National Parks

Big Sur - California Travel Route 1

Carmel Courtyard © Alice Joyce

Recently returned from a fascinating trip to Monterey County ~ taking in the awe-inspiring beauty of Route 1 and the Big Sur coastline.

Carmel Courtyard © Alice Joyce

A room with a fireplace and ocean views in Carmel pretty well guarantees relaxation! It’s a quaint town. Easy to kick back and revel in great meals, once you’ve chosen from the countless restaurants in town and nearby.

Hahn Wine Tasting © Alice Joyce

Continue reading California Travel: Route 1 to Big Sur

National Parks

Morro Bay

Morro Rock -   Photo © Alice Joyce

The Morro Bay State Park is a relaxing spot to enjoy ocean vistas, people watching, and a bit of beachcombing, while the bay offers a commanding approach to Morro Rock and numerous photo ops of the iconic form. Check out Google maps for intriguing satellite views of the park and the rock. Quieter still and beautifully serene is the lagoon area’s saltwater marsh, a place where nature buffs will want to spend time identifying the many shorebirds. Just past the marina you’ll find the parkland’s Museum of Natural History.

Continue reading Morro Bay: Paso Robles to the Pacific

California Wine Country

Cass Winery: Wine & Food Pairings

Cass .. Paso Robles

Setting up a tour of the Paso Robles AVA with The Wine Wrangler opens up a world of choices for tasting the region’s panoply of varietal wines.

Cass Wine Tasting Room

On my personalized tour with Coy Barnes who operates The Wine Wrangler with finesse, a visit to Cass Vineyards & Winery placed high on my wish list. Cass being one of the only area wineries where wine and food

Continue reading Wine and Food Pairing: Cass Vineyard