by Kirsten Fairchilds

Kelly’s French Bakery. Photos courtesy of Kirsten Fairchilds.

April 2011 — Long before the advent of cable and satellite television — before their 500-plus channels began enticing viewers to spend weekends glued to the couch — folks used to regularly partake in an activity know as the “Sunday drive.” That’s when families or friends piled into an automobile, or couples hopped onto the back of a motorcycle, and set out on a one-day adventure.

The natural beauty and quaint towns bordering Highway 1 afford those who live within driving distance a perfect opportunity to wile away a day, leaving their sofas ─ and cares ─ behind.

Kelly’s French Bakery — a pain au chocolat and an 8-ounce cup of house coffee.

For those adventurers setting off from Santa Cruz, a delectable breakfast treat can be an ideal way to begin a day dedicated to meandering. Perhaps a pain au chocolat ($2.95) and an 8-ounce cup of house coffee ($1.60) from Kelly’s French Bakery would be a perfect way to kick off the road trip. Located on the Westside of Santa Cruz at 402 Ingalls St., the bakery is known as a popular spot with cyclists, surfers and students who matriculate at nearby UC Santa Cruz. Don’t be deterred by the length of the line to get in ─ it can often extend out into the courtyard the bakery shares with other businesses. Kelly’s capable counter staff moves the line through quickly and efficiently.

Davenport Gallery on the way to Half Moon Bay.

With treats in hand, or in stomach as the case may be, the next stop may await just nine miles north up Highway 1, also known as the Cabrillo Highway. Open since December 2009, the Davenport Gallery has quickly become a must-see kind of destination for art lovers. Home to 16 members and located at 450 Highway 1, Davenport Gallery is a cooperative art gallery that offers a different show monthly. Admission is free and open to the public, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Gallery member and sculptor Steve Rudzinski was in charge on a recent Sunday morning, answering questions and offering impromptu tours of the well-lit 1,600-square-foot space. “We get about 75 people stopping by on a typical Sunday,” Rudzinski says. “Many visitors have said we’re the finest upscale gallery in the county of Santa Cruz. They seem to be surprised that there is such an elegant gem of a gallery in a town of only 375 residents like Davenport.”

Work of Steve Rudzinski.

After admiring the paintings, photographs, sculptures, mixed media and sea-glass jewelry, travel northward to Scott Creek to watch families flying kites and then to Waddell Creek to watch surfers surfing via kites.

At this point, stomachs might begin grumbling, ready for lunch — so make a right turn off Highway 1 and follow the sign to Pescadero. Fortunately, it’s next to impossible to have anything but a fine meal at any dining establishment located on Pescadero’s Stage Road. Duarte’s Tavern, established in 1894, is arguably the most well-known of the eating places in the small village. With its offering of heavenly cream of green chile and cream of artichoke soups ($8 a bowl), Duarte’s — pronounced by locals as DOO-arts — has garnered attention from the Food Network as well as the James Beard Foundation, which bestowed the honorary award of American Classic to the restaurant in 2003.

Duarte's Tavern in Pescadero.

However, if eating a meal in a gas station doesn’t sound like a turn-off, head straight for Mercado & Taqueria de Amigos, located on the corner across the street from Duarte’s. With an inside as humble and non-descript as the outside of the building, the taqueria offers a vegetarian burrito ($4.95) and a large glass of iced orchata ($2) that can leave a diner contemplating a permanent move to Pescadero. Many customers return for the fish taco ($2.75) alone, which received a glowing, and deserving, write-up in The New York Times in 2006.

With belly full, take a short walk down to 216 Stage Road to “ooh” and “aah” at the handcrafted items for sale at Made in Pescadero, open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Owned by Ken Periat, Made in Pescadero is a working gallery that showcases a wide variety of artists from the area. From woodworkers specializing in custom-made beds to ceramic artists creating unique tableware, the gallery attracts visitors from near and far.

San Gregorio Store.

Although heading north on Stage Road for seven miles will bring travelers to the tiny town of San Gregorio, jumping back on Highway 1 and turning right onto Highway 84 may be a gentler ride for those averse to winding roads. Located at the corner of Stage Road and Highway 84, the San Gregorio General Store is a popular stop for motorcyclists, cyclists and those seeking unusual and eclectic gifts. Live music tickles the rafters on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Further north along Highway 1, Princeton-by-the-Sea beckons with its scenic vistas and laid-back atmosphere. On Sundays, the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company at 390 Capistrano Road has live music from 4 to 8 p.m. Grab a seat by a fire pit and enjoy a 16-ounce frosty glass of Mavericks Amber Ale ($5.25) while watching the sun set over the Pacific. Even if it’s a foggy day, the view from the brewery’s patio alone will remind easygoing adventurers why they decided on a Sunday drive in the first place.

The drive ends at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company at the harbor.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company at the harbor.

Waddell Creek kite surfer.