Winter Charms Shine Bright
Winter on the Coastside is a close rival to Fall! The weather cooperates (for the most part) and is even spectacular on some days. Coming off the heals of the Fall season, which our area thrives on, Winter does not disappoint. Start or continue a tradition with one or more of these events. I’ve also added in a bit of personal perspective. Also, click on the “View Larger Map” below to see the locations of each event marked. Check back. Events, dates & times may be updated. (**) Tickets required (*) Drop by 11/30/07 New Addition: Napping House Studio – Creative Decorative Pillows. These are labors of love, many are not yet online, some sell before ever presented to the public. Many designs; Holiday designs are selling out fast. If you see one online, order, or call for details, 650-726-9545. Local resident and friend Beverly has that gifted artist “eye” and is a detail nut (so we relate!). ** The Johnston Holiday House – Saturday, 11/3 and 11/10, and Sunday, 11/4 and 11/11 The historic Johnston House will be festively decorated and filled with fine crafts along the theme of “Joy to the World” at the annual annual holiday festivity, with a special holiday tea from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Organizers request no children please. Tickets available at our office, Coldwell Banker, Half Moon Bay, and numerous locations around town. Contact 726-0329. Location: South of Town The Johnston family was HMB’s first families, settling on 1100 acres just south of downtown in the late nineteenth century. When family members could no longer care for the property it went into disrepair. A new organization was formed in the 70’s called the Spanishtown Historical Society. With their vision and support this classic home was brought back to life and is now open periodically for all to enjoy while taking in a bit of history. * Ladies Night at Main Street Goldworks – Thursday, 11/15/07, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Local women know this is the place to be. Last year was the first and it must have been such a hit that they are doing it again this year, called it the “2nd annual”. Location: Downtown Half Moon Bay Many “downtowns” have their local jeweler. You may think they are all the same, they are not. Husbands, dads, boyfriends, engaged couples, and more come to this store from far reaching places. I’ve spoken to these people myself. My husband, a customer also (luv you sweetie!) is pretty darn picky about the gems he buys and Jay’s work and selections are a winner. He also does custom work. * Night of Lights – 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2007, 7 p.m. Parade of Lights, Downtown Main Street, HMB. Hosted by Downtown Business Association. Downtown shops stay open late for holiday shoppers and entertainment fills the streets, including horse and buggy rides, street performers, carolers, a parade, and more. Location: Downtown Half Moon Bay What can I say, it’s midwest charm without the snow. Having lived in the midwest, I know this and have never appreciated our weather more than since I’ve been back. A great family outing to window shop, sip hot chocolate, and listen to carolers. You don’t even have to spend any $$, but the store owners would love it if you do. If you want a very un-mall-like shopping experience, with many one of a kind and unique gift ideas, shop downtown HMB. * Ritz Carlton Annual Gingerbread House Contest Entries taken: Nov. 30-Dec.3 (650-726-7296 to enter the contest); Dec 4-9 viewing and voting; Dec 9 at Tree Lighting, winner announced by CBS 5 “Eye on the Bay” Host Liam Mayclem. Location: South of Town The Ritz opened in HMB in 2003. I would say, with some melancholy, that our area has been discovered since then. Many locals enjoy events here as well as out of town visitors. It’s a great place to get that “city feel” without going to the City. ** Ritzy Trees, a Holiday Fundraiser to be held at Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Tuesday, 11/27/07 – 6:30-9:00 $75 a ticket to Benefit Coastside Family Medical Center and Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside. A “Ritzy” sit down dinner for great local causes. Tickets available at Coldwell Banker, Half Moon Bay, until gone. Location: South of Town The Coastside Family Health Center has changed owners over the years. Locals have fought to keep it up and running as our only convenient “major” healthcare facility. The Boys & Girls Club relies on our funding to offer its programs. David Cline, a well established local Realtor (also at CB) heads the Board. He and fellow board members work tirelessly for the boys and girl of this community and continually work to find a permanent home for the kids. Local Artists “Trunk” Show, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8th & 9th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cidar and treats! * Julie B designs – original jewelry by long time talented local artisan. Her work is also available at Personal FX on Main. I’ve known Julie since our kids were in Elementary School at Farallone View together. She would always wear fabulous jewelry, even when coming to pick up the kids from school! Little did I know then that she made jewelry for friends. Years later, I attended a small gathering of local artists and noticed her beautiful work on display. I now save my pennies to buy one of her pieces at this time of year. She can also do custom work. Her husband is well known photographer, Robert Buelteman. * Pottery by Nancy Quickert – stunning one-of-a-kind pieces. Nancy is a talented artist as well as a teacher who has been sharing her unique work with locals and patrons in the know for probably longer than the 15 years I have known her! Nancy is one of those special people who is always creating, always giving, and is a true gift in our community. You must see her work. * Fiber Arts by Leslie Greenberg – Leslie’s work will also be for sale at the Clay House event. Location: The Clay House, 750 Drake Street, Montara Warning: The items for sale at this event will not resemble anything you may find at a Mall. Note: If you have a local event, make a comment if you wish to be included or contact me offline. * December Shopping Night, December 20th. Downtown Half Moon Bay Main Street. Stores are open until late again for last minute shopping. Location: Downtown Half Moon Bay * Maverick’s Surf Contest– Winter date TBD with approx. 24 hours notice. The media will know as soon as the event is announced. While usually an annual event, it did not take place last year. It is scheduled to happen this year per this local report. Surfers from around the world come to our little community to await the word from contest officials that the wave action has created the perfect storm for the mother of all surf contests. Location: El Granada/Princeton The event used to happen with many a local simply going about our business. Over time, more and more people came to see these mammoth waves and the brave and talented men who fearlessly ride them. Two years ago, the high school all but shut down because of so many “illnesses” that day…(my children included!). View Larger Map Click on Larger Map link for interactive local detail.
Where else can you find this unique combination of small town charm, location, character and weather?
The Coastside – Visited by Many, Home to a Lucky Few.