On a recent visit to California’s Central Coast, I went in search of Harmony.
But driving north from Cambria on SH1, I blinked and nearly missed it. Luckily, I caught a glimpse of the sign through the rear view mirror, executed a quick U-turn, and got back on track to finding one of California’s smallest towns. Although, with a population of 18, it wasn’t so much a small town as much as an almost ‘ghost town.’
Of course, it wasn’t always that way. Once, the main coastal highway ran through the middle of the town and it’s milk, butter, and cheese, processed at the Harmony Creamery, were bought by the likes of William Randolph Hearst and his movie star guests on their way to Hearst Ranch.
But the Creamery closed decades ago and all that’s left is the bare bones of a town that once housed a school house, general store, stables, blacksmith, feed store, and post office, and a few more residents.
These days there are more visitors than residents.
They come to take photos and
visit the glassworks and pottery shop
sample the wines at Harmony Cellars
Some even come to get married at the tiny wedding chapel.
And when they get here, they find that everything is in perfect harmony.
