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Half Moon Bay, California, a vibrant coastal town located approximately 40 minutes south of San Francisco, is the perfect place for a winter getaway. While most of the country is currently in a deep winter slumber, Half Moon Bay is alive and in full swing with current average daytime temperatures a comfortable 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Below is a sample of fun winter and early spring options for families, couples and solo travelers to enjoy during a relaxing escape along the Coastside. Please also visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org for everything visitors need to plan their trip - from information on luxury coastal resorts and cozy inns, to renowned restaurants, farm visits, wine tasting, fishing, whale watching, surfing and much more.

Special Note: All locations are in Half Moon Bay unless otherwise noted

- Tis The Season For.. -

Surfing
Half Moon Bay is home to the world-famous surfing spot Mavericks, located one-half mile off the coast by Pillar Point Harbor. Mavericks is considered to be one of the most challenging surfing areas in the world, attracting the most elite surfers to brave the waves. The Mavericks Surf Contest, which can take place anytime between November 1 through March 31 (depending upon wave patterns), attracts 24 of the world's greatest big-wave surfers who come to Half Moon Bay on just 24 hours notice to vie for a record-breaking $150,000 prize purse, including $50,000 to the champion.

To catch the action up close and in person, fans can book a spot on one of the officially-sanctioned boat tours or watch it from above in Airship Ventures' Zeppelin Eureka, the world's largest, 246-foot airship (for reservations call (650) 969-8100 or visit www.airshipventures.com). Or, watch it live on the big screen at AT+T Park in San Francisco (tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door). Fans who are not located in the Bay Area have several options: they can watch the contest live at www.maverickssurf.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mavericks or on their cell phone (visit www.flotv.com for more information).

For more information about the Mavericks Surf Competition, contact Mavericks Surf Ventures,
(415) 462-6200, www.maverickssurf.com.

Whale Watching
The annual migration of the gray whale is currently underway, and Half Moon Bay is the perfect spot for witnessing the journey of these spectacular creatures. Beginning in early December through the end of March, approximately 15,000 gray whales swim south from the icy waters of the Arctic to mate and nurse their young in the warm, shallow lagoons along Magdalena Bay in Baja, California. For those who like to plan ahead, March through early April is a great time to spot humpback whales as they begin moving closer to shore.

Northern Elephant Seals
Each winter from December through March, a large colony of northern elephant seals assembles on the beaches at Aņo Nuevo State Reserve. Bull seals engage in battles for breeding access to the females. Pregnant females come ashore to pup from late December to early February, and mothers nurse their pups for about a month before mating and returning to the sea. By early March, most of the adults have returned to the sea. Pups remain behind through March basking in the sun and learning to swim.

The reserve offers naturalist-guided walks between December 15 and March 31, which feature the seals in their natural habitat. To view the seals during this season, you must be on a guided walk. These popular three-mile walks over rolling sand dunes last about two and a half hours and are considered moderately strenuous. They operate daily from early morning. For reservations and more information, call (800) 444-4445 or visit www.parks.ca.gov.

Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab season kicked off in November and continues 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 of the town's walkable Pillar Point Harbor. Crab-lovers can purchase this delicacy fresh off the boat from several fisherman at Pillar Point Harbor. Call the harbor office at (650) 726-8724, ext. 3 to check ahead.

For those craving to eat their catch right away, head to nearby restaurant Princeton Seafood where they will crack, clean and cook your just-caught Dungeness crabs for a nominal fee. Order some tasty side dishes and have a feast at one of their outside picnic tables, or have the crabs packed on ice to go. The restaurant will also clean and filet freshly caught fish and pack it on ice to go (to have your fish cooked, advance arrangements are recommended). For those who prefer to leave the fishing to the pros, Princeton Seafood offers a full menu of fresh seafood and delicious side dishes. Pillar Point Harbor, #9 Johnson Pier, Princeton-By-The-Sea (650) 726-2722.

Several local companies offer crabbing, deep-sea fishing and whale-watching excursions:
• Huck Finn Sportfishing, (650) 726-7133, www.huckfinnsportfishing.com
• Huli Cat Sportfishing, (650) 726-2926 www.hulicat.com
• Riptide Sportfishing, (888) 747-8433, www.riptide.net


- Local Events -

Cool Harbor Nights
Held the first Thursday of every month - 3 p.m. to sunset (starting at 4 p.m. during spring/summer months) Pillar Point Harbor, Johnson Pier Princeton-By-The-Sea
Each first Thursday of every month, car aficionados far and wide descend upon Pillar Point Harbor for Cool Harbor Nights, a coastal car and motorcycle show. Owners of classic cars, trucks, fancy motorcycles and hot rods have the opportunity to show off their pride and joy while providing a glimpse of early automotive and motorcycle technology. Many of the machines have taken years to create or restore. Families will enjoy the cruise down memory lane as they show their kids the vintage Mustang or hot muscle car just like they drove. Registered machines will be entered into a drawing for some fantastic prizes. The event is free and open to both exhibitors and spectators. For more information and/or to register as a participant, contact Mary Botham, (650) 726-2722, mary@coastalcarshow.com.

41st Annual Farm Day
March 26 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
IDES Hall, 735 Main Street
Agriculture is Half Moon Bay's premier industry, and each year residents gather to celebrate the hardworking farmers that contribute so much bounty to the area at Farm Day, started by Coastside farmer, the late Mel Mello. Local farm families will come together to create a delicious lunch utilizing local produce. Among the many awards, a Coastside farmer will be chosen as "Farmer of the Year." For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Half Moon Bay Chamber, (650) 726-8380. Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 727-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.

20th Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show
April 26 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This massive, awe-inspiring event showcases more than 2,000 motorized mechanical marvels from throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Headline attractions scheduled to appear include: the world's most powerful air raid siren to open the festivities; thrilling, high-flying freestyle Motocross exhibitions by HiRise FMX; military aviation wonders "Heavenly Body," a historic B-25 Bomber from World War II; P-51 Mustangs; Hawker Seafury British Fighter; AAA Greenlight Initiative "Green Machines," a display of clean technology/alternative fuel vehicles; and much more. Rounding out the activities will be kid's amusements, food, and live music headlined by Americana legend and the "King of Dieselbilly" Bill Kirchen. The show benefits the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. For more information, call (650) 726-2328 or visit www.miramarevents.com. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 ages 11-17 and 65+, free for kids ages 10 and under. For more information, call 650-726-2328 or visit www.miramarevents.com. Media Contact: Tim Beeman, (650) 726-3491, tim@miramarevents.com.


- Tours -

Say Cheese
Harley Farms, home to award-winning goat cheese, is starting up their farm tours on February 13 where visitors can receive a "behind the scenes" look at the inner workings of this nine-acre goat dairy farm. The two-hour tour includes meeting the friendly goats, milking a goat, learning how to make goat cheese and a cheese tasting upstairs in a refurbished hayloft. Spring is the perfect time to visit, as it's kidding season on the farm, and visitors might even have the privilege of watching the birth of a baby goat. The farm is home to 220 American Alpine goats that produce more than 500 kids each spring. Tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays and are available by reservation only. Tours are $20 per adult; $10 for children ages 6-12; and free for kids ages five and under.

Harley Farms is also hosting special farm dinners once a month on January 16, February 13, March 6 and April 17. These hands-on events offer an in-depth tour of the farm where participants milk the goats and learn about traditional cheese making, followed by a decadent five-course seasonal meal in the farm's rustically charming hayloft. The evening menu will be sourced locally and will be sure to include Harley Farms' incredible goat cheese. Limited to 20 guests; held from 4 - 8 p.m.; $150 per person. 205 North Street, Pescadero. For more information call (650) 879-0480 or visit www.harleyfarms.com.


- Accomodations -

Stay "Inn" Luxury
Princeton-by-the-Sea is now home to a new luxury property, The Inn at Mavericks, which opened in late Fall 2009. Known formally as the Harbor House, the inn was completely renovated and redesigned from top to bottom. With just six spacious 500 square foot guestrooms, the property offers the amenities of a luxury hotel coupled with the intimate service of a small property. All guestrooms boast panoramic ocean and harbor views and offer a private veranda, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the comings and goings of pelicans, boats, and sea breezes. Luxurious amenities abound - from temperature-controlled fireplaces to Tempurpedic beds with lavish linens and cozy duvets and marble bathrooms outfitted with Kohler deep soaking tubs and separate rain showers. 346 Princeton Avenue. For reservations call (650) 728-1572 or visit www.innatmavericks.com.

Family Fun
For an affordable, family-friendly escape, head to the Spanish-style Half Moon Bay Lodge, complete with a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool, fitness center, sauna and a relaxing outdoor fireplace. Each room has a deck or terrace overlooking the acclaimed Arnold Palmer-designed Half Moon Bay Golf Links and is luxuriously appointed with modern conveniences such as coffee makers, pay-per-view movies and complimentary Wi-Fi. Throughout 2010, the hotel is offering the "Family Dinner and a Movie Package" that includes an overnight stay, a $50 gift certificate for dinner at Cameron's Inn and Pub, $20 in quarters for Cameron's video games, ice cream, an in-room movie and a breakfast buffet. Prices start at $259, excluding tax. 2400 S. Cabrillo Highway, (650) 726-9000, www.halfmoonbaylodge.com.

Seaside Luxury
Located on the picturesque Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay, the luxurious Oceano Hotel & Spa is offering two new packages:

  •Couples One Night Getaway - This romantic getaway includes luxurious accommodations in a deluxe suite, a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate dipped strawberries and breakfast for two in bed. Valid January 2 - April 30; prices start at $279 (weekdays) and $329 (Friday and Saturday nights), excluding tax.

  •Oceano's Gray Whale Migration Package - With their unique location just steps from the Pillar Point Harbor, Oceano Hotel & Spa offers a truly luxurious eco-friendly experience for viewing the migration of the gray whales and the abundant sea life of the California coastline. This special offer includes one-night harbor view accommodations for two in a Princeton Suite and two adult whale watch tickets aboard Riptide Charters. Valid February 13 - April 25. Rates start at $279 excluding tax and are valid for a Friday or Saturday night stay, with a Saturday charter departure. 280 Capistrano Road. For more information and reservations, call (888) OCEANO.1 or visit www.OceanoHalfMoonBay.com. Media Contact: Tony Canadas, (650) 726-5400.


- Culinary and Wine News -

Fire & Wine
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay will debut the "Fire and Wine Experience" on January 15-17 featuring three days of festivities, special wine classes and dining experiences highlighting the local wines and culinary treasures indigenous to coastal Half Moon Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Fire and Wine Experience kicks off on Friday, January 15 with three simultaneous events: a tasting menu featuring the award-winning wines of Silver Oak; a Silver Oak Private Reserve dinner in the resort's Fireplace Room; and an outdoor hot chocolate bar and s'mores at the resort's fire pits. On Saturday, a selection of intriguing workshops and classes will be offered including making your own wine, wine blending, and the magic of s'mores. Saturday dining highlights include a festive "Flights of Champagne" lunch and wine pairing dinner in Navio. Hot chocolate and s'mores will be available at the outdoor fire pits on Saturday evening, while the weekend's events will culminate on Sunday with a Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries Brunch with double tastings from Thomas Fogarty Winery, Big Basin Vineyards, Burrell School Vineyards & Winery and Stage Left Cellars. Festival dining and workshops may be pre-reserved on an la carte basis by calling (650) 712-7040. Guests staying at the hotel during the Fire and Wine Experience will receive complimentary admission to event classes and workshops. 1 Miramontes Road, (650) 712-7000, www.ritzcarlton.com. Media Contact: Bonnie Crail, (760) 732-3500,

In Vino Veritas
Santa Cruz Mountain wines available by the glass or bottle. In addition, this cozy spot offers small plates to pair with the wines and will host the work of local artists and musicians. Harbor Village Shops, 270 Capistrano Road, Princeton-by-the-Sea, (650) 726-0770, www.shopharborvillage.com.

Go Fish
Fans of the ever-popular Sushi Main Street now have a second spot to get their fill at the new Sushi Main Street Lounge, located adjacent to the restaurant. Similar to their restaurant, this stylish new lounge is designed with Indonesian teakwood carvings and furnishings. In addition to sushi, this modern Asian spot serves smoked fish and shellfish complemented by a selection of sake, creative soju cocktails, wine and beer. 400 Main Street, (650) 726-2775, www.sushimainstreet.com.


- Spa -

Seaside Serenity
For a luxurious escape, head to the recently opened Mediterranean/Moroccan-style Oceano Spa for the ultra-indulgent "Coastal Rejuvenation Package." This special treatment begins with a detoxifying sea bath, followed by an invigorating full-body dry brushing to break down cellulite and reduce water retention while stimulating circulation and lymph function. Next, a warm seaweed and clay body mask is applied followed by being wrapped up in a warm cocoon of heated blankets. While guests relax and drift off, they are treated to a scalp massage and soothing eye pillow. Lastly, a full-body massage with aromatherapy oils helps relieve stress and relax aching, tired muscles. This two hour treatment is available through 2010 for $230. 280 Capistrano Road. For more information and reservations, call (888) OCEANO.1 or visit www.OceanoHalfMoonBay.com. Media Contact: Tony Canadas, (650) 726-5400.


- Arts & Performance -

Go Tribal
Tribalmania, a pioneer of international online sales and exhibitions of tribal and ethnographic art, has opened Tribalmania Gallery. This 1,400-square-foot gallery is housed in a striking contemporary design building and features tribal artwork from Africa, New Guinea, Oceania, Asia and North America. A wide range of sculptures, masks, textiles, weapons and shields from ancient and traditional cultures are on display, as well as ceremonial/ritual objects related to shamanism. 152 West Point Ave, Princeton by the Sea, (650) 728-8040. Gallery showings are by appointment. For more information, call (831) 419-6220 or visit www.tribalmania.com.

On Stage
The Coastal Repertory Theatre presents the following upcoming performances:

  •February 5 - 27 - "Always...Patsy Kline," is a vibrant musical celebrating the incomparable Grammy Award winning icon, Patsy Cline. Told through the eyes of her number one fan, Louise Seger, this fresh look at a legendary American classic showcases the impact of Patsy's music and spirit on the lives of everyday folks.

  •March 26 - April 17 - "Brighton Beach Memoirs," a coming of age comedy written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning playwright, Neil Simon, offers a hilarious portrait of the American family in Brighton Beach, New York in 1937.

1167 Main Street. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact (650) 569-3266, www.coastalrep.com.

Laugh-In
Catch a local show every second Saturday of the month performed by Blue Blanket Improv, a dedicated group of improvisational actors and comedians who perform throughout the Bay Area. Many of the shows in Half Moon Bay are held at Enso Yoga Studio, 131 Kelly Avenue, (650) 726-1409. For a listing of upcoming shows, contact (650) 560-0108 or visit www.BlueBlanketImprov.com.

Dynamite!
To hear some of the country's best jazz and classical music, head to Douglas Beach House for one of their acclaimed Sunday afternoon performances presented by the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society. Founded by Pete Douglas in 1964, this legendary yet low-key venue has hosted the likes of jazz greats such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Etta James, Dexter Gordon and Stan Getz. Performances are from 4:30 -7 p.m. 307-311 Mirada Road. For a listing of upcoming performances, call (650) 726-4143 or visit www.bachddsoc.org.


Media Contact:
Kelly Chamberlin
Chamberlin Public Relations
(415) 336-4332
kelly@chamberlinpr.com