Traveling bear stops driver on busy highway
Drivers politely stopped on a California highway when a bear unexpectedly passed by them.
Visitors to Hearst Castle can go outside at night and take the “Art by Moonlight” tour, which features works from the collection of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
The 100-minute tours will take place on select Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 4 through Nov. 16, California State Parks said in a news release Monday. The artwork, which includes the 19th-century Italian marble sculpture Galatea on a Dolphin, will be displayed by moonlight at the castle at 750 Hearst Castle Road in San Simeon.
In this way, visitors would have enjoyed the art as Hearst’s guests in the 1930s.
The newspaper magnate entertained everyone from British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to actors Charlie Chaplin and Joan Crawford.
A walk in front of Hearst Castle
“This is an incredible opportunity to stand under the moonlight on the same path that Mr. Hearst and his guests walked, smelling the scent of the blossoms and listening to the soothing sound of the fountains on the hills,” said Dan Falat, superintendent of the San Luis Obispo Coast District. “The evenings here are magical and this unique art collection is presented in the best light.”
Visitors can enter the castle to see more of the art.
Admission is $50 for guests over 12 years old and $25 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under 5 are free.
To make a reservation, go to hearstcastle.org or reservecalifornia.org.
History of Hearst Castle
Hearst and architect Julia Morgan began collaborating on the construction of the castle in 1919. The property consists of a main house with 115 rooms, three guest houses, pools and 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains and paths.
In 1954, the castle was declared a California state park. Four years later, it was opened to visitors.
Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at [email protected] or 805-437-0232.
