The Museum of Art and History at the McPherson Center (MAH) will showcase a museum-wide exhibition that highlights Surf City Santa Cruz through art, artifacts, photography, surf technology, and commercial aspects of surfing beginning in spring 2010. Surf City Santa Cruz: A Wave of Inspiration will open March 27, 2010 and continue through July 25, 2010. The exhibit will illustrate the many ways local surf culture has impacted not only Santa Cruz but also the international surf community. The MAH’s Solari Gallery will house artwork from more than ten of the best artists who surf in Santa Cruz County, many represented by national galleries. Surf City Santa Cruz will also include a dynamic display of surfboard designs and cutting edge technology, Jack and Robert O’Neill’s “it’s always summer on the inside” wetsuit technology, graphic design and commercial art, photography and other artwork utilizing a variety of media including ceramic, mosaic, installation, painting and sculpture.
For visitors wanting to soak in the beauty of a scenic drive, Santa Cruz County now has a way to see the sights and be eco-friendly too. Cruz Carz are GPS-enabled, scooter cars available for rent which offer a fun way to explore the Santa Cruz beaches, beauty and history. These 100cc-powered two-seat scooters get more than 60 mpg on average. Each vehicle is equipped with a built-in GPS tour, narrating points of interest as the car nears. Tour options include one-hour coastal journeys to the West Cliff area and on to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, or an Historic tour through Downtown Santa Cruz past the Mission. The two-hour tour takes visitors to Capitola along the beach routes and back.
The wine scene in Santa Cruz County is as inspired as its cuisine. And so, it’s no surprise that area wineries offer a variety of tasting opportunities. An idyllic region in South County, the Corralitos Wine Trail features four family-owned wineries, surrounded by redwood trees and apple orchards. And on the west side of Santa Cruz, a spirited courtyard is a local favorite where wineries, shops and restaurants can be found. Always brimming with something new to see or taste, this lively spot is home to Bonny Doon Vineyards and a number of tasting rooms that make up Surf City Vintners. And finally, the five wineries on the Summit Wine Trail offer world-class wines and exhilarating views, all within easy reach of one another. Cheers!
Cabrillo College, home to Cabrillo Stage’s full-scale Broadway musicals during summertime, has opened a Visual and Performing Arts Complex. Planning for the $80 million facility began in 1978. The complex consists of five buildings totaling 122,300 square feet, including the 581-seat Crocker Theater, a 369-seat music recital hall, buildings dedicated to two- and three-dimensional art, and classrooms and offices. The complex also provides fifteen music practice rooms, four music rehearsal spaces, five drawing and design studios, recording studios, an acting studio, and a space for experimental theatre, known as the Black Box Theater, which can hold up to 150 seats.
One of the best-kept secrets in town, the newly renovated Sea & Sand Inn on West Cliff Drive, has always been popular with savvy out-of-towners. But a recent major renovation has added a whole new “wow” factor to the ocean front inn. Three new luxury king spa rooms with ocean view balconies were added to the second floor of the property; two spacious family cottages with private hot tubs and three other spa rooms were also upgraded. New landscaping put the finishing touches on the glamorous makeover. Each of the 22 rooms boasts an ocean front view of the scenic Municipal Wharf and sparkling Monterey Bay.
