S
July 2017
Life
Grid
'Giving Local Business a Global Voice.'
Monica Karst - Local Editor
Being Cool
by Monica Karst
Here in Santa Cruz, with cool redwood forests on one side of us and golden beaches on the other, a coastal lifestyle means a laid-back lifestyle.
As the dog days of summer seem to stretch on forever, we get to indulge in crystal clear blue skies and perfect 73 degree weather. As the days
finally come to a close, we watch blankets of soft white fog roll in over the emerald waters of the bay. It’s a quiet beauty you quickly learn to
love. You also quickly learn to wear layers! It’s not uncommon to see Santa Cruz locals gathered cliffside to take in the last of the day, wearing
flip-flops, shorts and down jackets.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of the ocean breeze, fresh with scents of kelp and saltwater—nothing like what you get from a candle or a
room freshener. I’m talking about the real deal! My chillin’ time in Santa Cruz consists of walks along the many one-of-a-kind beaches and coves
nestled along the coast. Ten minutes of putting my toes in the sand makes me feel like I’ve been on vacation for a week.
I love to cruise along West Cliff Drive. This scenic route includes a bike and walking path that twists along the cliffs from the rocky limestone
tidepools of Natural Bridges Beach to the fragrances of fresh seafood wafting from the many iconic restaurants of the Municipal Wharf. When the
tide is low, I slowly make my way through the tide pools full of turquoise sea anemones, purple mussels, and the occasional red octopus. By
noon I am famished and ready to grab a spicy tuna sandwich or a pulled pork quesadilla at the irresistible Steamer Lane Supply.
Catching the sunset is a must when you are in Santa Cruz. Not sure which beach has the best view? Remember those redwood trees I mentioned
a moment ago? Just grab your bike, skateboard, or your flip flops and start heading in the opposite direction. You’ll know you are in the right
spot when you roll into the Natural Bridges parking lot and see crowds gathering to watch the last orange lights of another perfect day drop behind
the hills. Excited teenagers bounce from car to car, laughing with their friends, lovers kissing miss the sunset completely, and at that last magic
moment before the sun goes down, dozens of phones rise to snap a few priceless selfies.
The bluff outside of Seymour Marine Discovery Center on Shaffer Road is another of my favorite places to chill out of doors. With numerous local
sea life exhibits, this marine educational center is a highlight of any Santa Cruz tour. Below the bluff surfers, whales and dolphins play in the surf.
I also head to West Lake Pond to watch the ducks weaving through the reeds or dipping their heads to feast on water plants. And as if the views
from Westcliff Drive weren't enough, the view of the entire Monterey Bay from the overlook at UCSC reminds you why Santa Cruz is one of the
most sought after places to live in the country. The Monarch Butterfly trail at Natural Bridges, fluttering with countless butterflies, and the peaceful
Wilder Ranch beach trail only add to the local charm.
FANTASTIC NEW PEOPLE
& OFFERS FROM MY CITY
MJA Vineyards, with live music three days a week, an outdoor fire pit, pop-up dinners, and Ladies Night Tuesdays is my top spot for a relaxing
happy hour. If you aren’t blissed-out yet, check out two of my favorite places to rejuvenate: the tranquil tubs and gardens at Well Within Spa,
and the soothing flotation tanks at Sage Float Spa in Capitola. Or take your Santa Cruz chill experience even further with a weekend at Coastanoa
Resort just north of Santa Cruz. As you can see, in Santa Cruz, we’ve made being laid back into a way of life.
LifeGrid® Local Editor - Santa Cruz
www.monicakarst.com
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Photography by Sarah Blincoe