Tarmo Hannula
Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and Beach Boardwalk
While the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Municipal Wharf are mainstays of summer fun and typically mobbed with tourists and locals during the hot months, I’m drawn to them with equal fervor when storms come through. Going out on the wharf during a powerful storm is a sure way of getting the full gist of the Pacific’s might, the impact of the wind and rain’s force.
With certain cloud formations, the Boardwalk can be showcased in an altogether different fashion than during the pretty, mild blue days of summer. Wind-whipped palms along the shoreline, gulls and pelicans darting about and the frothed up ocean add to the drama.
I’ve always enjoyed going out to dinner at the one of the wharf restaurants, like Riva Fish House or Stagnaro Brothers, during heavy weather. The rain splashed against the windows, the whistle of the wind and the fact that the whole building shakes as huge waves plow through make for a dramatic evening out.
The photo above was taken from West Cliff Drive, looking over the top of the wharf at the Boardwalk and surrounding mountains draped with scraps of clouds. One huge factor in all of this is the traffic is usually slimmed way down — compared to summer — and getting around is easy. While they charge for parking on the wharf, it’s worth remembering that the first 30 minutes are free — just long enough for a few photos, a blast of cold salty air in your face and maybe a quick bag of salt water taffy from Marini’s Candies, a spot that has been making handcrafted candy locally since 1915.
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Johanna Miller
Norma Jean’s Coffee
Aptos Village has become a hub for coffeeshops, from Starbucks to the brand new Cat & Cloud. But there is another shop sandwiched between the two—Norma Jean’s Coffee. The small, locally-owned cafe has been in the village since 2005 and is located next to the historic Bayview Hotel at Trout Gulch Crossing. Their delicious espresso drinks, quality food, friendly service and fun Hollywood-themed decor has me returning often. I think it’s important, especially with all the chain stores popping up, to support independent businesses like Norma Jean’s.
Atlantis Fantasyworld
The longstanding comic book and gift shop Atlantis Fantasyworld, 1020 Cedar St. in Santa Cruz, has been around for 45 years in three different locations. Famous for its cameo in 1987’s “The Lost Boys,” it settled at its current space in downtown Santa Cruz in 1992 after sustaining damage from the Loma Prieta Earthquake. Over the years I’ve become a semi-regular customer, even though I sometimes do nothing but pop my head in the door to say hello. The staff at Atlantis is friendly, down-to-earth and very helpful. Owner Joe Ferrara has become a local legend, playing music across the Bay Area and also being involved with San Diego Comic-Con. This weekend is Atlantis Fantasyworld’s Holiday Sale—stop by for special deals.
