Relief from the heat

Visiting Davenport, CA

Nine miles north of Santa Cruz, is a stunning diversion from the mega hot days of late. Davenport is a small town along HWY 1 that, like most Nothern California beaches, is almost always cooler than inland spots. After one visit, Davenport might just become one or your favorite beach towns too.

Look beyond the now defunct cement plant and you'll see: turquoise waves, a historic jail turned museum, idyllic spots to watch the whales in the fall and spring, long stretches of sand, and cliffs that seem to be made of woolly mammoths frozen in time.

I like it here. 

On my most recent visit, I was excited to see that quirky winery, Bonny Doon, will soon (like any day now) be opening a tasting room along the main strip of restaurants and shops. 

When I bring friends to Davenport, we generally pack a picnic and spend hours on the beach. This time, we stopped in at Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant and Inn. The menu is simple, fresh food with an emphasis on seafood items, and their wine list is decent.

I had the fish tacos which were loaded with mixed cabbage, guac and a spicy chipotle aioli. I paired it with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. I wished they had a Grüner Veltliner on the list, because I think the fresh wine would have been wonderful with their fish tacos. It was a lush and relaxing meal all the same and set the perfect tone for the post-lunch, lazy walk we took along the beach.

I'll be watching the forecast for next weekend's weather in hopes that scorching temps will call for another visit to Davenport.