Pescadero, a goat farm & Highway 1

I was born and raised in California, and while I did spend a year abroad and have toyed with the idea of living in another city/state, I often just come back to: Why? Why would I leave this amazing area? Yes yes, I know that’s being narrow minded, and is draining my wallet, but really I couldn’t trade the daily views of the ocean, proximity to the mountains, year round farmer’s markets, being close to my family, countless available day trips and hikes, Napa and Sonoma close enough for a day’s visit… the list goes on and on – what more could a girl ask for?

I try to take advantage of all that is offered around me whenever I can (albeit not as often as I should), so I took Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to check out Pescadero -a sleepy town just inland from the coast, south of Half Moon Bay. I lured my mom and sister into this day long adventure with the promise of baby goats, fresh cheese and some pretty scenery, which is exactly what we got.

I love this drive down Highway 1 from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz, which I learned is called the ‘Slow Coast’ and this day was no exception. The views are breath taking and the ocean is always intense, alive with different colors, tons of breaks and often times surfers or kite boarders. In Pescadero, Harley Farms was really charming and the town itself has a few cute shops – all in all, a trip worth taking!

• Drive: Hwy 1 from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz
• Visit: Harley Goat Farm – amazing chevre with herbs de provence in the middle!
• Eat: Artichoke and garlic bread from Archangeli Grocery Co. at Norm’s Market in Pescadero. So so so good.
• Pick: Swanton Berry Farm – you pick, and house made baked goods and jams, with a really cute store with payment on the honor system