Cambria
Growing up, my family spent many summer vacations on the central coast. Unfortunately, I don’t remember many of the younger years as we moved to Washington and Idaho and didn’t visit as often. My first memory of the central coast was in college, visiting my grandparents and taking me to Hearst Castle. Afterward, we drove to Morro Bay, had lunch at Breakers, and shopped at the Shell Shop.
Once I moved to Nevada, my mom and I would make annual or bi-annual visits to the central coast, usually staying in Cambria. I visit enough; both kids have been in the local ER, once for an ear infection and the other for dehydration due to the flu.
We spent most of our time hanging out at the house or the beach. We weren’t ocean front, but a block away to still hear the waves. We were also a block from the entrance to Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, my favorite place for a morning walk.
My little one’s favorite times were playing games with Grandma or making jewelry. They made countless necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and Tibetan bookmarks which will be sold at a holiday craft fair to raise funds for helping women and children.
My little one also loved hunting for seashells and sea glass to use in multimedia art projects. Our next favorite activity was eating our way through the central coast.
Nitt Witt Ridge
Art Beal purchased the property in 1928 and spent 50 years building his castle on the hill. He was a trash collector and used items others threw away to make his home. The stairs are lined with abalone shells.
I was hoping to tour the house, but it is fenced off. So it appears tours are a thing of the past. I was sad not to see the toilet seat window portal. It reminds me of Nevadas Thunder Mountain in Imlay.
Cambria Jail 1888
There is always something new to find, even in a familiar place. On this trip, I came across the Cambria jail, built in 1888. I couldn’t see inside, but the building didn’t look hospitable; the only openings were the door and a small barred window.
Morro Bay
We spent several days in Morro Bay. On the first day, we visited the Museum of Natural History, which was small but had good information about local ecology. It also had an exhibit on WWII on the Central Coast. I didn’t realize the sandy beaches around Morro Bay were used to train for Normandy. There was also a display on Japanese Internment camps, including pictures of Manzanar, which I visited a few years ago.
The first day following the museum, we shopped and ate at one of our favorite restaurants, Dutchman’s Seafood House. The rest of the menu looks wonderful, but we always opt for a bowl of clam chowder, topped with crab and shrimp.
I went back to Morro Bay with my little one for a morning of kayaking to visit the sea lions and otters. After a month of canoeing the Boundry Waters, my little one has impressive water skills, but she prefers a canoe to a kayak. We finished the morning picking out succulents.
Harmony
Harmony was founded in 1869 as a creamery for the region’s dairies. Harmony Valley Creamery Association was a leader in the region for fifty years. The tiny town was also a popular stop for visitors to Hearst Castle. Following the creamery’s closure, the town declined. Today, the signs are famous for “Population 18.” We love visiting Harmony Glass Works and Harmony Pottery Shop.
Harmony is now a popular wedding destination.
A new addition since our last visit was the Harmony Valley Creamery ice cream truck, where we started lunch with ice cream. We all agreed that it was some of the best ice creams we have ever had. They also added a food truck with wine and a selection of globally inspired lunches; it is on my list for next summer.
Cayucos
Captain James Cass settled Cayucos in 1867. Along with his partner, Captain Ingals, they built the famous pier, a store, and a warehouse. The strange name Cayucos means kayak or canoe. Cayucos is one of the few beach towns my mom swears hasn’t changed in over fifty years.
We spent most of our day hanging out on the beach. My little one loves collecting seashells and sea glass. We always end our trip at the Brown Butter Cookie Company.
San Simeon
We spent our final day in San Simeon, I can’t imagine a better way to end the trip! Even if I’m not looking for Nevada history, it finds me. Who knew Hearst Ranch would tie into Nevada history?
I selected San Simeon for our final day, thinking it would be less crowded on a Monday. After stopping at the new Elephant Seal Visitor Center, we headed to the beach.
We were out of food and tried to get lunch at the historic Sebastion Grocery Store, built in 1852. Finding it under remodel, I drove around and saw a sign for Hearst Winery. To have a table by the ocean, you have to be wine tasting, so what is a girl to do?
The winery has a selection of charcuterie and snacks but also a food truck with amazing entrees like delicious seared ahi tuna tacos. My little one ate so much between the tacos and finishing Grandma’s triple burger that she only wanted a nap. My mom and I enjoyed a cooling rose by the pier and warehouse built in 1878.
My mom was the one who remembered that the family made their money off the Comstock Lode before starting their newspaper dynasty. The Hearst family also built the Mackay Mansion, which I have visited several times. I also learned my grandfather worked on Hearst’s vehicles.
Maybe I need to plan a trip to explore Nevada’s history and influence on the Central Coast?
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