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Lucia
is a small south coast community. The prominent Lopez Point nearby
can be seen for many miles from south of the Big Sur Valley.
Wilbur Harlan homesteaded an expanse here in 1895, preempted a timber
claim, and later acquired more acreage. He married Ada Dani, the community's
midwife. Her parents, Gabriel and Elizabeth Dani, had settled on land
on the current day New Camaldolese Hermitage. Another daughter, Lucia Dani,
christened after the Santa Lucia mountain range became the postmistress.
For lack of a better address and because Lucia was so well known,
the post officer workers of the time would just say "send it to Lucia."
The name stuck and the community took her name. |
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provisions arrived on a chartered steamer from San Francisco, which
would sit offshore of the present day Lucia Lodge in view of the Dani,
Gamboa, Avila, Boronda, Lopez, and Harlan families, who had gathered
for the auspicious occasion. Wilbur Harlan often brought the coveted
items ashore in his homemade rowboat, aided by a cable attached to
a rock. The oldest Harlan, riding on a mule, would haul the cargo
to its final destination. Today, some of Wilbur Harlan's descendants
continue to live on the land. Harlan Creek meanders across their property
and unites with the sea on the south side of Lucia Lodge. |
Traveling
from the north, a convenience store, and restaurant may seem an oasis
after 20 miles without the benefit of a commercial establishment. Still
operated by the Harlan family, the lodge and ten cabins nearby face
the ocean. Dining at Lucia Lodge features fresh California cuisine
and locally caught fish.
Whether from the dining room, patio, or deck, visitors enjoy diverse
views of the Big Sur coast. Whales,
sea otters, falcons and eagles are also common sights. |
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Lucia
Lodge is located in the heart of the 90 mile long Big Sur area along
California's scenic Highway 1.
Distances from the North:
Big Sur Valley - 22 miles
Monterey / Carmel - 48 miles
San Jose / Silicon Valley - 110 miles
San Francisco - 180 miles
Distances from the South:
Hearst Castle - 38 miles
Cambria - 50 miles
Morro Bay - 70 miles
San Luis Obispo - 85 miles
Santa Barbara - 180 miles |
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