Do you ever feel the need to get away for a day or two? A short change in scenery and quick getaway can renew the soul.
For those that live in California, Morro Bay is one of those destinations that is peaceful, quaint and perfect for a weekend away. If you are visiting the coast of California, Morro Bay is a must see.
Where to stay, the Anderson is in my opinion the best place to stay on the bay. This tiny boutique property is right on the Embarcadero. The Anderson family is friendly, really fun and helpful in offering places to eat and things to do. Mollie works in the front office and runs the Inn with both of her brother’s and they are fantastic people. After meeting them, you will know why this Inn is so special.
The Inn has 8 rooms, a few with full bay views and the remainder have partial bay views. The rooms are spotlessly clean and really bring the bay and beach indoors with the hues of the ocean. While staying here you can easily walk the entire Embarcadero and enjoy the activities the bay has to offer. The rooms are contemporary, yet comfortable and spacious.
http://www.andersoninnmorrobay.com/index.html
Along the Embarcadero you will find little eateries and shops. A few steps away from the Inn is Chateau Margene tasting room. We discovered this winery in Paso Robles and they now have a tasting room in Morro Bay. This beautiful tasting room is bright and comfortable with a fun staff, so pull up a stool and the only choice you will have to make is which wine path to take. Taste either the El Pistolero wines or the luxurious Chateau Margene wines. Personally, I love the El Pistolero and their Pinot Noir has a beautiful smokey taste, yet it is smooth with many layers of fruit and leather. I know leather doesn’t sound good when tasting wine, but it is the only way to explain the richness and smokiness of this beautiful wine.
From Chateau Margene, wander, stroll or walk towards Morro Rock just around the corner you will find Stax Wine Bar. A really cool spot to sit up at the bar, soak in the many wine varietals on the menu. They have some fantastic appetizers to pair with the wines.
Having skipped lunch, I needed something a bit substantial before dinner and their appetizer menu has some excellent choices. Finally settling on one of the many Crostini choices, Crostini ala Filet Mignon.
The bread was toasted to perfection, topped with shaved Parmesan cheese, fresh Arugula, tender strips of Filet and a fresh basil aioli. The dish was scrumptious and the perfect accompaniment to the red wine.
http://www.staxwine.com/#/home
After hanging out, eating and savoring a glass of wine, it is time to move on to dinner. Directly below the rooms at The Anderson is The Galley restaurant. The restaurant came highly recommended and I understand why. Most of the staff have been working at the Galley for many years or have had family employed for a long time, they love the restaurant and take pride in the food and service.
The staff could not have been more friendly and knowledgeable. Each dish was explained in detail and in a way that makes you want each and every one. Finally making a decision, the scallops and crab cakes were amazing. The scallops had a nice sear on the outside, yet tender on the inside. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and fresh grilled asparagus.
The dungenous crab cakes are some of the best I have had. How many times have you ordered crab cakes and they come with a little bit of crab and a lot of breading and filler, not so at The Galley. These beauties, had a bit of breading on the outside and filled with pure sweet and juicy crab in the middle.
The red pepper and herb coulis was spicy and creamy and had a fresh herb flavor that elevated the crab to pure perfection.
http://www.galleymorrobay.com/welcome
The next morning, I was headed to Sausalito and needed a quick bite of breakfast. Stopped into Crills II, a little candy shop, with salt water taffy, but they also make huge Cinnamon Rolls, and who can resist an Cinnamon Roll? You will have choices to make, plain or covered in freshly chopped nuts with cream cheese icing on the side.
Drove down towards Morro Rock, parked overlooking the bay, watched all the boats, paddle boarders and kayaker’s play in the water and savored my sweet treat and feeling sad to be leaving Morro Bay.
Next stop, Cavallo Point, Sausalito.
Travel Safe,
Terri