Summer In Santa Cruz

Every summer we spend a week at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, CA. And this year it was our first trip of the summer, beginning even before school officially let out ( see prior post). It's not too far of a drive from home, and seems to have the right combo of sun, fun, sand & surf for the whole family.  In between the fun of the boardwalk and beach there are those fleeting quiet moments at twilight on the patio I relish...

Some of our favorite to-dos during the week: walking out to Stegnaro's on the Wharf for dinner (sand dabs are oh so fresh and delish), then picking up a little something sweet from Marini's to nibble as we visit with the barking resident sea lions on our stroll back to the hotel;  A full day out at the Boardwalk, fortified with tasty and healthy eats from The Picnic Basket, which is a good antidote to the deep frieds and sweetie sweets that beckon between the exciting rides and games; and of course lots of time together out on the beach and in the pool.

It's not a very far away getaway, but it is very effective. It's nice to know you don't always have to travel far in order to come home happy, relaxed, and with a few more happy memories to add to the summer memory bank.