November is glorious in California. Not only has it been averaging about 22 degrees (with some days as warm as 28), there's such a great vibe. It's out of peak season so a lot quieter than it would have otherwise been, and everyone's gearing up for the holiday season, with Thanksgiving less than two weeks away.
There are some beautiful places down Highway 1 - and if you're in to your cars I'd recommend the route just for the drive alone. Never have I more enjoyed driving than down the quiet winding coastal road. Spectacular.
There are some real treasures along the way too. From the arcades of Santa Cruz, to the Farmers Market of Monterey (if you go, make sure you time it for the market on a Tuesday as the food stalls really are something else), beautiful, beautiful Carmel, to the shops and restaurants of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, the lovely beaches of Long Beach, Huntington, Newport and Laguna - you're spoilt for choice.
A trip to Hearst Castle is also worthwhile. An imposing structure sat on the hill, overlooking San Simeon. The original owner, media mogul, William Hearst took inspiration from Europe, particularly Spain, and included literally everything he wanted, from Roman-styled pools (indoor and outdoor), to Greek pottery, historic painted ceilings, tapestries. You name it, he had it. The castle was even surrounded by a private zoo! The estate is really well preserved, although the animals are no longer there, and it is fascinating to wander round. When I eventually have enough money to build my own castle I'll definitely be taking inspiration from this place.
No comments:
Post a Comment