• Local Discoveries,  Weekend Getaways

    Solvang, CA: Town of Sweet-Tooth Vikings

    Did you know that the Danish Capital of America is actually in California? No? Now you do! šŸ˜Š Solvang is about 4.5 hoursā€™ drive south from the San Francisco Bay Area, or about an hour drive north of Santa Barbara. And, if you are fulfilling your dream of driving along Pacific Coast Highway, it’s just a 20-minute detour inland to visit this charming Danish town of California. Solvang, meaning ā€œSunny Fieldā€ in Danish, was founded around 1911 by 3 Danish immigrants heading west to California to escape the colder weather back east. Their hope was to create a village for other Danish and European immigrants to settle. The warm sunny…

  • Panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean & Pigeon Point lighhouse
    Day Trips from SF Bay Area,  Local Discoveries

    Fun Things to Do on Pacific Coast Highway near SF Bay Area

    Once you’ve found ā€œthe way to San Joseā€, there are so many different options for things to do and see, both in and out of town. This post is for those of you who love hopping in the car and taking casual day-trips just to see what’s out there. On this local adventure, we drove west out of San Jose to Santa Cruz, then up the coast on Hwy 1 or the “PCH”. And now we will share our tips on the fun things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway near the San Francisco Bay Area. Seymour Marine Discovery Center Our first stop was at Seymour Marine Discovery Center.…

  • Bridge in Alum Rock Park, San Jose, California
    Hikes & Outdoor Activities,  Local Discoveries

    Alum Rock Park: Outdoor Adventures in San Francisco Bay Area

    Alum Rock Park in San Jose, California is one of our recent outdoor adventures weā€™d love to share with you. Canā€™t believe we’ve lived in the SF Bay Area for years, and this was our first visit! Donā€™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…