When the Earth Laughs in Flowers, Flower Bar, Santa Cruz, CA

When I think of a flower-oriented destination, I think of vibrant, multicolored blooms and orchids inside a market just like the ones that are found close to the Chao Praya River in Bangkok. Yet when we entered the Flower Bar in Santa Cruz, the elegant combination of flower shop, bar and cafe wowed me instead. This stylish spot offers not just bouquets and coffees, but also very affordable artisan truffle chocolates, teas, pastries, sandwiches, and light brunch. They serve not your ordinary carbs-loaded, bacon, ham, sausage meal but more of like croissants, fritatas and avocado toasts some of which are served on boards for $50. We ordered coffee, one cappuccino and one cortado (they use Ritual coffee) just after a midday constitutional along Cedar St. (where we had also visited Bad Animal, an excitingly designed bookstore, cafe and bar on the same street). Coming from San Francisco, we were delighted to note that Flower Bar's clients can park right next to their outdoor side patio. This French-inspired cafe is chic, casual and teeming with floral and tranquil ambiance!

"For flowers that bloom about our feet,

For tender grass so fresh, so sweet;

For song of bird and hum of bee,

For all things fair we hear or see.."