by Don Weberg

Just up the road from The 1865 is one of those bits of history that SLO is known for, the world's first motel. Sitting just off the 101, it's easy to miss, and looks similar to a mission. Although It's been abandoned for some time now, efforts are in place to bring the motel back to its original self, which is sure to be a slow process.

The rock at Morro Bay is a rather awesome sight, providing a romantic, backdrop for the charming town.

The following day it was time to head over to Morro Bay, a tiny seaside village whose claim to fame is a rock. The rock, a rather awesome sight, juts out of the ocean just off the shore and provides an excellent and somehow romantic backdrop for the charming town. A flurry of family owned restaurants make it very easy to overeat visiting this town, but it is built on a bit of a hill; so working off the meals comes naturally.

Heading north on Highway 1 put us on course for Cambria and Hearst Castle. Cambria, another tiny village offering many shopping opportunities and eating ideas, is one of the quaintest towns imaginable. Straddling the highway, Cambria has a north and south end of town, each with unique antique stores, coffee houses and shops. Continuing on 1 to the gateway of Big Sur, high on the hills sits one of America's largest homes, Hearst Castle. Any trip to this area would be incomplete without a visit to the castle.

Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, the castle boasts some of the best views of the Central Coast, and glimpses of some of the finest furnishings, architecture and art anywhere in the world. A lengthy bus ride up a twisty hill from the gift shop, theater and history center puts you at the doorstep of the castle where guides take you on a very controlled but comfortable walking tour of the massive home. The word eclectic simply doesn't do the castle justice. Designed by Julia Morgan, the castle took shape through the ideas of Hearst and the imagination of Morgan. The project was so great, that it was actually never completed. Hearst began collecting art and artifacts from around the world long before he began the construction of his dream. As the dream formed into a tangible home, the collectibles began decorating it. Tables, chairs, and tapestries from European churches abound, while Egyptian and European statues look over the grounds outside. The castle seems to go on and on forever, and who would ever want it to stop?

Stopping at the Ragged Point Inn on our way back from the castle for a cup of coffee and a look-see proved to be one of those nuggets of beauty the Central Coast is known for. The Ragged Point Inn offers one of the finest views of Big Sur from high above the ocean. If serenity can be found anywhere, it's in this area. (CONTINUED...)