Travel
California Central Coast Travel Destinations
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Happiness Found: San Jose’s Storybook Homes
According to WalletHub, San Jose is among the top ten happiest cities in the United States in 2021. While they did a study and have data to support this, I can tell you my own reasoning why it should make the list. Everything seems somehow brighter and more vibrant here. The sky is a little bluer, the trees a little greener, and the air a little sweeter. Even though it is a huge city, there is also a peaceful sense of community and small town friendliness. It just exudes some kind of invisible harmonious energy. While visiting the Municipal Rose Garden this past week, I stumbled upon another reason San Jose qualifies for this list. San Jose’s stunning variety of storybook homes! It was a beautiful bit of serendipity, and indeed I felt truly, deeply happy.
I have become a hopeless addict of these magical cottages, ever since I moved to the Monterey Bay area and discovered the Fairy Tale Cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Storybook homes became very popular during the 1920s, especially here in California. Those steeply pitched gables, oddly shaped windows and doors, and crooked little stone chimneys just speak to me. Imagine my delight when I turned on a side street near the rose garden and unexpectedly hit the bonanza!
The majority were on McDaniel and Emery, near the rose garden. I also discovered more of these captivating cottages on Calaveras and Shasta. I was in storybook heaven! It was like stepping into a fairy tale.
I love the quirky tower and the texture of the stones framing the door. The little fence carries over the natural stone theme.
This looks like it is straight out of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
The storybook homes here just feel so cozy.
A rose canopy on the front window of this house is simply enchanting.
This house directly faces the Municipal Rose Garden.
I love how the little cut out window on the left mirrors the big picture window.
This should definitely be called Ivy Cottage. 
Surrounded by bird of paradise flowers, this home features whimsical windows and randomly placed bricks near the entryway.
I saved the best for last! I love the quaint stone chimney, little dormer window, and curving pathway of this charming cottage. Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you enjoyed the magical storybook homes of San Jose. They help us believe in a world where fairy tales still exist. And a place where everyone lives happily ever after. And finding happiness in all the little things is what life is all about. You may also enjoy 12 Storybook Cottages to Enchant You! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Twelve Best Places to Hike in Monterey County!
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt~ John Muir. One of the nicest things about living here in Monterey County is the plethora of areas to hike. No matter your age or experience, there is always a trail for you here. The following is my list of the twelve best places to hike in Monterey County.
Lined up like beach bananas, these harbor seals have found a peaceful paradise in which to snooze at Point Lobos. #1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Located three miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Point Lobos has very easy walking trails as well as more challenging hiking trails from .8 to 2.9 miles. It provides a tantalizing sensory experience with the sunlight sparkling on the bay and the fresh scent of towering cypress trees. You will also have some great views of wildlife here. Park your car outside the park and enter for free! No dogs are allowed. For more information, see Point Lobos: Crown Jewel of State Parks.
#2. Andrew Molera State Park. This is located 20 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. Some of my die-hard hiking friends swear this is their #1 go-to hike. The shortest hike here is 1.7 miles and the longest, per my hiking friend Brian, is about 10 miles. Hikes vary from easy to strenuous. Keep in mind that in the spring, the Big Sur River can become swollen and you will have to wade across. Otherwise, there is a seasonal foot bridge when the river is low. A really cool thing about this area is the magenta and purple hued sand. This is due to the dramatic manganese cliffs along shoreline. It is not uncommon to spot whales from the beach here. It is one of the local favorites for sure! No dogs are allowed. For more information, see Andrew Molera.
#3. Garrapata State Beach. Located 6.7 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Garrapata is another local favorite. It features spectacular views of rock formations, cliffs, and wildflowers that are simply magical. In addition, Doud Creek runs through exquisite Calla Lily Valley to the sea near this 1.1 mile loop. This is a moderate level hike due to the steep staircase and uneven terrain. Dogs are allowed but must remain on leash.
#4. Partington Cove. Address: 51354-51358 Highway 1, Big Sur. This is a 1.1 mile trail featuring wildflowers, a waterfall, a wooden bridge, and a cool tunnel. I would highly recommend this for families with kids, it’s super fun and not too strenuous. For more information, see Partington Cove: Tanbark Tunnel to the Sea. Keep in mind you will need to navigate a steep hill to get back to the road.
#5. Jade Cove. This is pretty hard to find, but oh so worth it. Located on Highway 1 approximately 60 miles south of Carmel and 30 miles north of San Simeon, this is a hidden gem. This is a .3 mile hike that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and also an enchanting hike down to the beach to look for beautiful Big Sur jade. Because it is very challenging to get from the cliffside down to the beach, this is a moderate hike. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash. For more information, see Sand Dollar Beach & Jade Cove in Big Sur.
#6. Fort Old National Monument-Badger Hills Trailhead. This is located between Salinas and Monterey at 692-696 Highway 68. In the early spring, hundreds of goats dot the hillside, munching away to help mitigate wildfire risk. The wide former military roads are perfect for social distancing, but there are also many more secluded and narrow dirt trails. This is good place for beginners through advanced hikers as there are multiple levels of difficulty and lengths you can choose. Tons of mountain bikers come here too. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. For more information, see Fort Ord.
#7. McWay Falls. Located at 52801 Highway 1, Big Sur, this is another family friendly, easy hike from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The Waterfall Trail is only .6 miles and the reward is seeing the majestic 80 foot waterfall plunging to the turquoise ocean below. For more information, see McWay Falls: Beauty & History in Big Sur.
#8. Tanbark Trail & Tin House to Ewoldsen. For a pretty difficult and longer hike, try the Tanbark Trail and Tin House Loop to the Ewoldsen Trail which will bring you to McWay Falls at the end. This hike starts across the road from Partington Cove. The trail travels through groves of redwoods to a dilapidated yet iconic tin home built in 1944 by Lathrop Brown. It then winds down through the forest to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls. It can be quite confusing to make sure you are on the correct trails, so I would recommend studying up exhaustively before attempting this. For more information, see Big Sur Hikes.
#9. Inspiration Point at Palo Corona Regional Park. Address: 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA. You start out walking past dozens of black mooing cows in a peaceful pasture before you start up a steep incline through coastal oaks. This is a 1.3 mile 850 foot elevation hike with gorgeous birds eye views of the Carmel coastline. I think this would be a great romantic date hike, especially at sunset. Dogs on leash are allowed only in the north park area; no dogs allowed south of South Bank Trail. for more information, see Palo Corona.
#10. Jack’s Peak County Park. Address: 25020 Jacks Peak Rd., Monterey, CA. This park features breathtaking views of the ocean at Monterey Bay. It also has the largest native pine forest in the world. It has eight moderate trails from 1.8 to 6.6 miles. Most trails are fairly narrow so there is a great deal of squeezing by oncoming hikers. Dogs are allowed on leash. There are lots of picnic tables and benches so it’s a great place to enjoy a snack or meal after your hike! For more information, see The Strange Saga of Monterey Jack.
#11. Garland Ranch Regional Park. Located at 700 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA, this is a very popular spot for hikers with dogs. To enter the park you cross above the lovely Carmel River on a bridge. Inside the park are trails for everyone, from beginners to advanced hikers. Some of the most challenging hikes here include the Snivley’s Ridge Trail which is 14.2 miles and The Pinyon Peak Trail which is an 8.7 mile loop to the old fire lookout tower. For more information, see Garland Park.
#12. Pinnacles National Park. Address: 5000 Hwy 146, Paicines, Ca. Formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago, Pinnacles is simply stunning. From waterfalls coming through the cave roofs, to stone spires, to doorways formed in rock, to Bear Gulch Reservoir, to wildflowers and more, this is the crème de la crème of hiking areas. There are trails here for everybody, from easy to strenuous. Located in the far southeast corner of Monterey County, Pinnacles has two entrances, one off Hwy 25 south of Hollister, and also east of King City. Dogs are not allowed on any of the hiking trails. For more information, see Pinnacles.
My friend Brian and I hiking with friends in Big Sur back in 2015. I hope you enjoyed this post on my twelve favorite hikes in Monterey County. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, joy, happiness & beautiful vistas.
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Christmas in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Let’s face it, 2020 has been a pretty yucky year overall. Maybe that’s why I am so into holiday feels this year. Christmas is the season for celebration and cheer, for togetherness and twinkling lights and good tidings. I am so grateful for all good things, my family, friends, neighbors, and my list goes on and on. I also give thanks to be able to live in such a beautiful area that provides me with joy daily. The following are some of my favorite Christmas views from Carmel-by-the-Sea. So grab yourself a hot cup of cocoa, or eggnog, or a glass of wine, and enjoy!
One of the most iconic places in Carmel is the Cottage of Sweets. It was originally built in 1922 as a weaving studio. When the Court of the Golden Bough Theatre was built, the quaint cottage was loaded onto logs and rolled down Ocean Avenue to its current location, where it served as a ticket office for the theatre. Fast forward to today, where the tiny shop is jam-packed with delicious British sweets, chocolates, fudge, and more than 90 different licorices. It just radiates “Merry Christmas”, do you not agree?
Bluebird Cottage at the Lamp Lighter Inn is guarded by a husky this Christmas. If you did not know, dogs are such beloved in this seaside town. Here, they are treated (as they should be!) with dog friendly beaches and hotels, water bowls in front of many shops, and even doggy massages, surf lessons, and yappy hours. It is the perfect place to visit with your furry friend!
During the holiday season, Carmel has not only magical sights, but smells and tastes too! Who could resist the enticing goodies in this window?
Christmas is all about good food too! Carmel has some of the best, and often in super cute vintage dwellings. I love this one located adjacent to the Cottage of Sweets.
Entering through the gate to the Tuck Box English Tea Room is like entering a winter fairyland.
Carmel has the most enchanting little secret passages everywhere. You never know what you will find at the end! Maybe some mistletoe?
All the shops are so festive and fun in anticipation of holiday shoppers. And even though you may not be able to visit in person, you can always shop online for that special person who just loves Carmel!
Doris Day’s Cypress Inn sparkles with holiday cheer. This dog-friendly hotel features a “Yappy Hour” where folks bring their pooches and enjoy cocktails.
The Lincoln Green Inn’s lush flower gardens shower the holiday season with romance and color. Built in 1925, the Lincoln green Inn features four quaint cottages named after the tales of Robin Hood, including the protagonist as well as Maid Marian, Little John and Friar Tuck.
Uh oh, Santa left his boots! Maybe he just wants an excuse to come back to Carmel? 
One of the most enjoyable things to do during the winter holidays is stroll the streets and enjoy the lights and decor. This little cottage has always been a favorite of mine. Loving the little dachshund on the roof!
Whether simple or fancy, holiday decor adds extra charm to the already lovely homes here.
Thank you so much, dear hearts, for visiting my blog. If you enjoyed this post you may also like Quarantine in Captivating Carmel-by-the-Sea and Fairy Tale Cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more information on visiting Carmel, see carmelcalifornia.com.
Wishing you peace, love, joy, and a beautiful holiday season. We can get through even the most challenging of times, if we are there for each other. Hugs!
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Ten Most Romantic Picnic Spots in Monterey County
Photo @aesthetic_and_inspiration_ Monterey County is filled with so much history and beauty. It can be overwhelming with so much to see and do. Inbetween all the sight-seeing and activities, you may want to just regroup, find a quiet spot to relax and eat lunch, or just unwind with your love(s). Picnic lunches offer the perfect opportunity for this. Whether you pack your own or grab take out, these are the very best places for intimate and romantic picnics.
- Lovers Point. Nestled next to the sea, this area features striking views and intricate rock formations. For more information see Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove.
2. Moss Landing. Wildlife is abundant here, including sea lions, sea otters, whales, and a plethora of birds. What better place to enjoy the scenery with a picnic lunch? For more information, see Elkhorn Slough & Moss Landing.
3. San Carlos Beach & Breakwater Cove. Located just north of Cannery Row in Monterey, this area offers a view of all the fun ocean activities available here. You can claim a picnic table or bench and watch scuba divers, kayakers, and fishermen from the beautiful shoreline. For more information see Cannery Row: What to See & Do!
3. Point Lobos. Magical and serene, this is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Captivating views surround you, creating a most romantic scene for an unforgettable picnic. For more information, see Point Lobos: Crown Jewel of State Parks.
4. Carmel Beach. Enjoy a cozy bonfire on the beach and snuggle under a blanket while enjoying a lovely picnic at this unforgettably gorgeous beach. For more information see Quarantine in Captivating Carmel-by-the-Sea.
5. Asilomar Beach. Follow the boardwalk to this secluded cabana and enjoy the sunset with a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine. For more information, see Asilomar Beach.
6. Garrapata Beach in Big Sur is breathtakingly romantic. Follow the beach until you see Doud Creek as it rushes into the sea. If you follow the creek inland, you will find exquisite masses of calla lilies blooming in early spring. For more information, see Calla Lily Valley’s Springtime Beauty.
7. Pebble Beach. After a few rounds of golf or a day of sight-seeing, bring a picnic lunch to the Seal Rock picnic area in Pebble Beach and enjoy the views. Be aware that it can be quite cool and gusty here, be sure to bring cozy jackets and blankets. For more information, see Pebble Beach & 17-Mile Drive’s Beautiful Vistas.
8. Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. In late December through early January, there is a seasonal alignment of the sun with the Keyhole Arch here. What could be more romantic? Be prepared for amazing views. For more information, see Purple Sand & Stone Arches at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur.
9. Sand Dollar Beach in Big Sur. No sound but the ponderous crash of waves as the break on to the beach and the whispering of the wind through the foxtails. Jagged cliffs plunge recklessly below to the sea. This is wild Big Sur at its best. The perfect place for a romantic picnic. For more information, see Sand Dollar Beach & Jade Cove in Big Sur.
10. Pinnacles National Park, located in the southeast corner of Monterey County, is well worth the trip. The result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, the park features spectacular rock formations, caves, and in the spring, waterfalls. Native Americans left stone artifacts here 2000 years ago. There is a feeling of the sacred here even now. Pinnacles is the perfect place to take in nature’s beauty and serenity while enjoying a picnic. For more information, see Pinnacles.
Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you are able to enjoy a picnic at one of these beautiful and romantic places in Monterey County. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas.
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The Quirky Creativity of Pacific Grove, California
Someone really loves butterflies here in Pacific Grove, also known as Butterfly Town. Merriam Webster defines quirky as “unusual in especially an interesting or appealing way”. Synonyms for quirky include bizarre, curious, eclectic, kooky, peculiar, remarkable, and eccentric. In my opinion, every one of these boxes can be checked for Pacific Grove, also known as PG. While most of PG is full of traditional historic homes and businesses, it is the unusual features that often catch my eye. I find these quirky qualities oddly appealing.
Maybe it’s my British genes (aren’t they prone to eccentricity?), or just my appreciation for people who think creatively, but I love turning a corner to find something novel and bizarre. This mosaic wall in PG features such things as a hula doll, an old clock, a hot wheels car, and pearl necklaces in its composition. I love it.
Why have an ordinary garden arbor when you can have a rainbow with Pegasus flying over it? Horace Walpole, an English author, coined the word “serendipity” during the 1700s. Serendipity was used to describe making fortunate discoveries by accident. He based his new word on a fairy tale in which the three princes of Serendip were always making discoveries during their travels by accident. I would certainly call my accidental discoveries serendipitous.
The “Blue Garden” above, was discovered in an abandoned alley. It features morning glories, a windmill on the roof, a mechanical roaring dinosaur, a unicorn balloon, a waterfall fountain, and carnival music, among other things.
What I find so refreshing about Pacific Grove is that people are allowed to be who they are here. Personal expression is embraced. Nobody seems to care if you want to paint your picket fence purple or have dozens of kooky little gnome statues stacked on your porch. It’s truly an accepting culture. Several of my friends live here and they absolutely love it.
Photo courtesy of @thescenicshutter Quirkiness is also found in some of the unique shops here. Tessuti Zoo, located at 171 Forest Avenue, has been described as “the most colorful, zany, eclectic store one may ever shop”.
Photo courtesy of @ca.love.fornia For more information, see Pacific Grove. You may also enjoy my other posts: Butterfly Town: Pacific Grove, Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove, Point Pinos Lighthouse, Pacific Grove, The Feast of Lanterns in Pacific Grove, and Picket Fences by the Seaside: Victorian Homes in PG.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas.
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The Historic Old Whaling Station in Monterey
Monterey has a very colorful history. Part of that history includes the whaling industry. Just footsteps from Fisherman’s Wharf, you can view the remnants of that long ago era at the Old Whaling Station.
The Old Whaling Station’s history begins with David Wight. Mr. Wight built an adobe home for his family here in 1847 based on his ancestral home in Scotland. The Wights lived here for only a few years before joining the gold rush in 1850.
An original try-pot located behind the Old Whaling Station. After Mr. Wight’s departure, Portuguese whalers employed by the Old Monterey Company began working at the site in 1855. Second floor windows of the home were used to spot whales. After the whales were killed, their blubber was cut into pieces and rendered in huge iron “try-pots” on the beach in front of the Old Whaling Station. Whenever I hear “try-pots”, I think of the famous novel by Herman Melville, Moby Dick, and the “fishiest of all fishy places”, the “Try Pots”, where “pots were always boiling chowders. Chowder for breakfast, and chowder for dinner, and chowder for supper, till you begin to look for fishbones going through your clothes.”
The Old Whaling Station is just a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf. The Whaling Station was in operation here for approximately 30 years. The whaling industry was spurred by an increased demand for a variety of products during the 19th century. Whale oil was used for lamps, soap, perfume and cosmetics. Whale bone was used for corsets, sizing poles, hoops for women’s skirts, and umbrellas, and blubber was used for cooking and machine oil and margarine.
Humpback Whales diving and feeding in Monterey Bay. By the 1930s, many whale populations became endangered due to massive hunting. Thankfully, whale hunting is outlawed in most countries today. Whales are staunchly protected in the Monterey area, and a plethora of whale-watching cruises are available year round (pre-pandemic), departing from Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey and further north in Moss Landing.
Whalebone used to create sidewalk in front of the Old Whaling Station. While you are here, check out the walkway in front of the building. Whalebones, which were found plentifully on the beach here during the whaling heyday, were cut and trimmed as paving blocks for a sidewalk. The whalebone sidewalk here is one the last of its kind remaining in the United States.
Monterey’s first brick house is located just adjacent to the Old Whaling Station. The Junior League of Monterey currently leases the Old Whaling Station from California State Parks and allows the adobe and gardens to be used for weddings and other events. For more information, see Old Whaling Station or contact the Junior League of Monterey at 831-375-5356. The historical building hours prior to the pandemic were Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm. Although the building is now closed, the garden remains open.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you are able to visit Monterey and see the Old Whaling Station. To learn more about Monterey, you may enjoy my other posts including Adventures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Whale Watching & More at Fisherman’s Wharf, The Secret Gardens of Historic Monterey, Cannery Row: What to See & Do!, and Delicious Places to Eat in Monterey on a Budget. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
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Picket Fences by the Seaside: Victorian Homes in PG
The seaside town of Pacific Grove, California is full of cute Victorian homes with white picket fences. Many of these homes are just steps away from the beach and Lover’s Point.
A view of Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove. What began in 1875 as a summer church camp has proliferated into what is now called “America’s Last Hometown”. It supposedly has more historical houses per capita than anywhere in California.
Pacific Grove, called “PG” by locals, has many interesting shops and restaurants, many located on or near the famous Lighthouse Avenue. I love all the ocean themed street names here. There is even a Mermaid Lane!
An interesting thing about Pacific Grove, or PG, is that it must have some of the tiniest Victorian cottages ever. You will see itsy bitsy identical twin and triplet cottages sitting next to each other. Some of them are so tiny, I can’t imagine even being able to have furniture inside! They remind me of little gingerbread doll houses.
I really love the imaginative colors people have chosen for their Victorian homes here, and the flowers they have planted alongside them.
You may wonder why you see decorative butterflies everywhere here attached to homes, fences and in yards. The reason is that Pacific Grove is also known as “Butterfly Town” due to the thousands of monarch butterflies that overwinter here on the Monterey pines and eucalyptus trees. You can see them at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary from October through March. For more information see butterfly town.
Some of the larger Victorians have been converted into seaside hotels. My favorite is Green Gables Inn which has nothing to do with those famous Lucy Maud Montgomery novels written about one of my favorite characters ever, Anne. There is just something enticing about this beautiful home overlooking Lover’s Point. I remember being smitten with it the first time I visited the area.
The stately Green Gables Inn looks out at the ocean. For more information on Pacific Grove, see my other blog posts, including Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove, Butterfly Town: Pacific Grove, The Feast of Lanterns in Pacific Grove, and Point Pinos Lighthouse, Pacific Grove.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
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Quarantine in Captivating Carmel-by-the-Sea
Even though the quarantine has disrupted many travel plans, I feel so blessed to live in this area. I hope that everyone has a chance someday to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, located in central coastal California, and witness first hand this captivating and charming town. I have previously written other blog posts about Carmel-by-the-Sea, including Gardens of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Garden Gate Inspiration from Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Fairy Tale Cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Even though shops and art galleries are still closed, many of the amazing restaurants here are open with take out and social distanced al fresco dining. And fortunately, the pandemic can’t hamper one of the most fun things to do here, just walk around. You will feel like you are in a fairy tale, because this little seaside town just happens to be home to some of the loveliest cottages and gardens in the area.
It all started in the early 1900s, when Hugh Comstock built the town’s first fairy tale cottage for his wife, Mayotta. The homes he built featured steep roofs, arched windows and doors, and rustic stone chimneys. His cottages have been duplicated over the years, and have inspired generations of delightful homes, so that walking through many of the side streets you may imagine you are no longer in America, but rather, in a charming English village.
The gardens in Carmel-by-the-Sea are simply the icing on the cake. From fetching window boxes, to picket fences, to lovely archways and stone walls, there is an eye-catching assortment of detail. Colorful flowers paint the landscape around these storybook homes with a beautiful palette of colors and textures.
Quarantine or not, it is clear that many people here are passionate about gardening and put a great deal of time and love into their gardens. I would like to personally thank them for all the inspiration and cheerfulness they provide to us passers-by!
A quirky thing about Carmel-by-the-Sea is that all the homes have names instead of house numbers. Most of the home names are pretty or cute, but I like the name I saw on one the best of all: “Nobody’s Perfect”!
This home is called “Irish Rose”. The latest addition to Carmel-by-the-Sea, on 6th Avenue & Mission, this Instagrammable wall mural was being completed while my friend Amy @seasaltandcypress and I were dining al fresco at nearby Grasings. Opinion has been mixed, folks either love it or hate it. I love it!
Someday, I hope the word quarantine will be obsolete. I hope that we all have discovered what is most important in life. I hope that we have learned to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us. I hope we never again take anything for granted and have learned to be grateful for all good things. If you do someday visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, dear friend, here is my parting advice. The best way to end the day is to take a leisurely stroll down to the beach and enjoy the soothing lull of the ocean waves and the color-drenched sunset. Because in Carmel-by-the-Sea, fairy tales really do come true.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
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Spring Fling in Monterey County
Blossom by blossom the spring begins.~Algernon Charles Swinburne. It’s always beautiful when spring comes to Monterey County. The dry gray hills are suddenly a rich, velvety green, and trees and flowers start to bud and blossom. Seasonal creeks begin to fill the air with the sound of water rushing over and spilling through rocks, and suddenly, quail families and white tailed bunnies make their appearance.
On my farm, I start to see small wild jonquils and pink shooting stars dancing over the hills. And seemingly overnight, my rosemary shrubs become covered with fat lavender flowers.
The roads are suddenly framed by pink and white blossoms.
Frogs begin their mating chorus from the creeks, and sometimes I find a lone vagabond toad wandering about the farm or in my flowerbeds. This one reminds me of “Hoppy Toad”, the top hat wearing character in the Raggedy Ann books I read as a child.
Lacy fern fronds begin to unfurl from the canyon walls, and trilliums start to cover the forest floors.
My half Angora, half Nigerian goats begin to shed their long fur, and start to look like they have dreadlocks!
Spring makes me feel hopeful. A friend of mine put it very succinctly. She explained that despite everything going on in the world, life continues to renew itself. She further added, “Rebirth and life anew is always so hopeful because it means we have a chance to make changes, and hope that things will get better.”
L. M. Montgomery confirms, “That is one good thing about this world…There are always sure to be more springs.”
I can’t think of anything lovelier than watching horses graze peacefully near my home. Green grass, trees dripping with flowers, fresh air and sunshine are what spring is all about.
Those of us living in Monterey County have so much to be grateful for. For those of you living in colder climates where spring seems like a distant dream, heed the words of Anita Krizzan: Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on.
Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Eight Fall Fun Activities in Monterey County
Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.~Emily Bronte 
Why is fall so enchanting? Witnessing the transformation of foliage from green to a bright kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and golden yellows is beautiful and inspiring. It reminds us of the importance of letting go of the old and embracing the new. The cooling temperatures encourage us to slow down and snuggle up under an afghan or quilt with a hot cup of tea or cocoa and a good book, or light candles and sit in front of a crackling fireplace. Conversely, the crisp autumn air may also encourage us to spend more time outdoors and is the perfect time to visit the apple orchard, the pumpkin patch, or have a picnic outdoors.
Fall is also a time for seasonal favorites. Who doesn’t look forward to all the yumalicious fall drinks, such as pumpkin lattes and apple cider? Fall is a comfy, cozy season of layering sweaters and soft flannel shirts and warm nourishing foods. Fall is also the gateway to creative and fun holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Monterey County has many fun activities this time of year. Here is a list of some of my favorite things to do in Monterey County in the fall.
1. Visit a pumpkin patch, such as Borchard Farms or Earthbound Organics Farm Stand.
A mountain of pumpkins awaits at Earthbound Farms on Carmel Valley Road. 
Fall fun feels at Borchard Farms near Castroville. 
2. Visit an apple orchard such as Gizdich Ranch and enjoy fresh apple cider and homemade pie.
3. Bring a picnic and a bottle of wine to the ocean’s edge in Carmel-by-the-Sea and have a bonfire on the beach.
4. Attend the annual MEarth Glass Pumpkin Festival in Carmel Valley.
5. Sit in a rocking chairs next to the crackling fireplace at Asilomar Lodge. Originally called Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea,” Asilomar is located on 107 acres of state beach and conference grounds in Pacific Grove. Asilomar was designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan between 1913 and 1928. Thirteen of her original structures remain today and represent her largest collection of Arts & Crafts style architecture in one location.
6. Snuggle under a blanket with a drink near the cozy fire pits at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach and listen to the bagpipes at sunset. You don’t need to be a golfer to appreciate the majestic beauty and magical atmosphere here.
7. Visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove. In October, you will see them clustered together on pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees in the Sanctuary. Their migration to Pacific Grove is so unique that Pacific Grove is nicknamed “Butterfly Town, U.S.A.”
8. If you love the ocean like I do, there is nothing more memorable than an adventure on the open sea. Take a sailboat ride at the end of the day and enjoy the magical autumn sunset.
Every season is full of wonder, but I think fall is my very favorite season here in Monterey County. I hope you enjoy it too.
I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. ~L. M. Montgomery. Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, joy, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
An autumn sunset at my farm.