Life on the Road Series 2021
Harmony:
Step into the storybook hamlet of Harmony, nestled between Cambria and Cayucos in SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County), where the “population 18, if you count the cows” says it all. This former dairy town turned beloved roadstop proves that big personality comes in small moments. Ocean breezes sweep across rolling green hills as local artisans craft one-of-a-kind treasures, making this Highway 1’s most whimsical creative hub—complete with its own miniature post office.
Between Morro Bay and Cambria is the enchanting town of Harmony! This village is like a touch of magic with a small-town charm that exceeds everyone’s expectations. It includes a pottery, glass-blowing shop, and a vineyard. A small post office, some ice cream, and you’ve stepped back into an America we older generation once knew.
And no community would be complete without a chapel.
Harmony Cellars is always a must-do stop for us when we’re in the area. In fact, we are wine club members – living in North Carolina, we have been spoiled by California wines. If you’re in the area and enjoy wine tasting, take some time and do a tasting on the patio. And, if you can, snag the seating on the deck overlooking the canyon below.
Wineries:
While Harmony Cellars and Hearst Winery are already covered above, there are other wineries I’d like to mention here.
Moonstone Cellars (Cambria, CA):
This quaint wine-tasting room used to be one of our favorites. We first visited Moonstone Cellars when they were in another building, and we watched this winery grow and become popular. When the ownership was smaller, they were friendlier, but the last two times we visited, we were less than happy.
While they allow dogs in the tasting room, we were treated less than. The person waiting on customers kept ignoring us and went to people on either side of us, taking their orders. If they don’t want dogs, just tell us. We’re happy to conform to management’s decisions. The next time, we weren’t aware that the owner was in the tasting room until much later, and his manner wasn’t encouraging us to return. The wines are good the experience was not.
Cutruzzola Vineyards (Cambria, Ca):
Cutruzzola Vineyards tasting room in Cambria is a pleasure to visit. They don’t allow dogs inside (but they did once when it was raining), though they are allowed on the small, quaint patio out back. The first time we visited this little tasting room, we were delighted with the wines, and they serve food (for a fee, of course). We enjoyed the experience and bought more wine than we anticipated. The next time, we enjoyed a tasting inside and played with the idea of adding them to yet another wine club membership. If wine-tasting is on your list, be sure to stop here and enjoy a reprieve with a snack that’s paired with your wines!
Stolo Vineyards:
Stolo Vineyards is a winery on the outskirts of Cambria in the rural countryside. Taking a windy country road, it took a few minutes to find it, but well worth the short trip. We’ve only visited this winery once, but it was memorable and relaxing. Sitting outside in a park-like setting, dogs are allowed, and the service was friendly and enjoyable. They mostly serve white wines, and though we are more red-wine people, it’s a place I recommend to enjoy a pleasurable afternoon.
Morro Bay:
Morro Bay is a seaside getaway located right off scenic Highway 1 on the Central Coast of California. More than that, it’s a backdrop for the perfect coastal adventure. The centerpiece of this coastal haven? Morro Rock— a volcanic monolith rising from the depths of the sea. This rock has guided generations of fish captains home, their holds brimming with the freshest California catch. It peels off perfect Central Coast waves, delighting surfers and young whitewash adventurers alike. It’s a salt-rimmed beacon, the guardian of fresh oyster beds, home to seals and sea birds.
One of our favorite places to camp is at the Morro Bay State Park. Hubby has been vacationing there since he was a kid, when they allowed camping right at the base of Morro Rock! It’s a quaint, laidback seaside town that we’re both fond of, and now, miss more than anything living in North Carolina.
The one stop we make while at Morro Bay is one of the older buildings that has been selling ice cream and salt water taffy since hubby was a kid. It’s a landmark!
Another favorite place to eat while in Morro Bay is Dorn’s Breakers Cafe. The deck is the place to be, where one can have an unobstructed view of Morro Rock. The seafood is fabulous, and the atmosphere is relaxing. They also allow dogs on the deck.
The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) Avalon is one of two machines built to rescue the crews of downed submarines. Based at Naval Air Station Coronado Island in San Diego, the DSRV was a completely fly-away, mobile system of submarine rescue. In a day or so, with the use of US Air Force C5 and C141 aircraft, the Avalon and its associated equipment and support staff could be dispatched to a port anywhere in the world.
What’s important to us is that Ron actually was on this vehicle and holds special memories of his time in the Navy. It was ironic to find it on display in Morro Bay, where he had me take a photo of him standing in front of it!
Eateries:
While in Cambria, one place we enjoy lunching is Harmony Cafe. We love sitting patio-side, where they allow dogs, and the space is quaint and beautiful. I can’t get enough of their grilled fish, and it’s what I order each time we eat there.
The Sow’s Ear. If you want a quaint and romantic place to have a dinner to remember, then the Sow’s Ear is the place you want to make reservations. It’s located in the West Village in what I believe to be a converted home. The atmosphere is perfect and the food is great!
When we picnic on the bluffs of Moonstone Beach, we always grab one of the best sandwiches around at Sandi’s Deli. These are the best sandwiches, really! Ron orders the tuna, which is chock-full of goodies, and I get the veggie – I’m drooling already.
