Santa Cruz County - 2008 Official Traveler's Guide - (Page 55) aptos the essence of sustainable agriculture. Where charm and history meet redwoods and sea The quaint town of Aptos is in an unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County that includes the Rio Del Mar, Seacliff, and Seascape areas. It is also the home of historic Aptos Village, the gateway to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Spend Saturday morning at the Aptos Certified Farmer’s Market where locally-grown produce awaits. Guided tours and workshops add to the appeal of the market, where locals mingle with out-of-towners breathing in The charm of Aptos is captured in its idyllic village with 19th century facades and wooden walkways. The grounds of the historic Bayview Hotel Bed and Breakfast feature the second-oldest known magnolia tree in the world and the Victorian garden features a rose tree over 130 years old. Spend a relaxing day browsing through specialty boutiques and antique shops. For a more patriotic experience, Aptos’ “World’s Shortest Parade” on the Fourth of July morning includes nearly every Aptos resident – and pet dressed in red, white and blue splendor. The celebration continues at Aptos Village Park, also the site for the annual Blues Festival in May. The Aptos History Museum houses a collection of artifacts and photographs tracing the history from native Ohlone Indians who named the area to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. For the outdoor enthusiast, the lush wilderness of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park beckons hikers, runners, and bike riders with 30 miles of trails. Covering 10,000 acres, the park, once clear-cut by loggers, is a testament to forest regeneration where auburn-colored second-growth redwoods coexist with kelly-green foliage. Remnants of mill sites and trestles still exist in the park today. The Old Growth Loop Trail takes hikers past The Advocate, the largest redwood tree in the park, with a circumference of 45 feet. Seacliff State Beach is the perfect spot for a seaside picnic, complete with barbecue grills and shaded tables on a long stretch of sand. The S.S. Palo Alto, an experimental concrete ship, is docked at the end of the fishing pier. Each June, the vessel is honored at The Festival of the Cement Ship, with live music and a narrative of the ship’s history. The park’s interpretative center features historical exhibits and displays. Or, visit the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Interpretive Exhibit, a wonderful way for visitors to explore the coastline from land. 55 the charm of aptos is captured in its idyllic village “ (aptos combines) early california heritage and charm with eclectic modern-day shopping ” Santa BarBara SeaSonS Magazine, FaLL 2007 Photo: Greg Pio www. s a n t a cr u z co u n ty. t r a v e l http://www.santacruzcounty.travel
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