“People in Santa Cruz do not eat cookies; this is a carrot cake town.” Before Pacific Cookie Company opened, Cara Pearson says that many people told the family things like this and warned they would not be successful. The popular family-run business gains new fans every day, proving these skeptics wrong. Cara first worked at
While Watsonville has become a recent hub for independent artisans, a pioneer of its burgeoning craft scene is Annie Morhauser who founded her Annieglass glassware studio amidst the town’s sprawling agriculture fields in 1983. Today, her luminous pieces are featured at high profile hotels and retailers-Four Seasons, Neiman Marcus, the Bellagio in Las Vegas-and two of her pieces are on permanent display at the Smithsonian. Yet, each elegant piece continues to be handmade here in Santa Cruz County. This year, we honor Annieglass’ 35th anniversary with three reasons to visit this spring, as well as a chance to win a free experience at Annieglass’ fun and innovative Craftbar!
As a California State Parks Interpreter, a redwood forest serves as Rhiannon Sims’ office. She manages interpretive projects, such as special event planning and wayside panel design, and media outreach for state parks in Santa Cruz County. Rhiannon brings the unique and extraordinary nature of local state parks and cultural history to visitors and locals
WHAT BROUGHT YOU BOTH TO THE SANTA CRUZ AREA? Bonnie: I grew up in Santa Cruz and moved away when I was 22 for roughly a decade. Even while living in other parts of the country, Santa Cruz was always my home and where I felt the strongest pull towards. I grew up surfing and
By Garrick Ramirez
When it comes to iconic cars, all roads lead to Santa Cruz County. Cruise around town, and you’ll spot a variety of restored classics that will delight car buffs, gearheads, and Instagram husbands. Plus, beyond providing a fetching backdrop for social media pics, these timeless vehicles often offer a peek into the region’s cultural history. From surfboard-adorned Woodies to a delivery truck topped with a giant apple juice jug, here are seven spots to get revved up with classic autos.