Pacific Victorian Bed and Breakfast

Pumpkin Festival

41st Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
October 15 & 16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay celebrates its bountiful fall harvest with a fantastic lineup of  pumpkin patches, harvest-inspired crafts, home-style foods, expert pumpkin carvers, the Great Pumpkin Parade, a bone-chilling haunted house, a weigh-off of champion pumpkins, a pie-eating contest, pumpkin carving, costume contests, a pancake breakfast, a five & 10K run/walk and three stages of  entertainment. Admission is free. Main Street, (650) 726-9652, www.miramarevents.com.

 

Ecotourism in Half Moon Bay

Eco Exploration

 

 

 

Sunset on beach

 

 

 

 

 

Summer is an ideal time to explore Half Moon Bay’s abundance of natural, historical and cultural wonders including rich marine reserves and wetlands, small farms, a working harbor and many parks, hiking trails and bird refuges. Visitors can pick up a four-color, two-sided Ecotourism Map that features hands-on Half Moon Bay adventures at spots such as Harley Farms, La Nebbia Winery, Pillar Point Harbor, and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. The list of unique activities to choose from is endless, from dinner on a working farm, touring a wholesale flower farm, catching fresh fish and picking farm-fresh organics and flowers and learning how to make goat cheese. For more information, contact the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureau (650) 726-8380 or visit www.hmbchamber.com. To order a map, visitors may call the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureau (650) 726-8380 or pick one up at 235 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA.

Activities in Half Moon Bay Whale Watching, Theater, Car Show

Whale Watching

 

The annual migration of the gray whale is currently underway, and Half Moon Bay is the perfect spot for witnessing the journey of these spectacular creatures. Beginning in early December through the end of March, approximately 15,000 gray whales swim south from the icy waters of the Arctic to mate and nurse their young in the warm, shallow lagoons along Magdalena Bay in Baja, California. The full round-trip migration from the Bering Sea to the Baja calving lagoons is approximately 10,000 miles, the longest known migration for any mammal. Gray whales move at a steady speed of about five miles per hour, and most can be spotted in an area that extends from the kelp beds (about 3/4 miles from the shoreline) out to the horizon. For those who like to plan ahead, March through early April is a great time to spot humpback whales as they begin moving closer to shore.

Several local companies offer whale watching excursions:

Coastal Repertory Theatre

Noises Off

Opening February 11

By Michael Frayn

Directed by Mark Drumm

February 11 – March 5, 2011

Michael Frayn’s frantically funny farce Noises Off, follows the on- and off-stage antics of an inept acting company as they stumble from dress rehearsal to disastrous final night of a third-rate bedroom comedy called Nothing On. Everything that can go wrong does, resulting in absolute hilarity. Considered by many to be the funniest play of the 20th Century, in this play-within-a-play, everyone gets caught in the act. Noises Off has had audiences laughing for over 25 years, including two Tony-nominated Broadway runs.

21st Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show
May 1, 2011 at Half Moon Bay Airport

For a remarkable and singular experience, there’s nothing that matches up to the

Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, Half Moon Bay’s massive celebration of mechanical ingenuity, power and style. It’s a whimsical, fascinating, amusing, curious and absolutely unique show and tell spectacle featuring 2,000 magnificent driving, flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries. The world’s coolest cars of every era and style, model-T fire engines, vintage busses, custom motorcycles, tricked out trucks, sleek streamliners, one-of-a-kind antique engines and tractors and historic military aircraft will be among the mesmerizing displays. The spectacular 21st annual show takes place on Sunday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Half Moon Bay Airport, located in the picturesque seaside town of Half Moon Bay about 20 miles south of San Francisco. The show benefits the Coastside Adult Day Health Center.

Beaches near our Inn

Half Moon Bay Beach

There are several beaches  in the Half Moon Bay coastside area including:

Francis State Beach at the end of Kelly Avenue. This beach also has picnic and camping areas. Venice Beach at the end of Venice Boulevard, Dunes Beach at the end of Young Avenue, Roosevelt Beach has access from Young Avenue, Poplar Beach, Miramar Beach has access at the end of Magellan Avenue, Surfer’s Beach, Bean Hollow State Beach south of Half Moon Bay, Pescadero State Beach, San Gregorio State Beach, Redondo Beach, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve with tide pools in Moss Beach and Montara State Beach.

Kayaking in Half Moon Bay

Sea kayaking

Sea kayaking is very popular in Half Moon Bay. There’s no better place to experience it first hand than along the gorgeous Half Moon Bay coastline. In this dynamic and diverse environment, explorers can choose from many kayaking adventures including paddling among the harbor seals, seabirds and other marine sanctuary wildlife in protected Pillar Point Harbor or along the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve with kelp beds and secluded beaches. Two companies offer tours and rentals: (more…)

Current events for June/July 2010

The Coastside Farmer’s Market is in full swing with approximately 30 booths overflowing with an abundance of locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, gourmet cheese, herbs and farm fresh eggs available for purchase. Local artisans, dancers, and musicians appear at the market each week, as well as a number of community groups. The market is held outdoors annually from May 1 through December on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Shoreline Station parking lot (Kelly Avenue & Cabrillo Hwy/Hwy 1). For more information visit www.coastsidefarmersmarket.org.

Wine Exploration

The Santa Cruz Mountains has been recognized as a wine producing region since the late 1800s when local winegrowers began to win in national and international competitions. Now home to more than 70 wineries, this wine region has two  summer events coming up, offering an opportunity to taste and explore the wines of the area.

• During the first two weekends in June (June 5 & 6 and June 12 & 13), wine lovers will have the opportunity to taste and purchase many of the region’s wines at the Vintner’s Festival. This event features more than 50 wineries from both sides of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Many new releases will be poured, as well as barrel tastings, regional delicacies, live music, local chef demos, art displays and much more. Held each day from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance / $35 at the door (includes a commemorative glass for tastings). For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association at (831) 685-8463 or visit www.scmwa.com.

• July 17th is Passport Day! This quarterly event features special wine and barrel tastings at numerous wineries, some of which aren’t open to the public except on Passport Days. Participating restaurants also offer specials such as waived corkage on Santa Cruz Mountains Wines, 10% off on dinner and more. At each winery visited, a page of the Passport will be given a unique commemorative stamp. During Passport Day guests will also enjoy discounts at local participating restaurants. Passports are $40 per person and can be purchased at any of the participating wineries on the day of the event or in advance by calling (831) 685-8463.

Hiking Trails Near Our Inn

Hiking on trail

Burleigh-Murray Ranch State Park

“Rolling grassland, eucalyptus grove windbreaks, an old barn and a bunkhouse—this is ranch country, not the redwood country more typically associated with the Santa Cruz Mountains. For the hiker, Burleigh-Murray State Park offers a distinct change of pace from the trail systems of other nearby parks, most of which travel to, or within, stands of first- and second-generation redwoods.”

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25160

McNee Ranch State Park

“McNee Ranch State Park is a beautiful, scenic, and surprising park. Comprised almost entirely of wide, multi-use fire roads, McNee Ranch lacks the facilities we expect from most state parks. No visitor center, signposts, or restrooms (although there is one portable toilet). It’s even tough to park here! Instead of these niceties you will find steep, tough fire roads winding through a spectacular assortment of bay area plants, leading to a nearly 1900 foot peak with wonderful views.”

http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/mcneeranch.html

Coastside Trail

“Three miles of shoreline and four beaches—Roosevelt, Dunes, Venice and Francis—comprise Half Moon Bay State Park. Extending north of the park is more accessible—and walkable—shoreline.
Coastside Trail, extending along the park’s eastern boundary, is a multiuse pathway open to cyclists and walkers. Depending on the tide, you can return via the beach. Coastside Trail is a better bike ride than walk; its function is to link the various state beaches and it does that quite well but it isn’t all that interesting of a saunter. It does, however, bring some marvelous beaches within reach, and for that reason is worth the walk.”

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531

Purisima Creek Trails

“The centerpiece of this 3,360-acre preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, with its towering redwoods, rushing creek, and understory of ferns, berries, and wildflowers. Coastal scrub and hardwood forests of tanoak, madrone, and Douglas fir border the cool moist canyon. Magnificent views of the coast and Half Moon Bay are visible from the northern part of the preserve. Twenty-one miles of developed trails and historical logging roads provide opportunities for easy walks or long, strenuous hikes or rides. Remember to carry water on your hike, since the trails out of the canyon climb up to 1,600 feet and can be quite strenuous! The specially surfaced Redwood Trail, which is suitable for visitors of all physical abilities, winds through tall redwoods just off Skyline Boulevard. Visitors will find wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and a restroom along this flat easy route. The Redwood Trail was built through a grant from Peninsula Open Space Trust.”

http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_purisima.asp

Quarry Park

“Quarry Park is a 40 acre community park in beautiful El Granada.  The park features a large family picnic meadow with tables and barbecue pits, next to a play area for toddlers (the “Tot Lot”). The Treehouse, built in 2008, functions as a play structure, conversation area, or stage. Beyond the Meadow, a dirt road leads to the quarry floor and up to a view site overlooking Princeton Harbor. A network of trails winds through Quarry Park and the adjoining Wicklow open space area. Quarry Park is open from sunrise to sunset.  There is no charge for parking or for park entrance. Park maintenance activities are performed by volunteers and by the County. Special projects at the Park are supported by private donations and by grants from organizations such as the Half Moon Bay Lions Club.”

http://www.mpl.sanmateo.org/parks.html

Tour des Fleurs Half Moon Bay

 

 

Tour des Fleurs – A Unique Experience Awaits You on the Coastside

“… Tour des Fleurs offers the public a once-a-year opportunity to tour our local nurseries/greenhouses, wineries and farms. Many of these businesses are not ordinarily open to the public and during Tour des Fleurs they invite you for a “behind the scenes” tour of their facilities and operations. Some will share helpful tips to pruning and caring for flowers, others will share their key to an efficient operation whether it’s a nursery or winery, and some will share their colorful and fascinating family history and how it shaped their businesses today.

Special flower gardens, calla lilies, dahlias, violas, oceans of roses and hydrangeas, organic herbs and field greens, California native plants surrounded by streams and waterfalls, a working dairy farm, acres of succulent berries, Coastal wineries, an abundance of potted plants of every variety and new this year, a Farmer’s Market Tour await you on this year’s Tour des Fleurs.

Each tour package takes you to three different nurseries. You drive yourself to each nursery in your package and enjoy a one hour guided tour. There are five different tour packages to choose from, and each tour package of three nurseries costs only $20.00.

For further information, please call the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureau at (650) 726-8380 x100.

 

2010 Tour Locations include:

Bay City Flower Company – This third generation family owned business is one of the largest Hydrangea growers and also one of the most efficient commercial potted plant growers in the nation. They grow for high end commercial merchants such as Smith-Hawkins, Calyx Flowers and Red Envelope. You can also find their potted flowers and plants under the label Hana Bay Flower in upscale garden centers.

Coastside Farmer’s Market – John Muller, 2002 Farmer of the Year with 30 years experience, will tour you through our diverse Farmer’s Market complete with flowers, fruits, vegetables, fish, herbs, handmade crafts and soaps, and much more from some of the most fertile farmland in the West.  This market is very locally focused and folks will meet a dozen Coastside Farmers in one fell swoop. Farmer John is a wealth of information and has represented American farmers on numerous governmental committees and water boards, and is the Mayor of Half Moon Bay!

Green Oaks Creek Farm & Retreat – Owner Stephanie Jennings will take you on a guided tour of her working organic farm which offers educational programs for children and adults.

Harley Farms Goat Dairy – Harley Farms Goat Dairy, the home of 300 Alpine goats produces fresh award winning cheese daily in what is now the last remaining dairy farm in San Mateo County.

Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo – At this stunning certified organic farm in Pescadero, tour, touch and taste while learning about organic crop production. Begun in 1980, this original family farm site launched what has now become the nation’s largest grower/shipper of fine organic culinary herbs and edible flowers.

La Nebbia Winery – Owner Kendyl Kellogg will take you on a guided tour of this private winery, learn some valued tips to grape growing, and sample wines with a unique edible flower pairing.

Nurserymen’s Exchange – Founded by Carl and Virginia Pearlstein more than 60 years ago, Nurserymen’s Exchange has grown into one of America’s leading Wholesale Home and Garden companies. Wholesale only, their BloomRite® brand includes blooming plants, tropical plants and foliage, bulbs and packaged shrubs. They also carry a complete line of home and garden designs.

H. Pastorino & Son Company – Owner Hank Pastorino will guide you through hot houses, fields of flowers, and a unique on-site pottery shop.

PIE Ranch – Tour the historic Steele Ranch grounds and their diversified farm operation with fruit, vegetables, flowers, grains, beans, poultry, and livestock. The afternoon also coincides with their monthly community volunteer day, so people are welcome to stay and get their hands on a farm project, join in the evening potluck from 6:00pm-7:00pm and barn dance from 7:00pm-10:00pm.

Yerba Buena Nursery – Noted for native California plants, ferns, a meandering babbling brook, and a turn of the century historic house, is the pride of Kathy Crane, owner and tour guide.

Music venues in Half Moon Bay

There are several music venues for you to enjoy near our Inn in the Half Moon Bay area. All different types of music are here in Half Moon Bay including jazz, blues, classical and rock. Listed below are some of the music locations. It is best to check with the individual locations for the type of music and show times.

Miramar Beach Restaurant, 131 Mirada Road, Half Moon Bay, CA, 650-726-9053

Douglas Beach House in Miramar, Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society,  307 Mirada Road, Half Moon Bay, 650-726-4143

The Wine Bar, located in the Harbor Village Mall, 270 Capistrano Rd., #22, Half Moon Bay

La Costanera, 8150 Cabrillo Highway, Montara, 650-728-1600

Cafe Classique, 107 Sevilla Ave., El Granada, CA  650-726-9775

Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., 390 Capistrano Rd., Princeton-by-the-Sea  Half Moon Bay, 650-728-2739

Sam’s Chowder House,  4210 N. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay 650-712-0245

Pasta Moon,  Pasta Moon’s Music Box, 315 Main St, Half Moon Bay 650-726-5125

Cetrella restaurant,  845 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA  650-726-4090

Crab Landing Seafood & Steakhouse 260 Capistrano Road, Princeton-by-the-Sea
Half Moon Bay CA 94019, Phone: 650-712-1288

Bangkok House Thai Cuisine, 20-B Stone Pine Center, Half Moon Bay CA 94019, Phone: 650 726-5247

Lighthouses near our Inn

Our Inn is near two historic lighthouses. One is the Point Montara lighthouse which is a historic fog signal and light station from 1875. It is located at 16th Street at Highway One in Montara, CA. The telephone number is 650-728-7177. The other one is a few miles south of our Inn called the Pigeon Point lighthouse located on Highway One in Pescadero, CA. The telephone number is 650-879-0633. Both lighthouses are definitely worth visiting while staying at our Inn.

Point Montara lighthouse