Hiking the Skyline Ridge Preserve
The Santa Cruz Mountains, and the surrounding areas, contain hundreds of miles of trails. To explore them all would take a lifetime of hiking, if not many lifetimes. The Skyline Ridge Preserve is one of the many Nature Preserves in the Santa Cruz Mountains that is well worth a visit on your next weekend away. …
The Cremer House
The Cremer House is a restaurant and bar known for its delicious tap selection, artisan eats, and it’s rustic yet refined atmosphere. The Cremer House is a must see location for anyone stopping through downtown Felton. With hardwood floors, dozens of windows, and a wrap around porch, The Cremer House is perfect for afternoon respite…
Winter Hikes in the Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains in winter are a mystical thing to behold. The redwood forests are dense and lush. Moss covers the surface of every tree, the cold mountain air sits densely in every canyon, making your breath fog up even in the middle of the day. Noises are softer when the undergrowth comes in…
Meditate at the Vajrapani Institute
Retreat offers a situation where it’s possible to fulfill our basic human potential and develop all the positive qualities within ourselves. Lama Zopa Rinpoche The Santa Cruz Mountains hold many secrets. Spend a lifetime wandering the silent green paths and you’ll still be discovering it’s treasures after many years. The Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture…
The Alchemists at Cinnabar Winery
When a rich patch of soil is blessed with a splash of sunlight and just the right dose of rain, a small miracle occurs: vines break through the earth and grapes come bursting forth. cinnabarwinery.com Cinnabar Winery blends the hard science of winemaking, with the delicate magic of nature’s growth to create truly delightful wines….
Stay at Fern River Resort – Feels like a Summer Camp
Nestled behind Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, just off the ever meandering highway 9, lives Fern River Resort. Fern River is a charming gathering of cabins in the redwoods fit for large family vacations, weddings, or even just a romantic getaway for two. Fern River Resort was founded in 1929, years after a boulder containing…
Abandoned Lime Kilns in Santa Cruz County
They are quiet now. Ferns, mosses, and lichens cling to their stone walls. Shrubs and vines cascade over their buttresses. Trees sprout from their floors. Nature is slowly laying claim to Santa Cruz County’s historic lime kilns. Lime Kiln Legacies If you’ve ever hiked in the Santa Cruz Mountains, you may have wandered upon these…
Bouldering at Castle Rock State Park
Rock climbing. Over 4.6 million people tried this sport in 2015 and the numbers have only increased in the last few years. If you’re one of the newly converted rock climbing enthusiasts in the area, you should definitely check out bouldering at Castle Rock State Park. California is known for its granite, but Castle Rock is…
Best Spots to Camp This Summer
It’s officially summertime in the Santa Cruz Mountains! The summer sun is drying everyone out after a rainy spring, the flowers are in full bloom, and those shady hiking trails have never looked so inviting. With the UCSC students out of town and the locals reclaiming the area, many people are looking around for summer…