Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2009 - (Page 53) Capitola and Soquel coast’s oldest seaside resort town. Timeless gems of the Central Coast From the seaside vistas of Capitola to the small-town appeal of nearby Soquel, this cozy region south of Santa Cruz is reminiscent of another time in history. Capitola Village was once home to a 160-room hotel, hot salt-water baths, and trolley service from Santa Cruz, earning its reputation as the Pacific Founded 135 years ago, Capitola still radiates the charisma of a vintage beachside town, where galleries and boutiques decorate the quaint streets of Capitola Village. The esplanade curves alongside a row of beachside restaurants and then bursts open into a magnificent view of the sea. A Mediterranean essence flavors the air, from breezy cafes to the relaxed atmosphere of this treasured town. Wednesday evenings during summer, twilight concerts at Esplanade Park’s outdoor bandstand are an enjoyable way to end the day. Bring a picnic dinner and a beach blanket or take a spin on the plaza dance floor. Or stroll the Capitola Wharf and watch the sunset. Housed inside a quaint schoolhouse in the village, the Capitola Historical Museum features changing historical exhibits and offers maps for self-guided walking tours. Beyond the village, Capitola boasts a day spa, tea room and endless shopping. The annual Begonia Festival has been a Labor Day weekend tradition for over half a century. The highlight of the festival is the parade of begoniacovered barges floating down Soquel Creek to the beach. The festival also features a sand sculpture contest, a fishing derby and other events celebrating this lovely blossom. Other year-round crowd pleasers throughout the year include fall’s Capitola Art & Wine Festival, “Surfin’ Santa,” and the Capitola Rod and Custom Classic Car Show. The 162-year-old town of Soquel lies just inland from Capitola. Antique shops featuring everything from heirloom jewelry to early American furniture line the streets of this tranquil village where a variety of dining options abound. The hills up above the town are draped with vineyards, and Soquel serves as an ideal starting point for self-guided wine tasting tours. Bargetto Winery is located near the heart of town. Scenic two-lane roads wind up through the mountains to many more wineries north of Soquel. The engaging appeal of Capitola and Soquel will coax you into a timeless world of relaxation. 53 a mediterranean essence flavors the air “ look up California Beach Community in the dictionary and Capitola has to be exhibit A.” MAnteCA Bulletin, SePteMBer 1, 2007 Photo: Mark Barnes/CVC 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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