The ultimate local's guide to things to do in Morro Bay, California! Visit this quiet little beach town on a Highway One/ Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
Before the weekend weddings we took a trip up the coast to Santa Cruz, take a look at a few favorites along the way.
Southeast Arkansas State Parks weekend trip will focus on eight parks, which span from Pine Bluff to the Mississippi border to El Dorado.
While living in beautiful Santa Barbara for several years, Evan and I found a multitude of charming destinations throughout the Central Coast. Ojai to the south is a quirky, artsy mountain getaway full of retreats and vegan eats. While Ventura and Oxnard feature more big city fun with expansive beaches, a great bar scene, and
January 10, 2012 Our vacation reading has been focused Steinbeck—we both have downloaded a collection of Steinbeck novels on our Kindles, and have read a lot of Steinbeck, including Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat, both set in Monterey, as part of our vacation enhancement program. Before leaving town this morning we drove by the Steinbeck family cottage in Monterey, where John vacationed when he was growing up, and where he and his first wife Carol lived after they were married in 1930. (It is now a private home, with no sign of its literary history, and no visible house number, probably to discourage fans like us from poking around .) Steinbeck’s father gave him a $25 a month allowance and the young couple struggled to make ends meet. They had to sell their two pet mallards to buy writing paper for John’s manuscript of To a God Unknown. This cottage is also the infamous site where his dog Toby chewed up his nearly finished manuscript for Of Mice and Men. Artichoke field Our next destination was Salinas, where Steinbeck grew up, but before we got there, we made an unexpected detour into Castroville, after passing miles and miles of beautiful artichoke fields, then reading the town sign declaring Castroville to be “Artichoke Center of the World.” Castroville supplies 75% of the artichokes we eat, and it celebrates its artichoke abundance every year with an artichoke festival. Marilyn Monroe was their first Artichoke Queen in 1947. The town also has the world’s largest artichoke—a 20 foot whopper in front of the Giant Artichoke Restaurant. Salinas is the town where John Steinbeck was born and lived until he was 17 and went off to college. His house is owned by a Guild of civic-minded local women who raised over $80,000 in 49 days to buy and renovate the house back in the 1970s. They now operate a luncheon restaurant and gift shop in the house, with Guild member volunteers helping their professional chef in the kitchen, waiting on tables, working in the gift shop, and acting as docents. Profits are used for maintenance of the house, with any extra money going to local charities and scholarships. We had lunch there and learned many stories between bites. John was born in the front parlor in 1902. He wrote his first short stories and the novels The Red Pony and Tortilla Flat in the front room upstairs. He lost the manuscript to The Red Pony, and rewrote the book. (What bad luck—this is now two books we have learned that he had to rewrite.) When his parents moved out of this house many years later, the lost Red Pony manuscript was discovered wedged behind a desk. Our docent claimed that when that manuscript was compared with the rewrite there were only seven words different! Lunch at The Steinbeck House was a most unique dining experience. And, we hasten to add that the food was really good—the goal of the Guild is to showcase produce grown in the Salinas Valley, and they do it very well. Speaking of Salinas Valley produce, shortly after we left Salinas, we passed thorough Gilroy, “Garlic Capital of the World.” We smelled it before we saw the sign—they don’t grow the most garlic in Gilroy, but garlic is heavy in the air, thanks to Gilroy Foods, the largest garlic processing plant in the world. At Gilroy’s annual garlic festival you can try garlic ice cream. Unfortunately, Gilroy does not have the world’s largest garlic statue—we pulled out our I-Pad to search for one, but came up empty. They are missing a real tourist draw there. We weren’t done yet—our final attraction of the day, and of our trip, was the Winchester Mystery House. It was a particularly fitting way to end our travels, as the house combines the over the top elegance that we enjoy in homes like the Hearst Castle with the wackiness of a bizarre larger than life roadside attraction. The roughly 160 room house was built by Sarah Winchester, widow of Winchester Rifle heir William Wirt Winchester, but it was designed by spirits, or so they say. A little background: Sarah married Winchester in 1862, their infant daughter died in 1866, and Mrs. Winchester fell into an unending deep depression, and then when her husband died of tuberculosis fifteen years later she went off the deep end. How else could you explain what happened next? She was living in New Haven Connecticut, and went to a spiritualist in Boston for some guidance. The spiritualist told her that the Winchester family was haunted by the spirits of people killed by Winchester rifles, which explained the deaths of her child and husband. The way Sarah could appease the spirits and buy herself eternal life was to move west and build a big house for the spirits. As long as she continued construction, she would be safe. So that is what Sarah did—she moved to California, built a massive house, and kept building and rebuilding and remodeling it day and night for 38 years. She was only 4’ 10” tall, which explains why the ceilings are claustrophobically low for a house of this size. The rest of the design details can only be explained this way--every evening she would summon the spirits at midnight, and the next morning she would give her construction supervisor new instructions for what to add or rip away. Neither she nor the spirits had any architectural training, which explains why there are doors and stairs that lead to nowhere, a chimney that stops just inches short of the roof, windows that open into walls, and mazelike hallways throughout. Maybe she was nuts, or maybe she was just bored and found perpetual home remodeling to be an amusing way to spend what in today’s dollars would be $22,000 a day—her income from her Winchester stock. Damage from the earthquake of 1906 trapped a terrified Mrs. Winchester in her room and shook up some other part of the house. She took that as a warning from the spirits that she had spent too much money on the front of the house (which was beautifully finished with many Tiffany glass windows, intricately patterned parquet floors, massive chandeliers, and lots of other ostentatious ornamentation). So, she closed off the entire front portion of the house—thirty lavishly furnished rooms—and no one ever entered them again until she died sixteen years later. Actually, no one but construction workers, servants, and a favorite niece entered the house at all. Mrs. Winchester was a recluse who did not entertain, even though she had a grand ballroom and a dining room table large enough to seat at least twenty people. Teddy Roosevelt once tried to visit, but it was after the earthquake, so when he approached the impressive front doors (beveled and stained glass made by Tiffany in France for a sum that could buy three normal houses), a servant told him he had to go around to the service door. He refused and left. No one ever walked through those Tiffany doors except the carpenters and Mrs. Winchester—the earthquake happened shortly after they were installed. Now a private corporation owns the place and gives regular tours and ghost tours, and of course there are people who claim to have communed with the spirits there. We didn’t see evidence of any otherworldly phenomena (no surprise), but Dick was very disturbed by the evidence of lack of maintenance on the place—quite a contrast with the meticulously maintained Hearst Mansion (which, by the way, was also unfinished after 28 years of constant building and renovation). We don’t know how we could have squeezed any more exciting adventures into a couple weeks in California. We are officially ready to go home and rest up from our vacation!
The ultimate local's guide to things to do in Morro Bay, California! Visit this quiet little beach town on a Highway One/ Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
No drive down Highway 1 is complete without a visit to dog-friendly North Point Beach, one of the best beaches in California.
You really must see them with your own eyes.
Everyone has something they've always wanted to do. Those daring acts and adventures you'd like to tackle is often called a "bucket list" (things to do before you kick the bucket) -- and it usually includes a good deal of places people want to go, see and do in their lifetime. When I talk about Arkansas, there's usually a person in the crowd who mentions they've always wanted to go to a place I've mentioned, or eat something I've talked about. Get a head-start on your planning. Make your reservations now to cross these items off your bucket list. 1. Explore the LOViT Trail. The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail runs the length of the south shore of Lake Ouachita, a gorgeous clear-bottom lake that stretches from Hot Springs Village to Mount Ida. Its gorgeous overlooks through some of the prettiest parts of the Ouachita Mountains are worth a good hike or bike ride. Plus, the LOViT Trail has been named by the International Mountain Biking Association as one of just 40 Epic Model Trails IN THE WORLD. Lots of places to get on the trail. Check out the website. 2. Shoot skeet and savor a spa in the same day. The Lower Delta's surprise jewel is a relatively new resort center hidden a short distance from McGehee. The Delta Resort and Spa is a world-class location for clay target shooting, and its experts can guide you in what you need to know about duck hunting. A full-scale fine dining restaurant, 43 Grill and Bar, is on the premises, as well as a whole host of great hotel rooms, a conference center, and a spa. Check it out. 3. Spend a night with the big cats. If you haven't been to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, you have missed out. More than 100 of these wild felines (including lions, tigers, jaguars, cheetahs and cougars) have been rescued and now live comfortable lives outdoors, where they can stretch out in the grass and feel the change of the seasons. Stay overnight at one of the Refuge's Safari Lodges, luxury accommodations where you can relax, enjoy an evening and listen to the big cats roar at night. Here's the site. 4. Wander a land of neat museums. This one's a two-fer. You can head to northwest Arkansas and spend a whole weekend exploring the Amazeum - a great new museum just opened in 2015 for kids and families - as well as the museum at 21c, the Museum of Native American History, Walton's 5 and 10, and of course Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Or come to central Arkansas and enjoy the Arkansas Museum of Discovery (another great place for kids and families!), the Old Statehouse Museum, the Historic Arkansas Museum, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, the MacArthur Museum of American Military History, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the ESSE Purse Museum, the Central High School National Historic Site, the Clinton Presidential Center... need I say more? 5. Go ATV riding along the Wolf Pen Gap Trails. Forty-two miles of loop trails along Arkansas's western border near Mena are prime travel for four-wheeled off-road vehicles. Along the way, spot gorgeous mountain vistas, waterfalls, creekbeds and historic structures. Several outfitters provide the vehicles and accommodations you'll need for your trip. Find out more, here. 6. Discover Wilson. There's a little town on Arkansas's eastern border within spitting distance of the Mississippi River, where you'll find remarkable Tudor architecture. The town of Wilson was built up more than a century ago. Today, it's undergoing a renaissance, with new projects and ideas taking form. Visit the Wilson Cafe and enjoy Chef Joe Cartwright's southern food interpretations. See hardwood forests planted by Lee Wilson and his family 125 years ago. Learn about the Wilson School and the coalition of local farmers and watch the development unfold. More here. 7. Sleep on a mountain. Arkansas's Tri-Peaks Region encompasses a section of the Arkansas River Valley in western Arkansas. Regard the incredible views from a luxury lodge room at Mount Magazine State Park. Cozy up in a mountaintop cabin at Petit Jean Mountain State Park -- or, my favorite, enjoy sunrise and sunset on a stone patio at the edge of Mount Nebo. Your Arkansas State Parks are just a click away. 8. Celebrate Eureka Gras. Arkansas's most fantastic Mardi Gras celebration takes place January 9-February 6 in the heart of the Ozarks. Over the course of four weeks, enjoy parades, balls and the antics of the Krewe of Krazo. An experience you have to see to believe. More information. 9. Dine where the gangsters played. The Ohio Club is Arkansas's oldest bar. Opened in 1905 as a gambling hall, it's survived Prohibition and generations of celebrities, gangsters and more. Today it boasts its original 1880s era carved bar, a stage where you'll find live music seven nights a week, and several remarkable burgers. Get over to Hot Springs. 10. Hide out in the woods at Moro Bay. Perhaps the best kept secret among Arkansas State Parks lodging, this south central Arkansas hideaway tucked in where Raymond Lake meets the Ouachita River includes five two-bedroom cabins that offer seclusion and screened porches overlooking the gorgeous waterways. Reserve your spot. 11. Celebrate the Wild West -- and visit a brothel neat visitors center. If you haven't seen Fort Smith lately, you've been missing out. The Gateway to the American West celebrates centuries of heros, from Wyatt Earp and Belle Starr to legendary marshal Bass Reeves and "Hanging Judge" Isaac C. Parker. You'll also find a fine collection of World War II related museums, including the Barbershop Museum, where Elvis Presley received his famous haircut after joining the U.S. Army. Even the visitors center in Miss Laura's offers a historical perspective, located within what was once a house of ill repute. All this, located in the city with Arkansas's greatest variety of ethnic cuisine. See all the things you can do, here. And check out the new murals. Do you Pinterest? Share this board. Have an item you think should be here? Leave your suggestion in the comments.
Morro Bay is the place you go when you want to escape the troubles of everyday life and hide away by the water, so if relaxation is what you’re after, you will find it here!
Découvrez nos itinéraires de road trip aux Etats-Unis et dans l'Ouest américain : quelles routes choisir, à quel rythme et où dormir ?
Caló des Moro in der Nähe von Santanyí im Südosten von Mallorca. Klares Wasser, hohe Felsen. Die Caló des Moro auf Mallorca ist ein absoluter Geheimtipp!
A mini guide on our week long road trip exploring Cambria, San Fransisco, Monterey, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Venice, California.
For your next Central California family vacation, plan to stay in the quiet beach town of Morro Bay where the sun and seafood are plentiful.
Everything you need to know about driving the Pacific Coast Highway in one massive, detailed 10-day Highway One California Coast road trip itinerary.
Explore ntalka's 43731 photos on Flickr!
The beautiful coastal city of Morro Bay, CA is about 2 hours north of Santa Barbara and has the cutest sea life, most beautiful sunsets, trails in amazing parks and delicious food that we can't wait to go back for!
Mark and I left San Luis Obispo, Ca on our way further north. Our next stop Moro Bay. The Bay is filled with fishing boats of all sizes bring in their catches of Halibut, Swordfish,Rock-fish and Albacore. The most amazing sight that greeted us as we enter the Bay was Moro Rock (One of the six volcanic plugs that line the coast, also known as the Six Sisters) Along the base of the rock are areas that you can go to and view the different wildlife that make this area their home. One of the smallest is the Rock Squirrel. These little guys are afraid of nothing and are several generations in of knowing that people will be more than happy to feed them. My favorite was seeing the Bay Otters. I honestly had no idea that they were as big as they were. We were told that the males can be as big as 4 1/2 feet long from nose to tail and weigh up to 65 pounds. They are still really cute, but now I don't think I want one as a pet. They spend most of their mornings feeding on clams, mussels, starfish and just about anything they can find. Once they are nice and full this is how we found them. They literately float. Too cute. We next traveled to Piedras Blancas in the southern range of Big Sur, near San Simeon. There we were told we would find a large herd of Elephant seals. They are far from being as cute as the sea-lion, but were still so amazing to see. They are massive and moving on the sand looked difficult for most, but in the water they were as agile as their smaller cousins. None of our stops were planned so the fun part was really just seeing something and going "OOOOO pull over." Ragged Rock is a beautiful stop with unbelievable views. We arrived at our next night accommodation mid afternoon. Still in time to enjoy the area. We stayed at Fernwood Resort under the Redwoods. Mark found out that there was a great hiking trail up the mountain behind the resort. See, I said Mark found this out, had I found out, I would have kept this information to myself. That was okay though, until I found out it was 2 1/4 miles up and 2 1/4 miles down. The most fabulous part of the hike was being under these HUGE Redwood trees. That's not quite true... the best part is that I made it to the top, without having a coronary. This was the view once we got to the top. I am taking the picture while trying to get my heart beat out of my ears and back into my chest. This was the first and last part of the hike. I love this golden field. We got back to our room and got ready to go eat dinner. We decided to try a place we saw on our way in. If you are ever in Big Sur, treat yourself to a meal at Deetjen. This is an unassuming restaurant built in 1937 and hasn't changed that much since then. Zagat's has Deetjen's rated as a top rated eating establishment. I so agree. Well that was day two and it was packed. I'm going to bed and I am sore and full and happy.
The ultimate local's guide to things to do in Morro Bay, California! Visit this quiet little beach town on a Highway One/ Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
My four favorites in March! The post where I share a favorite brand, book, blog and break that I've enjoyed throughout the month.
Downtown Morro Bay is a charming town on the Central Coast of California. Explore all the fun things to do in Morro Bay including Morro Rock!
Avoid the crowds at these amazing unsung beach towns on the West Coast that are full of charm–but better keep 'em (relatively) secret.
Plagued by a reputation for sun, sex and booze style resort package holidays, Mallorca has struggled to fight off impressions forged after the over-development of the 1960s. Mallorca is often unfairly maligned but really it is a diverse island with...
Love otters? Who doesn't? Morro Bay is a great place to spot sea otters in the wild, and we have tips on the best ways and times to see otters in Morro Bay, California.
Découvrez nos itinéraires de road trip aux Etats-Unis et dans l'Ouest américain : quelles routes choisir, à quel rythme et où dormir ?
This article provides details on all the wonderful things to do in Montaña de Oro State Park (San Luis Obispo County), one of the best parks in California.
Mother sea otter and her pup.
Geheime Strände auf Mallorca. Es gibt sie wirklich. Ich zeige euch meine Top 5 der schönsten versteckten Stränden auf Mallorca
