Friends, Fun, and Wine Too ~ Central Coast California
Moonstone Beach in Cambria.
I decided to change it up this week and keep my readers from getting bored with my predictability and do a three day trip with friends instead of solo local jaunt on the weekend. I hope you will enjoy journeying with me and my friends as we drive up the California coast from Studio City to Cambria and spend a few days on the Central Coast of California.
I wish you could feel the breeze, smell the sage, taste the wine and feel the sun on your face and hear the sound of laughter as we frolicked our way through these three days but failing that I hope you enjoy my pictures and little snippets of our adventures.
Solvang the little Dutch town with its fabulous bakeries and fudge. We decided to take a quick detour off the 101 freeway to stretch our legs, grab a coffee and a sweet treat and renew our acquaintance with this quaint town after 20 plus years.
A bit late for lunch but we finally made it San Luis Obispo and ate at a restaurant right by the creek; a large pan of paella shared by our group and then a quick walk to settle our food before heading out to our final destination not just for the day but for the next couple of nights.
I had spent a full day in San Luis Obispo when I came on the Amtrak in May but it was fun to walk through the main drag with my friends and watch their expressions of disgust as I pointed out bubblegum alley and other landmarks along this area.
Lots of laughter, some walking and stretching and good food along the way and we were finally at Moonstone Beach our address for the next two nights. Once we had checked in and put our names down for dinner we decided to go for a walk along the ocean front.
A leisurely start the next morning for three of us while my energetic friend Geeta put in a brisk 3 mile early morning walk along the boardwalk. Finally we were caffeinated and ready to get started on our day in Paso Robles. As we drove along the highway 46 and saw the beautiful wineries and appreciated the beautiful views we couldn’t help but compare these to similar scenery in France, Italy, etc.
On the plus side of the pandemic we have a much better appreciation of the beauty in our own backyards.
First stop wine tasting at this lovely winery in the winding hills near the town of Paso Robles. What a fabulous experience sitting out in this glass enclosed patio with the doors open, a balmy breeze blowing, the scent of the herbs growing and the sound of humming birds providing music as we tasted our first wines for the day.
Lunch in downtown Paso Robles in this lovely garden setting. A delicious farm to table culinary experience. We were fortunate that the 100 plus degree temperatures had come down the mid 80’s making our day even more enjoyable.
As we wrapped our day we made a quick stop at the Sculpterra gardens to admire the bronze and granite sculptures from artist John Jagger that grace the gardens of the winery. We also stopped to admire the iron decorations from master blacksmith Bob Bentley that decorate the entrance to the winery and tasting rooms.
To put the final flourish on a wonderful day the Sensorio field of light exhibit designed by artist Bruce Munro. Of course with our luck there was a problem with their system and each of the stations had to be manually turned on to get the lights operational.
It was worth it as we walked along the field of lights and also to the area where the newer towers of light are exhibited. What might have improved this experience multifold is if there was music that accompanied the lights.
Alas all good things come to an end so after brunch and a walk along the quaint streets of the town of Cambria we reluctantly boarded the car for the drive back towards home.
Trying to delay the inevitable, we added one more quick stop on our return journey. The beautiful town of Morro Bay and a walk along the embarcadero before we settled in the car to battle Friday afternoon traffic in pockets and head on home. Thank you to my friend Niki who took her car and drove us around for these three days as we offered but not very convincingly to help her with the driving.
It seemed like everything came together for a fun filled three days. As they say “A good friend listens to your adventures but best friends make them with you” We definitely have stories to tell on this Monday and they’re all good.