Parking 808 Bay Ave in the Nob Hill parking lot near the back of the store. Nice easy walk. Good…read moretemperature because of clouds and shade because of the many many trees. I don't think it ever gets hot here. Looking good.

Rispin Mansion Capitola CA Sat 10/30/21…read more The Rispin Mansion in Capitola California is a historic mansion, registered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. I've been at this site countless times over the years, oh how I regret not to have posted my previously taken photos, lost in the mists of time (and annals of my old laptops somewhere)! Wish I had a review written back in a day. And I'll tell you why, in a second. Around 75% of the Rispin Mansion had been destroyed by fire about 10 years ago. It was soon after the Capitola City Council approved a 55-year lease that would repair the grounds and turn it into a 25-room boutique hotel, back in May of 2009. The project was billed at $14 million, however, just before the construction started, a fire broke out. And now you know the rest of the story! So the grounds are fenced with the chicken wire and abandoned on the day of my today's visit on Saturday October 30, 2021. The building was constructed in 1921 by San Franciscan Henry Allen Rispin. It was built with four stories, 22 rooms, and over 7,100 square feet, on the grounds of what was called "Camp Capitola". Described as being "cursed," Rispin Mansion was first used as a real-estate showroom, and then, at various times, as a residence, a nunnery, a SWAT practice ground, and even as a ghost hunting site! Why is it on the National Register, what's historic about it? Well, I'm glad that you asked. It's because Henry Allen Rispin was one of the founding fathers of Capitola. He saw its large potential as a vacation spot and tourist attraction. Rispin owned or controlled most of the land in the new city of Capitola. During the Great Depression, he lost his fortune and had to sell the mansion. It went to his business partner Robert Hays Smith through foreclose, then got sold to the Oblates of St. Joseph and became a convent, until 1959. For many decades thereafter, Rispin Mansion stayed unoccupied, neglected, vandalized with graffiti, ghosted. That is until the city purchased the property in 1985 for mere $1.35 million and eventually placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. It attracts supernatural interest from the ghost hunters who visit the property during the middle of the night, to film the paranormal activities. So I thought it was most fitting to pen my review on Halloween 2021 to bring your attention to Rispin Mansion and its ghosts of the past. Cheers! Review #654 posted with 6 pictures on October 30, 2021 Rispin Mansion Capitola CA Sat 10/30/21 ® It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah It don't mean a thing all you got to do is sing doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah It makes no difference If it's sweet or hot Just give that rhythm Everything you've got Rispin Mansion Capitola CA Sat 10/30/21

I too have many memories in my youth on this side of the sinking Cement Boat. While my family had…read moreproperty on the other side, I liked the beach here just a little bit better. The waves tend to be larger, but there are more jellyfish. Also for some reason, you can find Sand Dollars on this side, but not on the other side. The beach is largely private, but I believe there are some picnic areas. The Cement Boat is called the USS Palo Alto, and is one of only 3 cement ships to be built for World War 1. I have been on a small portion of this ship before they closed the enitre ship for safety.

This beach is really nice. However, it is not a place for bonfires. The pits are in the back…read moretowards the bathroom, and parking lot, AND then it's separated by this weird growing puddle of water that all the nasty seagulls are hanging out in. The beach itself is beautiful! And you can set up your gear not too far from the water. Instead of some beaches where you can barely see your things if you go out into the water. It's a nice place for all... Families... couples... Definitely a nice place to have a picnic. Boogie boards, skim boards. You will have a good time. It's a nice place hidden away in a residential area. The parking lot is really small. We were fortunate enough to get there early, but if you come later in the day you may have to park up the hill, and walk down. Which isn't so bad, but after a relaxing day at the beach, a climb uphill is something not everyone is happy to do, especially if you have small children...

Top of the stairs is near corner of Cliff Ave & Grand Ave and has quite a view. Set navigation…read moresoftware for 104 cliff Abe in capitola and it'll get you to top of stairs. DONT PARK HERE though. It's permit parking only. Park around the corner

Inevitably, these stairs are:…read more What you do after a long night in the Village. What you do after a few too many cupcakes (http://www.yelp.com/biz/sprinkles-cupcakes-palo-alto#hrid:F7yevLniXvWEebiGO8gBMg) What you do when you want to escape the parking nazis. But it will cost you in burn factor every time.

Live music 3rd sat is great: Ashley Lloyd 5:30-7:30. Good acoustic…read more Honestly, I did not like any of the 6 beers that I tasted in the sampler flight. But there are about 6 more that I will try later. And the live music was good. Parking is OK; they have a lot of spaces in the back.

Location is secluded but it's at your Discretion, . Once you enter the parking lot entrance for the…read morestreet keep your eyes to the right and look for the tall red Barn wall, you can't miss the sign. We were kindly greeted by Rochelle who helped up with our desired libation. I loved the ambiance and am so happy the day was shiny and pleasant because we sat outside to take in the fresh air. Of course there's overflow seating here because they also have a plentiful menu and kitchen to cater to your culinary appitite. We ordered the Uncle David RIPA, which went don't smoothly, is all I can say. Take a load off, kick your feet up, and grab a book (they have a cute Book Nook inside) and relax and grab a bite and a brew. CHEERS!!

A great spot for views and a small walk. There is a shop towards the end, benches, and spots to…read morefish. There are families that setup here for the day, and its such a nice environment.

North Pier Capitola Wharf CA Sat 10/30/21…read more One fine day to enjoy the shore and immerse into the sounds of calm waters, gentle clouds, and blue skies. Watching waves breaking at an angle to the shoreline and generating long current, water moving onto the beach and then retreating, in a continuous cycle. As long as the waves hit the shoreline, we are fine! North Pier is next to Capitola Venetian Hotel & Capitola Beach Suites where relaxation meets the sea. Or so they say, if you found a parking spot LOL. There isn't anywhere to park on Wharf road, Stockton avenue, or in the downtown area - Capitola Village. You can park in the Upper Village on Capitola Ave, and walk down to the beach, it's a nice short stroll. Turn right to Stockton Ave, then cross the bridge over Soquel Creek, to Cliff Drive and Wharf Road. There's your North Pier! Enjoy! Cheers! Review #653 posted with 7 pictures on October 30, 2021 North Pier Capitola CA Sat 10/30/21 Well I never kept a dollar past sunset It always burned a hole in my pants Never made a school mama happy Never blew a second chance, oh no I need a love to keep me happy I need a love to keep me happy Baby, baby keep me happy Baby, baby keep me happy Capitola Wharf North Pier Sat 10/30/21

Quality/Quantity - Fun city, I actually enjoy it more than Santa Cruz now. But that might change…read moreif/when I have more little ones in my life. Of course, they are known for their beaches. Other things to do: Breweries, wineries, restaurants, etc. History, museums, parks, etc. Other things to do that I have less interest in: Art, etc. Only an hour to two from the Bay Area, depending on traffic. Nearby cities are: Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Los Gatos. Atmosphere - 1.68 square miles with 0.08 water. But also next to the ocean. 2024 population = 9456 (US Census). Cut and pasted from the internet, the current landmark with a recent facelift: "The Venetian Court sits on the beach just east of the pier and is on the Register of National Historic Places as "The first Condominium Beach Community in the United States, built in 1924." Service - Depends on what you do, eat, or drink. Price - Depends on what you do, eat, or drink. We did both local and tourist stuff on this visit. Overall prices are reasonable, slightly above average. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1949.

City of Capitola is one of the smaller towns in Monterey Bay, but still significant. Whether you're…read morevacationing here or a local it has a lot to offer including some great beaches, one of which is Capitola Village. Also there's the Capitola Mall, which now may not be in its days of glory, but still offers much shopping. 41st Ave is also an area offering a ton of stores all the down to the beach. If you can afford to live here this a great option away from the busy streets of Santa Cruz.

Everything was simply amazing! From the service, the comfortable atmosphere, to the incredible…read morefood. We indulged in delicious cocktails, 2 delicious appetizers: the stracciatella and foccia, and the peaches with prosciutto and Parmesan. They had the best Caesar salad we've ever had (better than the Zuni cafe even). We also enjoyed a pasta dish (beef dumplings in tomato sauce) and a Genovese and pistachio pesto pizza. We didn't really have room for dessert but had to try them anyway. The lemon curd with pistachio was divine as was the affogato. We will be back next time we are in Santa Cruz!

Good: - marg pizza -…read moretrenette bolognese - ravioli (wouldn't get it again cuz not my palate) - strachiatella Meh: - root vegetables Black cod was weird, like it seemed nice but we all thought the fish was too slimy, too...alive? Too recently slaughtered? But I mean, maybe we're just not cool enough to appreciate it lol.

The Great Blue Heron Walkway is a work of art at Jose Avenue County Park, featuring two beautiful…read moregreat blue heron mosaic sculptures, created by Barbara Abbott and Sandra Whiting, made up of diverse pieces of random objects submitted by community members when it was built in 1999, including toy cars and seashells. Brief trails of oversized blue heron footprints are etched into the cement along the walkways inside the park, matching the sculptures on site, adding a nice touch to the artwork even if minimally noticeable and not as eye-catching as the great blue heron sculptures standing in the grass. I enjoyed checking it all out this past Friday, while spending the day in Santa Cruz.

I love this small family-friendly restaurant. we come here every year to enjoy their delicious…read moregnocchi. The staff is always speedy and friendly. Always a treat and now a family tradition when we're in town!

We took my parents to eat here for their 50th anniversary. We didn't make reservations but we were…read moreable to come right before they opened and wait for a table no problem. We ordered a bottle of wine and four different pasta dishes. Everyone was very happy with all of their meals and at the end of the meal we ordered tiramisu. The tiramisu was delicious. I had carbonara which I was excited about trying because I just came back from Italy a few months back. It didn't taste exactly like what I ate in Italy, but it was good. It's a small restaurant with maybe a handful of tables, but the service was very friendly and warm and I would definitely come back again.