A Vacation Insiders Guide
California's Coastside (& the redwoods of Loma Mar)
MEET AMY BLOMQUIST Contact Amy: +1.650.879.0794
This Insider Guide is brought to you by Amy Blomquist, owner of a delightful cottage nestled in the redwood forests of California, only an hours drive from San Francisco.
THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR Working with Amy on this guide has been an absolute pleasure. I've stayed in vacation rentals all my life and each time I end up booking with owners like Amy. The reasons? She is genuine, personable and, through that, credible.
So all that remains is for you to plan what your week in Coastside is going to look like. In this guide Amy walks you through giant redwoods, stunning coastline, farm to table food, the history of Pescadero, and so much more.
It's not just the house, a story of heritage, built on land that her great grandparents lived on. It's not just the passion she has for the area of Loma Mar. It's not just the knowledge she has, better than any guidebook. It's the complete package.
I can't possibly squeeze in here all that the surrounding area has to offer - but Amy can in this guide...!
This is what vacation rentals are all about - unique places, with owners that have stories to tell! By now I'm assuming you've emailed Amy, locked in the dates, and paid your deposit. If not, go do it!
E: info@vacationinsiders.com W: www.vacationinsiders.com
MEET YOUR INSIDER
AMY BLOMQUIST... My DNA is literally in Loma Mar! In the 1800’s my ancestors came over from Sweden and were one of the first families to settle in Loma Mar.
So, after graduating from Pescadero high school (with 16 in my class!), I did what any kid from a small town does: I moved to Los Angeles!
They operated a saw mill and logged many of the redwood & oak trees in the area until the early twentieth century. It was a very dangerous job and often took all day to cut down one redwood tree!
I was a working actor for about 7 years in LA having a blast doing theater, commercials, print, and indie films. I sometimes joke how I owe some of my “dramatics” from taking long walks in the forest as a kid and talking to the redwoods.
Fortunately, the county bought the land in the 1920’s, which is now part of Memorial Park - so no more logging virgin redwoods!
But I grew to miss those trees (or maybe it was all that LA smog!) and I eventually moved back to Loma Mar a few years ago.
“We’ve put a ton of love and detail back into the house as it’s obviously very special to us... I get such a kick out of how guests feel so relaxed and comfortable in the house."
I often feel apologetic to the trees for my relatives behavior. But, I guess they didn’t know what they were doing back then, right? The Cottage was built by my grandfather in the 1940’s on the same property as his parents (my great grandparents) house. The house was a weekend getaway for my grandparents, dad and aunt. In fact, when my parents first got married, they lived in the house for a year or so while building the house I grew up in on the same property! I have fond memories of family & friend get-togethers, meeting distant relatives and even walking down as a teenager to babysit at the house (which later became a rental). I never in a million years thought one day I would be running it as a vacation rental! Weird how life throws you a curve ball.
Since June of 2012, The Cottage has been a vacation rental which I manage with the help of my parents. We’ve put a ton of love and detail back into the house as it’s obviously very special to us. We’ve been so fortunate to have had guests visit from all over - our first international guests were ironically from Sweden of all places! I get such a kick out of how guests feel so relaxed and comfortable in the house. We've had so many people thanking us for sharing it with them! Most of all I love how more memories are being created. After all, that’s what the house was built for. Full circle grandma & grandpa! We hope to see you soon!
AMY'S REAL COASTSIDE & LOMA MAR...
With a population of 167, it’s hard to believe Loma Mar is just over an hour’s drive from San Francisco! Located 15 minutes inland from the Pacific Ocean or 40 minutes west of Silicon Valley, you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere yet you’re not! Hike in Memorial, Pescadero Creek & Sam McDonald Parks and experience the beauty of the forest. Take in crisp, clean air and watch sunlight drift down through the tree canopy that gently lights across your path. Oftentimes, when I’m hiking in these parks, I never come across another person! You’ll see deer, wild turkeys, acorn woodpeckers, California quail, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bobcats and, of course, no trip would be complete without seeing a banana slug! Along the coast there are miles of deserted, unspoiled white sandy beaches with majestic 30-foot bluffs that are perfect for long walks, picnics, horseback riding, kite flying and exploring tide pools. There are fields of wild flowers and mountain ridges as far as the eye can see. Pescadero Marsh is a feast for the eyes for bird watchers and other naturalists where over 380 species of plant life, 50 kinds of mammals and 33 amphibians have been sighted. It’s also home to the striking long legged great blue heron that nest in huge eucalyptus trees. Pescadero Marsh is one of the most important remaining wetlands on the California coast. Historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse is the tallest working
lighthouse on the west coast and has been guiding mariners since 1872. A reminder of the days when whalers and Gold Rush era clipper ships fought gales, stiff seas, jagged coastal rocks and unforgiving fog. The original first-order Fresnel lens is on display and will soon be returned to the top of the tower. This is also a great spot to view gray, blue & humpback whales that migrate past the point. Along the coastside, you will still see original farms from the 1800’s. Many will have farm stands selling their just picked produce right from the field that morning. Or pursue wine tasting, unique shops and old general stores in historic Pescadero & San Gregorio. Further up the coast is Half Moon Bay, famous for its annual Pumpkin Festival where farmers compete in the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh Off. And you'll also find mavericks surfing - known as the “Men Who Ride Mountains.” Crazy! Oh and all the yummy food – fresh caught crab and other seafood delights right off the boat, Norm’s artichoke bread, Duarte’s olallieberry pie, Sam’s Chowder House famous Lobster Roll Sandwich….I could go on! What's an olallieberry I hear you ask?! Here's a quick explanation to this frequently asked question. You'll die for the pie, trust me! Hopefully you can see that our Coastside makes for a perfect, relaxed vacation destination!
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1
Heritage Grove...
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Año Nuevo State Reserve...
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Coastways Ranch...
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Harley Farms...
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Historic Pescadero...
Muir Woods isn't the only place where old-growth redwoods can be seen. The lesser-known Heritage Grove features 37 acres of virgin forest with trees just as tall but with no crowds! The 50 or so old-growth redwoods in Heritage Grove are about 1,000 years old, having sprouted 500 years before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World! The tallest tree in Heritage Grove stands approximately 250 feet, making this a must for anyone wanting to experience these towering beauties!
Reserve a spot between January and late March to take the guided tour and see elephant seals come ashore to rest, mate, and give birth. Seeing huge male elephant seals battling it out for mating rights is a unique and unforgettable natural spectacle. Elephant seals were slaughtered wholesale in the 1800’s for the oil rendered from their blubber. By 1892, fewer than 200 individual seals existed! Fortunately, the numbers have been steadily increasing since their protected status has been in place.
Experience the meditative pastime of olallieberry picking on a farm. That’s correct, you pick! The tradition of growing and picking the tart and slightly sweet berry has roots right here in Pescadero because the berry thrives in the coastal fog. All Coastways berries are hand-planted and no pesticides are ever used. Many of these berries are used in the pies up the road at Duarte’s Tavern. The season is only a few short weeks in the summer – so, get them while you can!
Harley Farms is a restored 1910 dairy farm, with 200 alpine goats on nine acres of pasture in Pescadero. The farm grew from six pet goats to today’s herd, with their delicious, critically-acclaimed cheese. The best time to come is between March and late May when dozens of baby goats are born! For a taste of life on the farm take the hands-on tour where you’ll visit the lush garden with edible flowers, trek on up to the hay loft, and take a peek at how the goats are milked and cheese is produced.
Pescadero was founded in 1856 - just 6 years after California became a state! The rich, fertile soil of the valley attracted many settlers and by the 1860’s Pescadero was a prosperous town. The church was built in 1867 and many of the old frame houses date from the 19th Century and reflect the town’s pioneer Yankee roots. It’s a quaint little town that’s fun to stroll down with unique shops and the famous Duarte’s Tavern restaurant. Pick up a loaf of artichoke bread at Norm's Market and head out to any of the beaches and watch the sunset.
AMY'S PICK OF THE LOCAL EATERIES...
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Duarte's Tavern... A pescadero landmark since 1894 and run by the same family since their humble beginnings. Relaxed, down home food and it feels like you’re entering a simpler time. Specialties include cream of artichoke soup, seafood dishes like their crab cioppino and their famous olallieberry pie (my grandpa always ordered their clam chowder). Using local ingredients like artichokes from their garden, olallieberries from Phipps Ranch, fresh fish from Princeton, beer from Half Moon Bay and wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Make sure to try a “half & half,” it’s cream of artichoke and cream of green chile soup – sooo good!
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Sam’s Chowder House... With a casual and authentic seafood experience reminiscent of an East Coast style seafood house, Sam’s Chowder House has consistently won many awards including their Lobster Roll Sandwich, rated one of the top 5 sandwiches in America! Try the homemade Key Lime Pie yuum! Watch the crashing surf inside by the fireplace, dine outside under a cozy heat lamp, or settle into an Adirondack chair near a toasty fire pit on Sam’s dog-friendly patio and enjoy the crisp, salty ocean air. There are many great seafood restaurants in Half Moon Bay but this is a popular one!
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Alice's Restaurant... This famous roadside café (named after the Arlo Guthrie song of the same name) whips up yummy country style breakfasts, homemade pies, 100% grass fed burgers named appropriately after the bikers that frequently visit and a great selection drinks like the spicy Bloody Mary - yum. Grab a spot outside and people watch under the redwoods! [Photo Courtesy of Alice's Restaurant]
Highway 1 Brewing Company...
Jeff & Melissa pride themselves on creating unique combinations and incorporating flavors into brews and small plates that most would not think of. Working with the local farmers, their menu of brews and bites change with the seasons to keep things as local and fresh as possible and always exciting. Stop on by for a French Mexican War, the Pepper in the Rye, Ol' Snaggletooth or sample all the brews with a taster flight. Enjoy some wonderful food and an amazing view of the Pacific to go along with!
AMY'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY... The area has a number of options depending on your needs. Below is Amy’s very own cottage, along with a couple of other suggestions. Should those all be booked up feel free to drop us a line and let us know. We're not a travel agency but will certainly try to lend a helping hand by offering some tips to make your search easier!
Amy’s Very Own...
The Cottage at Where Water Falls. Our charming 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom mid-century vacation cottage is nestled in the forest of Loma Mar. With sleeping arrangements for 6, The Cottage offers a nature lovers retreat. Imagine a soothing waterfall flowing next to you while soaking in the hot tub. Or sitting out on the spacious deck with a glass of wine overlooking the iconic redwoods and watch deer graze in the distance. These are just a few of the magical experiences you may find. Check out the website for more details.
Amy Suggests...
McCormick House. Built in 1868, the McCormick House "Bed & Biscuit" is a little Inn, with just two rooms, which occupy the whole of the upstairs of this lovely historic property located in downtown Pescadero. Both rooms can be rented together to accommodate a larger group. This B&B is perfect for spending quality time with loved ones and enjoying the simple things in life. If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Pescadero, this is the place! Check out the website for more details.
Amy Suggests...
Half Moon Bay Inn. Looking to be closer to more of the action? This 1932 boutique inn located in downtown Half Moon Bay is full of history and lore. The 15 rooms are gorgeous and luxurious, with an old world feel, designed with your comfort in mind. All of them have marble bathrooms! With hundreds of really good TripAdvisor reviews it's a great option. The inn is above a fabulous Italian restaurant and within walking distance of many boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Check out the website for more details.
AMY'S FAVORITE LOCAL PRODUCE Locally Caught Seafood
Pie Ranch Farm Stand
Thomas Fogarty Winery
Go to Johnson Pier in Half Moon Bay and get live crustacean, mollusks or fish right off the boat. Be sure to bring an ice cooler and cash. Randy at Princeton Seafood Market will prep your seafood just the way you like it, and pack it on ice to keep it fresh for you. The fish you eat today probably slept last night in Half Moon Bay!
A variety of locally-grown organic fruits and vegetables from Pie Ranch and Blue House Farm as well as farm-fresh eggs, homemade pies, fresh brewed, fair-trade coffee and tea, heirloom wheat, dried beans and flowers. It is all delicious and you can eat knowing it's grown right here in Pescadero! This is seed to table at its very best!
Once a pastime for a Stanford cardio surgeon, today one of the most respected wineries. 325 acre estate focusing on Chardonnay & Pinot Noir. Few regions on earth can match our climates, soil, and vertigoinducing views. Most people don’t know that the Santa Cruz Mountains have been a premier wine region since the late 1800’s.
Thanks for staying with us!
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