February 4, 2008

Over the Moon

Half Moon Bay Roadtrip

Your living room has become a permanent fort and dining room dodgeball turned out to be a really bad idea. With more than 80 miles of breathtaking coast and tons of natural diversions, a weekend getaway to Half Moon Bay is a cure-all for cabin fever.

Are We There Yet?
Fancy pants check into The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Hotel sitters will feed and entertain Junior (ages 5 to 12) if you’d like to spa, enjoy a grown-up dinner, or cure them of mommyitis. Clans looking to commune with the land can stay overnight in a yurt at Green Oaks Creek, a working farm with three acres of organic veggies, strawberries, herbs, and flowers.

Are We Having Fun Yet?
Kids do the darndest things. Take a tour of Harley Farms to discover the inner workings of a goat dairy. Learn how to milk and see how cheese is made, followed by a tasting. Blaze happy trails to the seashore along the seven miles of beach paths on horseback. Or play in the tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and marvel at animal fossils, plants, and sea creatures.

When Do We Eat?
Give a child a fish stick and he’ll eat for a day. Teach him how to fish (or crab) with a sportfishing company and he’ll be hooked forever. Some outfits will even cook up your bounty for lunch. Fishermen also sell fresh catch off their boats at Pillar Point Harbor. Call ahead to find out what’s on offer (650-726-8724). Small fry and pets are welcome at Sam’s Chowder House, and the newly reopened Cetrella offers a kids menu featuring homemade pastas and ice cream.

Mutiny averted.