What do Alfred Hitchcock, the grim tale of the Donner Party, and a historic Catholic Mission have in common? Visit San Juan Bautista, California, and discover this curious connection! Cruising along Highway 101 in the Greater SF Bay Area, some of you might be familiar with Highway 156 WEST going through Castroville (The Artichoke Capital of the World) and out to the coastal villages of Monterey County. But just 3 miles EAST on Hwy 156 you’ll find San Juan Bautista, a town where 19th century California comes to life! Once upon a time (1850-1880), San Juan Bautista was a bustling town. Home to The Coast Line Stage Company, it was…
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Alum Rock Park: Outdoor Adventures in San Francisco Bay Area
Alum Rock Park in San Jose, California is one of our recent outdoor adventures we’d love to share with you. Can’t believe we’ve lived in the SF Bay Area for years, and this was our first visit! Don’t make our mistake. If you are near San Jose and looking for a beautiful hike in a historical setting, Alum Rock Park is a great place to start. Alum Rock Park History and Curiosities Founded in 1872, Alum Rock Park is the oldest municipal park in the entire state of California! Modeled after European spa retreats, the park boasted close to 30 mineral hot springs, baths, pavilions, Tea House, and even a…
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Kauai — The Garden Isle of Hawaii (Part 1)
Dreaming of Hawaii always conjures up images of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and sipping Mai Tais out of coconut shells with little umbrellas. Though each island possesses the same endearing Hawaiian charm, their personalities are quite different. There is Oahu’s popular Waikiki beach and Honolulu’s nightlife, and big city energy. If you are in Maui, you can enjoy the lively little town of Lahaina and world class golfing. But Kauai, with its lush rain-forests and laid-back attitude, in our opinion, best fits the description of a tropical paradise. If you are debating which Hawaiian island to visit first, we recommend Kauai, the most beautiful island in Hawaii. After several…
