Discover a New Rock Star at the Morro Bay Conference

 by Barbara L. Steinberg

That star would be none other than Morro Rock! Well, Morro Bay as a whole can claim star status, but the darn rock just seems to be behind everything there is to see and do in eclectic Morro Bay.

C’mon, let’s start with those flawless sunsets. Night after night tinges of pinks, reds and orange sweepMorro Bay Sunset 2012 Credit Barbara L Steinberg across the sky. Boats bobbing in the estuary. Birds flying to their respective rookeries to hunker down for the night.  And there behind it all, that darn rock.  Guests are wowed by this picture perfect view from the bar, restaurant, and deck and bay-view rooms at the Inn at Morro Bay.  More than once I asked my waitress, “Geez, can’t you do something about this spectacle?” Then, of course, if you have one of those pesky bay-view rooms…there’s that same scenery night and morning.

Try to escape. It can’t be done. Off to breakfast at the kitschy but oh-so delicious Frankie & Lola’s. Even with plates laden with eggs Bennie, grits, home fries, and a pancake – there in the distance is Morro Rock. Watching over your every bite. On Saturday’s, the parking lot is festooned with classic cars – all makes and models. Morro Rock overlooks these four-wheeled beauties. Loved the MGA, but the rock just had to share the moment of glory.

Traveling in and around Morro Bay, I visited Morro Bay State Park, Montaña de Oro State Park, Elfin Forest, Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, Black Hill, Sandspit Road, Morro Bay Natural History Museum, Morro Bay Visitor Center, Inn at Morro Bay, and Morro Rock, too! Every vista, every corner, every stop – freaky, there’s the rock!  Despite driving what feels like many miles, you’re never very far from where you began. Road trips north and south on Highway 1, the rock is a beacon guiding you back.

The Dockside Local Oysters Credit Barbara L SteinbergPeople were surfing, bird watching, golfing, eating bayside, exploring museums, paddle boarding,kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing – Morro Rock was ever-present. Aboard boats, they were eating oysters and drinking wine. Dogs were barking and playing along the docks.  The scene along the Embarcadero on a Sunday included live music at The Dockside and everyone sunning themselves restaurant decks overlooking the harbor and Morro Rock.

Morro Bay is a California classic. All about pristine beaches, great outdoors, bay and ocean views, miles of hiking trails, plenty of sunshine, and, yes, Morro Rock! You are planning on joining OWAC in May at the Inn at Morro Bay in the shadow of that awesome “Rock Star”, right?

The Inn at Morro Bay and the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce staff are waiting to greet you in rock-star fashion.