Dreaming and Research – Central Coast of California


One of my favorite types of research for my novels is traveling to different places where my characters live and work. This time, I spent a few days in one of my favorite spots in California, namely in Cambria at the Cambria Pines Lodge. Since the fictitious Segantino family lives in the wine region of the Central Coast in California, the Paso Robles area was on my itinerary as well. And last but not least, I checked out the California Polytechnic State University or Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. This is the place where Julietta Santucci, a major character in The Wine Lover’s Daughter series, studies architecture and environmental design.

Here are a few pictures of my vacation/research in beautiful San Luis Obispo county.

Cambria Pines Lodge, Cambria


Cambria Pines Lodge is situated on a hill above the town of Cambria and is a charming lodge with beautiful gardens, the perfect place to dream and write.

A very special kind of flower bed

 A garden with organically grown herbs and vegetables they use for cooking is also part of the landscape.

View from my room

A couple of miles north of Cambria is a famous elephant seal spot. These amazing animals come here year after year to breed, raise their young, and relax between their long and arduous migrations in the Pacific Ocean. Every season has its own kind of spectacle. In September, the young males are jousting playfully, preparing for the serious and often bloody fights for dominance and their chosen females.

Of course, a visit to the famous wine region around Paso Robles, the imaginary home of the Segantino family, is mandatory!

Next stop is San Luis Obispo, where I took a brief walk through the Cal Poly campus, a well-known technical and agricultural university.

Another important spot that plays a role in my next novel is the Benedictine monastery in San Luis Obispo, but time ran out and I had to postpone this for another visit. There is always a reason to come back to this beautiful area of California.

4 Responses to “Dreaming and Research – Central Coast of California”

  1. Darlene Says:

    I too love visiting the places my characters spend time at. Looks like a lovely part of California. I especially love the pictures of the gardens of Cambria Pines Lodge. Very inspirational. Your books lined up at the top of your blog are impressive.

  2. author Christa Polkinhorn Says:

    Thank you Darlene! You're such a loyal reader of my blog posts. Really appreciate it!

  3. Monster A GoGo Says:

    Where are all of the shots of you passed out in the alleyways, slugging it out in a bar brawl, being pulled from the paddy wagon, and stewing in an orage jumpsuit behind bars? I suppose you are saving those shots for your next project, THE STRANGE AND SORDID LIFE OF A YODELING CHEESEMAKER.Right? Or was it for DAUGHTER OF THE APLHORN ASSASSIN? I can’t wait for either!

  4. Christa Says:

    Dear Monster A Gogo, you just gave me the title of my next posts. LOL. Much appreciated.

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