I was so surprised how sleepy the towns in coastal central California are. I figured since we were seeing beach towns they would be more populated and funky, but everything was very quiet and peaceful with lots farmland and rolling hills. It was just my kind of place.
We visited Hearst Castle, on my bucket list of historical places. William Hearst was a bit bonkers for Gothic art and Spanish architecture, as well as having the resources to add and add to his "ranch" over 28 years to fill with art collected over his lifetime. It was incredible the beauty and condition of every single surface from ceilings to tapestries, rugs, and lamps, each thing appeared to be dripping with money. It was neat, but part of my obsessive love of the old is what story the person or artifact can tell about day to day life of the time period. Although influential, Hearst and his castle was far from realistic. I like my history with a touch of dust, rust, and soot.
I could handle some roaring parties and a dip in the pool at Hearst castle circa 1930.
I saw on Oprah that San Luis Obispo was named the happiest place in America
I think any place with ice cream and baby farm animals is a happiest place for me (Avila Valley Barn)
Overall it was an incredible trip. Although we camp alot, this was different, this was a true vacation, and a welcome one at that.
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