Hearst Castle - Ode to Excess

Yes, it's Extravagant, Astonishing and Unrestrained. It's Inspiring, Surreal and Indulgent. It's Wealth, Power and Privilege.

It's in the middle of nowhere...

Don't get me wrong. The California countryside around Hearst Castle is beautiful. San Simeon stretches with ocean and farmland as far as the eye can see. But getting to the area takes time and planning. Advanced reservations for this popular attraction are a must and at least an overnight stay is required to see everything.

I was lucky enought to book a special Friday evening tour. What makes this tour different is the historical reenactors throughout the grounds who portray party guests from the heyday of social activities here. Celebrities, moguls and royalty all flocked to this legendary location for fabled parties and events. Cary Grant and Bing Crosby were regulars. Winston Churchill visited. Charlie Chaplin and the Marx Brothers were guests. It was THE place to see and be seen.

Construction started in 1919 through 1947 and included 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the world's largest private zoo on over 250,000 acres. William Randolph Hearst created a publishing empire at the turn of the 20th Century and when he decided to build, money was no object. Entire ceilings purchased from Medieval European castles were installed. Priceless

antique tapestries, paintings, first edition books, Egyptian pottery, furniture and art fills the 165 rooms. It's amazing. Mr. Hearst was a man of large appetites. His guests must have had the time of their lives. Need to watch Citizen Kane once more...

More Please

Cambria, California is a popular jumping off point for Hearst Castle and it is beautiful. Some would call it a "one horse town" but that is part of the charm. The coastline is spectacular and I can't get over how good the food is in California. Everything is extra fresh and minimally prepared. A chef friend of mine once said, "food should taste like itself". Now I get it. (I had the best trout ever at the Sow's Ear Cafe.)

Folks in Cambria are very helpful and sincere. A great base camp for my adventure to Hearst Castle.

Rockin' at Morro Bay

The City of Morro Bay, California is mostly known for the huge Morro Rock rising up from the ocean. It's a working fishing village and I had a great fish sandwich there on the way to Hearst Castle. I also visited their funky little Aquarium.

This family owned attraction is dedicated to rehabilitating sea creatures since 1984 and the sea lions greet you right at the entrance. Boy, are they loud. The inside room is dark and small with murky tanks filled with a variety of animals. A huge octopus was very popular along with a good local shark exhibit. The rest of the waterfront is filled with fun shops and restaurants. It's a great place to hang out and at the end of the road you can see the fishing fleet come in with their daily catches. A nice slice of local California north of Los Angeles. Totally.