Nightlife in Soledad

It all began in 1987 with a few humble rows of chardonnay growing in a backyard. Bill and Brenda Murphy dreamed of being small-scale vintners, and within a few years the wines produced in their bite-size vineyard were tasty enough to sell. With the success of those initial bottles, Clos LaChance Wines—a European-inspired winery—was born, releasing its inaugural vintage in 1992. Since then, the business has grown from producing 200 cases of wine to 80,000, and from less than an acre of backyard to 150 rolling acres of hilly vineyards that have caught the attention of Orbitz and been recommended by numerous other media outlets. The Murphys’ daughters have folded into the business too, and Bill and Brenda hope that someday in the future, their grandchildren will take over and find a way to control the weather.

The Murphys are not only focused on their future, but also on the future of the land and resources for which they are responsible. Clos LaChance Wines is committed to eco-friendly growing and production practices and has been certified sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The Murphys built the operation from the ground up, creating an open, Old-World-style space whose rolling hills, ivy-covered walls, and stone-walled courtyard are reminiscent of a villa in Tuscany. They even installed a regulation-size court where guests can bring their own bocce balls for a friendly game.

In the main room of Surf City Billiards & Cafe, sun pours through skylights in the 22-foot vaulted ceilings, illuminated 15 Brunswick Gold Crown tables covered in pro-standard Simonis cloth. Darts and a shuffleboard table provide additional opportunities for competition, whereas eight big-screen TVs let fans cheer for their favorite commercials between interruptions by men throwing balls. The hall's full bar keeps spirits high with local wine and beer, and a bustling kitchen turns out gourmet takes on traditional bar food. Applewood-smoked bacon gives third-pound Angus-beef patties a porcine kick, and the Surf City dog adorns a quarter-pound 100% beef frank with zesty chipotle mayo.

The billiards hall was named one of the Top 10 New Pool Halls in America in 2008.

At Vino Prima, the wine pours freely. Surrounded by 360-degree views of the Santa Cruz wharf and sparkling lights of the boardwalk, patrons soak in the views as they sip their choice of wine by the flight or glass, with a rotating selection of 30 wines pouring daily. Enclosed in their protective casings, more than 150 boutique wines are also available by the bottle, which can later be filled with a miniature version of your favorite 14th-century shipwreck. On some weekends, belly dancing and live-music sessions create a lively atmosphere to complement the always-flowing libations.

Fast Eddy's Billiards

Picture a pool hall. Wood-paneled walls catch the light of suspended billiards lamps, which illuminate clusters of tables—19 of them to be exact. And these tables are not kiddie sized or Astroturf topped; these are regulation tables: fit for aimless amateurs and seasoned professionals alike. This is Fast Eddy's Billiards, where fun-seekers can revel not only in friendly and competitive games of pool, but also at dartboards, foosball tables, pinball machines, and beer-pong setups.

A former billiards professional still hangs around this scene, giving newbies a crash course on the basics of pool play. Above the din, neon signs rattle off the names of domestic and imported beers—available by the glass and by the pitcher—and a kitchen attendant preps bar-style snacks such as jalapeño poppers, onion rings, chicken wings, and breaded zucchini strips. Free WiFi can occupy compulsive email senders, and an Internet jukebox keeps carousers bopping with tunes of choice.