76 South Bay Accent
is a great base from which to explore the area. To get the lay of
the land, travel over trestles via train, through towering redwood
groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of
Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring
Camp (roaringcamp.com), the railroad and the forest.
Another way to get a mountain high is to trapeze among the
treetops via Redwood Canopy Tours’ forest-style roller coaster
(mounthermonadventures.com/adventures). The two-hour scenic
zipline adventure includes six cables and two skybridges at heights
up to 150 feet. Eco-knowledgeable guides share the history of the
portal of Hotel Los Gatos. The dining room is quiet and stylish;
the menu features generous portions of deliciously inventive
approaches to classic Hellenic dishes. Starters like honey-glazed
Brussels sprouts and mesquite-grilled octopus lead to prime cuts
of tender, savory beef and lamb and fresh fish options. Save some
time to peruse the extensive wine list, or just ask the attentive staff
for suggestions.
Winner of the Michelin Bib Gourmand rating and a Wine
Spectator award of excellence in 2017, The Bywater is a Southernstyle
eatery from Chef David Kinch and partner-Wine Director
Andrew Burnham. A salute to New Orleans, the place serves up
a slew of Crescent City classics, including po’ boys, fried green
tomatoes and “Oysters Rock-a-Fella.” A raw bar and a bevy of Big
Easy cocktails, from juleps to Sazeracs are also are on offer. Reimagined
Cajun variations include soft-shell chili crab with okra
and eggplant, and “rich man’s” red beans and rice. Snag a leather
booth in the clubby dining room, snack in the bar, or brunch on
bubbly and beignets on weekends.
6
THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS
Santa Cruz Mountains
WHEN VALLEY TEMPS swelter and soar, there’s a surefire natural
solution: Head for the hills! For a bit of relief, the Santa Cruz
Mountains offer refreshing adventures. The tiny town of Felton
THE UNDERTOW
ROLLER COASTER
AT THE SANTA
CRUZ BEACH
BOARDWALK
1950 DODGE
TAXI AT
SHADOWBROOK
RESTAURANT
A D V E N T U R E
