Coastal adventures continue...

 After Capitola, we ventured further south to Monterey/Carmel. I had arranged for us to stay in a hotel that was listed as being located in Carmel, but was actually located in Marina, CA (20mins North of Carmel). One would have thought the address would have given me a clue, but obviously it was not my most observant day. We were still able to spend the rest of our afternoon wandering around Carmel and on it's beautiful beach, but decided to head back to Marina for the evening.

For dinner we found the Kula Ranch Island Steakhouse at the Sanctuary Resort on the Marina State Beach. I wouldn't call it a must-stop, but if find yourself (or screaming little ones)starving and not able to make it to Monterey, it's a good option. It is a Hawaiian themed restaurant with lots of Hula decor and even a ukulele player who was really sweet to play multiple songs for Jack. The food was so so, but the service was great and we felt very comfortable to Jack there.

Below is my personal rating system:
1 (I could have pulled my hair out) to 5(I wanted to give hugs and high-fives)  & other important details...
Food: 2
Service: 4
Child friendliness: 4
Best dining time: Anytime
Baby changing station: Yes
Stroller access: Limited
Restaurant website: http://kula-ranch.com/

Sunday we finally headed to the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival. It was wet so the crowds were more docile than normal. This is a great way to get into the mood for Fall and Halloween, but the crowd can definitely try your patience!! There are lots of vendors selling pumpkin everything-pumpkin pie, bread, beer, hats, ornaments, etc. There are also a couple of stages on which a variety of bands play through out the weekend, including a Radio Disney sponsored stage. I'm glad we went, but don't think I will make this an annual event-maybe every couple of years. On a side note, there are plenty of farms on Hwy 1 that have pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and other fun harvest activities/produce.
Festival website: http://www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest/about_show.html

One place I will definitely visit again is Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay. After spending the cold drizzly morning perusing pumpkins, it was the perfect place for lunch! Matt warmed up with the famous Chowder and I had the Gumbo. But, being a seafood lover, I can't wait to return to try the rest of the menu.There were children of all ages everywhere, but layout, views, and the vibe still make recommendable to your most anti-babino friends. I wasn't the biggest fan of our server, but the bus staff rocked and kept the bread coming as quick as it hit the floor.
Below is my personal rating system:
Food: 4
Service: 2
Child friendliness: 5
Best dining time: Anytime
Baby changing station: Yes
Stroller access: Easy
Restaurant website: http://www.samschowderhouse.com/

 Matt and Jack enjoy the sand in Carmel

 Sam's Chowder House, pics from their website

No better time to start...

 This weekend finally brought cool temperatures and the fall rains to northern California. With the change in weather, I found myself rummaging through closets for cuddly clothes and craving soul warming treats. As luck would have it, the Half Moon Bay Annual Pumpkin Festival was scheduled for the weekend! So I wrapped the baby, the daddy, and the dog in snuggly duds and hit the road for the coast. We took a slightly round about way of getting to Half Moon Bay, but had some great child friendly dining experiences along the way!

Our first stop was lunch with family in Capitola at the Paradise Beach Grill. It was a great stumble
-on-in discovery! They describe their menu as island style meets California cuisine. They are committed to using regionally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The interior is welcoming and seasonally festive. Jack (my baby boy) was extra 'talkative' but the restaurant noise level seemed to buffer it just enough so it wasn't too bothersome to the other guests. And their children meals are served on frisbees which are the child's to keep-how cute is that?! Our table definitely enjoyed our food and the exprience as a whole.

Below is my personal rating system from 1 (I could have pulled my hair out) to 5(I wanted to give hugs and high-fives) and some other important details...
Food: 3
Service: 3
Child friendliness: 4
Best dining time:Lunch and Early dinner
Baby changing station: Yes
Restaurant website: http://paradisebeachgrille.com/

 Capitola Coast

 Jack, Luma and me about to stroll on the Capitola pier

 Cute and funky beach rental houses enjoy sand at their door step.

Paradise Grill's waterfront dining