Visit Half Moon Bay - Newsletter

To counter balance all of the mud slinging on the campaign trail, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company has created two new light English-style brews, the Obama Ale and McCain Ale so people can show support for their favorite presidential candidate by purchasing the ale that supports their favorite candidate. Dubbed the "Alelection 08," both the Obama and McCain Ales are now available for purchase in bottles, on tap at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and online at www.hmbbrewingco.com. 390 Capistrano Avenue, Princeton-By-The-Sea, (650) 728-BREW. Media Contact: Dee Dee Taft, (415) 380-8390, deedee@spinpr.com.

Sundays: November 30; December 7, 14 & 21
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm & 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Children of all ages gather for a favorite family tradition at The Ritz-Carlton. Guests enjoy a fun-filled afternoon in festive surroundings featuring a storytelling teddy bear, a selection of tea pastries, mini finger sandwiches and a Christmas candy buffet table. Each child takes home a teddy bear and a photo as souvenirs. $65 per child, $75 per guest 18 and over, exclusive of tax and gratuity. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7040. Media Contact: Jennifer Chiesa, (650) 712-7696, Jennifer.Chiesa@ritzcarlton.com.

The highly-anticipated Dungeness Crab season kicks off on November 15 and runs though the end of June. These large, hard-shell crabs with a sweet flavor and flaky texture are found along the northwest coast from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Northern California. Half Moon Bay has one of the largest concentrations of this seafood delicacy with more than 50 commercial boats fishing off Pillar Point Harbor, the last working fishing harbor between San Francisco and Monterey. Everyday, boats haul in their catch and visitors can purchase live crabs and fresh fish directly from the local fisherman. To find out the day's catch, call Pillar Point Harbor, (650) 726-8724. Several local companies offer fishing and crabbing excursions: Huck Finn Sportfishing, (650) 726-7133, www.huckfinnsportfishing.com; Huli Cat Sportfishing, (650) 726-2926, www.hulicat.com; Riptide Sportfishing, owned and operated by Captain Smitty, (888) 747-8433, www.riptide.net; and Half Moon Bay Sportfishing & Tackle, (650) 726-2913.

The Ritz-Carlton has welcomed the addition of Eno, an upscale wine tasting room featuring flights of wine, cheese and chocolate, as well as wines by the glass. Special wine education classes lead by Santa Cruz Mountain wineries are currently offered on site at "Eno-Versity" where guests can taste, discover and discuss wine with experts. Offered on Saturday afternoons from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. in the ENO wine bar; $35 per person. One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7040, www.ritzcarlton.com. Media Contact: Jennifer Chiesa, (650) 712-7696, Jennifer.Chiesa@ritzcarlton.com.

November Saturday/Sundays 1, 2, 8 & 9
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
"Holiday Movie Magic - A Salute To The Silver Screen," is the theme of the eighth annual Holiday Boutique & Historic House Tour at the historic Johnston House. The self-guided tour of this "White House of Half Moon Bay," built 1853-1855, gives visitors a chance to see a rare example of Eastern saltbox architecture transplanted to the West Coast. Guests will delight in the rooms adorned with Christmas trees, one-of-a-kind holiday wreaths, handcrafted items by more than 40 local and regional artists, gourmet treats and a selection of unusual gifts and holiday items. This is the perfect place to shop for ornaments, holiday decorations, jewelry, original artwork, textiles, home décor, and much more. Tickets are $10 and benefit the continued restoration of the James Johnston House. (650) 726-0329, www.johnstonhouse.org.

The Spanishtown Historical Society presents the 8th Annual "Spanishtown Tea" featuring a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delectable desserts created by The Ritz Carlton culinary team. November 1 & 2, 8 & 9; 1 p.m. seating. Cost is $30 ($25 for seniors). Ocean Shore Train Depot, 110 Higgins Canyon Rd, (650) 726-7780.

Without the added calories or the hangover, guests can now indulge in their favorite cocktail while having their body buffed and rubbed to perfection with the "NAVAN Body Cocktail." This "happy hour" starts with a vanilla sugar exfoliation for the entire body designed to remove dead skin and stimulate circulation. Next, a refreshing Vichy shower rinse is followed by a 30 minute massage with hydrating shea butter. After the treatment, guests can choose from one of three new spa cocktails using NAVAN Natural Vanilla liqueur. The Ritz-Carlton, One Miramontes Point Road, (650) 712-7040, www.ritzcarlton.com. Media Contact: Jennifer Chiesa, (650) 712-7696, Jennifer.Chiesa@ritzcarlton.com.