With the subtle stirring of the autumn breeze, Cambria comes to life. From a charming event to spooky secrets, our Halloween-loving town has it all. From delicious harvest treats to delightful scarecrow displays, Cambria is the ultimate destination for your fall getaway. This October, we invite you over to find yourself spellbound. There is no need to fear the feeling of the magic of Cambria. We may not be psychic, but we know you will be visiting soon.
Here are some spectacular spooks we don’t want you to miss!
Black Cat Bistro
An intimate eatery in Cambria, sample such unusual appetizers as stuffed fried green olives, or sage and mushroom gnocchi. Try hearty entrees such as Maple Leaf duck breast with mushroom red wine barley risotto, or the Paso Robles Pork Belly with mustard glaze and gigandes beans. The local quail served with radicchio, apple and pomegranate molasses is also a satisfying appetizer dish. Currently, Black Cat Bistro is open for dinner on their patio. Make reservations to ensure availability.
Black Hand Cellars
A speakeasy-themed wine lounge, the Black Hand Cellars tasting room offers outstanding red wines and even better stories. Just make sure when they put you on their “Hit List,” it’s the one referring to their wine club… you never know when it comes to the Black Hand Mafia. Black Hand Cellars is accommodating guests on their patio on a first-come-first-served basis.
Farmer’s Market
Rain or shine, the Cambria Farmer’s Market is a perfect spot to celebrate the harvest and find the highest quality seasonal produce and prepared foods. The Farmer’s Market takes place on Friday afternoons in the parking lot of the Veteran’s Hall, located on 1000 Main Street, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Spellbound Herbs Gift Shop & Garden
This quaint shop, located in one of the oldest buildings in Cambria, was originally an 1870s homestead. Wander through the shop to see the many pleasures and specialties they have to offer, and be certain to take a stroll through their beautiful gardens filled with sweet-smelling herbs and flowers.
Cinnabar
Located in the East Village of Cambria in the historic building originally home to Mr. Carrol’s Blacksmith Shop, Cinnabar is a unique gift and home décor store. The store features unusual folk art and items from around the world. Most of the products are eco-friendly, recycled, and Fair Trade Certified.
Antiques on Main
Cambria is great for finding antiques and discovering treasures from the past and there is no better place to explore than Antiques on Main. With over 10,000 square feet of antiques on three levels, this antique mall is a must for anyone searching for small trinkets, vintage furniture, and unique pieces.
Annual Scarecrow Festival
The entire month of October, whimsy runs rampant in Cambria. Imaginative and lively scarecrows are displayed in four locations around town (and additionally, one in San Simeon). The scarecrows are the perfect manifestation of Cambria’s incredibly artistic community. This year, the scarecrows will be positioned and displayed in well-defined areas that can be viewed by parking and walking so that guests can view them safely. The Scarecrow Walk is unique in that it is outdoors, and in this configuration, can be easily enjoyed while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Download the Visit Cambria app available in iOS and Android before you come to preview the scarecrows on display this year and for a map of where the displays are located.
The first display, named Cambria Strong – A Village Fair, will be located in the East Village in the Brambles parking lot near Oliver’s Twist store, located at 4005 Burton Dr. The Fantasy by the Sea display will be located in front of Santa Rosa Catholic Church at 1174 Main St. The Pinedorado Grounds, located at 940 Main St, will have a display titled Fanciful Cambria Fair, while the final display will be placed next to the Shell Station, on Main St and Kent St, celebrating DĂa de los Muertos. There will also be a Zombie Voting Rally display located in the neighboring town of San Simeon.
The Scarecrow Festival runs from October 1 to October 31.
Click here for a map of the displays.
Old Santa Rosa Creek Road Chapel & Cemetery
The Santa Rosa Chapel, Garden & Cemetery, a National Historic Registry landmark and one of the oldest churches in the County, was built in 1870. It served the community for 91 years. Guests of William Randolph Hearst, including Marion Davies, Gary Cooper, and Bing Crosby, attended Mass there. The cemetery is the final resting place for many Cambria pioneers.
Historic Cambria Walking Tour
Cambria is brimming with historic architecture dating back to the 1800s, and visits to places like the Bucket of Blood, a saloon built in 1893. Start your tour at the Cambria Historical Museum and explore to your heart’s content. (No word on whether there are any lingering ghost hosts ready to welcome you in.)