From Taste of the Old West

Just off Highway 1 on the San Mateo coast, the San Gregorio General Store manages to miss most of the tourist traffic—and likes it that way. Eclectic is the word for this former stagecoach stop, which offers everything from Levi's to literary novels to 18 different kinds of tequila, and of course, good old-fashioned company from the bar staff. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, warm up next to the fire and enjoy live music with a line-up as diverse as its clientele. Irish R&B anyone?

THIRST-BUILDER: Five miles south of San Gregorio, where the river meets the sea, Pescadero Marsh has a network of tranquil walking paths. One of the nicest ways to get into the heart of this 588-acre state-park sanctuary is the Sequoia Audubon Trail. This wetlands preserve is an important winter home for over 200 species of birds. Look for blue herons sitting in the eucalyptus trees.

San Gregorio General Store, Highway 84 and Stage Rd., San Gregorio; 650-726-0565. San Gregorio is 11 miles south of Half Moon Bay, off Highway 84.

To reach the Sequoia Audubon Trail, from Highway 1 turn into the second parking for Pescadero State Beach, just south of the bridge. Walk north, back across the bridge, and down the trail to the riverbed. Walk under the bridge and follow trail signs.