Travel
California Central Coast Travel Destinations
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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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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!
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Surfing Museum Lighthouse in Santa Cruz
“Let’s go surfin’ now, everybody’s learning how, come on and safari with me” begins the popular Beach Boys song “Surfin’ Safari”. This could well be the theme song of the beautiful seaside city of Santa Cruz, California. Surfing is an obsession here. Legend has it that three Hawaiian princes first brought surfing to America while visiting Santa Cruz in the 1800s. This is the story of how a lighthouse built shortly after the civil war transformed into a shrine to surfing culture. 
The beach north of the museum offers a serene view. Santa Cruz’s original lighthouse was completed in 1870, constructed at Point Santa Cruz and modeled after the Ediz Hook Lighthouse in Washington Territory. By 1878, the prolific formation of new sea caves along the cliffs at Point Santa Cruz began to jeopardize the lighthouse’s structural integrity, with the potential for collapse. It was removed from its foundation and moved on wooden rollers three hundred feet further inland, using a team of horses.
A handful of lighthouse keepers and their families lived at Point Santa Cruz. The most notable was Laura Hecox, the daughter of the first lighthouse keeper, Adna Hecox. When her father passed away, she became the official keeper, a job she held until her resignation in 1916. Laura began the study of shells and amassed an expansive and well-renowned collection of artifacts, some of which can be viewed today at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.
In 1941, the Coast Guard built a twenty-six-foot high tower 200 feet seaward of the lighthouse which became the station’s official beacon, and the original lighthouse and grounds were leased to the city of Santa Cruz for a park. In 1948, the Coast Guard sold the aging lighthouse with the stipulation that it be entirely removed from the property. A local carpenter purchased it and completely dismantled it for the lumber. The city of Santa Cruz later purchased the property at the site of the original lighthouse. The lighthouse that had stood here for over seventy years was gone forever. This could have been the end of the story, but a tragic accident brought about a very beneficial reinvention.
It’s fun to watch today’s surfers catching waves. In the background is Santa Cruz’s beach boardwalk. Surfing can be a perilous sport, and in 1965, a promising young 18-year-old surfer named Mark Abbott lost his life at nearby Pleasure Point surf break. In 1967, Mark’s grieving parents wanted to do something positive to commemorate their son. They donated life insurance money for the completion of a new 550 square foot new lighthouse in honor of their son. The Abbott Memorial Lighthouse was built of red brick and featured a lantern from the defunct Oakland Harbor Lighthouse. A beautiful plaque inside the lighthouse reads “This lighthouse is further dedicated to all our youth whose lives, through fate or misadventure, are terminated before realizing their true potential. May their spirits find new dimension in the unknown horizons that await us all.”
In 1986, the lighthouse became home to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, the first surfing museum in the world. In 2008, it was nearly closed due to city budget difficulties. The Santa Cruz Surfing Club Preservation Society raised enough money to keep the lighthouse open temporarily, and other donors soon came forward to rescue the museum.
While I am not a surfer, I was truly impressed by the extensive collection of photographs, videos, surfboards, and other surfing memorabilia in the museum. Notable features include locally crafted redwood surfboards from the 1930s and the very first wetsuit invented by Santa Cruz native Jack O’Neill. You really feel the passion that this sport has elicited in people and the historic role (over 100 years) it has played in the area. Santa Cruz is highly respected in the surfing world. In 2011, Santa Cruz received approval as a World Surfing Reserve, ranking highly on criteria such as wave quality and consistency, surf culture and history, and its unique environmental characteristics. There are over 23 surf spots in the region, including the iconic Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point.
It is a beautiful place to relax and contemplate the sea and sun. The museum/lighthouse has been a staunchly revered local landmark and hosts the annual “Caroling Under the Stars” tradition each Christmas. Admission to the museum is free but donations are welcome. There are numerous benches around the area and it is wheelchair accessible. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to sit and watch the surfers, enjoy a picnic lunch, or just bask in the sunshine while enjoying the beautiful beach.
Location: 701 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Summer Hours (July 4 – Labor Day): 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed Wednesdays)
After Labor Day Hours: Noon – 4:00 p.m. (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and
Phone: 831 420-6289
Helpful Hints: No restrooms are on the premises, but public restrooms are available approximately one block south of the museum on the opposite side of the street.
More Information: Santa Cruz Lighthouse and Surfing Museum
Plaque commemorating Hawaiian Princes who introduced surfing to Santa Cruz in 1885. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Plant Lover’s Paradise in Santa Cruz, California
If you are as obsessed with plants as I am, you have to visit Santa Cruz. Two of my favorite shops are in this beautiful beachside town. The first is DIG Gardens. Located at 420 Water Street, Santa Cruz, California, it is well worth the trip.
They feature a plethora of plants, textiles, books, candles, pottery, furniture, and interior decorating inspiration. They have one of the largest selections of succulents, cacti, and air plants I have ever seen!
I could spend hours perusing this place, and my pictures are only the tip of the iceberg! They have a huge outdoor area chockful of plant wonders as well! My favorite is the gigantic succulent display. This has become so crazy popular, people are getting married in front of it. For reals!
I’m sure all my plant loving friends are drooling at this point. But wait, there’s more! Botanic And Luxe, located at 701A Front Street in Santa Cruz, California is another sweet spot for your plant fix. It is located just around the corner from the beautiful downtown Santa Cruz area, close to other great shops and restaurants. They also carry gifts and home goods, as well as great decorating inspiration.
Their store is carefully curated and you can feel the loving care they put into creating a welcoming and attractive atmosphere. I love the friendliness of the staff and the way they provide education regarding plant care in a simple, no-nonsense way.
Their air plant selection is amazing. They even have jellyfish air plants! I was also informed that they only purchase their plants through ethical sources, to help protect and maintain our earth’s valuable ecosystems.
In conclusion, dear friends, if you are looking for a botanical pick-me-up, you know where to go. If like me, you have a thing with plants, you will not be disappointed! For more information, see Botanic & Luxe and DIG Gardens
Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love & happiness!
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Ragged Point: Gateway to Big Sur
Known for its breathtaking views from its perch 400 feet above the wild Pacific coastline, Ragged Point Inn is often called the gateway to Big Sur. Ragged Point consists of not only an Inn, but also a cafe, restaurant, gift shop, mini mart, ice cream parlor, and gas station. It is basically a self-sufficient little community in the remote wilderness that is Big Sur. 
Ragged Point features beautiful flower gardens, fountains, and pathways filled with gently drifting Monarch butterflies and swiftly darting hummingbirds. Fabulous ocean vistas include myriad sightings of seals, dolphins, and migrating whales. Live music is an attraction on weekends and holidays, lasting throughout the summer into October. There are also photo ops at the “Portal to Big Sur”, a wooden sculpture that looks like a big donut (or toilet seat, you decide). There is also a fairly steep and somewhat challenging hiking trail leading down to the beach.
Helpful Tips:- No Wifi unless you are staying at the Inn, and even then it is sketchy
- Expensive gas prices
- No cell service
- Rooms are a bit outdated
- A good place to stop on the long drive between outposts of civilization in the area
- Pets are allowed at the Inn and on the premises
Other Fun Activities in the Area:- Hike to Salmon Creek Falls. This natural waterfall is located 3.6 miles north of Ragged point Inn close to Hwy 1. An interesting feature of the waterfall is that it actually starts out as two waterfalls that merge into one as they cascade down 120 feet. It is a relatively easy and popular hike with a round trip distance of only .25 miles. The pullout for the trailhead is 45 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The falls are visible from Hwy 1. Salmon Creek Falls is also next to the Silver Peak Wilderness area. For more information, see Salmon Creek Falls
- Visit Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Located almost 11 miles south of Ragged Point Inn, the colony includes more than 17,000 elephant seals, which gather seasonally to safely avoid predators and frolic playfully with their pups. Elephant seals are the largest seals in the northern hemisphere. For more information, see Elephant Seals
- Visit Hearst Castle. Located 15 miles south of Ragged Point Inn, Hearst Castle was designed by famed architect Julia Morgan for business magnate William Randolph Hearst. It is nestled on 127 acres of meticulously groomed gardens and terraces. For more information, see Hearst Castle
- Visit San Simeon Pier, 15.5 miles south of Ragged Point Inn. This area is protected by the Marine Life Protection Act and is home to seals, otters, humpback whales, elephant seals, pelicans, ospreys, and much more. For more information, see San Simeon Pier
- Take a tour of Piedras Blancas Light Station, located approximately 9 miles south of Ragged Point. For more information, see Lighthouse
- Visit the romantic village of Cambria, 22 miles south of Ragged Point, for fabulous shopping and delicious sunsets at Moonstone Beach. For more information, see Cambria
- If you are into hiking hidden trails and experiencing isolated beaches, visit the very private Ragged Point Beach. This is 1.8 miles south of Ragged Point Inn. The trailhead starts at a small pull-out parking area on a bend between a blue call box and a “no campfires” sign. The trail is called Ragged Point Cliffside Trail. It is a .6 mile steep and fairly strenuous hike with a 400-foot change in elevation. The black sand beach is extremely private and is flanked by rocky bluffs. There is also a seasonal waterfall here called Black Swift Falls.
- Visit the Big Sur Jade Festival in the Lost Padres National Forest, directly across from Sand Dollar Beach on Hwy 1. This beloved annual festival, which draws people from all over the world, is usually held for three days in October. Multiple vendors sell and showcase their work, ranging from tiny, delicate pieces of jewelry to huge slabs of stone harvested from the sea. For more information, see Big Sur Jade Festival
I hope that you enjoy Ragged Point and the wonderful sights around it! Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Partington Cove: Tanbark Tunnel to the Sea
If you have ever wished to find pirates or buried treasure in the Monterey area, your best bet is Partington’s Cove. I think the name should be changed to Pirate’s Cove because it resembles something out of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. It is located 1.8 miles north of the entrance to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and 6 miles south of Nepenthe. It is easy to pass by due to poor signage. Look for the trailhead turn-off inside a hairpin turn on the west side of Hwy 1. Once you reach the trailhead, follow the half-mile dirt trail downhill. At the bottom, it splits into two trails. Turn left at the bottom and cross a wooden footbridge above Partington Creek.
Follow the path along, and you will see a 100-foot-long tunnel bored through rock. The tunnel was constructed in the 1880s by homesteader John Partington, to enable the transport of lumber from the tanbark forest above the canyon to ships moored in the cove. Tanbark provided the tannins necessary to tan hides into leather. Mules were used to haul the lumber down the canyon to the ships.
You can still see remnants of iron and wood structures used to moor the ships in the cove. You can also see tangled kelp forests as they sway gently in much of the cove. I imagine what it must have been like to see a ship moored here. It seems to me that swashbucklers could have been here. I can almost hear them chanting “Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest, yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!” Speaking of rum, Partington Cove also has been rumored to be affiliated with Prohibition bootlegging ventures, but this has never been substantiated.
As you return and cross back over the footbridge, instead of turning right to return up to Hwy 1, turn left. Following this will lead you to a beach where Partington Creek cascades and spills over stony boulders and rocks into the ocean. It is a wonderful place to sit and reflect. As the waves crash onto the sandy shore, I think I hear a parrot shrieking “pieces of eight!” But I am shocked out of my reverie when I realize it is my friend calling me, “we’ll be late!” He has been thinking he saw a mermaid in the cove!Whether you like pirates or mermaids, experience Partington Cove yourself and let me know what you think. Adventure awaits!
Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas! -
Cambria, California: Top 10 Things to Do!
Charming, romantic, and fun, Cambria lies smack dab between L.A. and San Francisco on Hwy 1, just south of the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon. With a population just a smidge over 6000, Cambria is small but jam-packed with fun things to do.
Cambria is the Latin name for Wales. Cambria is situated amidst one of only three rare Monterey pine forests.It was named by a local surveyor from Cambria County, Pennsylvania. If you love the beach, art galleries, boutiques, wine tasting, and intimate restaurants, Cambria is the cat’s meow.History
Cambria was originally settled by the Chumash Indians and eventually, settlers moved here for the farmland and lumber. In 1862, Cambria became a boom town after the discovery of cinnabar, the ore from which quicksilver, also known as mercury, is made.What To Eat
There are no McDonalds, Burger Kings or Taco Bells here, which adds to the quaint, old-fashioned ambiance of the town. Favorites include Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill (great views here), Robin’s Restaurant, Indigo Moon, Black Cat Bistro ( I love this name!), and Madeline’s Restaurant. If you just want to grab coffee or tea and a quick breakfast, I recommend Cambria Coffee, located on Main Street.
Where To Stay
Cambria is known as a romantic getaway. There are numerous bed and breakfast inns in town. There are also a plethora of hotels across Hwy 1 from downtown Cambria on Moonstone Beach (or at least, across the road from it). Our hotel suite had a second story patio overlooking the beach and sliding doors you could leave open at night to allow the cool, delicious ocean breeze in. I would highly recommend finding lodging near the beach, as it is incredibly beautiful.
What to See & Do
- Moonstone Beach is very user-friendly beach and has a beautiful 1.5-mile boardwalk with many benches and vista points. At the beach, you may see a variety of animals, including elephant seals, sea otters, and shorebirds. The beach was named after the moonstones swept onto the beach by the ocean. Beachcombers are a frequent fixture on the beach. Beautiful stones and occasional sea glass can be found here. There is also a dearth of driftwood, and people constantly create interesting driftwood sculptures on the beach. For more information, see Moonstone Beach.
- Hearst Castle is located just north of Cambria. Designed by famed architect Julia Morgan for business magnate William Randolph Hearst, this opulent estate is a must see. Originally called “La Cuesta Encantada”, or The Enchanted Hill, the castle has 165 rooms. It is nestled on 127 acres of meticulously groomed gardens and terraces. You will be wowed by the artwork and statuary that Hearst collected, including castle ceilings and Cardinal Richelieu’s bed. It is said that the film “Citizen Kane” is based on William Randolph Hearst and his “castle” certainly supports that conjecture. The film chronicles the life of a newspaper tycoon who amasses fame and fortune but is unable to buy love or happiness. Although decades have passed since Hearst lived there, it still inspires amazement. For more information, see Hearst Castle.
- Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is about 4.5 miles north of Hearst Castle. This colony includes more than 17,000 elephant seals, which gather seasonally to safely avoid predators and frolic playfully with their pups. Elephant seals are the largest seals in the northern hemisphere. The best time to see seal activity is in the winter, from December through February. Males, which are 14-16 feet long and weigh up to 5,000 pounds, begin arriving in late November, and their female mates come in December. February is the busiest month for the elephant seals, with almost 4,000 pups born in just a few weeks. For more information, see Elephant Seals.
- Wine Tasting. Cambria is the gateway to wine tasting, with local wineries and more in nearby Paso Robles and Templeton. Wineries in Cambria include Moonstone Cellars, Cayucos Cellars, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Twin Coyotes Winery, among many others.
- Shopping. Cambria is home to many artists and creatives, and you will find amazing art galleries and antique, garden, home decor, pottery, beadwork, and clothing shops. My favorite is Home Arts, which includes beachy boho decor including pottery, baskets, macrame, furniture, and artwork. As a Wisconsin native, I was also pleasantly surprised to see an Ephraim Pottery Shop on Main Street. Ephraim Pottery is also located in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, and features craftsman style pottery and ceramics in the American arts & crafts style of the early 1900s.
- Cambria is home to “Nitt Witt Ridge“, a home built at 881 Hillcrest Drive by Arthur Harold Beal, also known as Der Tinkerpaw or Captain Nitt Witt. Beal was a garbage collector for the town of Cambria in the 1940s and 1950s and used of what he found to build it, including beer cans, abalone shells, washing machine drums, automobile parts, and old stoves. He also purportedly worked at Hearst Castle for a time and incorporated remnants from the estate into his own home. Although Mr. Beal has moved on to the big Nitt Witt Ridge in the sky, you may tour his previous home, which is now a California Historical Landmark. For more information, see Nitt Witt Ridge.
- Take a Tour of Piedras Blancas Light Station. Located 15 miles north of Cambria, you can tour this historic lighthouse, although it appears to have something missing on top. If you’re wondering where it went, check out downtown Cambria for the original Fresnel Lens. For information on guided tours, see Piedras Blancas Light Station.
- Other Outdoorsy Activities you may enjoy in Cambria include biking, hiking, fishing, surfing, and kayaking.
Surfers enjoy catching the waves - Explore Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Follow coastal bluff trails to see red-legged frogs, marsh hawks, as well as other local and endangered species at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, a 430-acre protected wildlife habitat. For more information, see Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.
- Visit the Coastal Discovery Center. Located on San Simeon Bay, the center is a joint venture between Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and California State Parks. It provides education regarding the cultural and natural history of San Simeon. It is located just across highway one from the entrance to Hearst Castle. For more information, see Coastal Discovery Center.
Interesting Facts-
The 1990 film hit Arachnophobia was filmed in parts of Cambria and at the local high school
Annual Events- October: Cambria’s Annual Scarecrow Festival features over 300 scarecrows lining the town’s streets.
Helpful Tips- Use the Cambria Village Trolley to get around town.
- Public restrooms are on Burton Street, just off Main Street.
I hope you enjoy Cambria as much as I did! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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Shake Your Tail Feathers at the Monterey County Fair
The 2018 Monterey County Fair’s Theme was “Shake Your Tail Feathers”, which of course, as a chicken mama, I loved. I am also inspired by seeing the dedication of all the young people in 4-H to their animals and to this event. It is clearly a great deal of hard work, and I respect all the effort they put forth.
I went the very last day of the fair, which I found out later, was probably not a good idea. The last day, all children under 12 get free admission, which means, it is usually the busiest and most crowded day to go. Yet, for the most part, everyone was very peaceful and unruffled. It actually was moderately calm and low-key, considering the crowds and lines.
Rides, food, farm animals, musical talent, live entertainment, demonstrations, souvenirs, home-made foods and crafts, ribbons & prizes; the Monterey County Fair is a recipe for good old-fashioned fun for all ages!
There were even wine tastings from local wineries. We are in wine country, right?
One of my favorite buildings is the Wool Building. I always love seeing the ladies with their spinning wheels, diligently operating their wheels while simultaneously chatting and providing information to visitors. If I ever retire, I want to learn how to operate a spinning wheel. Maybe I will also finish all my crochet and knitting projects too!
Of course, my very favorite part of the Monterey County Fair is the animals. I wanted to snuggle with all the cute farm animals, but alas, I had to follow the rules and stay outside of their pens. It was especially difficult with Mr. Pig (see photo below) as he was so ridiculously cute and had personality plus! There is just so much to see, smell, hear, taste, and touch. I would highly recommend the Monterey County Fair!
Too much fun! I can hardly wait until next year’s Monterey County Fair. Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love & happiness!
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Deetjen’s Rustic Inn & Restaurant in Big Sur
This is fourth in my series of reviews of iconic Big Sur restaurants, look for more in the future!
Deetjen’s Restaurant & Inn lies in Big Sur’s Castro Creek Canyon, nestled beneath a grove of ancient redwoods. With eclectic room names like “Chateau Fiasco”, “Top Antique” & “13th Room” (to be avoided if you have triskaidekaphobia), Deetjen’s combines authentic Big Sur spirit with vintage furnishings, beautiful gardens, and delicious food. Deetjens Big Sur Inn, open since the 1930s, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the Inn is operated on a not-for-profit basis by the Deetjens Big Sur Inn Preservation Foundation.
History
After the opening of Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon brought an influx of visitors to the area, the Deetjens decided to provide a place for people to stay and enjoy a home-cooked meal. Built from 1936 through 1950 by Helmuth Deetjen and his wife Helen, Deetjen’s features rustic cabins constructed with authentic Norwegian craftsmanship.
The Restaurant
The restaurant features outdoor dining beneath a canopy of wisteria, or charming indoor dining next to a cozy, crackling fireplace. The food here is amazingly delicious and guests regularly rave about it. What more could you ask for?
The dining room exudes a cozy, home-like environment The Inn
Throughout its history, Deetjen’s has been a refuge for writers, artists, and celebrities. Nonetheless, this is a basic, no frills kind of place. There is no wi-fi, no television, no cell service, no swimming pool or spa. Some rooms share a bathroom. The rooms are small and thin-walled, with wood stoves for heat. Yet there is a charm and comfort here you will find nowhere else. Opportunities to hike, bird watch (including the rare California Condor), or enjoy the gardens abound. Guests also enjoy perusing each room’s journal for previous lodger’s stories and tidbits of wisdom. Deetjens states that their mission is “to preserve the history of the Inn by providing a peaceful, retreat-type experience for our guests”.
Tours
You are free to look around the grounds on your own, or you may wish to join a formal tour. Tours of the historic inn and grounds are available Tuesday through Thursday at 10 am, or you may schedule an appointment for a private tour. During your tour, you may notice one of the adorable resident cats roaming the gardens. One of the cats, Fabio, even has his own blog! (see Fabio)
Another beautiful garden at Deetjen’s Location
Deetjen’s is located at 48865 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA, just south of the Henry Miller Library. For reservations or information, call 831-667-2377 or see Deetjens
An exquisite hand-made mosaic adds to the creativity of the garden Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!