Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley includes six communities, all known for genuine old-world hospitality and friendliness.
- The rural township of Ballard is home to a still-very-functional little red schoolhouse, two restaurants and a bed & breakfast.
- The bustling gateway city of Buellton is conveniently located at the intersection of US Highway 101 and State Highway 246 with "everything for the traveler".
- Los Alamos has an old-time Western feel to the seven-block long main street offering an antique mall in a historic train depot, quaint shops, restaurants and parks.
- Los Olivos offers a slice of upscale Americana with art galleries, an art museum, boutiques, more than a dozen wine tasting rooms, a world-class inn and a flagpole in the center of the town.
- The turn-of-the 20th century village of Santa Ynez serves real cowboys at a historic saloon and old west history at the museum along with inns, restaurants and stores.
- Spend some time exploring the Danish-inspired city of Solvang - a popular stop for traditional bakeries featuring Danish pastries, breads and foods plus more than 200 European style shops, antique stores, museums as well as dozens of inns, hotels, resorts, restaurants and tasting rooms.
L ocated in northern Santa Barbara County, the Santa Ynez Valley is just 35 miles from the beaches of Santa Barbara, 125 miles up the coast from Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco. The region is easily accessible via vehicles on U.S. Highway 101 and State Highways 154 & 246. For car free travel, Amtrak trains feature connecting bus service to Solvang (www.amtrak.com); and private aircraft land at Santa Ynez Airport (IZA).
T our and taste acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and other varietals at over 70 world-class wineries and tasting rooms. Golf, hike, bike, fish, see wildlife, tour a horse ranch, take a horseback ride or soar over it all in a glider. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a vineyard or waterside at Lake Cachuma. Savor delicious meals within every budget from gourmet wine country cuisine to Danish, international and classic American favorites.
L earn about Santa Ynez Valley history at museums and 1804 Mission Santa Ines. Satisfy every shopping desire in art galleries, clothing boutiques, gift and antique stores. Experience 24/7 gaming, world-class concerts and entertainment at the Chumash Casino. Rejuvenate at a day spa. Relax in a cozy inn, lodge, luxury resort or full-service hotel. Do some country-western two stepping. Take in a concert or see PCPA Theatrefest's summer performances under the stars. The Valley supports a vibrant cultural calendar. Anytime is the perfect time to discover and visit the Santa Ynez Valley.
Cachuma Lake Nature Center HC 59, State Highway 154 Santa Barbara CA 93105
Tel: 805-693-0691 805-693-0691
E-mail: clnaturectr@aol.com
Cachuma Lake Nature Center is a facility which offers exhibits and programs to thousands of guests each year free of charge: children on field trips, youth organizations, tour groups, camping clubs, churches, individual campers and day use visitors. The Center is unusual because of its location in a lovely, 1950s ranch house, its emphasis on hands-on materials, and its focus on local human and natural history. For information on Cachuma Lake Recreation Area (camping, boating, pickning) call 805-686-5050 805-686-5050 .
Chumash Casino Resort & Spa 3400 E. Highway 246 Santa Ynez CA 93460
Tel: 805-686-0855 805-686-0855 Toll-Free: 1-877-CHUMASH 1-877-CHUMASH Fax: 805-686-3888
Website: http://www.chumashcasino.com
E-mail: jmartino@chumashcasino.com
Located right on Highway 246, just three miles from Solvang, the Chumash Casino Resort, with 2,000 slot machines, 40 blackjack tables, high stakes area, poker room, and the friendliest high stakes Bingo, also features three restaurants, showroom, and gift shop. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Special promotions throughout each month. Call toll-free 1-877-CHUMASH 1-877-CHUMASH . Plus, now open 106 room AAA four-diamond hotel and 5,000 square foot Spa.
Clairmont Farms 2480 Roblar Street Los Olivos CA 93441
Tel: 805 688 7505 805 688 7505
Website: http://www.clairmontfarms.com
E-mail: info@clairmontfarms.com
Clairmont Farms is a family owned lavender farm. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley in Los Olivos. There are five acres of the Grosso variety lavender, known for its healing quality. The fields are breathtakingly beautiful with the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains. Three hundred year old oak trees dot the grounds. Filmmakers, photographers and painters arrive each year and apply their craft. The driveway is lined with olive trees that were planted by the Spanish Missionaries over 175 years ago. In addition to our essential oil, we also offer a complete line of lavender based personal care products, homemade soaps, etc. The farm in open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Tours each day with no charge. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the fields, picnic and shop in our boutique located next to the fields.
PCPA Theaterfest 800 South College Drive Santa Maria CA 93454
Tel: 805-928-7731 805-928-7731 Fax: 805-928-1142
Website: http://www.pcpa.org
E-mail: marketing@pcpa.org
A nationally-renowned theatre company performing year-round in Santa Maria in the Allan Hancock College Performing Arts Center and June-October "under the stars" in Solvang's 700-seat Festival Theatre, the only outdoor venue for live theatre on the Central Coast. Call 805-922-8313 805-922-8313 for show information.
Rancho Oso Guest Ranch & Stables 3750 Paradise Road Santa Barbara CA 93105
Tel: 805-683-5686 805-683-5686 Fax: 805-683-5716
Website: http://www.rancho-oso.com
E-mail: rosh@1000trails.com,info@ranch-oso.com
Rancho Oso is located in the heart of the Los Padres National Forest and its hundreds of miles of riding trails. The beauty of the mountains and rich history of Rancho Oso combine to provide one of the most memorable riding and recreational experiences in Santa Barbara County.
Rancho San Marcos Golf Course 4600 Highway 154 Santa Barbara CA 93105
Tel: 805-683-6334 805-683-6334 Fax: 805-692-8805
Website: http://www.rsm1804.com
E-mail: tendy@rsm1804.com
Newly renovated and re-opened July 4, 2007. Considered by many to be the premier golf experience in Southern California. Set in the mountains 12 miles outside of Santa Ynez, Rancho San Marcos Golf Course spectacularly captures the natural beauty and distinctiveness of its surroundings. Built on the site of the historic Rancho San Marcos, circa 1804, this Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed gem gracefully saddles the natural topography meandering amidst a plethora of ancient oaks, and preserved traces of 19th century adobe structures and the rugged San Marcos Stagecoach trail.
Rolling Hills Garden Center 420 E Hwy 246 Buellton CA 93427
Tel: 805 688 7210 805 688 7210 Fax: 805 688 3676
Website: http://www.rollinghillsgardencenter.com
E-mail: rhgc.inc@verizon.net
Located at 420 East Highway 246 in Buellton next to the Hitching Post Restaurant. WE are open 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Saturday and 9:30am to 4:00pm on Sunday. Visit us at our web site at www.rollinghillsgardencenter.com too! Come browse our 1 1/2 acres of country gardens filled with antiques and garden art. We specialize in the unique and unusual and all of your garden needs.
Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association Santa Ynez CA 93460
Tel: 805 688 0392 805 688 0392
Website: http://www.syvaha.com
If there's one thing that horse lovers have in common, they love to talk horses! The Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association originally began as an Arabian Breeders club over 30 years ago. We have some of the most accomplished Arabian & Half-Arabians in the world right here in the Santa Ynez Valley. Many nationally accomplished trainers and internationally acclaimed Arabian breeding farms proudly call the Santa Ynez Valley their home. In fact, we believe there are more Arabians per square mile in the Santa Ynez Valley than anywhere else in the United States, thus the nickname "The Valley of the Arabian Horse." Whether you are just beginning your venture into the world of Arabian horses, or are a lifer, please take the time to contact some of the Arabian horse owners in the Santa Ynez Valley. You will find people who are excited to share their ranches and stories and experiences. Please visit the website www.syvaha.com for a map of the Arabian ranches in the Valley and more detailed information about each farm. For a 68 page directory of the SYVAHA, please call Kelly Elm at 805 688 0392 805 688 0392 .
Solvang Theaterfest 420 Second Street Solvang CA 93460
Tel: 805 686 1789 805 686 1789 Fax: 805 686 5912
Website: http://solvangtheaterfest.org
E-mail: info@solvangtheaterfest.org
The Solvang Theaterfest maintains and operates the Solvang Festival Theater, a 700 seat outdoor facility that operates primarily from June through October, providing a space for PCPA Theaterfest productions. It is thanks to an energetic Board of Directors and a supportive community that the theater has been in operation since 1974.
~ A SPRING WILDFLOWER VIEWING REPORT
Tel: 805-925-9538x232
Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/conditions/wildflowers/
E-mail: htarbet@fs.fed.us
Figueroa Mountain Wildflower Update---Early April 2009
By Helen Tarbett, Los Padres National Forest Service Ranger
It's springtime and the wildflowers know it only too well! The vivid blues, yellows, oranges and pinks at Figueroa Mountain are becoming more and more spectacular each day. Come join the tour through Figueroa Mountain. Starting at the first cattle guard as you start up the hill, look for popcorn flowers, blue dicks, buttercups, fiddlenecks, shooting stars, Johnny jump-ups, minors lettuce, lomatium, fiesta flowers, miner's lettuce, sky lupine, creeping Charlie and, milk maids (also known as toothwort) as they continue to bloom, along with Chinese houses that have began blooming this week as well. Look to your left, after two bends up the road, and you will find miniature lupine, well as the beginning blooms of owls clover. On your right, along the rock wall, you'll see even more Indian paintbrush since the last update. The carpet of shooting stars, lomatium, Johnny jump-ups, fiddlenecks and popcorn flowers just a little ways beyond still looks beautiful. A few yards further down the road, the hillside filled with sky lupines, blue dicks and deer vetch can still be seen on the left. In the canopy area just past this hillside, fiesta flowers, Johnny jump-ups, shooting stars, buttercups, popcorn flowers and fiddlenecks are visible. The hummingbird sage is still in its beginning stages.
Continue up the hill and look for vibrant orange California poppies on the rocky hillside to your right. Buttercups, popcorn flowers, fiddlenecks, blue dicks, royal lupine and shooting stars are blooming all the way up the hill, as are lomatium and goldfields. Look to the mountain on the left known as Grass Mountain as it welcomes spring with its beautiful hues of orange and purple of the California poppies and lupine. A few prickly phlox and wall flowers are beginning to bloom while the canyon wild peas continue blooming along the rocky hillsides. Beautiful ceanothus is in bloom here and in many other areas, too.
The chocolate lilies are still quite exquisite at Vista Point (large gravel turnout about 11.4 miles from the bottom.) along with Shooting stars, lomatium and goldfields. Across the road from Vista Point, along the rocky area leading towards the fire station, look for poppies, buttercups, miniature lupine, phlox, blue dicks, shooting stars, goldfields and bigelow coreopsis.
Just beyond the Figueroa Fire Station, the shooting stars are still going strong. About a mile further, the slopes on your left continue to put on quite a show as more and more purple sky lupine and bright orange California poppies carpet this area. Don't forget your cameras! The bush lupine are also beginning to bloom along this area
On Figueroa Lookout Road, the sky lupine and poppies are blooming up to about halfway up the hill. At the higher elevation, beyond Pino Alto, the breathtaking displays still have about two weeks to go.
Along the corridor beyond the campground, lupine, fiddlenecks, popcorn flowers and poppies are visible. As you continue past the serpentine look for the shooting stars, lomatium, sky lupine, buttercups and goldfields. As you drive along the pipe fence area, you will see the ground as it fills with patches of goldfields and look across the pipe fence, to the area on your right where you will find a magnificent display of chocolate lilies along with buttercups and shooting stars.
Just past the gate at Ranger Peak, on the hillside to the right, more and more beautiful baby blue eyes continue to peek through the grass. From the top of Ranger Peak to Cachuma Saddle, you will see more bush poppies and bush lupine as they begin to make their presence known. Ceanothas, purple nightshade, popcorn flower, fiddleneck and Indian paintbrush are in bloom.
Sunset Valley is really beginning to make quite a fashion statement. As you turn onto Sunset Valley and drive to Nira Campground, look for ceanothus, popcorn flowers, baby blue eyes, fiddlenecks, yellow and orange California poppies, bush poppies, miniature lupine, one giant coreopsis, vetch, phacelias, Chinese houses, wild cucumbers, coulter lupine, prickly phlox, chia, spiny lupine, milk thistle, blue dicks, lomatium, canyon wild peas and Nuttles larkspurs.
Happy Canyon continues to show off. As one turns from Cachuma Saddle onto Happy Canyon, ceanothas, California poppies, Nuttles larkspur, coulter lupine, phacelias, purple nightshade, morning glories, sky lupine, royal lupine, spiny lupine, bush poppies, golden yarrow, vetch, bush lupine, fiddleneck, fiesta flowers and popcorn flowers are in bloom. Along the area across Cachuma Campground, prickly phlox, Indian paintbrush and canyon wild peas can be seen. Continuing down Happy Canyon, California poppies, different colors of shooting stars, bigelow coreopsis, globe gilias, popcorn flowers, fiddlenecks, fiesta flowers, buttercups, royal lupine, lomatium, buttercups, prickly phlox, wild cucumber, mustard, shooting stars, morning glories and Johnny jump-ups are quite impressive. Also, look for Mexican elderberry as it begins to bloom.
Don't miss out on this wildflower season! It really seems to be a spectacular wildflower year! Remember to drive safely on the mountain roads and don't forget your Adventure Pass. Until next time, happy viewing!
Look for our next wildflower update in mid-April. For more information, please contact Helen Tarbet at 805-925-9538, ext. 232, or by e-mail at htarbet@fs.fed.us.
~ APPLE & FRUIT FARM STANDS
Seasonal apple and fruit stands offer fresh produce throughout the Valley--plus some opportunities to "pick your own". Some options include Apple Lane Farm, 1200 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, 805-686-5858 805-686-5858 ; Greenhaven Orchard/Dittmar Farms, 2275 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, 805-264-7100 805-264-7100 ; OR Morrell Nut & Berry Farm, 1980 Alamo Pintado Road-Solvang, 805-688-8969 805-688-8969 .
~ BIKING
Website: www.sbbike.org
One of the best ways to experience the sights and sounds of Santa Ynez Valley is on two wheels. Each January, Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and his team train here. Plus, there are many cycling events year-round (see the events calendar for details). For bicyclists, there are several easy loops from Santa Ynez through the backcountry past horse ranches and vineyards. Access www.sbbike.org for more information. NEW! Experience the SIDEWAYS movie location tour via bicycle! Two 50+ mile rides have been developed by Bicycle Coalition president Ralph Fertig. Download the maps/directions here: http://www.sbbike.org/docs/Sideways-1.pdf http://www.sbbike.org/docs/Sideways-2.pdf or call 805-568-3046 805-568-3046 for more information.
~ BIRDING
Hundreds of species abound. For example, many ardent birders come here to find the Yellow-billed Magpie. This large, crow-sized, black and white bird with a bright yellow bill and a raucous voice is found almost exclusively in California's central and southern sections.
~ CACHUMA LAKE RECREATION AREA
Located 10 minutes from Santa Ynez on Highway 154, this placid and beautiful body of water is home to fish, deer and bobcats as well as 275 species of birds, including migratory bald eagles in the winter. From November through February, eagle cruises depart from the lake marina to reveal these majestic predators in their native habitat. March through October enjoy wildlife cruises, all with naturalist aboard. There are also boat rentals, fishing, plus picnic, camping and play facilities. For general information, call 805-686-5054 805-686-5054 ; for details and reservations on nature cruises aboard the Osprey 48-foot pontoon boat, call 805-686-5050 805-686-5050 .
~ FARMERS MARKET-SOLVANG
Every Wednesday, year-round, rain or shine in downtown Solvang between Mission Drive (Highway 246) and Copenhagen Drive on First Street. Summer hours: 4:00PM - 7:00PM. Winter hours: 3:00PM - 6:00PM. The freshest fruits, veggies, flowers and local items. Delicious! For more information, access www.sbfarmersmarket.org or call 805-962-5354 805-962-5354
~ HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN MUSEUM 1680 Mission Drive Solvang CA 93463
Hans Christian Andersen Museum is located upstairs in the Book Loft building, 1680 Mission Drive. Here the multi-talented father of the modern fairy tale is accessible through his books, sketches, paper cutouts, silhouettes and colleges. Call 805-688-2052 805-688-2052
~ HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN PARK
Tel: 805-688-PLAY
On the outskirts of downtown Solvang on Atterdag Road, enjoy picnic areas, public tennis courts, children's playground, horseshoe pits and group areas. For more information, call 805-688-PLAY.
~ HIKING
Figueroa Mountain Road area hiking trails offer opportunities to explore a ruggedly handsome section of the nearby Los Padres National Forest. Wildflowers in the spring are especially plentiful and vibrant.
~ LA PURISIMA GOLF COURSE
La Purisima located west of State Highway 246 on the way to Lompoc features a relaxed setting among gently rolling hills masking a demanding course. At 7,000 yards and par 72, La Purisima is designed to meet the requirements of major PGA and LPGA competition. The course was recently the site of the PGA Tour qualifying finals. Golfers may choose from a full range of services, clinics and special rates. For reservations, call 805-735-8395 805-735-8395 .
Art/Museums
Arts Outreach P.O. Box 755 Los Olivos ca 93441 Tel: 805 688 9533 805 688 9533 Fax: 805 688 1137 Website: http://www.artsoutreach.com E-mail: laura@artsoutreach.com Bringing art to life... ...and life to art with programs throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art 1624 Elverhoy Way Solvang CA 93463 Judith Hale Gallery 2890 & 2884 Grand Ave., P.O. Box 884 Los Olivos CA 93441 Morley & Bryant Co. - A California Art Gallery 458 Bell Street Los Alamos CA 93440 Morley-Bryant & Company-Art Brut 458 Bell Street Los Alamos CA 93440 Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum PO Box 181 Santa Ynez CA 93460 Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum 320 Alisal Road, Suite 202 Solvang CA 93463 Wildling Art Museum 2928 San Marcos Avenue, P.O. Box 907 Los Olivos CA 93441 ~ Ark Gallery ~ Art for Living Gallery ~ Buellton Historical Society History Room 376 Avenue of Flags Buellton CA ~ Gallery Los Olivos ~ Gerlach Nature Photography ~ Hans Christian Andersen Museum 1680 Mission Drive Solvang CA ~ Los Alamos Historical Display Bell (Hwy 135) & Helena Streets Los Alamos CA 93440 ~ Tatiana Maria Gallery ~ Thomas Kinkade Gallery |
Shopping
| Artistic Pony, Ltd. Tel: 805-686-9899 805-686-9899 Fax: 805-686-2957 Website: http://www.theartisticpony.com E-mail: theartisticpony@aol.com he Artistic Pony offers a unique mix of jewelry designed and handcrafted by local artisans, and gorgeous gemstone and sterling silver jewelry designed by artists worldwide. Whimsical clocks, tableware, funky garden art and sweet smelling soap rocks are also featured. Dennee's of Santa Ynez 3569 Sagunto Street Santa Ynez CA 93460 Depot Antique Mall and Pub 515 Leslie Street Los Alamos CA 93440 Designs In Gold 485 Alisal Rd. #120 Solvang CA 93463 El Rancho Market 2886 Mission Drive Solvang CA 93463 First Street Leather 1634 Copenhagen Drive Solvang CA 93463 Forever Posh - Fine Accessories & Gifts 3583 Numancia St., P.O. Box 581 Santa Ynez CA 93460 Global Gardens 2477 Alamo Pintado Avenue Los Olivos CA 93441 Los Olivos Grocery 2621 West Highway 154 Santa Ynez CA 93460 Mole Hole of Solvang 1656 Mission Drive Solvang CA 93463 Olive House 1661 Mission Drive Solvang CA 93463 Rancho Olivos 2390 North Refugio Road Santa Ynez CA 93460 Solvang Antique Center 486 First Street Solvang CA 93463 Solvang Shoe Store, Inc. 1663 Copenhagen Dr. Solvang CA 93463 Veronica - Designer of Functional Art PO Box 855 Buellton CA 93427-6805 Z Folio Gallery 1685 Copenhagen Drive Solvang CA 93463 ~ Ace Hardware ~ Alisal Cellars ~ Angela's Stuff Store ~ Anna Femme Couture Santa Ynez |
Wineries
Artiste Winery and Tasting Studio 3569 Sagunto St. #102 Santa Ynez CA 93460 Tel: 805-686-2626 805-686-2626 Fax: 805-686-2625 Website: http://www.artiste.com E-mail: info@artiste.com Winemaker Bion Rice specializes in the art of blending, and captures a sense of old world style with new world personality, handcrafing liquid works of art for your palate. Share your impressions with us at our 1870s art studio, located in Old Town Santa Ynez. As you sip and stroll around our comfortable Tasting Studio, we encourage you to express yourself by painting on our community canvasses, or by writing in our art journals. Bridlewood Winery 3555 Roblar Avenue Santa Ynez CA 93460 Casa Cassara Winery 291 Valley Station Road, P.O. Box 2007 Buellton CA 93427 Coquelicot 2884 Grand Avenue Los Olivos CA 93441 Firestone Vineyard P.O. Box 244, 5000 Zaca Station Road L:os Olivos CA 93441 Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery 6121 East Highway 246, Santa Rita Hills Lompoc CA 93436 Lincourt Vineyards 1711 Alamo Pintado Road Solvang CA 93463 Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards Tasting Room 1645 Copenhagen Drive Solvang CA 93463 Mandolina Wine Tasting Room 1665 Copenhagen Drive Solvang CA 93463 Rideau Vineyards 1562 Alamo Pintado Road Solvang CA 93463 Royal Oaks Winery & Tasting Room 1651 Copenhagen Drive Solvang CA 93463 Sanford Winery & Vineyards 5010 Santa Rosa Road Lompoc CA 93436 Santa Barbara County Vintners Association P.O. Box 1558 Santa Ynez CA 93460 Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association P.O. Box 1740 Santa Ynez CA 93460 Sunstone Vineyards & Winery 125 North Refugio Road, P.O. Box 1747 Santa Ynez CA 93460 Tastes of the Valleys-A Sideways Wine Bar 1672 Mission Drive Solvang CA 93463 Vina de Blanco PO Box 1791 Santa Ynez CA 93460 Wandering Dog Wine Bar 1539-C Mission Drive Solvang CA 93463 Wilson & Bradford Wine Bar 1659 Copenhagen Drive, Unit C Solvang CA 93463 |