While growing up, I would two weeks of summer with my grandparents at Pismo Beach. We would swing by Solvang for some split-pea soup, and spend the rest of our time at a great campground on the beach. They had activities each day, and even swing dancing on Friday night. I loved it! But the thing I looked forward to most (besides collecting sand dollars along the shore) was going to Hearst Castle. I loved the drive up, seeing the herd of giraffes and other exotic animals. I loved the decadent pools, laced with real gold. The history behind the “home” fascinated me, as it does today.
Why put this on the list? Well, two reasons, really. One of them is that I’ve only seen it with my grandparents when I was a child. I’d love to go back there and see it with adult eyes. I also would love to be reminded of the good times I had with my grandparents, who are both deceased.
The second reason is that I’ve always wanted to see it in the evening. The evening tour includes people who dress up for the era, which is one of my favorites! It seems like it would be fun with a group of friends to just enjoy flashing back to another time, a dream world of sorts. It may not be all that I’ve imagined; it may be more! Either way, I’d like to find out!
