NorCal Wonderer

won·der·er (wŭn′dər′ər) n. someone filled with admiration, amazement; marvel BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ COUNTY TRAVEL OUR FACEBOOK GROUP BOOK INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FEATURED DESTINATIONS

[norcalwonderer]

For Gen X, it's a thing

I recently started back in the travel business, specializing in Northern California travel and a heavy focus on Santa Cruz County. This job requires a great deal of research, which is something I love. When probing the internet (and my memories during the last thirty-five years) for content based in Santa Cruz, I came across this beauty.

Then and Now Movie Locations

Clearly, this blog's mastermind has his SEO squared away because there it was, sitting near the top of Google's search results for "Santa Cruz History". For fellow Gen Xers, this website stirs something in us that precipitously gets reawakened with each split-screen photo from The Lost Boys. And there are a lot of photos.

I was fifteen in 1987 when the movie was filmed. A sophomore at Los Gatos High School, l had a familiarity with the seaside town of Santa Cruz comparable to that old local dusty guy that can dictate every arbitrary detail about Santa Cruz that there is to know. After leaving high school I lived in Santa Cruz for years, and then later for another stint of time, and now am moving back this Fall for the last time.

If you're a fan of the area and the movie, take some time on this website. 1987 was a long time ago, but sometimes things don't change as much as you'd think. - xo J

[norcalwonderer]

Embracing Sober Curious Travel

For many, drinking is a cultural experience. It’s something that people do when they visit with friends, attend special events or escape on a vacation. It’s associated with fun and relaxation, holidays and celebrations. However, as dear as our drinking customs may be, anyone who has enjoyed one beverage too many can vouch for alcohol’s adverse effects. It’s these same unpleasant consequences that have nudged many to become what Author Ruby Warrington refers to as ‘Sober Curious’ as they begin to explore their relationship with alcohol and its role in their life.

And just as bars and restaurants are showing their support through N/A offerings like Instagrammable mocktails and alcohol-free beers, it’s important for travel advisors to explore how they can best serve Sober Curious travelers as the movement continues to grow.

Read more

Interested in jumping on this trend? Might just change the way you travel and how you see the world.

Shoot me a message for a quote

or book easily online now

xo Jeanie

[norcalwonderer]

Do Vietnam Like Bourdain

You remember that guy, Anthony Bourdain, don't you? Personally, I think he may have single-handedly formed my unwavering obsession with food and travel. I've read Kitchen Confidential five times and have owned four copies; hard cover, soft cover, large print, and anniversary edition. I've watched every episode of every series he made, at least twice. I shit you not.

Tony loved Vietnam, possibly even more than NYC. I personally haven't had the opportunity to go yet but it's in the top three. When referring to Tony with Vietnam, it's easy to make it all about food. And there's nothing wrong with that. But when you have the chance to go, you'll experience a ton of other amazing things that make this country so beloved.

Taken from our international travel booking website:

Vietnam is a true masterpiece of a country in Southeast Asia. From the lively urban centre of Ho Chi Minh City to the stunning beauty of internationally renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, visiting Vietnam makes for a truly life-changing experience. The capital city, Hanoi, displays a curious mix of Chinese and French influences that come together in a large urban area with a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere. On the northeastern coast of the country is the ever-popular Ha Long Bay. Picture a sea of shimmering turquoise waters within which impressive rock formations stand tall, crowned by the greenest of vegetation and hiding secret grottos decorated with ancient stalactites. Further south is Hoi An, a coastal city of bright yellow houses, endless rice fields, and white beaches. Its gorgeous and well-preserved Ancient Town shows off the region’s particular brand of foreign-influenced architecture. In southern Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, a city like no other in the country. With so much to see and do, it is hard to get bored here. From the Museum of Vietnamese History (Bao Tang Lich Su) to the Emperor Jade Pagoda, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and ‘Cho Lon’, or Chinatown, Vietnam’s largest city is an exciting and diverse city cultural hotspot.

What is your experience with Vietnam? What are your feelings about it? Please send me a message.

Ready to book or have questions or need a quote?

Shoot me a message.

Jeanie

[norcalwonderer]

SURFER’S PATH 1/2 MARATHON – SANTA CRUZ TO CAPITOLA VILLAGE & BACK MAY 21 @ 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The Surfers Path Half Marathon consists of a 13.1 mile run from Santa Cruz to Capitola and back. The event starts at the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and travels east along the coast. The route takes runners past the Santa Cruz Harbor, Moran Lake and Pleasure Point as it makes its way to the City of Capitola. Following a loop through Capitola Village, runners will retrace their steps back along the coastline, continue past the Boardwalk, and make a left turn after the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf to the finish on Cowell’s Beach.

The race begins promptly at 7:00 am.

[norcalwonderer]

40th ANNUAL CAPITOLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL

Sept 9-10, 2023

Stroll the festival sipping exceptional wines from 22 Santa Cruz Mountain wineries while admiring the artistic talents of over 100 fine artists. Enjoy live music, be inspired by local dance groups, and street performers.

Charming Capitola Village is filled with restaurants for every taste and an abundance of boutiques to satisfy a shopper’s dream. Art, wine, music, and fun in the enchanting beach-side setting of Capitola…summer’s last hurrah, and truly a weekend in paradise!

Admission is FREE! Wine tasting requires purchase of 2023 Festival Glass ($15) and tasting tokens ($1 each). Tastings vary between 2 – 4 tokens. Must be 21+ to wine taste, purchase glass and tokens.

Free bike valet parking at the festival. Free parking and shuttle from Capitola Mall. Look for FESTIVAL SHUTTLE signs in the mall parking lot off Capitola Road near the Spirit Halloween parking area (formerly Sears). Shuttle operates Saturday, 9:30am – 8pm, Sunday, 9:30am – 7pm.

Visit their Facebook and Instagram