Broughton Quarterly - Fall 2008 - (Page 24) HARMONIC DETAIlS There’s much to sing about in Harmony, California’s most miniscule town. located off Highway 1 between Cambria and Morro Bay, this artist’s haven is home to a handful of must-sees. Harmony Cellars Winery: Hilltop winery offers wine tasting, small boutique, and outdoor picnic tables. 805.927.1625, HarmonyCellars.com Harmony Glassworks Studio: Visible glassblowing studio and retail glass store carrying the work of 11 local artists. 805.927.4248, HarmonyGlassworks.com Harmony Pottery: Represents artwork of over 150 potters in a turn-of-the-century barn. 805.927.4293, HarmonyCA. com/HarmonyPottery Harmony Chapel: Open by appointment only for weddings and ceremonies. Seats up to 50 people. Contact Aarika Wells, town historian, 805.927.1028. destination by itself, but it would be nice if there were something else to do.” Mehdizadeh hesitates to offer a timeframe for completion. He adds that there are many expenses involved and numerous items that need to be done prior to obtaining permits. “We are working on it day by day,” he says. “All the buildings need to be fixed up in some regard, and we are moving forward.” In the meantime, the people who care about Harmony are moving forward too. The three businesses and Calyork Group have joined forces to erect a highway billboard directing motorists to Harmony’s art studios and winery. The chapel and bride’s room has been refreshed with paint, artwork, and curtains. Anyone who wants to book the chapel must contact Wells—who literally holds the keys to the town. Wells plans to write a self-guided walking tour of Harmony and erect a small museum in the creamery. She has an arrangement with the owners as the town caretaker, and stresses that plans are in the works to reopen the beloved post office.“There’s a lot of potential here,” she says enthusiastically.“The owners are doing what they can do while waiting for approvals.” With its limited infrastructure, the town cannot offer food services. There are no restrooms except for a couple of outhouses. Yet tiny jewels along this dusty parcel show the town is worth redeeming. A lovely mural painted on the side of the post office tells the story of Harmony. A 10-foot heart-shaped bush is another attractive oddity. A gravesite for the former “Mayor of Harmony,” Freddy Cheenie the cat, is found near the creamery. And then there are the rustic farm buildings from the 1800s, still standing. “This place is already known as an art stop, and it has the historic and primitive charm,” says Carlos Covarrubias, a local glass blower who displays his art at Harmony Glassworks.“For Eric to come back and set up his glass studio was an excellent idea. The town needs to offer more amenities so people can hang out longer.” His wife, Sophia, also a glass artist, agrees. “In the art and glass community, Harmony has a huge reputation. When I go to art shows, people always ask me, ‘What happened to Harmony?’ They have been heartbroken. But now I am so excited to be a part of this place. Harmony is getQ ting re-energized.” Gravesite of Freddy Cheenie the Cat: The “Mayor” of Harmony, this beloved feline’s final resting place is on the side of the local creamery (cat heaven). Harmony mural: Colorful handpainted mural found on the side of the post office wall. Depicts the history of Harmony and illustration of the original downtown. Harmony heart: A 10-foot shrub shaped like a heart in front of the post office. Dedicated volunteers maintain the shrub. WHERE TO STAY There are no accommodations in Harmony itself, but the nearby towns of Cambria and San Simeon offer a number of options. The Morgan is San Simeon’s only boutique hotel, a contemporary styled property with comfortable guest rooms and a lounge where visitors enjoy live music, cocktails, and local wines. Rates start at $139 (promotional rates available). For reservations call 800.451.9900 or log onto Hotel-Morgan.com. 2 broughton Quarterly FALL 2008 http://www.HarmonyCellars.com http://www.HarmonyCellars.com http://www.HarmonyGlassworks.com http://HarmonyCA.com/HarmonyPottery http://HarmonyCA.com/HarmonyPottery http://www.Hotel-Morgan.com
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