikes!
And the Ugly (Poisonous) Fungi. 
Conjoined redwoods along the way. It was a beautiful, sunny day as we entered the Big Sur forest following days of rain. We passed gorgeous copses of redwoods, bay laurels, and canyon oaks. Lauren, another of our guides, was very knowledgeable regarding edible items and pointed out horsemint, miner’s lettuce, and redwood sorrel.
Lauren & Todd identifying our finds. 
Redwood sorrel tastes like a tart green apple but should only be eaten in small quantities due to oxalic acid. 
This is a nut, unfortunately, I do not remember the name! As many of you may know, I have a word obsession. I love learning new words, wordplay, etc. So, of course, I was stoked when I started learning about all the amazing fungi out there! Scientific nomenclature is interesting, but who can beat names like “Witches Butter”, “Candy Caps”, “Turkey Tails”, and “Slippery Jacks”?
A banana slug feasts on honey mushrooms. Banana slugs were everywhere. Imagine my surprise when I learned that some younger males were licking them! I asked one kid why, and he said “licking a banana slug numbs your tongue and is a rite of passage.” Ewwwww. Boys are just weird.
We saw many of these “Waxy Caps” on our hike. 
These “Black Knight” mushrooms were once popular in Europe but eating them over time can cause a toxic reaction. Avoid! Todd’s Takeaways:
- “Do not believe what you see on the internet.”
- “Do not eat mushrooms raw, you can get sick.” He stated that cooking mushrooms also enhances their nutritional value.
- “Know the tree, know the mushroom.” He said you can often tell what a mushroom is according to the tree it grows on or near.
- “Never eat a mushroom unless you are 100% sure of what it is”. There are some look-alikes that can befuddle even seasoned fungi seekers.
- “Use guidebooks to help identify fungi”.
Todd ended his hike by telling us “it doesn’t matter where we’re from, mushrooms connect us to nature and to our ancestry.” I for one would love to learn more and will be perusing my local library and also attending more foraging hikes. The best way to learn is from people who know their stuff, right? Whether you are a foodie, a nature lover, interested in sustainability, or just find the idea of foraging for wild mushrooms fascinating, you will enjoy this amazing experience. I can’t wait to try out more activities at the Big Sur Foragers Festival next year! For more information on this unique event, see Festival.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Wet Your Whistle at Cowgirl Winery in Carmel Valley
If you love wine, you need look no further than Monterey County. I am blessed to live just over the hill from Carmel Valley, one of the best wine tasting areas in California. Nestled in a valley bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains, Carmel Valley is picturesque Old Western California at its best. While some of the area wine tasting rooms can be a bit upscale and fussy, Cowgirl Winery’s tasting room, housed in an old redwood barn, is authentically rustic and down-to-earth, conjuring images of cowboys and cowgirls, cattle, horses, saloons, & spirits. With country western music filling the air and plenty of activities on site, you will be rustling up some fun in no time.
The delicious wines here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cowgirl Red, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Albarino, Blush Rose, & Picpoul. Once you have the Cowgirl Winery bug you will be tempted to return with your family and friends again and again. It’s a fun place to enjoy flights (or single glasses) of wine while enjoying all the sights and sounds, including the super cute old truck parked outside. Cowgirl Winery also offers a “Boots for Booze” exchange: donate a pair of cowboy boots and receive a free bottle of wine. How divine!
There are plenty of fun activities to keep you busy outside while you enjoy your wine. You can play cornhole, practice your cattle roping skills, or mosey on over to the bocce ball court.
They also have plenty of gifts and goodies including handmade jewelry, clothing, books, mugs, and other cute items.
One of my favorite things about Cowgirl Winery is seeing the cute chickens meandering through their courtyard. Want to feed them? You can purchase chicken feed for a nominal amount. Nothing is more rewarding than watching a fuzzy butt chicken waddle to you as fast as possible on her little legs to get a treat.
FYI: Anyone caught chicken rustling will be hauled in a paddy wagon to the local jail where they will be forced to stomp enough grapes to fill every wine barrel in the county. Well, maybe not quite that many. Who can say?
Cowgirl Winery was started in 2012 by Walter and Sylvia Georis, who own nearby Georis Winery. They wanted to celebrate the unique ranch culture of Carmel Valley and pay tribute “to the women who ran ranches, rode horses, and tended to the herd – but most importantly raised families and built communities”. I think you will agree that they have done a fine job.
There is no better place to wet your whistle so stampede on over to Cowgirl Winery and wrangle yourself up a drink. And remember, don’t squat with your spurs on and never kick a cow chip on a hot day.Where: 25 Pilot Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924Phone: 831-298-7030Hours: 11:30 am -4:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 am -6 pm Friday & SaturdayWebsite: Cowgirl WineryHelpful Tips:- Dogs on leashes are allowed.
- Well supervised children are allowed.
- Food is available for purchase, including artisan cheese boards and wood oven pizza from nearby Corkscrew Cafe.
- No outside food or wine may be brought to the premises.
- No smoking is allowed.
- Reservations may be made by phone.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Swoon in Half Moon (Bay) & San Gregorio Lagoon
Okay, you may not actually faint or be overwhelmed with ecstatic joy at the sight of Half Moon Bay or San Gregorio Lagoon. I was perhaps a bit hyperbolic (and it rhymed!). Nonetheless, I think you will at the very least be charmed by this lovely area. Half Moon Bay conjures up images of a peaceful bay with celestial light reflecting on rippling ocean waves. It is this and so much more. Located just 25 miles south of San Francisco and 91 miles north of Monterey, it is an area full of history, natural beauty, and fun shops. 
These pumpkins are so huge I can picture one being turned into Cinderella’s coach, just like in the fairytale! The Art & Pumpkin Festival
It is also home to the famous annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. This event started in 1971 and is one of the oldest and largest festivals in California, attracting more than 200,000 visitors each year in October. It features all things pumpkin, including pie, pancakes, bread, cheesecake, sausages and ice cream. There is a costume contest, a pie-eating contest, and other fun activities for all ages. There are also arts and crafts featuring local artisans and live musical talent. The Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off brings pumpkin farmers from all over the country. In 2018, a man from Oregon won the contest for the fourth time with a behemoth pumpkin weighing 2,170 pounds, the second heaviest pumpkin ever entered in the contest.
History of Half Moon Bay
During the 1700s, a Spanish Mission used the area as grazing land for cattle, horses, and oxen. It did not officially become a town until the 1840s. Its original name was “San Benito”, followed by “Spanishtown”. It was renamed Half Moon Bay in 1874. Today, you can still see historic buildings built during the 1800s in the downtown area. An interesting anecdote about Half Moon Bay is that it was used by “rum runners” during Prohibition due to its profusion of numerous hidden coves and its consistently dense fog.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Half Moon Bay is on the National Register of Historic Places. 
If you didn’t go to church, you were sent next door. Not a good place to be! Beaches and Surfing at Half Moon Bay
There are several state beaches at Half Moon Bay including Surfers’ Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, and Francis Beach. The water is extremely cold and windy, and the weather often foggy, rendering it an unpleasant place to sunbathe or wade except during the warmer months in early fall. If you are a surfer with a wetsuit, however, this place is the cat’s meow. At the north edge of Half Moon Bay, off Pillar Point, is a famous surfing area, the Mavericks. Here, waves cresting 50 feet or more draw world famous surfers.
This breathtaking photo of the Mavericks courtesy of photographer Bryan Pezman @pezmanb Other Recreational Activities
If you are not into surfing, there is a scenic oceanfront trail running from Pillar Point Harbor to southern Half Moon Bay. There are also opportunities to go sea kayaking or paddle boarding. You can also take whale-watching tours here.
Pillar Point Harbor is actually and factually in nearby Princeton-by-the-Sea, just FYI. History of San Gregorio State Beach
San Gregorio State Beach lies just 11 miles south of Half Moon Bay. The area is historically significant because Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola camped here in the 1700s during a failed expedition to reach Monterey Bay. He and his crew eventually headed north to discover San Francisco Bay. Today, it is a great place to hang out and enjoy the gorgeous coastal views, have lunch, or hike on the many trails winding along the ocean’s edge. Numerous picnic tables and restrooms are available here. Be aware that dogs are not allowed as the beach is a nesting habitat for the shrinking population of western snowy plovers. Hours are daily from 8 am to sunset.
Importance of the Lagoon
The San Gregorio Creek forms a freshwater lagoon and was originally a coho salmon spawning site. Today, juvenile steelhead in the lagoon undergo a process called “smolting”, which enables them to prepare for life in the open sea. During the winter, the sandbar separating the lagoon from the ocean washes away and the matured steelhead swim out to sea.
Helpful Links: Pumpkin Festival, Half Moon Bay, San Gregorio
I hope you enjoy Half Moon Bay and San Gregorio Lagoon as much as I did! Wishing you love, peace, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
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Glorious Garlic: Visiting Gilroy, the Garlic Capital
Gilroy and garlic are nearly synonymous in my neck of the woods. Gilroy, located in Santa Clara County about 35 miles south of San Jose, is considered the garlic capital of the United States. Before it was the garlic capital it was the prune capital (maybe this is how nearby Prunedale received its name?). Those prune pickers didn’t make much money, however, and people turned to growing garlic instead. During garlic season, from July through October, people can often smell Gilroy before they can see it. Some people have reported smelling the garlic as far south as Salinas and as far north as San Jose. Humorist Will Rogers described Gilroy as “the only town in America where you can marinate a steak by hanging it on the clothesline.” Gilroy does not lead the world in garlic production, however. It is called the garlic capital because Gilroy Foods processes more garlic than any factory in the world. Almost all pickled, minced and powdered garlic found in grocery stores worldwide comes from Gilroy Foods. Christopher Ranch is the largest commercial garlic producer here.
One of the most popular events in Gilroy is the annual Garlic Festival. The three-day long festival, held the last weekend in July, features everything garlic, including garlic-laced sausage and calamari, garlic pasta, garlic fries, garlic bread, and even garlic ice cream! The festival includes not only garlic delicacies but also beer and wine, arts & crafts, live entertainment, garlic-braiding workshops, and cooking competitions. Celebrity chefs such as Giada De Laurentiis have even made appearances. The festival is held outdoors at Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy, and draws more than 100,000 people. It is a major fundraiser for local charities. This year saw the initiation of Garlic Train service from San Francisco and San Jose to Gilroy for the festivities.
How many opportunities do you get to pose inside a giant garlic bulb? Seriously? I passed but I still regret it. Helpful Hints for the Garlic Festival:
- Friday is the least crowded day at the festival
- It can be extremely hot, make sure to stay hydrated and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- The following items are prohibited from the event: alcohol, bottles or cans, coolers, frisbees or water projecting devices, and pocketknives or weapons of any kind
- No pets are allowed except for service animals
- No RV parking is available
Garlic pancakes, anyone? 
The old City Hall, circa 1905, has been converted into a restaurant. It is also used to impale any objects unfortunate enough to come near its spiked tower. If you want to beat the heat and crowds at the Garlic Festival, there are still plenty of garlicky things to do in Gilroy the rest of the year. You can take a walking tour of the historic downtown area, which features dozens of amazing homes and buildings, including many structures designed by eminent California architect W. H. Weeks. Walking tour maps are available at the Gilroy Welcome Center and also near public parking downtown. You can visit the Garlic City Cafe, the Garlic City Casino, or Garlic World. You can even get a garlic flavored beer at Golden State Brew & Grill and then head out to hit some golf balls at the Garlic Country Driving Range. The possibilities are endless. As is the bad breath. Which is good if you want to ward off vampires, but not good if you are looking forward to kissing someone under the mistletoe! Some studies have shown that drinking milk while you consume garlic can help neutralize this effect, and other studies have shown that consuming garlic with mushrooms and basil may also be effective. I say the solution is to eat more pizza. It has cheese which is made from milk, and who doesn’t like mushrooms, basil, and garlic on their pizza?
If you enjoy wine, there are nearly two dozen wineries in the area including Stomping Ground, Heller Winery, Sarah’s Vineyard and more. After a glass of wine, you can head eight miles northeast of Gilroy to the famous Victorian resort, Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs, a California Historical Landmark. Other local fun spots include Gilroy Outlet Center, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park on CA State Route 152 and Mount Madonna County Park also on 152.
Directions: From San Francisco take Hwy 101 southeast approximately 84 miles. From Monterey, take Hwy 156 northeast approximately 41 miles.
Helpful Links:
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Goat Hill Fair in Santa Cruz County
I had so much fun at the Goat Hill Fair today! If you love farmhouse decor and friendly folks you will love Goat Hill Fair, a biannual antique and vintage treasure event held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds near Watsonville, CA. It is primarily an indoor event with over 100 vendors featuring amazing and beautiful items in three large buildings.
I love this chippy paint baker’s table! Goat Hill Fair began in 2011 by organizer Cyndi Garofalo. It has grown substantially over the years. Once you go you will be hooked! People often return, year after year. For many, it offers a special girlfriend or Mom & daughter bonding experience. Certainly, some gentlemen will enjoy Goat Hill Fair as well!
A plethora of beautiful succulent arrangements. You will find all kinds of fun and interesting items at Goat Hill from architectural salvage items to vintage and antique furniture and decor, folk art, jewelry, wreaths, floral/succulent arrangements, and handmade items. It is very artfully curated and exceptionally organized. You will find great gift ideas as well as festive decor for your home.
Where: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds – 2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076
When: Two shows per year, one in November and one in May. Shows are held for two days, both Saturday and Sunday. 2019 show dates are May 18-19 and November 9-10.
How Much: Tickets sold online and at the gate – $10.00 (good for both days)
Hours: 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and 10 am to 3 pm Sunday
Helpful Tips:
- I would highly recommend purchasing the “Early Goat” tickets that enable admission at 8:30 am, to avoid the huge crowds later. These can be purchased online and are $25.00.
- Free and abundant parking, including handicapped parking, is available
- A variety of food & beverage vendors are available and there is also a bar with beer, wine, Bloody Marys, & mimosas
- A covered tent with seating for dining is available
- No pets are allowed except for service animals
- Purchased items can be held for you at a central kiosk, make sure to get your kiosk ticket from the vendor after you pay for your item(s)
Website: Goat Hill Fair
Phone: 408-221-5054
Email: cyndi_garofalo@yahoo.com
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness and beautiful vistas!
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Adventures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Located next to the ocean in historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is bursting at the seams with fantastical sea creatures. It is full of wonderful adventures just waiting to happen!
The jellyfish are my favorites! These sea nettles trail their long tentacles in order to catch plankton. Stinging cells on their tentacles paralyze the prey so they can move it to their mouths for a sea snack.
The Moon jelly, or Medusa luna, is so beautiful, I can’t stop staring!
Another attraction at the aquarium is the giant kelp forest. You may inadvertently find yourself swaying side to side with the gently moving kelp as fish swim peacefully by and huge silvery schools of sardines swirl in the light. The 28-foot high forest is one of the tallest in the world.
These Tube anemones anchor themselves two feet or more into the sand so that if a predator threatens them they can quickly disappear!
“I’d like to be, under the sea, in an octopus’s garden, in the shade”, goes the Beatles song. You may find yourself humming along to this tune when you see the octopus’s garden at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. At least I did.
Monterey Bay Aquarium even has penguins! You can learn so much about them during the twice-daily penguin feeding times. These penguins are from South Africa and are fast and agile swimmers. They are super cute!
Strawberry anemone and other sea creatures appear so magical and mesmerizing. This just makes me want to be a mermaid so I can live somewhere this pretty.
A sagacious stingray (we don’t know if he really is wise, but I think he probably is!) glides through a school of sardines or anchovies. I still have trouble discerning the difference between those two teenie weenie fishes. We are told that anchovies swim with their tails going up and down, and sardines swim with their tails going side to side. It’s hard to tell from a distance!
A leopard shark cruises the kelp forest, looking for worms, clams, and other creatures to suck from the sand.
Of course, there is nothing cuter than sea otters. The sea otters at the aquarium are rescued animals unable to survive in the wild. It is so fun to watch them frolic and play in the water. The aquarium runs a wonderful program that saves sea otters by rescuing, treating and releasing injured otters, providing surrogate parents for stranded pups, and finding homes for sea otters who can’t return to wild. Sea otters almost became extinct in the early 1900s because they were hunted for their soft, luxurious fur. As a result, in California, there were only about 50 sea otters by the 1930s. Although the population has grown over the years, conservation efforts continue to preserve this adorable and beloved endangered species.
Where: Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Admission: Adults aged 18-64 are $49.95, Children ages 3-12 are $29.95 and under 3 free. Students are $34.95 ages 13-17 or with college ID. Seniors 65+ are also $39.95
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily
Phone: 831-648-4800
Website: Monterey Aquarium
Helpful Info:
- Refreshments are available on site at a restaurant, cafe and coffee bar inside the Aquarium
- Daily Shows & Feedings provide fun educational experiences for all ages, including sea otter, penguin, open sea, kelp forest, and seabird feedings
- Parking is available in numerous parking garages in the area and there is metered street parking
- The entire aquarium is wheelchair accessible
- Tons of educational, fun and hands-on experiences for children
- If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend going between 2 pm and 5 pm on weekdays
- If you are staying at a local hotel, check for partner deals with the aquarium including 2-day tickets for the price of 1-day
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!