A FEW FAVORITES
Kendra Baker’s delectable recommendations for the Santa Cruz area: Sunset State Beach. “It’s ironic that we live here but like to camp here. Every year, we book a bunch of campsites right when they become available. We can load up the car in the afternoon, drive over and be camping 10 minutes later.’’ Hike the 1½-mile beach, and then walk down near the water to build a campfire for s’mores. It doesn’t get better than that. 201 Sunset Beach Road, Watsonville, (831) 7637063, www.parks.ca.gov Wilder Ranch State Park. Explore a restored 1897 Victorian home and 1896 water-powered machine shop. The former dairy ranch also boasts draft horses, chickens and 35 miles of trails to hike or bike. 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, (831) 426-0505, www.parks.ca.gov La Posta. “Chef Katherine Stern used to cook at Quince in San Francisco. She has a real seasonal menu. Her vinaigrettes on salads are really punchy, and her pastas are amazing.” Look for dishes such as chitarra verde with pork sausage and broccoli di cicco. 538 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, (831) 457-2782, www.lapostarestaurant.com Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House. As the name implies, there are 30 rotating taps at this craft beer garden, offering everything from Ballast Point Red Velvet Cake Nitro to Evil Twin Liquid Double Fudge. “There are lots of games like darts and cornhole. It’s really fun. You can bring the whole family. And bring a picnic because they don’t have food here.’’ 2504 S. Main St., Soquel, (831) 477-9967, www. beerthirtysantacruz.com Bantam. The wood-fired oven turns out thin, Delfina-esque pies that spotlight local farm ingredients. Baker is partial to the Padron pepper and sausage pizza. 1010 Fair Ave., Santa Cruz, (831) 420-0101, www.bantam1010.com Cat & Cloud Coffee Co. This tiny, inviting coffee shop was founded by Chris Baca, a threetime U.S. Barista Championship finalist, and Jared Truby, former head of retail for Verve Coffee Roasters in Santa Cruz. They roast their own beans on site, favoring a darker hue. “This place is like happiness on crack. Everyone who works here is so chipper. You go there when you need a lot of positivity.’’ 3600 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, www. catandcloud.com Dig Gardens. This is a nursery, plus so much more. Think home decor such as macrame wall hangings, hand-poured candles, and whimsical recycled-wood frames shaped like numbers and letters for growing succulents. Workshops teach how to build terrariums or rebloom orchids. 420 Water St., Santa Cruz, (831) 466-3444, www.diggardens.com Bookshop Santa Cruz. Established in 1966, it survived even the ravages of the Loma Prieta quake. “This is a gem of a book- store and a cornerstone of our community. We are proud to still have a thriving, independent bookstore.’’ Don’t miss the many author book-signings. 1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, (831) 423-0900, www.bookshopsanta cruz.com Downtown farmers’ market. With half a dozen farmers’ markets in the Santa Cruz area, you can hit up one practically any day of the week. The downtown one on Wednesday afternoons is the largest and oldest. Live music is always featured. Besides incomparably fresh produce, you can also enjoy tacos, sliders and other prepared foods. Cedar Street and Lincoln Street, Santa Cruz, www.santacruzfarmers market.org Meander Progressive Dinner. This annual benefit dinner along the banks of the San Lorenzo River is sponsored by the Coastal Watershed Council to support the continued revitalization of the riverfront. Attendees start at one spot on the riverfront, and eat and drink their way down it. Restaurants that have participated in the past include Baker’s Assembly, as well as Manresa and Home. This year’s Meander takes place on June 11. San Lorenzo Park, 137 Dakota St., Santa Cruz, (831) 420-5270, www. coastal-watershed.org/event/ meander