The Markeroni Blog
The blog of Markeroni, the Gentle Art of Landmark-Snarfing

On the 17th of July I visited the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the umpti-umpth time. Santa Cruz is one of my favorite places and it celebrated its 100th birthday this year. Apparently, it did this by unveiling a new historical walking tour. This week’s Thursday Thirteen picks out thirteen different snarfs from among the two dozen or so available just by walking the Boardwalk end to end.

Click the boardwalk tag to see other Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk landmarks.

1. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
   The entire Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is State Historic Landmark #903. You can play and be all historically appreciative at the same time.

2. Original boardwalk boards
   Some of the original boardwalk boards were preserved.

3. Looff Carousel
   This is one half of a double National Historic Landmark, the crè de la crè of Stateside landmarks and by far and away my favorite ride.

4. Looff Giant Dipper
   This is the other half. A thrill on a “rickety” old rollercoaster. It was recently awarded landmark status by the American Coaster Enthusiasts.

5. Santa Cruz Seaside Company
   The boardwalk started life as a casino with dance hall etc. It burnt down. The original company went bust and this one took over in 1915. They’re still going strong.

6. Before the Boardwalk
   The story of the original casino which burnt down.

7. Boardwalk Goes Hollywood
   Several movies were filmed here, including one of my all-time favorites, The Lost Boys.

8. Beauty and the Beach
   Various beauty pageants were held here, with or without scandal.

9. Daredevils
   The beach was also a playground for people who liked to hang from thin ropes and other feats.

10. Dancing Through the Years
    There was a dance hall here, and many events were held over the years.

11. The Plunge
    One could also swim, though perhaps not at the same time as dancing.

12. Whiting’s Foods
    I liked the giant ice cream cone, actually.

13. A Love Story
    The couple who now run several shops here met as teenagers in the Summer of Love. They’re now a two-generation business.
    

Other Thursday Thirteeners

1. Bad Jokes and Oven Chips
   
2. Soliloquy: That’s Life
   
3. Momma Writes About Books
   
4. The Accidental Novelist
   
5. A Lady’s Diversion
   
6. Vixen’s Den
   

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