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While the rest of the country is soon to be in the midst of a summer swelter, Half Moon Bay's temperate climate provides the perfect setting for fun summer activities - from horseback riding on the beach, surfing the waves and hiking coastal trails, to sipping California wines and dining on the area's best organic produce and wild ocean catches. It's all here in Half Moon Bay, a vibrant coastal town located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco. Situated between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this charming seaside community boasts the best of Northern California all in one conveniently located place.

Below is a summary of what's new in Half Moon Bay. Please also visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org for everything visitors need to plan their trip, from information on cozy B&Bs and luxury coastal resorts to renowned restaurants, farm visits, wine tasting, fishing, whale watching, and much more.

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

- UPCOMING EVENTS -

Rock the Block - Coastside Block Party
Saturday, May 16, 4 - 8 p.m.
Main Street
Half Moon Bay will get their groove on at the annual "Rock the Block - Coastside Block Party." Delicious cuisine, live music and entertainment will fill the streets. Activities include horse drawn carriage rides, face painting, t-shirt decorating, a rock climbing wall, pony rides, a table tennis competition, and much more. Entrance to the event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Visitors' Bureau, (650) 726-8380 or visit www.rocktheblockhmb.com. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 726-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.

Cool Harbor Nights
First Thursdays of each month, May - August, 4 p.m. - Sunset
Pillar Point Harbor, Johnson Pier, Princeton-By-The-Sea
Motorheads far and wide are revving up to come to Pillar Point Harbor on the first Thursday of each month, for "Cool Harbor Nights, a Coastal Car and Motorcycle Show." Owners of classic cars, trucks, fancy motorcycles and hot rods will 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 as the owners search for just the right parts. Families will enjoy the cruise down memory lane as they show their kids the vintage Mustang or hot muscle car just like they drove (or wished they did!). The event is free and open to both exhibitors and spectators. For more information and/or to register as an exhibitor, contact Mary Botham, (650) 726-2722, mary@coastalcarshow.com.

Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks
Friday, July 4, Parade, 12 p.m.; Fireworks, Sundown
Pillar Point Harbor, Princeton-By-The-Sea
Kicking off the festivities, a traditional parade complete with floats, music, antique cars, and even horses and ponies, marches down Main Street in Half Moon Bay, followed by a town picnic hosted by the American Legion, and fireworks just after sunset. For more information, contact the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Visitors' Bureau, (650) 726-8380 or visit www.halfmoonbaychamber.org. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 726-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.

Tour des Fleurs
Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Various Locations
Half Moon Bay's abundant bounty of fruits and vegetables is in full abundance during the summer, and there's no better way to "take a bite" than at the "18th Annual Tour des Fleur." This unique event offers the public a special, once-a-year opportunity to tour the local nurseries/greenhouses, wineries and farms, many of which are not ordinarily open to the public. There are five tour packages to choose from, each consisting of one-hour tours at three different nurseries ranging from flower gardens to organic field greens to a working dairy farm. Tour packages are $20. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Visitors' Bureau, (650) 726-8380 or visit www.halfmoonbaychamber.org. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 726-8380, charise@hmbchamber.com.


- LOCAL RICHES -

Fishin' Season
Time to dust off those fishing rods and head for the ocean! The season has officially opened for rockfish, lingcod and cabezon along the coastline south of Pigeon Point, an area approximately 18 miles south of Half Moon Bay. Two charter boats offer daily tours: the Queen of Hearts and Riptide, both departing at 7 a.m. The season remains open through November 15. For more information and reservations, contact Half Moon Bay Sportfishing and Tackle (650) 728-3377 or visit www.hmbfishing.com or www.fishingboat.com.

Fresh from the Field
The Eighth Annual Coastside Market is in full swing with approximately 30 booths overflowing with an abundance of locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, gourmet cheese, herbs and farm fresh eggs available for purchase. Local artisans, dancers, and musicians appear at the market each week, as well as a number of community groups. The market is held outdoors annually from May through December 19 on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Shoreline Station parking lot (Kelly Avenue & Cabrillo Hwy/Hwy 1). For more information, contact Erin Tormey, market manager (650) 726-4895, farmersmarket@coastside.net, or visit www.coastsidefarmersmarket.org.


- WINERIES -

Wine Lovers Exploration
The San Mateo Coast is home to more than renowned 80 wineries, and during the first two weekends in June (June 6-7 and June 13-14), wine lovers will have the opportunity to taste and purchase many of these premium wines at the Vintner's Festival, presented by the Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Growers Associations. This special event boasts more than 50 wineries from both sides of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Many new releases will be available for tastings, as well as barrel tastings, regional delicacies, live music, local chef demos, art displays, and much more. Held from each day from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance / $35 at the door (includes a commemorative glass for tastings). For more information, call (831) 685-8463 or visit www.scmwa.com.

Celebrate Summer With Chardonnay
Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains with fantastic views of the San Francisco Bay Area is Thomas Fogarty Winery, enowned for their excellent pinot noir and chardonnay. On June 20th, Thomas Fogarty will host their annual "Summer Solstice Chardonnay Celebration" where guests will enjoy an afternoon of tasting their newly released 2006 Vineyard-Designated Estate Chardonnay and other summer whites. This summer celebration marks the middle of the growing season between the farmers' planting and harvest, recognized as a time to share in special gatherings to ward off evil spirits. Winemaker, Michael Martella will be constructing a labyrinth in the vineyard to pay homage to the "sun standing still." Held from noon to 4 p.m.; $20 per person. To make reservations, call (650) 851- 6777. For more information, visit www.fogartywinery.com.

Wine, Music & Art
Boasting a lush garden, a picnic area and two bocce ball courts, Half Moon Bay's local winery, La Nebbia, welcomes the summer season with two special events:

   • A complimentary summer music series will feature an eclectic selection of local bands playing tunes in the beautiful gardens behind the winery. Held the first and third Sundays through September; 1 p.m

   • In addition to wine and music, visitors to La Nebbia can now watch artist Douglass C. Brown from Colquhoun Glass Works create gorgeous glass pumpkins, flowers, jellyfish lighting, and many more intricate designs. Winery guests are invited to purchase a glass of wine from the wine tasting room and watch Brown create his masterful works. An on site gallery has many of the items made at the studio available for purchase. For those who prefer a more hands-on experience, Brown is offering a four-hour glass blowing class. Demonstrations are on the weekends from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information and to sign up for a class, contact (650) 712-1500, info@ColquhounGlassWorks.com or visit www.ColquhounGlassWorks.com.

La Nebbia is open daily for wine tasting from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 12341 San Mateo Rd. Hwy. 92. For more information, contact (650) 726-9463 or visit www.lanebbiawinery.com.

Horticulture Heaven
Yerba Buena Nursery, California's oldest retail native plant nursery, is home to more than 600 types of California native plants and features a historic barn and a 2.5 acre demonstration garden, host to hundreds of specimens of plants native to California ranging up to 25 years of age. On June 20th at 12 p.m., the nursery will host a special Wildflower Tea in the 1905 Farmhouse, complete with sandwiches, scones, pastry and hot tea. The f arm is open to visitors Tuesday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 19500 Skyline Blvd., Woodside. For more information and reservations, contact (650) 851-1668 or visit www.yerbabuenanursery.com.

Seaside Exploration
Sea kayaking has taken off in popularity in the Bay Area, and there's no better place to experience it first hand than Half Moon Bay. In this dynamic and diverse environment, explorers can kayak among harbor seals, seabirds and other marine sanctuary wildlife in protected Pillar Point Harbor or take a ride on the wild waters of the open Pacific. Half Moon Bay Kayaking Company offers rentals of single, double, and triple kayaks - perfect for a solo trip or the entire family. There's also a wide range of instructional programs for all levels of training. Two Johnson Pier, Pillar Point Harbor. For more information and reservations, call (650) 773-6101 or visit www.hmbkayak.com.

- SPA NEWS -

The Great Escape
With a spectacular location overlooking picturesque Pillar Point Harbor, luxurious seaside escape Hotel Oceano will open a 3,000 square feet, full-service spa the first week of June, aptly named "Oceano Spa". Located in the adjacent Harbor Village easily accessible from Hotel Oceano, this Mediterranean/Moroccan-style spa was constructed utilizing all-green materials and offers all- natural, eco-friendly and organic products and linens. An extensive spa menu features a wide range of treatments, from massages to facials to body care, each incorporating custom blended products for each guest. Spa guests will be treated to extra pampering touches such as chilled beverages, warm herbal neck pillows and will have time to relax in the spa lounge, complete with deep cove bench seating, the soothing sounds of running water and soft music. For even more indulgence, therapeutic baths in oversized copper bathtub can be reserved, or guests can choose to reserve a time to enjoy the special relaxation area with a deep soaking hot tub, an invigorating saltwater cold plunge and a steam shower. The gift shop offers an "Aromatherapy Blending Bar" where guests can work with a staff member to create their own face and body products. 280 Capistrano Road. For more information and reservations, call (888) OCEANO.1 or visit www.OceanoHalfMoonBay.com. Media Contact: Tony Canadas, (650) 726-5400.

Seaside Soothing
The luxuriously appointed New England-style Beach House Hotel has opened a luxurious massage room, complete with side-by-side tables, soothing music and candlelight. In celebration, they are currently offering a special $10 discount on any massage service or a $25 discount on any couple's massage, valid through September 2009. 4100 North Cabrillo Hwy. For more information and reservations call (650) 712-0220 or visit www.beach-house.com. Media Contact: Marje Bennetts, (310) 574-7870, marje@mbennettspr.com.

Refresh & Renewal
The 16,000 square feet Ritz-Carlton Spa has undergone a rejuvenating face-lift that includes a soft-goods renovation with fresh paint, furnishings and artwork. Complementing this new look is a brand new menu of spa services with unique treatments such as "Ocean Mist Stones Massage," and pumpkin and lavender infused hand, body and facial treatments. One Miramontes Point Road. For more information and reservations, call (650) 712-7000. Media Contact: Jennifer Chiesa, (650) 712-7696, Jennifer.Chiesa@ritzcarlton.com.


- LODGING NEWS -

Summertime Fun
The Spanish-style Half Moon Bay Lodge is perfect for an affordable, yet comfortable and fun getaway. The property boasts many extras including a pool, a whirlpool, a fitness center, sauna and a relaxing outdoor fireplace. Each room, complete with a deck or terrace overlooks the acclaimed Arnold Palmer-designed Half Moon Bay Golf Links. The ample complimentary continental breakfast, complete with make-your-own-waffles, is not to be missed. The best part is that they're currently offering several special packages:

   •"Dinner and a Movie" includes a one-night stay, a $75 gift certificate to the Moss Beach Distillery restaurant; a complimentary in-room movie, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
   •"Family Fun Picnic Package" includes a one night stay, a beach blanket, sparkling cider, a selection of gourmet treats, a complimentary parking pass to Martin's Beach and a complimentary breakfast buffet.
   •"Romantic Escape" includes a one-night stay, champagne, gourmet chocolate, a romantic gift basket, and complimentary late checkout.
   •"Stay and Play Golf Package" includes a one night stay, golfing for two at Half Moon Bay Golf Links with a choice of two 18-hole championship golf courses and complimentary golf cart usage.

2400 S. Cabrillo Highway. For more information and reservations, call (650) 726-9000 or visit www.halfmoonbaylodge.com.

A Ritzy Getaway
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay has recently completed a $2.4 million soft goods renovation that includes new carpets, drapes and artwork in all guestrooms; a redesign of The Ritz-Carlton Suite; a new bar and tables in ENO wine bar; updated furnishings, tables and carpets in the Conservatory; and the transformation of the former library to a wine room to complement ENO. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay currently has two great opportunities for guest:

   •The "Stay & Play Package" offers overnight deluxe accommodations, unlimited golf for one or two players, a golf towel, resort fee and overnight valet parking. Groups of 10 packages or more will receive the 11th package free. Rates start at $399/single occupancy or $519/double occupancy; reservations must be booked by June 1st and utilized by December 31, 2009.

   •Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay can volunteer their time to assist the local community while they are vacationing. The program, "Family Harvest," offers guests an exclusive opportunity to work with Coastside Hope, Half Moon Bay's human service agency. The half-day community experience will begin with learning about the growing issue of hunger on the coast and an introduction into Coastside Hope's mission and the assistance it provides to Half Moon Bay residents. Volunteers will then work in Coastside Hope's warehouse facility, unloading pallets of food, sorting essential items and creating bags of food for qualified locals in-need. This program will be offered at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay three times during the year: June 18; September 17 and December 17 to guests 13 years and older. Donations are also being accepted by the hotel for Coastside Hope.

One Miramontes Point Road. For additional information and reservations, call (650) 712-7000. Media Contact: Jennifer Chiesa, (650) 712-7696, Jennifer.Chiesa@ritzcarlton.com.


- CULINARY NEWS -

A Hayloft Feast
Harley Farms, home to award-winning goat cheese, is hosting intimate dinners each month in the farm's refurbished hayloft overlooking the pasture. Dinners kick off with hors d'oeuvres in the farm garden where the flowers that adorn the farm's cheeses and most of the produce for the dinners is grown. Guests then tour the farm to learn about the goats, the dairy and cheese making techniques. Afterwards, everyone gathers around a candle-lit table for a seasonal five-course tasting meal made with ingredients sourced within 30 miles of the farm. Available dates: June 6, July 11 and August 1; limited to 22 guests. Cost is $125 per person, all-inclusive. Private events at Harley Farms can also be booked. For more information and reservations, call (650) 879-9088 or visit www.harleyfarms.com. Media Contact: Lisa Supple, (831) 402-4982, lisasupple@yahoo.com.

Summer Awakening
After a winter hiatus, highly acclaimed restaurant Cetrella has reopened with a new Executive Chef, Sylvain Montassier. Montassier will continue the restaurant's focus on Mediterranean fare offering dishes such as wood oven-roasted whole fish and house-made pastas. 845 Main Street. For more information and reservations, contact (650) 726-4090 or visit www.cetrella.com.

A Bite & A Brew
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, the perfect spot for handcrafted beers, a great seaside view and live music, is offering "A Bite and a Brew" that includes a four-ounce beer paired with an appetizer for $6.99. Available Monday - Thursday from 3 - 6 p.m., selections include boneless buffalo wings and an IPA or California egg rolls and a pale ale. Or, stop by to enjoy a handcrafted brew and listen to live music Thursday - Sunday. 390 Capistrano Road, Princeton by the Sea. more information, call (650) 728-BREW or visit www.hmbbrewingco.com. Media Contact: Amy Kocot, (415) 380-8390, amy@spinpr.com.

Seaside Tunes
The wildly popular coastside seafood restaurant, Sam's Chowder House, is featuring live music outdoors every Saturday and Sunday evening from 7 - 9:30 pm. Directly overlooking the ocean adjacent to Pillar Point Harbor, every seat in the restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and stunning sunsets, making this the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail and dinner with live jazz. 4210 North Cabrillo Highway (Highway One). For more information and reservations, call (650) 712-0245 or visit www.samschowderhouse.com.

Quirky Cameron's
Cameron's Pub is home to the world's only English double-decker bus/smoking lounge and extensive beer can collection (more than 3,000 to be exact). From the two red double decker buses that serve as a smoking lounge (adults only) and a game room especially for the kids, to the handcrafted boat/dining booth made from Chinese relics, this funky British pub and inn is a true experience.1410 S. Cabrillo Highway. For more information, call (650) 726-5705 or visit www.cameronsinn.com. Media Contact: Cameron Palmer, (650) 726-5705, cameronsinn@comcast.net.


- SHOPPING -

A Decorator's Dream Castellammare, a brand new retail home furnishings and gift store on Main Street, offers an excellent selection of stylish yet affordable rugs, Italian and Portuguese pottery, lamps, original art, mirrors, hand painted furniture, upholstered chairs, fine Italian crystal, table linens and much more. 424 Main Street. For more information, call (650) 712-1808.

Customize It Coastal Comforts, filled with a wide selection of pampering bath and body care, has opened a custom blending bar. Guests will work with perfumer Christina Frediani to create perfumes and bath and body luxuries based their unique personality, lifestyle and preferences. 545 Main Street. For more information, call (650) 726.3600 or visit www.coastalcomforts.com.


- PERFORMANCE -

Coastal Culture
Coastal Repertory Theatre, Half Moon Bay's premier live theatre, is featuring several upcoming performances including: "Biloxi Blues," June 5 - 27; "Tommy," July 24 - August 22; and "The Glass Menagerie," September 18 - October 10. 1167 Main Street. To purchase tickets, contact the box office (650) 569-3266, tickets@coastalrep.com. To register for youth performing arts classes, visit www.ctchmb.com.


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