The Gateway to Magnificent Hearst Castle®
Transcription
The Gateway to Magnificent Hearst Castle®
2011 - 2012 The Official Visitors Guide Cambria, California • CambriaChamber.org The Gateway to Magnificent Hearst Castle® Index Activites & Entertainment .....10 Art Galleries.............................5 Artist’s Colony .......................14 Business Services ......................7 Clothing ..................................7 Coastal Discovery Center.......25 Coffee in Cambria .................40 Cycling in Cambria................34 Demographics..........................2 Elephant Seals........................22 Fiscilini Ranch .......................18 Food & Dining......................15 Gifts & Specialty Items ..........19 Health & Wellness .................23 Hearst Castle ........................44 Historical Society...................28 History of Cambria................36 How to Get to Cambria...........8 Live Theatre...........................16 Lodging .................................27 Moonstone Beach ..................38 Moonstones ...........................24 Piedras Blancas Light Station ...6 Real Estate .............................35 Reasons to Visit .....................20 Street Map .............................43 Tidepooling & Wildlife Viewing Etiquette..37 Visitors Facts............................9 Visitor Services ......................38 Weddings & Special Occasions39 Welcome to Cambria ...............3 Wine Tasting..........................41 The Cambria Magazine Published annually by The Cambria Chamber of Commerce 767 Main Street - Cambria, CA 93428 805.927.3624 www.CambriaChamber.org 2011-2012 Cambria Magazine Designed & Produced by Nancy McKarney Diversified Graphic Design 805.927.0491 www.McKarney.com Ad Sales by Nancy Carr 805.909.0441 Live .pdf version of this document available at www.cambriachamber.org with links to advertiser sites. 1 Cambria Demographics ASSESMENTS: Call the county assessor: (805) 781-5643 or 1-800-834-4636. INDUSTRY: Tourism, agriculture, real estate, light industry, services. CLIMATE: Mild - 50-70 degrees. No smog, seasonal fog. Normal rainfall 20”-25”. Some pollens, in fall and spring. POPULATION: Estimated 6,426. Median Age 52 Households 2878 Businesses: 482. The majority comprised of specialty items, clothing, unique gifts, gourmet foods, art galleries, restaurants, lodging, massage, spa and beauty. ELEVATION: Sea level to 200 feet GOVERNMENT: San Luis Obispo County (unincorporated area). County Sheriff protection. Official Guide of the Cambria Chamber of Commerce, (805) 927-3624 • 767 Main St. Cambria, CA 93428 Produced by McKarney & Carr • www.CambriaMag.com Ad Sales: Nancy Carr • 805.909.0441 • thecarrs@fix.net Publication Design/Layout: Nancy McKarney • 805.927.0491 • www.McKarney.com Cover Photo & Cover Design: Nancy McKarney, Diversified Graphic Design Services Interior Photos by Nancy McKarney, Brett White, John Crippen, Megg McNamee, Carole Adams, Alan Forrest, Cathy Wilson & Nancy Carr The information in this publication has been gathered and carefully compiled in such a way as to ensure maximum accuracy. The Cambria Chamber of Commerce, and McKarney & Carr, cannot and do not guarantee the authenticity of all of the information furnished them, nor the complete absence thereof. Thus, no responsibility for omissions and errors can be, or is, assumed. Please support the businesses that have purchased advertisements in this publication. Area Code 805 unless otherwise noted. © 2011-2012 Cambria Chamber of Commerce. • All Rights Reserved Publication 2 Welcome to Cambria Cambria, Within Reach, Yet a World Apart on the California Central Coast S ometimes being off the radar has its advantages, as is evident in the village of Cambria on the California Central Coast. Here, the scene evokes an earlier era of coastal California, when life was more in sync with the peaceful rhythms of the adjacent Pacific Ocean. The noise and stress of urban life have yet to intrude, as if ashamed to get near such natural beauty. In Cambria, even the food slows down—because there’s not a fast food chain to be found. Visitors discover that Cambria, in fact, has several attributes in common with Carmel, its famous neighbor 100 miles to the north, such as rugged beaches, forested knolls and a quaint village brimming with bistros, art galleries and specialty shops. But the similarities happily end there. Cambria has resisted the conformity of big brand stores. Cambria is always thriving but never crowded. It’s not a place to spend hours on your cell phone. Rather, it’s a place that will make you forget about your cell phone. Poets, writers, musicians and painters continue to set the town’s cultural tone, which favors eclecticism over commercialism. Cambria is conveniently situated along coastal Highway 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles, but it wasn’t always so easy to reach. When stagecoach service first came to the town in 1867, poor roads meant that it took eight hours to travel just 30 miles to San Luis Obispo, a town to which many locals now make an easy commute. From 1919 to 1947, the biggest show in town was the creation of nearby Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which today is a major visitor destination operated by the California Department of Parks. Crowds of workers came to build the castle and serve the glittering guests of newspaper titan William Randolph Hearst. Legend has it that Hearst himself once purchased the entire stock of a local market that still operates today. While no longer isolated, Cambria still remains, in many ways, a world apart. For this reason, Cambria is a popular destination for those who want to get away from it all, if only for a weekend. Some decide to stay and call it home, such as legendary jazz saxophonist Red Holloway, who discovered Cambria in 1985 while driving down the coast after performing at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Holloway is one of several notable musicians who make regular appearances at a local lounge. Yet for all of its natural quietude, Cambria is also close to a variety of exciting experiences. The Paso Robles wine country begins 15 miles to the east, while the bustling harbor of Morro Bay is 15 miles to the south. The entrance to Hearst Castle is in San Simeon just six miles to the north. Four more miles up the coast is the Piedras Blancas lighthouse, which overlooks a rare breeding ground for massive elephant seals. The seals, which weigh up to 5,000 pounds, can be viewed from the bluffs. continued next page 3 Welcome continued... Back in the village, the hungry traveler is in luck, as Cambria is home to a gourmet food and wine experience that is shaped by local farms, fresh seafood and wineries. An eclectic array of restaurants serves a variety of styles, including Italian, Pacific Rim, Mexican, Seafood, Contemporary Comfort and Global Cuisine. Wine enthusiasts can also discover local flavors at wine shops and tasting rooms in the village. Lodging is plentiful in Cambria. One can stay near the ocean on Moonstone Beach or be in the center of the village in a cozy bed and breakfast atmosphere. Moonstone Beach offers breathtaking views of the ocean. An extensive boardwalk makes it easy to traverse the wild shoreline and reach the dazzling beach below. The adjacent village is home to several bed and breakfasts, inns and motels that are just a short stroll from shops and restaurants. The arts also abound in Cambria, which is no surprise considering that so many artists call the community home. More than a dozen art galleries feature original paintings, sculptures, glassware and crafts. Our live theaters earn rave reviews for their dramatic performances. Specialty shops, garden nurseries, antique stores and cafes also make it easy to meander casually around Cambria, while adventurous types will find plenty of hiking and biking opportunities in the surrounding hills. Local companies offer guided kayak tours of nearby coves, as well as surf lessons. While there is so much to see and do in Cambria, the temptation to just sit back and relax is always present. After all, few places make it so easy to renew the soul and reawaken the spirit. 4 Art Galleries Explore over 20 Antique Stores & Art Galleries. The following are just a few who support their community through this magazine. Bronze, Silver & Gold 4044 Burton Drive .....................................927-5421 Cambria’s best in selection & value. Exquisite jewelry & original art in Cambria’s east village. www.bsgcambria.com Casa de Oro Jewelry 4090 Burton Drive #5 ..............................927-5444 Local custom gold & silver jewelry. Specializing in pearls & opals. Melanee Sylvester Gallery 724 Main Street ...........................................927-5450 www.melaneesylvester.com See ad page 4 Moonstones Gallery 4070 Burton Drive #4 ................................927-3447 www.moonstones.com See ad page 4 Patricia Griffin Studio & Gallery 880 Main Street ..........................................924-1050 Working pottery studio & gallery in a former one-room schoolhouse. www.PatriciaGriffinStudio.com Teresabelle Gallery 766 Main Street ..........................................927-4556 www.teresabellegallery.com See ad page 4 5 Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area L ighthouses have a special appeal. They are usually constructed in scenic, rugged locations. The image of a lighthouse casting a beam to safely guide mariners is one of strength, stirring feelings of hope and reassurance. The lighthouse at the Piedras Blancas Light Station is no exception. It has been guiding mariners for over 136 years. Although the structures have been ravaged by weather and age, the site is being restored to its former glory. The Piedras Blancas lighthouse was originally 100 feet tall. Today it stands at 70 feet. What happened? Earthquakes over the years caused damage to the structure. Following an earthquake on the last day of 1848 the upper part of the tower was removed. The first order Fresnel lens was relocated to Cambria, where it can now be viewed next to the Veteran’s Memorial Building. In 2001 management of the light station was turned over to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Tasked by the public to restore the site to its period of greatest historical significance, the BLM has made great progress within the last several years. Several support structures have been restored or reconstructed. Attention is now focused on generating the necessary funding to restore the lighthouse. The Piedras Blancas Light Station Association (PBLSA) is the non-profit partner for the Bureau of Land Management. In addition to restoration of the structures, and thanks to a tremendous volunteer effort, native vegetation has been restored to Point Piedras Blancas. An exciting result is the increase in the numbers of native animals seen. Public tours of the Piedras Blancas Light Station encompass the scenic beauty and the historic elements of the Piedras Blancas Light Station, as well as spectacular opportunities for viewing wildlife. Come listen to the sound of the sea and to sea lions barking. Look for whales and sea otters. Discover how lighthouses played an important role as aids to navigation. The Piedras Blancas Light Station is located 6 miles north of Hearst Castle at San Simeon, California, along scenic Highway One. For information on Piedras Blancas Light Station www.piedrasblancas.gov (BLM website) or www.piedrasblancas.org (PBLSA website) PUBLIC TOURS September 1 to June 14 Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays except federal holidays. June 15 – August 31 Monday through Saturday except federal holidays. Meet at the former Piedras Blancas Motel, located 1.5 miles north of the light station, at 9:45. Do not wait at the gate to the lighthouse! For special arrangements, or for groups of 10 or more, please call 805-927-7361 or email PiedrasBlancasTours@gmail.com. Adults $10, children 6-17 $5, no fee for age 5 and under. 6 Business Services Cambria has over 100 Business Services. Listed are some of those ready to serve you. Cambria Hardware & Lumber 2345-B Village Lane ..................................927-4650 We have just about everything you need, & then some! Gerber Auto Services 2421E Village Lane ...................................927-8444 For all your automotive needs. Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm McColloch Consulting 2450 Main Street Ste E ..............................927-5993 See ad this page Mel's Lock & Key 2580 Pineridge ..........................................927-4250 Bonded, licensed, insured. Old Cambria Market Place/Carwash 589 Main Street .........................................927-8877 See ad page 2 The Cambrian 2442 Main Street .......................................927-8652 Your weekly source for Cambria, San Simeon & Harmony news. www.thecambrian.com Clothing Cambria offers over 12 unique clothing stores. Here are a few you can try on. Gallery of Wearable Art at the Porte House 4015 West Street .......................................927-2492 www.g-o-w-a.com See ad this page The Place 2336 Main Street #A .................................927-1195 Quality casual women’s clothing & accessories at affordable prices. Open daily. www.theplacecambria.com 7 How to get to Cambria At the foot of the scenic Highway One/Big Sur coast, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, is the quaint seaside village of Cambria. An artist’s colony nestled in a forest of towering Monterey Pines, Cambria offers visitors sophisticated restaurants, art galleries, antique and specialty shops and scores of nearby wineries. Just six miles south of world renowned Hearst Castle, this picturesque village has a variety of motels, inns, bed and breakfasts and vacation home rentals. Cambria is known for the friendliness and hospitality of its residents, as well as its beauty. A leisurely pace and country village atmosphere are the town’s main attractions, particularly for urban residents seeking a quiet, romantic getaway By CAR: Cambria is located 240 miles north of Los Angeles and 240 miles south of San Francisco on U.S. Highway 1. Coming South: From Highway 101, take Highway 46 West. Turn right, north, on Highway 1. Coming North: From Highway 101 at San Luis Obispo take the “Highway 1 Morro Bay/Hearst Castle” exit and follow north to Cambria. By AIR: The San Luis Obispo County Airport is 35 miles south of Cambria. Car rentals are available at the airport. By TRAIN: An Amtrak train station is located in San Luis Obispo, 35 miles south of Cambria, as well as in Paso Robles, 30 miles east of Cambria. Car rentals are available in San Luis Obispo, and a county bus runs between SLO and Cambria. 8 Cambria Visitor Facts AREA CODE: 805 BANKING Rabobank, Heritage Oaks, & Bank of America. NEWSPAPERS The Cambrian ~ 2442 Main St. Weekly, on Thursdays. .................................927-8652 Home delivery of San Luis Obispo Tribune & Los Angeles Times TV - RADIO Charter Communications provides cable (800) 640-6959 or ......................................544-2688 Local FM radio station, KTEA 103.5 MAIL SERVICE Cambria U.S. Post Office located at Main & Bridge Street. Home delivery, or you can choose to rent a post office box and enoy a daily trip to pick up the mail, see old friends and hear the news. RECREATION Hiking trails, bicycling, surfing, kayaking, tide pools, beach-combing, rock hunting and fishing. Lawn bowling, tennis, picnic facilities, public swimming pool are all part of the year-round recreation opportunities in Cambria. PARKS & CAMPSITES San Simeon State Beach Park (1 mile north of Cambria) day & overnight use (No Hookups). For day use Shamel Park offers an outdoor swimming pool (open in summer), picnic tables, barbecue areas, a wide expanse of lawn and a great place for a cook-out or a romp on the beach. Leffingwell Landing State Picnic Grounds on Moonstone Beach Drive also has barbecue areas, picnic tables and tide pools to explore. William R. Hearst State Beach in San Simeon (just 6 miles north) is another fun place to spend an afternoon. You will find barbecue areas, picnic tables, a great swimming beach, and a pier. CHURCHES Baptist, Catholic, Christian Science, Presbyterian, Episcopal and Unity. ARTS & CULTURE Numerous organizations engage in a spectrum of cultural activities. Allied Arts Association, Pewter Plough Playhouse, Garden Clubs, Instrumental Music Ensembles, Writer’s Club & Adult Recreation Center all supply year-round events. The Annual Cambria Art & Wine Festival, at the end of January, is the perfect time to enjoy much of what makes Cambria such an interesting and rich community. PUBLIC LIBRARY Located at: 900 Main St., Cambria...............927-4336 Internet Access. MEDICAL Family Practitioners, Optometrist, Psychologist, Chiropractors, Dentists, Blood Draw services, Paramedic and Ambulance Services, Home Health Services available. Hospitals: Cambria is served by three facilities: Twin Cities Hospital – Templeton (25 miles inland), Sierra Vista – San Luis Obispo (35 miles south), French Hospital – San Luis Obispo (37 miles south). TRANSPORTATION The regional bus system - San Luis Obispo RTA - has exact timetables and fare information at www.slorta.org. Bus information is 541-2228 and general information is 781-4472. The RTA regional Route 12 offers service to Hearst Castle. The Castle is served by three round trips Monday through Saturday. Rental cars available in San Luis Obispo 35 miles south. SHOPPING & DINING Cambria has a full range of shops and services for visitors and residents. You will find retail specialty shops, restaurants for every taste, art galleries, gift and antique shops, wine tasting, clothing stores, hardware stores, markets, gas stations, auto repair, home furnishings, spas, beautiful nurseries and garden shops. WIRELESS CONNECTIONS Many of the hotels and coffee shops offer internet access via a wireless connection. www.CambriaChamber.org 9 Entertainment ANNUAL EVENTS Attend Barbecues, Car Shows, Festivals, Art Shows, Live Music, Wine Tasting, Running, Hiking, Special Events & Holiday Celebrations. Listed are just a few, visit the Chamber website for complete listings: cambriachamber.org January August Art & Wine Festival.......................cambriaartwine.org Elephant Seal Festival..........................elephantseal.org Art & Adventure Auction .........greenspacecambria.org La Fiesta de Santa Rosa ..................santarosaparish.org February September Western Dance Jamboree ............cambriachamber.org Pinedorado Days ...............................pinedorado.com Cambria Follies ..................................pinedorado.com Pinedorado Waffle Breakfast...............pinedorado.com Pinedorado Car Show....pinedorado.com/carshow.htm 5k Pinedorado Fun Run .....................pinedorado.com Pier to Point Kayak.....................www.ncoronline.com March Sunset At San Simeon .........................elephantseal.org St. Patricks Day Dinner .................legionpost432.com Archeology Walk ....................cambriaranchwalks.com April Easter Egg Hunt.............................legionpost432.com Chili Cook Off & Car Show ........cambriachamber.org Sculpture by the Sea .....................campoceanpines.org Wildflower Show ................................ffrpcambria.org Fairie Festival.................................heartseaseshop.com May Cambria Garden Tour.............cambriagardentour.com Music Recital & Tea.....................cambriachamber.org Wine Festivals .................................Stay on the Coast Garden Extravaganza...............cambriapineslodge.com June Country Coast Bike Ride .........countrycoastclassic.org Business Showcase........................cambriachamber.org Heritage Days..................cambriahistoricalsociety.com July Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks .................................cambriachamber.org Rotary Rides Again................cambriarotarysunrise.org 927 Non-Traditional Art Show....artistsofcambria.com Great Kitchens of Cambria ..................ffrpcambria.org October Hearst Castle Evening Tour ................hearstcastle.com Scarecrow Festival ...........cambriahistoricalsociety.com Harvest Festival ..............cambriahistoricalsociety.com Open Studios Tour ...........................sloartscouncil.org Viva Las Vegas Casino Night ................VivaRotary.org Oktoberfest ............................cambriaoktoberfest.com Forever the Ranch Event......................ffrpcambria.org November Cambria Holiday Boutique ..........cambriachamber.org Local Restaurants offer wonderful Thanksgiving Feasts December Holidays in the Pines ..................cambriachamber.org Month long celebration includes • Festival of Trees – Decorated Tree Auction • Hospitality Night – Village Open House • Christmas at the Market Place • Cambria Chorale Concert • Christmas at Hearst Castle • Children’s Christmas Party • Christmas Concert at the Santa Rosa Chapel MONTHLY EVENTS 10 • Famous Jazz Series ..................www.talsanmusic.com • Piedras Blancas Lighthouse Tour .lighthousefriends.com • Hearst Castle Tours, Daily ...............hearstcastle.com • Hearst Castle Theater Giant Screen, Daily ...............hearstcastletheater.com • Farmer’s Market, Every Friday - 1000 Main Street and Activities ANTIQUE STORES A variety of antique stores scattered thoughout the village loaded with past treasures and incredible finds! BEACHCOMBING & TIDEPOOLS Moonstone Beach, Cambria’s magnificent public parklands, with miles of rugged coastline, is a beachcomber’s paradise. The beach is covered with tiny, smooth semiprecious stones and there are tide pools teeming with life. Take a walk on the wonderful new boardwalk or go barefoot in the sand. DAY USE PARKS In Cambria, Leffingwell Landing, at the north end of Moonstone Beach Drive, offers magnificent coastline views, picnic tables, restrooms and beach access. Shamel Park, adjacent to Moonstone Beach on Windsor, has a large, protected grassy area, playground, horse shoe pit, picnic tables and BBQ’s for day use. The swimming pool is open in the summer. In San Simeon Cove, William R. Hearst State Beach has picnic areas, public restrooms, and a pier. FISHING William R. Hearst State Beach, just 7 miles north of Cambria, has pier fishing and two fishing boats available for full or half day trips. Winter whalewatch excursions are also available. Rock and surf fishing is permitted along Moonstone Beach at various locations. GALLERIES, SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS All along the main street and short side streets of both the East and West Villages, you will find charming gift shops, art galleries, antique malls, specialty shops, and fine restaurants – many of which have live music. Every Friday from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, at the Veterans’ Hall Parking Lot - 1000 Main Street, you can visit our famous Farmers Market offering local produce and fresh seafood as well as homemade gourmet delicacies. ELEPHANT SEALS can be seen on the beaches south of the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, 10 miles north of Cambria. These creatures include the great blubbery males with pendulous noses that give these beasts their name; winsome females whose faces seem etched with a smile and the endearing babies with big, round eyes. Birth and breeding season is at its peak in January and February, with pups being born and big guys fighting for breeding access. For more information call 924-1628. HEARST CASTLE® Hearst Castle® is open for tours all year except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Four separate tours are required to cover all of the 165 room estate. Tour One is recommended for the first time visitor. All tours begin at the Castle’s Visitor Center located just off Highway One, six miles north of Cambria. Reservations are recommended. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-444-4445. 11 Entertainment & Local Activities HEARST CASTLE® THEATER Experience the giant 5-story tall screen and incredible digital surround sound, located at the Hearst Castle® Visitor Center, six miles north of Cambria. The theater shows “Hearst Castle, Building the Dream” and other features periodically. Call the theater at (805) 927-6811 for more information. LIVE THEATRE Two theaters present year-round plays and entertainment in unique and professional venues; everything from classical to original productions. See details; “The Central Coast Atists Colony” on page 14. OVERNIGHT CAMPGROUNDS San Simeon State Beach, just a few miles north of Cambria, has overnight spaces all year round. For reservations at State Parks call 1-800-444-7275. RECREATION In addition to fishing, recreationalists will find surfing, windsurfing and swimming in the ocean along local beaches. There are many hiking trails and a historic walking tour of the village. Bicycles can be rented locally and for the golf enthusiast there are wonderful courses nearby. Kayakers enjoy the waters along local beaches. Kayaks are available for rent. Another local tradition is the Cambria Lawn Bowls Club. Located downtown at 950 Main Street, this fun-loving group welcomes visitors to try their hand at this Old World sport. They even offer free lessons! SANTA ROSA CREEK ROAD Enjoy this idyllic country road lined with working cattle ranches, orchards and farms. For a scenic ride, take the Cambria to Cayucos loop which begins at Santa Rosa Creek Road, at the east end of Main Street in Cambria, crosses Highway 46 at midpoint and ends at Highway One in Cayucos. MARINE LIFE Gray whales can be seen migrating south from late December to early February, and north during March and April. Excellent sites for whale watching include Leffingwell Landing and Moonstone Beach. Cambria is the southern gateway to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Along Moonstone Beach you will see seals basking in the sun and sea otters frolicking in the waves. Just north on Hwy 1, Elephant seals haul out along the beach to calve and mate. Visit San Simeon Bay Coastal Discovery Center for information and exhibits about the rich natural history of the area. For more information 805-927-6575. NIT WIT RIDGE This charming home is an example of folk art architecture, listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Built in 1928 by Art Beal, also known as Captain Nit Wit, Nit Wit Ridge has been featured in many national publications and on television. Located at 881 Hillcrest, take Cornwall off Main Street in the West Village to see it. 12 SAVOR THE CENTRAL COAST Nestled midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Sunset's Savor the Central Coast event will celebrate the beauty and the bounty of this unspoiled and largely unexplored part of the Golden State in an incredible four-day experience. The event showcases area winemakers, chefs, and artisanal food producers. continued next page Entertainment & Local Activities continued Editors of the Sunset magazine, as well as celebrity chefs, will guide attendees through unique culinary tours, oneof-a-kind winemaker dinners, historic excursions and amazing culinary showcases. Stay in Cambria and enjoy the cool ocean breezes after an exciting day at this event. For complete details visit: www.savorcentralcoast.com WINERIES It’s great fun to visit Cambria’s local wine shops where you can taste many, varied and interesting wines from local wineries.Take a day tour of the more than 60 wineries and 200 vineyards that dot the hillsides nearby. You’ll enjoy tasting award winning wines and a beautiful drive on the pastoral, country roads. Entertainment & Activities Cambria Farmer’s Market 1000 Main Street ........................................924-1260 See ad this page Hearst Castle 750 Hearst Castle Road .......................800-444-4445 www.hearstcastle.com See ad outside back cover Hearst Castle Theater 100 Hearst Castle Road ..............................927-6811 www.hearstcastletheater.com See ad outside back cover Joslyn Recreation Center 950 Main Street ...........................................927-3364 www.joslynrec.org See ad page 39 13 A Central Coast Artists’ Colony C ambria is often referred to as an artist colony, a place where a wide variety of arts are united by a strong sense of place and community. Indeed, according to an article in San Luis Obispo’s NewTimes, Jazz journalist Francesca Nemko even coined the term “jazz colony” to describe Cambria’s world-class collection of jazz musicians who play regularly at a local haunt. But jazz isn’t the only art that Cambria has cornered. The village has become home to artists from the world over who specialize in painting, sculpture, glass work, jewelry and even wearable art. Many of them have public galleries that inhabit some of Cambria’s most historic and captivating structures. 14 Resident artists often say that the area’s stunning natural beauty is what first attracted them to Cambria, and that it never ceases to provide inspiration. They add that they also stay because of the chance to interact with such a wide range of other artists. The Wednesday Irregulars is an established group of area artists who meet weekly at different scenic spots along the coast. Here they create, discuss and critique while enjoying a picnic meal. They welcome visitors to the group, too! Reflecting Cambria’s out-of-the-way location, local art gallery prices tend to be significantly lower than those in other coastal communities. Both collectors and casual shoppers appreciate this perk. Cambria also boasts an active and accomplished theater scene that is surprising for a community of just 6,500 people. Both the Theater at the Old Grammar School and the Pewter Plough Playhouse are respected for their concerts, musicals and plays. See articles page 16. Brimming with character and characters, these venues offer year-round performances in enjoyable settings, and are bolstered by the dedicated and enthusiastic talent that has happily landed in little Cambria. Food & Dining Of the 35 gourmet restaurants & specialty foods throughout our village we list a few for you to taste. Allocco's Italian Bakery 1602 Main Street .......................................927-1501 www.alloccos.com See ad this page Bob & Jan's Bottle Shop 2292 Main Street .......................................927-4909 See ad this page Cambria Coffee Roasting Company 761 Main Street .........................................927-0670 www.cambriacoffee.com See ad this page Caren's Corner 755 Main Street .........................................927-1161 See ad page 19 Dragon Bistro - We Deliver! 2150 Center Street .....................................927-1622 See ad page 17 Indigo Moon 1980 Main Street .......................................927-2911 www.indigomooncafe.com See ad this page continued on page 17 15 Live Theatre in Cambria The Pewter Plough Playhouse Since 1976 “The Jewel Box of Community Theatres” 824 Main Street. ne of Cambria’s most entertaining attractions all year ‘round, is the PPP founded 35 years ago by Jim and Olga Buckley; and JB is still Artistic Director and was recently honored by the American Association of Community Theatres with its Distinguished Merit Award for “development of the highest standards for community theatre”. The PPP is not only known for the professional quality of its productions but for the artistic atmosphere of the theatre itself. “The most unique theatre on the central coast”, said Dave Congalton, the popular local KVEC Radio Host. A small sampling of well-remembered shows includes: I’m Not Rappaport, Painting Churches, Love Letters, Shirley Valentine, Steel Magnolias, On Golden Pond, Born Yesterday, Wally’s Cafe, Driving Miss Daisy, Same Time Next Year, The Belle of Amherst, The Mousetrap, and the recent The Glass Menagerie. For the holidays, the PPP has presented a series of original musicals devoted to composers of the Great American Songbook, from Noel Coward to Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, the Gershwin’s and many more. The Pewter Plough Lounge serves wines and other refreshments in a cozy atmosphere just off the lobby and often features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. For current show reservations and info: 805) 927-3877 www.pewterploughplayhouse.org . The Playhouse is located at 824 Main Street, corner of Sheffield St, in Cambria’s West Village. O Allied Arts Association “Theatre Wing Cambria Center for the Arts” 1350 Main Street. he newly named “Cambria Center for the Arts” is located in the West Wing of the old grammar school on Main Street in Cambria. In 2009 Allied Arts and the school district contracted for the Allied Arts Association to lease that space, housing the Visual Arts Gallery and the Performing Arts Theatre. This has been an extremely beneficial move thereby allowing Allied Arts to become the Cambria Center for the Arts. The Visual Arts Gallery is open Friday through Saturday, visit the website for hours. 2011 is the Theatre Wing of Allied Arts’ first season of theatrical productions. Join us and let us entertain you in the magic of Theatre. Visit our website for information on our current offering www.ArtistsOfCambria.com T 16 Food & Dining Las Cambritas 2336 Main Street .......................................927-0175 See ad this page Linn's Restaurant 2277 Main Street .......................................927-0371 www.linnsfruitbin.com See ad this page Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill 6550 Moonstone Beach Drive ...................927-3859 www.moontonebeach.com See ad page 14 Robin's Restaurant 4095 Burton Drive ....................................927-5007 www.robinsrestaurant.com See ad page 16 San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill 9520 Castillo Drive ............................866-990-8990 or 927-4601 www.sansimeonlodge.net See ad page 32 Wild Ginger Cafe 2380 Main Street .......................................927-1001 www.wildgingercambria.com See ad this page 17 Hiking the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve A trip to Cambria is hardly complete without a visit to the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. This natural area of just under 440 acres in the heart of Cambria contains a vast network of trails; from a developed boardwalk to tiny tracks through the forest, allowing visitors a number of different strolling, hiking and biking experiences. The “Ranch”, as it is called by locals, has many access sites and is open to the public from dawn ‘til dusk every day of the year. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, and small neighborhoods on the north and south and the town of Cambria to the east. It is bisected by Highway One dividing it into east and west portions, connected by Santa Rosa Creek which provides a natural corridor for wildlife. It is home to a number of endangered species and species of special concern and so provides great wildlife viewing opportunities. The most popular trail is the one mile Bluff Trail which provides sweeping ocean views from near the dramatic ocean bluff. This trail is a continuation of the California Coastal Trail. It is a fairly flat, boardwalked and granite paved pathway that is ADA accessible. There is ADA parking at the north and south Windsor entrances. Otters, sea lions, and often, migrating whales may be seen 18 while walking this trail. Dogs must be leashed on this trail and bicycles must be walked here. You will meet many locals taking their morning constitutional on this trail. It has been dubbed the “Hi” road because so many friends and neighbors are seen chatting there. Many people like to make a loop and return by the Marine Terrace Trail. For a more solitary experience, a walk through the forest is just the ticket. You can access the rare and endangered Monterey pine forest at the Highway One, Tipton and Trenton entrances. These trails are smaller and less traveled. If you enter via Highway One, you will need to climb a fairly steep hill past the remains of the old Fiscalini Family dairy and homesite and cistern built in 1865. This back way into the forest will reward you with quiet and its own special charms. From this trail you can break out onto the 400-foot ridge, which will afford stunning views of the coast to Piedras Blancas to the north and almost as far as the Harmony Headlands State Park to the south. A map of all the trails may be picked up at the Cambria Chamber of Commerce, at either end of the Bluff Trail or by accessing the Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve website mentioned on the next page. continued next page Gifts & Specialty Items Cambria offers 80 gift & specialty item shops. Listed are a few to explore. A Matter of Taste in Cambria 4120 Burton Drive .....................................927-0286 www.amatteroftastecambria.com See ad page 18 Ball & Skein & More 4070 Burton Drive .....................................927-3280 Yarn, Knitting & Crochet supplies for over 30 years. www.cambriayarn.com Cambria Village Pharmacy - Toys & Games 2306 Main Street ........................................927-4236 See ad page 23 Caren's Corner 755 Main Street ..........................................927-1161 See ad this page Exotic Nature 783 Main Street ..........................................927-2517 Custom scented bodycare, clothing, jewelry, candles, unique gifts - Open Daily www.exoticnature.com continued on page 21 Hiking the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve continued... Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, the organization that watches over this much loved open space, conducts free once a month, docented walks that talk about some natural aspect of the preserve. To find out the walk topic, when it is scheduled and where it will begin, log on to www.cambriaranchwalks.com. The preserve offers a rare expanse of nature and solitude in the middle of this small town, almost a backcountry experience. It is common to see adults, children and dogs enjoying the tranquility of one of the last untouched public open spaces on the California coast. It is also within walking distance of many visitor accommodations and Cambria neighborhoods. For more information about the Ranch or Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, call (805) 927-2856 or visit www.ffrpcambria.org. 19 An Alphabet of Reasons to Visit Cambria California A rt studios and galleries are many in Cambria and often the artist is in the store or studio as is the case with the Melanee Sylvester Gallery and Patricia Griffin Studio. Stop in to talk inspiration and view their work. B ike riding is a favorite among many locals and visitors. We have mountain biking trails and country roads to explore. If you didn’t bring your own, you can rent your wheels in town. C offee Houses… this conjures up thoughts of sitting, sipping and socializing. Try Cambria Coffee Roasting Company on Main Street. D ay spas offering facials and massages are just the ticket to complete your time here to relax and rejuvenate. Check out those listed under Health and Wellness and call for an appointment. E lephant Seal rookery. We are so fortunate to have this extremely unique and wonder of nature in our own backyard! Take a short trip up the coast (about 8 miles) and let the knowledgeable docents answer your questions. F ood, food, food! Cambria and San Simeon serve up an amazing array of dining delights – from awesome pizzas to gourmet dinner fare. Please visit our many establishments listed on the food and dining pages 15 and 17. ayak rentals are offered at the cove in San Simeon at W.R. Hearst State Beach. Or cast off in your own and explore the caves and beaches not accessible by land. P iedras Blancas Light Station is a family must see. This historic lighthouse perched on the rugged coast about 8 miles up the coast is in the process of being restored and tours are available. Mor information ive theater is now on page 6. presented at two venues uaint homes and busiin Cambria. See feature nesses are featured on articles on page 16. the Cambria Historical oonstones are the Society’s historic walk signature stones that through East & West are searched for and coveted Villages. Stop by their ift shops are to be when found. Take a walk Museum at Burton Drive explored in both East on the sand along Moonand Main Street – they have and West villages. There is stone Beach Drive and see booklets available describing something for everyone, so if you are one of the lucky our historic buildings. don’t go home empty ones! handed! ature photography what a perfect place to learn or, refine your talents. From the beach, to the Santa Lucia Mountains, wildflowers, historic buildings, interesting people and family fun. agged Point is just a quick 30 minutes up orseback riding is the coast and an awesome, seasonal, available easy drive. Once there, you between May and October. can stroll through their grounds, gape at the fantasWerks Giant Screen tic view, enjoy a meal or Theater, located at Hearst even stay overnight. Castle, has daily showings of Hearst Castle: Building urfing is a favorite water the Dream – the story of sport around our beaches. William Randolph Hearst’s As far north as Ragged quest of creating “The Point on down to Cayucos, Enchanted Hill”. Additional you will see wet-suited information may be found surfers of all ages testing at hearstcastletheater.com. cean fishing is allowed their skills on the waves. ogging is another popuwithout a license off lar form of exercise prac- the pier in San Simeon. ticed on all roads and streets Surf fishing is also popular around town. along our beaches. L Q M G N R H I S J 20 K O T hrow on some sensible or hiking shoes and take to the many trails offered on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, San Simeon Beach Campground, Strawberry or Fern Canyons or the boardwalk along Moonstone Beach Drive. the Veterans’ Hall parking lot to sell their fresh goods at the Cambria Farmer’s Market. Come sample the bounty! W ine tasting is offered throughout the Village of Cambria, with about a dozen places to sip and savor. Some favorites are featured on our Wine/Tasting page 41. X tra friendly and helpful staff to make your stay special & memorable. U nwind at one of our many lodging establishments. From quaint to fancy, from dog friendly to adult only, we have THE place for you to stay. Take your pick from our lodging facilities listed on pages 27 thorugh 33 and enjoy! And then come back! GOWA Creative Arts 4009 West Street......................................... 927-1005 www.g-o-w-a.com See ad page 7 Linn's Gourmet Goods 4241 Bridge Street. ..................................... 924-1064 www.linnsfruitbin.com See ad page 17 Old Cambria Market Place/Carwash 589 Main Street ..........................................927-8877 See ad page 2 Y Paws on Main Art Rubber Stamps 816 Main Street ..............................927-PAWS(7297) Rubber stamps and accessories for the creative mind and imagination! Z Sweet Offerings 4070 Burton Drive .....................................927-9300 www.sweetofferings.net See ad this page our furry friend will love Cambria’s dog park! Located at the South/East end of town. Open daily. ebras may be seen on your right as you drive north towards Hearst Castle and Ragged Point. They are probably one of endors of locally the most photographed grown, fresh produce sights of our area after the show up every Friday, Castle and the Elephant between 2:30 & 5pm at seals. V Gifts & Specialty Items Teresabelle Gallery 766 Main Street ..........................................927-4556 www.teresabellegallery.com See ad page 4 21 Elephant Seals A large and growing colony of northern elephant seals has made the beaches just south of the Piedras Blancas lighthouse their home base. North Coast visitors have an up-close view as the seals give birth, mate, molt and play. Mother Nature’s free show, which can be safely viewed from a large boardwalk, on the south side of the parking lot and a walkway at the north end of the lot, changes with the seasons as seals of different ages come and go. Blue-jacketed volunteer docent guides from Friends of the Elephant Seal are there to explain to visitors what’s going on at the moment. Winter is the peak season of seal activity. The huge males, looking like prehistoric monsters and weighing up to 5,000 pounds, begin arriving from their Alaska migration in late November. They put on a good show as they bellow in booming, echoing voices, chase each other and fight for territory on the beach. The pregnant females start arriving in December. Each alpha male reigns over his territory, surrounded by a harem of from 30 to 40 females. Each female delivers one black pup, weighing about 60 pounds. The pups are born from By Joan Crowder mid-December to early February, and visitors may be lucky enough to observe a birth during that time. About 4,000 pups were born last year. The females head out to sea after mating, leaving their fat weaned pups, called weaners, on the beach. The youngsters don’t know how to swim or forage for food, and during the months they are learning to swim, they live off the fat gained while nursing. In March, most of the adults, having fasted for months, are far out to sea, feeding again. The big males are headed back to Alaska, and the winsome, wide-eyed weaners are still on the beach, playing and teaching themselves to swim. Some of these little guys are still there in April when the females and juveniles, from ages one to about five, return to molt. The seals shed a layer of skin once a year in what is called a catastrophic molt. They look scruffy and tattered when they arrive and silvery and sleek in their new duds when they leave after four to six weeks. They come and go in a sort of musical chairs sequence of ages and genders. There are many seals on the beach in early spring, but they are pretty quiet. continued on page 24 22 Health & Wellness Cambria offers over 20 health & wellness experts. Listed are some for you to relax with. Amethyst Healing Center 704 Main Street ..........................................927-1700 Holistic Healing and Massage for the Mind, Body and Spirit! www.amethysthealingcenter.com Cambria Drug & Gift 2222 Main Street ........................................927-7283 See ad this page Cambria Massage 7432 Exotic Gardens Drive ....909-7665 or 927-5159 Integrated Hot Jade Massages, Facial’s & Galvanic Treatments. Coming soon Aquatic Therapies. www.cambriamassage.com Cambria Village Pharmacy - Toys & Games 2306 Main Street ........................................927-4236 See ad this page Diva Day Spa 250 San Simeon Avenue ..............................927-4252 Cavalier Plaza - San Simeon Full Service Salon & Spa. Open 7 days. www.divadayspaonline.com El Colibri Boutique Hotel & Spa 5620 Moonstone Beach Drive .............805-924-3003 Designed to Inspire Serenity and Rejuvenation www.elcolibrihotel.com continued on page 25 23 Elephant Seals continued... Some of the females and juveniles are still there in late May when the subadult males come in to molt. These boys are fun to watch because, like most adolescent males, they like to show off, posture and play-fight. To visitors who haven’t seen adult males, these young guys look big and tough, but they are juvenile versions of the adult males that return to molt in July. In September and October some of the young seals return, this time just to rest. Early fall is the time of year when the fewest seals are on the beaches. But visitors may see harbor seals, sea otters, or dolphins, and they will always be greeted by friendly ground squirrels and maybe a little bush rabbit or two. The office of the non-profit Friends of the Elephant Seal is in the Cavalier Plaza in San Simeon, where books, videos, T-shirts, photographs, cards and other items are available. For more information call the office at 924-1628 or visit www.elephantseal.org Moonstones T he beautiful, white and translucent stones found on Cambria’s beaches are called moonstones by the locals. Moonstone, or chalcedony, is formed in the earth by patient dripping of water through the ages. It is swept down the streams into the ocean where it is tumbled and polished by our turbulent surf along our rocky coast. The ancient Greeks believed the stone to arouse the most tender of passions and were convinced that the stone foretold the future and could guide a person in making decisions. With its beautiful silvery light and mysterious qualities, the moonstone is truly a wonderful treasure reminiscent of Cambria. Cambria moonstones are also called white agates and may be found along the beaches from San Simeon Cove south to Moonstone Beach. photo by: Elizabeth Bettenhausen 24 Health & Wellness Frank Fratto, DDS 2150 Main Street #4 ...................................927-4811 See ad page 23 Moonstone Day Spa 7432 Exotic Gardens Drive..........................927-5159 Offering Professional Facials & Chemical Peels, Body Polishing, Massages, Manicures/Pedicures. www.moonstonedayspa.com Sojourn Healing Arts Center 2905 Burton Drive .....................................927-8007 www.sojournspa.com See ad this page The Cambria Connection 870 Main Street ..........................................927-1654 A Community Resource Center. Events and 12 step schedules on-line. www.thecambriaconnection.org Therapy By the Sea 816 Main Street (upstairs) ...........................927-2956 www.cambriadayspa.com See ad this page The Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay T he Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay is an interactive interpretive center cooperatively operated by NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and California State Parks. The Center is located at historic William R. Hearst Memorial Beach in San Simeon and is open to the public free of charge from 11am to 5 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and most holiday Mondays. There are many things to do at the Coastal Discovery Center; listen to a talking tidepool, feel the fur of a sea otter, listen to the sounds elephant seals make at a rookery, explore the history of San Simeon Bay, learn about sunken ships, underwater volcanoes, and make your own microscope slide to see what lives in a drop of sea water. Knowledgeable volunteers will help you earn a Jr. Ranger badge, lend you a pair of binoculars to look for sea otters and whales off of the pier, or lend you a Family Adventure Pack to explore the park with self-guided activities! History of San Simeon Bay tours are offered the first Sunday of each month from 11am to 1pm. School group programs are also offered and arranged by appointment at (805) 927-2145. For more information about hours and special events, call (805) 927- 6575, or visit our website at; montereybay.noaa.gov/vc/cdc/welcome.html 25 26 Lodging Cambria offers over 50 unique & very special lodging sites. Listed are some where you can rest your head & luxuriate in the ambiance of Cambria. Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort 9415 Hearst Drive ............................................927-4688 or 800-826-8168 www.cavalierresort.com See ad page 26 Blue Dolphin Inn 6470 Moonstone Beach Drive .........................927-3300 or 800-222-9157 www.bluedolphininn.com See ad page 26 Bluebird Inn 1880 Main Street ..............................................927-4634 or 800-552-5434 www.bluebirdmotel.com See ad this page Cambria Inns 6252 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-5600 or 800-222-9157 www.cambriainns.com See ad page 26 Cambria Landing 6530 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-1619 Ocean views jacuzzi suites, fireplaces, balconies, continental breakfast & complimentary wine! www.thecambrialanding.com Cambria Palms Motel 2662 Main Street ..............................................927-4485 www.cambriapalms.com See ad this page Cambria Pines Lodge 2905 Burton Drive ....................................800-966-6490 www.cambriapineslodge.com See ad page 29 Cambria Shores Inn 6276 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-8644 or 800-433-9179 www.cambriashores.com See ad Inside Front Cover continued on page 29 All area codes are 805 unless otherwise noted. 27 Look How Far We Have Come P reserving Cambria’s heritage has been an important part of the mission of the Cambria Historical Society, beginning with our purchase and restoration of the Guthrie-Bianchini House. The vintage home at the corner of Burton Drive and Center Street, just off Main Street, is now a period museum, and since opening in December 2008, has hosted more than 10,000 visitors. Ongoing litigation in one of California’s longest probates held the house in limbo and a state of deterioration until the Bianchini family’s estate was settled by court order. The Cambria Historical Society purchased the property in 2001, with the goal of creating a museum, heritage garden and a focal point for the historic area of early day settlement. The Society worked to restore the house after several years of planning and obtaining the necessary permits. The original “salt box” part of the house facing Center Street was totally disassembled, and all the items removed were carefully documented by members. Where possible, these parts were reused when the house was rebuilt, and others were used to fabricate duplicate parts. In July 2004, the largest portion of the house facing Burton Drive was lifted up on stilts, and a stem wall foundation was built for the entire structure. In October, the house was lowered into place and stabilized to prevent further deterioration; rehabilitation was then temporarily suspended due to lack of funds. In late 2005, a grant from California State Parks enabled CHS to resume work; and early in 2008, another grant from the Hind Foundation helped complete the 28 restoration. In October 2008, the San Luis Obispo County Planning Department issued a certificate of occupancy, and two months later, the Cambria Historical Museum opened for visitors and events. “Watch Us Grow! Our dedicated volunteers continue to maintain and develop the property and its environs. By creating a series of displays and exhibits, we provide locals and visitors alike with fresh perspectives on Cambria’s history, its successive industries, and the families who at one time made Cambria the second largest town in San Luis Obispo County. Come and visit the museum, which is open Friday through Sunday from 1 until 4, and Monday 10 until 1; admission is free. View the progress we made before and after construction, and learn about other structures in our historic area. Current exhibits tell the amazing tale of the construction of Highway One along the cliffs of Big Sur and the sinking of a World War II tanker off our nearby coastline. By creating the Wilfred Lyons Memorial Archive, we are using donations to properly preserve, store and exhibit Cambria’s irreplaceable treasures of the past, and we plan to make our information available for research. While you’re here, relax in our gardens and consider being part of our project by becoming a member, or contributing for a memorial picket in our fence or brick in the walkway. Become part of Cambria’s future. For more information about current and upcoming events, please go to www.cambriahistoricalsociety.com; or visit: www.cambriascarecrows.com continued page 32 Lodging Cambria Vacation Rentals 784 Main Street Suite A ...................................927-8200 or 800-545-5079 www.cambriavacationrentals.com See ad page 32 Captain's Cove 6454 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-8581 or 800-781-COVE Enjoy ocean breezes, smell the salt air. www.captainscoveinn.com Don Bricker Property Management 702 Main Street ................................................927-0177 or 800-464-0177 www.donbrickerproperties.com See ad page 27 El Colibri Boutique Hotel & Spa 5620 Moonstone Beach Drive ..................805-924-3003 Designed to Inspire Serenity and Rejuvenation www.elcolibrihotel.com J Patrick House 2990 Burton Drive ...........................................927-3812 or 800-341-5258 www.jpatrickhouse.com See ad page 27 Little Sur Inn 6190 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-1329 or 866-478-7466 www.littlesurinn.com See ad page 30 Moonstone Cottages By the Sea 6580 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-1366 or 800-222-9157 www.moonstonecottages.com See ad page 26 Moonstone Hotel Properties 2905 Burton Drive ...................................800-966-6490 www.moonstonehotels.com See ad this page continued on page 31 All businesses listed in this magazine are Cambria Chamber of Commerce members & support their community by advertising in this publication. Not all Chamber Members are represented. 29 30 Lodging Moonstone Landing 6240 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-0012 or 800-830-4540 www.moonstonelanding.com See ad page 30 Olallieberry Inn Bed & Breakfast 2476 Main Street ..............................................927-3222 or 888-927-3222 www.olallieberry.com See ad this page Pelican Cove Inn 6316 Moonstone Beach Drive...................800-966-6490 www.PelicanSuites.com See ad page 29 Ragged Point Inn 19019 Highway #1 ...........................................927-4502 www.raggedpointinn.com See ad this page San Simeon Lodge 9520 Castillo Drive....................................866-990-8990 or 927-4601 www.sansimeonlodge.net See ad page 32 San Simeon Pines Seaside Resort 7200 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-4648 or 866-927-4648 www.sspines.com See ad page 1 Sand Pebbles Inn 6252 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-5600 or 800-222-9157 www.sandpebblesinn.com See ad page 26 continued on page 33 31 Cambria Historical Society continued Annual Scarecrow Festival Fun: Amaze your family and friends! During the entire month of October take a trip down Main St. and many of the side streets in our village and see an indescribable array of hand-crafted scarecrows on exhibit in front of many businesses, homes, and in open spaces. Not just your garden variety scarecrow, there are story book characters, real life personifications, original creatures, and even animals to see and be seen with. What a photo op! Many folks have refined their techniques, building on a 3-year tradition which started with just 30 entries in 2009, expanded to 100 the following year, and promises to exceed that in 2011. continued next page 32 Cambria Historical Society continued Some originated in the imagination, and took on a life of their own. Each idea has inspired many others, and the sky’s the limit! Though most are actual-sized, there are many bigger than life, as well as some cute miniatures; watch for the Crow Awards displayed on the prize winning entries. Come and be prepared to be astonished by the originality and creativity throughout town. And don’t forget your camera! Lodging Sea Otter Inn 6656 Moonstone Beach Drive...................800-966-6490 www.SeaOtterInn.com See ad page 29 The Pickford House 2555 MacLeod .................................................927-8619 9 BR, 9 BA Beautiful Mansion! Perfect for family Reunions, Retreats, Weddings www.thepickfordhouse.com The Squibb House 4063 Burton Drive............................................927-9600 www.thesquibbhouse.com See ad this page Whispering Pines B & B 1605 London Lane ...........................................927-4613 Romantic, secluded & stress free. King bed, full breakfast & spa. www.whisperingpinesbedandbreakfast.com White Water Inn 6790 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-1066 www.whitewaterinn.com See ad this page Windrush 6820 Moonstone Beach Drive ..........................927-8844 Enjoy scenic coast, king bed, continental breakfast, TV, refrigerator. No smoking. 33 Cycling in and Around Cambria by: Alan Forrest, Cambria Bicycle Outfitter H idden away at the gates to the Big Sur Coast, amongst the coastal pines, is one of California's most scenic cycling areas. Cambria and the surrounding area offer rides for any ability or type of cycling. Whether your bike addiction requires 50 miles of pounding road and elevation climbs of 1,900 feet, or just taking the family on a healthy ride that may include tide pools or whale watching, our Cambria has all that you need and a whole lot more. “Scenic Highway One” is a major international bike touring route. Cyclists from all over the world pass through Cambria and the North Coast on their way to Canada, Argentina or further. Because of our Mediterranean climate, bicycle touring is year round. Whether you are roughing it or credit card touring, you will find that accommodations are the best. San Simeon campground has a hiker/biker discounted rate and there are hotels and a hostel that are bike friendly. The road riding here is epic. There are so many rides to choose from that you could fill a week's worth of road miles. Riding north on the Coast Highway you will see Historic Old San Simeon and Hearst Castle. Riding further north you will see one of California's biggest populations of elephant seals and zebras, as you then pedal past the historic Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. Many riders will brave the narrowing highway and continue to Ragged Point which offers unparalleled views of the Big Sur coastline. 34 Inland you will find Santa Rosa Creek Road which offers a gentle winding country road that will eventually take you to 1,900 ft. elevation in the Santa Lucia mountain range with spectacular views both north and south. Return by Highway 46 or continue to the little surfing village of Cayucos and come back by the Coast highway. Cambria is also a great staging area for rides east in the wine country of Paso Robles. Opportunities for mountain biking abound in and around Cambria. The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve offer trails suitable for all abilities, whether you are looking for technical cross country trails or just want to take the family out to enjoy the beauty of a pristine coastal pine forest or coastal tide pools. Biking to a picnic and being surprised by migrating whales is just one way to enjoy this grand open space. Southwest of Cambria, Montana de Oro state park offers miles of cross country trails. For a town of 6,000 people Cambria is really into cycling. Don't be surprised to be passed by someone twice your age! There are three bike clubs that offer rides almost every day of the week. Many large benefit rides either start or end their route in Cambria. The Ride to End Aids June 8th, The Country Coast Classic June 25th, the Best Buddies Challenge September 10th, the Lighthouse Century September 24th, and the SoCal Cross Prestige Series SLO Cross #2 at the Cambria Coast Union High School November 14th. Sanctioned professional and novice races include The Amgen Tour of California. This race is as big as the Tour de France and has come down our coast twice in the past five years. Real Estate Becky Adams - Coldwell Banker 702 Main Street ..........................................235-2258 or 800-223-3834 www.beckyadams.com See ad this page Cambria Pines Realty - Lance Morales 746-A Main Street .......................................927-8616 or 800-676-8616 www.cambriapinesrealty.com See ad this page Jack Posemsky Real Estate 718 Main Street ..........................................927-4777 www.jackposemsky.com See ad this page Jan Lloyd - Barnes & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty 743 Main Street ..........................................927-9700 or 203-5136 www.CambriaCoastalProperties.com See ad this page Manya Brett - Coldwell Banker 702 Main Street ..........................................927-5000 or 800-223-3834 www.cambria-realestate.com See ad this page 35 Cambria History by Dawn Dunlap Chumash and Plano Salinan Native Americans lived in our area for centuries before the first European visitors, Don Gaspar de Portola and his men camped along Santa Rosa Creek on Christmas day 1769. Under Spanish rule, our area was part of the lands of Mission San Miguel. After 1836, the Mission lands of California were secularized and distributed by the Mexican government under a land grant system. Rancho Santa Rosa was granted to Don Juliano Estrada in 1841. The Estrada family lived on a part of the Main & Bridge Rancho for fifty years. Twelve thousand acres of the original grant were transferred by foreclosure and sale in 1864 to Don Domingo Pujol, a San Luis Obispo attorney/businessman and in 1865 and 1890 the remaining 1,200 acres were sold to Senator George Hearst. In 1866, Don Pujol subdivided his share into lots and sold them to eager settlers and land speculators. The Hearst family established a trotting horse ranch (including a track) on their portion; eventually subdividing and selling portions to adjacent landowners in the 1930s. In 1866, Peter Forrester suggested the growing settlement be named Cambria, after Cambria County, Pennsylvania. In the 1860s through the 1880s, Cambria was a boom town of four simultaneous booms: Cinnabar (Quicksilver) By 1876, The sixth largest quicksilver mine in the world was established four miles east of town; Lumber The pine on the surrounding hills was harvested and milled to supply building material for throughout the county; Whaling in San Simeon The hunting of whales and the processing of their fat (oil) and bones was an active industry for over twenty years and Agriculture fruit orchards, wheat and barley fields, swine and dairy farms were established in every valley and watershed. In 1880, Cambria was the second largest town in our county with 2 churches, 4 merchandise stores, 5 saloons, several two story hotels and the largest social hall in the county. In 1889, an accidental fire burned down the commercial center of town. Some residents rebuilt but 36 Burton Drive many moved to Paso Robles and San Miguel in anticipation of the new railroad service. Portuguese, Swiss and Canadian immigrants began buying businesses and farms. Chinese sea lettuce farmers and Japanese abalone divers and processors worked and lived along the coast. Butter and cream from north coast dairies sold in San Francisco for a premium; the city’s newspapers nicknamed our county “cow heaven”. Dairying began fading in the 1930s and 1940s; replaced with grazing beef cattle. In 1917, State Senator Elmer Rigdon, a Cambria native sponsored the bill to construct the coast road from Carmel to Cambria. Its construction took 16 years (1921-1937) and cost nine million dollars. In 1920, William Randolph Hearst began building a new grand residence on a hill overlooking San Simeon Bay. Its construction and maintenance brought many workers and new residents to Cambria. When the State of California took possession of the property, as a public park, it was opened as “Hearst Castle”. In the late 1920s, the Taylor family sold one of their ranches to the Jones Brothers of Hollywood who subdivided the ranch into small lots for seasonal cabins and built a new town west of Cambria (complete with a hotel, restaurant, bar, beauty salon, gas station/garage, town hall and putt putt golf course) and called their resort destination, “Cambria Pines”. From 1900 until 1955, Cambria’s population was consistently about 700 residents. Two factors greatly changed the once isolated town, the opening of Hearst Castle and the construction of Highway 46. Visit the Cambria Historical Society’s web site for additional information, photos and upcoming events: www.cambriahistoricalsociety.com West Village 1950 Tidepooling & Wildlife Viewing Etiquette entral California is home to one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems which are protected by both CA State Parks and NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). In addition, State Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in San Simeon and Cambria are part of a statewide network which offer the protection and conservation of marine life and habitat. By following simple wildlife viewing etiquette rules, you will help us to preserve and maintain our precious natural resources, while setting a good example for generations to follow. Animals found in tidepools have adapted to the tidal fluctuations, but not to human disturbance. Recommended tidepool locations in San Simeon and Cambria: All recommended sites are within Marine Protected Areas which offer protection of the intertidal plants and animals: Leffingwell Landing Day Use Area, Moonstone Beach. Marine mammals such as harbor seals, sea lions and elephant seals share our beaches and rocky shoreline. They are protected from harassment or disturbance by state and federal laws. The best year-round elephant seal viewing is located at the vista point 4.5 miles north of the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. As you tidepool, please; • Avoid stepping on animals. • Find footholds on bare rock. • Leave everything where you find it. • Do not collect anything. • If you peek under a rock, put it back the way you found it. • If you sit quietly and look closely, you will see much more. • For your own safety, NEVER TURN YOUR BACK to the ocean. • Always check weather conditions & tides before tidepooling! If you see a marine mammal; • Do not touch, pick up or feed any marine mammals. • Observe the animal from a distance of at least 50 feet. • Human disturbance adversely affects the health of mothers & pups. • Keep dogs away from marine mammals - diseases & parasites may be transmittable. • Call the Marine Mammal Center if you suspect a marine animal is injured; 805-771-8300. • Call Pacific Wildlife Care if you suspect a bird or land animal is injured: 805-543-9453. C 37 Moonstone Beach & Neighbors W ith its abundance of natural splendors and peaceful coastal ambiance, Cambria is the perfect place to invigorate the body, renew the soul and reawaken the spirit. One of Cambria’s most popular outdoor attractions is its newly expanded 8,000-footlong boardwalk trail that winds along the coastal bluffs above Moonstone Beach. Here, couples, families with strollers, senior citizens and pet owners walking their dogs all soak up the fresh sea air and stunning views of the Pacific. Remarkable sunsets inspire romantic evenings and thrill photographers. Picnickers and hikers at Leffingwell Landing Park at the north end of Moonstone Beach Drive enjoy beach access and picnic tables, and are even sometimes greeted by migrating whales. Shamel Park located on Windsor Boulevard just south of Moonstone beach is another bustling spot with sports fields, a playground, picnic tables and a swimming pool open during the summer months. Another favorite spot is Andy’s Park, a beautiful privately maintained and landscaped park on Park Hill, at Guildford and Worcester Drives. Ocean kayaking, swimming, windsurfing, diving, and kite flying are some of the many activities that abound. Meanwhile, on the inland side of Highway 1, San Simeon Beach State Park offers camp sites, a eucalyptus grove and hiking trails that range from moderate to challenging. The Fiscalini Ranch properties offer still more cherished land that has been set aside for the public’s enjoyment. The ranch offers immaculate hiking trails along the bluff and into the woods. See page 18 for more details. Visitor Services Cambria Chamber of Commerce 767 Main Street..........................................927-3624 A .pdf version of this magazine is available on the Chamber website with live links from the ads and text. www.CambriaChamber.org St. Paul's Episcopal Church & Quiet Garden 2700 Eton Road ........................................927-3239 Services 1st Sunday: 9:30 am; All others: 8 & 10:30 am www.stpaulscambria.org SeeCambria.com .......................................927-0491 Photos of the beautiful Cambria area available as notecards or fine prints. www.SeeCambria.com Welcome Map ...........................................927-1382 Fun & Colorful Birds-Eye view Map of Cambria & surrounding areas. www.WelcomeMap.biz 38 Weddings & Special Occasions Cambria offers over 25 wedding and special occasion planners & suppliers. Listed here are a few to consider for a perfect, romantic wedding or special event. All Phase Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235-7151 www.allphasephotography.com See ad this page Cambria Bride & Finery East Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .924-1505 www.cambriabrideandfinery.com See ad this page Cambria Pines Lodge 2905 Burton Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-966-6490 Nestled between towering pines and the sea, our historic 152-room property features stunning wedding venues, theme gardens, restaurant, onsite catering, and lodging ranging from hotel-style rooms to luxurious cottagestyle honeymoon suites. www.cambriapineslodge.com See ad page 29 Indigo Moon - Rehearsal & Reception Dinners 1980 Main Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .927-2911 www.indigomooncafe.com See ad page 15 Joslyn Recreation Center & Event Hall 950 Main Street ...........................................927-3364 www.joslynrec.org See ad this page 39 Coffee Lovers Love Cambria by Tom Walsh, Cambria Coffee Roasting Company W e here on the California Central Coast are lucky to be in the heart of one of the state's most vibrant areas for coffee production. And though many people likely recognize Cambria and surrounding communities for the high quality wine that is made here, coffee bean roasting and brewing is rapidly on the rise toward becoming a trademark of local excellence. Many similarities exist in the process of making these distinct and delicious local drinks. In the process of creating a great cup of coffee or glass of wine, the person responsible for crafting them must master a delicate balance of art and science in order to create the best quality product. And just as someone with a sophisticated and trained palate may be able to identify a wine made from grapes grown in a certain region, the same can be said for coffee. Each geographic area where coffee beans are grown has a unique flavor profile, similar to the locally grown grapes that comprise our award winning Cabernets, Chardonnays, and Viogniers. Ultimately, though, coffee beans are only as good as a roast master can make them. One's deftness in the ability to coax the finest flavors from a bean is what makes the best cup of coffee. This is much like how our favorite wines are perfected by a skilled winemaker. Because certainly if the process of making great wine or coffee didn't demand a lot of talent, we would all do it! It is in the roasting process that the roastmaster develops each coffee's unique flavors through a precisely controlled roasting process. The raw beans are heated for an exact amount of time at the perfect temperature necessary to achieve the desired flavor. Over the course of a mere 15 minute process, coffee beans are roasted to the low or mid-400 degree mark, as the roastmaster controls how quickly the beans are brought to the desired temperature. And once the beans arrive at the preferred temperature they are dumped quickly into the cooling bin from the roasting chamber. Only after extensive trials and tastings is an experienced roastmaster 40 able to craft the correct flavor of a coffee through the roasting process. Cambria and the Central Coast is becoming a haven for those who love coffee. Located on a stretch of beautiful coast between the hectic urban environments of San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Central Coast offers an escape opportunity to those looking to enjoy life moving at a more leisurely pace. And the cozy confines of Cambria are some of the most inviting to come enjoy the highest quality local coffees. Our coffee houses and local roasters offer a great opportunity to spend some time enjoying the chance to relax and chat with friends, both old and new. Those of us in the greater Cambria coffee community want to share our passion for a great cup of coffee, or fine espresso drink, with the world. Here we are different than the large corporations that mass-produce coffee. We don't buy into the philosophy that one cup serves all. Let us show you that coffee can be more than just a drink. It can be a gateway, opening into the culture of one of our state's most beautiful areas. So come to Cambria. And let us show you that if you need a great cup of joe, this is the place you need to go. Wine/Tasting Black Hand Cellars 766 Main Street ............................927-9463 (WINE) Offering outstanding red wines & 1920’s stories that go with the “speak easy” theme of the tasting room. www.blackhandcellars.com Fermentations 4056 Burton Drive (East Village).................927-7141 Taste & buy local wines! Gift baskets, picnic indulgences & home decor. Open Daily 10 am www.fermentations.com J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines 6169 Airport Road ......................................239-8900 jlohr.com See ad inside back cover Moonstone Cellars 801 Main Street Suite C ..............................927-9466 www.moonstonecellars.com See ad this page The Wine Line - Wine Tours .....................610-8267 “Hop On, Hop Off ” Wine tasting shuttle service in the Paso Robles’ Wine Country. www.HopOnTheWineLine.com Enjoy 12 tasting sites in Cambria and, over 100 tasting rooms within 35 miles of Cambria’s Main street. Cambria Wine Tasting... N owhere is the Central Coast lifestyle reflected more beautifully than in Cambria. Strolling down its quaint streets, amidst the hills and pines, you’ll find unique experiences on every corner. The crashing waves of Moonstone Beach, the elegant restaurants, the one-of –a kind art galleries, shops, and of course, the wine! Starting in the West Village, stop in at Moonstone Cellars and taste award-winning vintages and swap stories and tips with Grape Stomper Todd. He is serving up seriously delicious wines in a not-so-serious atmosphere. It’s always fun and inviting, and the wines, spectacular! Across the street, visit Black Hand Cellars. Winemaker Tom brings his vast wine industry experience to some pretty hefty blends and delicate dessert wines. Reminiscent of the 1920’s “Speak Easy”, Black Hand brings a rich history to its wine selection. As you make your way into the East Village, plan to visit Indigo Moon for delicious sandwiches, salads, and By Jill Turnbow, Moonstone Cellars Cambria’s best selection of cheeses to pair with their eclectic wine list. And further into the East Village, you’ll find Fermentations on Burton Drive. Fermentations offers a tremendous selection of winerelated gifts and home décor. They also feature some gourmet goodies, and of course, wine tasting! And if you plan on filling your day with wine tasting, indulge in stress-free transportation. The Wine Line is a low-cost shuttle service that offers professional drivers in air-conditioned passenger vans that tour the Paso Robles Wine Country, comfortably and safely. The perfect way to get to J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines and sip their wine as you enjoy the view of their vineyards. The Wine Line serves Cambria, San Simeon and other areas in the county. However you choose to visit our charming community, savor all we have to offer. From world class restaurants to award-winning wines, Cambria is one of the most unique get-a-ways on the California coast! 41 A Adams Street. ...................C3 Alban Place ......................C2 Amherst Place ..................C2 Andover Place...................B2 Ardath Drive. ............C2, C3 Arlington Street ................B2 Arliss Drive ......................C3 Ascot Court......................B2 Ashby Lane.......................A2 Astor Avenue....................C2 Atwell Atreet ....................C1 Avon Aveneue ..................C2 B Banbury Road ..................C2 Benson Avenue.................C2 Berwick Drive ..................C2 Bixby Street......................C2 Blythe Place......................B2 Bradford Circle ................C3 Bradford Place..................C2 Bradford Road .................C2 Brand Place ......................C2 Bridge Street.....................B2 Brighton Lane ..................A1 Bristol Street.....................B1 Bryan Place.......................B1 Buckingham Place ............B2 Buckley Drive. ...........A1, A2 Burton Circle ...................B2 Burton Drive. ............B2, C2 C Camborne Place...............C2 Cambria Road ..................B2 Cambria Pines Rd.......A1,A2 Cambridge Street..............B1 Canterbury Lane ..............A1 Cardiff Drive....................C2 Castle Street .....................C1 Center Street ....................B2 Charing Lane. ..................A1 Chatham Lane..................A1 Chelsea Lane ....................A1 Chester Lane ....................C2 ChIswick Way ..................A1 Cornwall Street.................B1 Coventry Lane..................A1 Cowper Street. .................C2 Croyden Lane...................A1 Downing Avenue. ............C2 Drake Street ..............C1, C2 Dreydon Avenue ..............C2 E Ellis Avenue .....................C2 Emerson Road..................C2 Emmons Road. .........C1, C2 Ernest Place...............C2, C3 Eton Road. ................B3, C3 Evelyn Court ....................A2 Evensong Way ..................B2 Exeter Lane ......................A1 Darby Lane ......................A1 DeVault Place...................B1 Dorking Aveue .................C2 Dorset Street ....................B1 Dovedale Avenue..............C2 Dover Lane.......................A1 42 M H MacLeod Way............B2, C3 Madison Street. .........C1, C2 Main St..........B1, B2, B3,C3 Malvern Avenue. .......C2, C3 Manor Way ......................B2 Margate Avenue................B2 Marjorie Place. ..........C2, C3 Marlborough Lane .....C1,C2 Martingale Road...............B2 McCabe Drive .................C3 Melrose Avenue................C2 Merlyn Avenue. .........C2, C3 Mills Street.......................C3 Moonstone Beach Dr........A1 Murray Place ....................B1 I Nault Avenue ...................C2 Newhall Avenue. ..............C2 Newport Avenue ..............C2 Newton Drive. .................B2 Norfolk Street...................B1 Northampton Street .........B2 Norton Lane ....................C2 Norwich Avenue ..............C2 Nottingham Drive. .............2 F Fallbrook Street ................C1 Fern Drive........................C2 Finney Road.....................C3 G Gaines Street ....................C1 Gleason Street. .................C3 Green Street. ....................C3 Greystone Way..................B2 Grove Street .....................B2 Guildford Drive................B1 Haddon Drive..................C2 Hartford Drive.................C2 Harvey Street ...................C1 Hastings Street .................B1 Heath Lane.......................B1 Hillcrest Drive..................B2 Holden Place....................C2 Hudson Avenue ...............C3 Huntington Road. ............B1 Iva Court..........................B2 Ivar Street.........................C1 J Jean Street ........................C1 K Kay Street ........................C2 Kathryn Drive. .................A2 Kendal Lane .....................A1 Kenneth Drive .................C2 Kent Street. ......................A1 Kerry Avenue. ..................C2 Kerwin Street. ..................C1 Knollwood Circle. ............B2 Knollwood Drive..............B2 L D Leona Drive. ....................C2 Leonard Place...................C2 Linden Court. ..................C3 London Lane....................C3 Londonderry Lane. ..........C3 Lucille Avenue..................C2 Ludlow Avenue. ...............C2 Lyle Avenue...............C2, C3 Lampton Street..........C1, C2 Lancaster Street ................B1 Langton Street..................C2 Latham Place....................B2 Laurel Place......................C2 Lawson Place....................C2 Leighton Street. ...............B1 N O Oakhurst Drive. ...............B2 Ogden Drive ....................C2 Orin Place........................C3 Orlando Drive .................C1 Orme Place.......................B2 Orville Avenue .................C2 Orville Place.....................C2 Oxford Avenue.................C2 P Patterson Place .................B2 Pembrook Drive ...............B1 Pickwick Lane. .................C3 Pierce Avenue...................C2 Pine Court. ......................B2 Pine Knolls Drive .............B2 Pineridge Drive ................C3 Pinewood Drive................B2 Piney Way ........................B2 Pitt Place..........................C2 Plymouth Street................B1 Preston Street .................. C3 R Radcliff Avenue................C2 Ramsey Avenue ................B2 Randall Drive...................C2 Richard Avenue .............. C2 Rodeo Grounds Road .........B2 Rodman Avenue...............C2 Rogers Drive.................... B2 Romney Drive................. C2 Roscoe Place.....................C3 Ross Road. ......................C2 S St. James Road. ...............C2 St. Thomas Avenue ..........C2 Sandown Place. ................C2 Santa Rosa Creek Rd. ......B3 Schoolhouse Lane. ...........B3 Sheffield Street. ................B2 Sherwood Drive. ..............C1 Skye Street. ......................B2 Smith Court. ....................B2 Somerset Way...................A1 Spencer Street...................C3 Stafford Street...................A1 Stuart Street ..............C2, C3 Suffolk Street....................B2 Sunbury Avenue......... A2,B2 T Taft Place ........................ C2 Tamson Drive.................. B2 Tipton Street................... C2 Trenton Drive ..................C2 Tully Place .......................C2 Tweed Avenue ..................C2 V Victoria Way. ...................C1 Village Lane ...............B2, B3 W Wales Road. ....................C2 Wall Street........................B2 Wallace Avenue .........C2, C3 Wallbridge Drive ..............B1 Warren Road....................C2 Warwick Street .................A1 Wedgewood Street ..........C1 Wellington Drive............. A1 West Street. ..................... B2 Weymouth Street..............A1 Whitehall Avenue. ............B1 Wilcombe Road ...............C2 Wilton Drive. ...................B2 Windsor Blvd North ........B1 Windsor Blvd South.........C1 Wood Drive. ..............B2, B3 Worcester Drive................B1 Y Yorkshire Drive.................B2 1 2 3 A Cambria B ©2010 Aldridge Designs C www.CambriaChamber.org 43 Visit the Wonder of Hearst Castle In 1865, George Hearst, a wealthy miner, purchased 40,000acres of ranchland that included the Mexican Ranchos of Piedras Blancas, San Simeon and Santa Rosa. In 1919, his only son, William Randolph Hearst, inherited the land from his mother, Phoebe Apperson Hearst. By then the ranch had grown to encompass 250,000 acres. Originally known as "Camp Hill," its wilderness offered a place for family members and friends to "rough it" on camping trips. Despite elaborate arrangements with separate sleeping and dining tents, Hearst envisioned more comfortable accommodations. His simple instructions to famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan in 1919: "Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something" Hearst and Morgan's collaboration was destined to become one of the world's greatest showplaces. As they were planning and constructing his dream home, Hearst renamed the rocky perch from which it rose "La Cuesta Encantada" - The Enchanted Hill. By 1947, Hearst and Morgan had created an estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. The estate's magnificent main house, "Casa Grande," and three guest houses are of Mediterranean Revival style, while the imposing towers of Casa Grande were inspired by a Spanish cathedral. The blending of the architectural style with the surrounding land, and Hearst's superb European and Mediterranean art collection, was so seamless that world-renowned architectural historian, Lord John Julius Norwich, was moved to say that "Hearst Castle is a palace in every sense of the word." & Hearst Castle Theater Hearst Castle Theater at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center is a 5-Story screen theater showing the resident film “Hearst Castle, Building the Dream” as the companion film to Castle Tours. Guest films may be included in the Hearst Castle Theater schedule. These giant screen films, such as Everest, Whales, Grand Canyon, or Dolphins, are just a few of the films that have been part of our educational and interpretive programs. This original 40-minute movie begins every 45 minutes; first showing at 8:15 am. The last show of the day is usually at 5:15 pm in the off-season and 6:45 pm in the peak season with later show times for later tour schedules. Castle Tour Reservations: (800) 444-4445 Or Reserve Online: Hearst.ReserveAmerica.com Theater Information: HearstCastleTheater.com 750 Hearst Castle Road Six Miles North of Cambria, off Highway One Hearst Castle - Building the Dream 44 Hearst Castle - Building the Dream was produced exclusively for this Theater. Breathtaking original cinematography combined with vintage clips and stills from the 1920's and 30's allows visitors to experience the building and background of the Castle on a 5-story screen. This popular film is combined with Tour 1 as the Experience Tour ticket. For more information 927-6811, hearstcastletheater.com. 45 Find us
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