18 minute read
Cannabis Experiences Bloom on the Central Coast
CANNABISC EXPERIENCES BLOOM CANNABIS EXPERIENCES BLOOMC ON THE CENTRAL COASTON ON ON THE By Barbara Verde CENTRAL COAST
Photo by @ryanjohnsonbitar The fruits of High Star’s labors, ready for harvest.
Cannabis is stepping out in high style on the Central Coast Cannabis is stepping out in high style on the Central Coast After years of enjoying voter-approved recreational consumption status for 21+ adults, upscale cannabis experiences are beginning to beckon in a region already known for fine wine-making and phenomenal foodie delights. Some might say the Central Coast is the perfect place for cannabis tourism to bloom.
High Star Farms: Wine country meets cannabis chic in Los Alamos
Los Alamos, a secret Central Coast gem and long-ago stagecoach stop, has become home to some of the best wine tasting and farm-to-table dining experiences in the region. The town somehow manages to effortlessly pair Wild West vibes with sophisticated creature comforts.
Nestled in the caramel-colored foothills of Los Alamos sits High Star Farms, one part boutique Airbnb, one part equestrian-esque event destination, and one part cannabis farm. York Shackleton, with a background in professional snowboarding, Hollywood, and top-shelf cannabis growing, created High Star Farms with his mom, Susan. They envisioned a place where five-star events, chic hotel rooms, and a working cannabis farm could come together in style. High Star Farms grows all of its cannabis plants outdoors, kissed by the sun. Without the obstruction of hoops, the fields of cannabis exude a magical golden-green tranquility. Looking out from the on-site boutique hotel, guests can relax while gazing on acres of happy cannabis plants, taking in the scenery while taking a toke, if you will. Part of a pre-existing bunkhouse, the guestrooms have been remodeled from the floor up. The made-over rooms feature such touches as high ceilings, modern-tiled bathrooms, and real barn doors which were salvaged from existing structures on the farm. The hotel also includes a lounge-worthy lobby and commercial grade kitchen, perfect for hosting large events. The rooms are centered around a relaxing courtyard that overlooks the cannabis farm with comfortable chairs where guests can spend some time soaking up the atmosphere or stargazing at night. As York guides me past the barns on the property, a French bulldog mix with stubby legs cautiously walks up behind us to get a closer look, then becomes very friendly. “Oh, that’s Marley!” he says, excitedly. “We rescued her from an old breeding facility.” For a farm that specializes in plants, there are plenty of happy animals on High Star Farms, almost all of them rescued, including mules, horses, goats, and pigs. York points out a horse standing under a tree and says, “This is Blaze, he’s my favorite,” while giving his buddy a friendly rub on the side of his face. As Blaze’s tail swishes, he says, “This guy was in such bad shape when he came here. He almost didn’t have any of his tail left.” The horse glistens in the sun, eating some fallen fruit as we admire him. In addition to offering a posh place for visitors to stay in Los
Photo by @ryanjohnsonbitar Enjoy a glass and some grass as the sun sets over the fields at High Star.
Photo by @ryanjohnsonbitar Idyllic pastures, and a few barnyard animals, add to the scenery at High Star.
Alamos and experience a working cannabis farm, High Star Farms can also be booked for events and photo shoots.
York envisions events at High Star Farms incorporating the ambiance of the farm and the craft of cannabis growing into a high-end gathering — an unforgettable experience. He motions to a barn and says, “There was a really fancy event held here where they lined up the tables for dinner down the middle of the barn, and the horses’ heads were poking out of their stalls while the guests ate!”
Find High Star Farms at 2460 CA-135, Los Alamos. For more: (310) 990-4074 or visithighstarfarms.com
Seaweed on Ocean — Take a toke in Lompoc
A short walk from the Insta-worthy outdoor murals of Art Alley and a stone’s throw from the Lompoc Wine Ghetto is Seaweed on Ocean, one part dispensary and one part cannabis smoking lounge.
“We’re the only smoking lounge between Los Angeles and San Francisco!” says owner Todd Mitchell, with a wide grin on his face.
Once upon a time a smoking lounge on the Central Coast was the stuff of haze-filled fantasies, but as new laws and attitudes about cannabis take root, fresh experiences have cropped up as well.
Gone are the days of having to fly all the way to Amsterdam to experience the exotic delights of a cannabis lounge — you can enjoy the thrill of lighting up legally right in historic old-town Lompoc. Todd gives me the ins and outs of the lounge, explaining, “You can bring food into the lounge, but not alcohol.” When asked if the lounge can be reserved for private events, he belts out an emphatic, “Yes!” One rule everyone must follow: all cannabis consumed in the lounge must be purchased at the adjoining dispensary.
The lounge has a fun atmosphere with perky lime green bar stools as well as cozy armchairs, beachballs, and good music. A throw pillow reads, “Real mermaids smoke seaweed!” and a playful beach towel draped over the cozy loveseat says, “A New Kind of High.” There are various types of cannabis accoutrements adorning the bar, including dab rings, vaporizers, e-nails, and of course, the cannabis accessory from time immemorial, the bong. Loungers are free to use these tools, or just smoke a simple joint or enjoy a low-dose edible. A plentiful supply of water bottles is at the ready for cannabis connoisseurs who find themselves parched.
Photo by Amber Rivera A different kind of dabbing: take a toke in Lompoc, at Seaweed on Ocean.
Photo by Amber Rivera Seaweed on Ocean welcomes you with colorful, comfy seating and a variety of ways to imbibe.
On the day I visited with a friend who happened to have a Beatles t-shirt on, the bud-tenders took a cue and put on music inside the lounge from the Fab Four. We chatted and
A spacious room at the Eagle Inn, in Santa Barbara.
Photo courtesy Eagle Inn
mellowed out with our CBD gummies as the sun streamed through the windows and the afternoon melted away amidst friendly conversation and laughter.
If you want to recreate an Amsterdam-like coffee and cannabis experience, stop by one of Lompoc’s well-known coffee houses, such as One Room Escapes & Coffee, just a block up the street from Seaweed. Grab a cappuccino to go and a treat from their bakery, like a warm cinnamon roll or pecan sticky buns, then walk over to Seaweed’s lounge for a perfectly paired coffee-andcannabis experience.
Afterwards, enjoy a walk through the nearby Art Alley district, with more than 40 unique, large format murals portraying scenes from Lompoc’s history, including an iconic mural located at 118 E Ocean Ave depicting native Chumash riding in a traditional tomol. And don’t forget to get a picture in front of one of Lompoc’s most selfie-worthy murals, “Feeding Time” (122 W Ocean Ave) which features a dinosaur with its jaws wide open, ready for a munchie!
See their website for cannabis lounge hours and upcoming events, such as the “Toke and Paint Night” on Sept. 11.
Eagle Inn Elevate your stay in Santa Barbara
Many hotels are taking note of cannabis’s new status on the Central Coast, and are updating their policies as well as their packages when it comes to leafy green goodness. One such hotel is the Eagle Inn, located in Santa Barbara’s upscale hotel district near State Street and just steps from West Beach, with views of the Santa Barbara pier.
The luxurious rooms and casitas at the Eagle Inn feature large, two-person spa tubs, fireplaces, and expansive patios and balconies with relaxing outdoor sitting areas.
The Eagle Inn is introducing a new “420 Snack Attack” package for their guests. The package includes: six chocolate-dipped strawberries, six homemade chocolate chip cookies, a bottle of sparkling water, and microwave popcorn. The upgrade costs $25 and the “420 Snack Attack” can be waiting in your room upon arrival or delivered at a time of your choosing. Another package offered at the Eagle Inn is the “Couples Massage Package.” While not explicitly a cannabis package, one could imagine ways to pair that package with a well-timed edible to induce the ultimate in relaxing experiences.
Photo courtesy Eagle Inn Bowls on the balcony? That’s A-OK at the Eagle Inn! for those of legal age at their establishment. Owner Paul Bullock explains, “We are a non-smoking hotel, and we warn people not to smoke in their room or they’ll be charged a fee. However, many of our rooms have balconies and as long as the smoke isn’t bothering other people, there’s no reason they couldn’t smoke outside.” Bullock adds, “There’s obviously the option to vape or use edibles which would negate the worry of smoke odors.”
Find The Eagle Inn at 232 Natoma Ave, Santa Barbara. For more: (805) 965-3586 or theeagleinn.com
Photo courtesy Eagle Inn A relaxing place to end (or start?) your day at the Eagle Inn.
MORE ON THE HORIZON Other locales on the Central Coast will likely offer up cannabis consumption experiences in the MOREONTHEHORIZON future, including Ojai and Grover Beach. The Ojai City Council recently voted unanimously to research cannabis consumption lounges and come back with some recommendations to move things forward. Chelsea Sutula, owner of Sespe Creek Collective in Ojai and cannabis advocate is excited, declaring, “Cannabis lounges could happen as early as 2022!” She envisions an Ojai that caters to cannabis enthusiasts as much as it caters to wine enthusiasts and hopes to see a variety of consumption lounge experiences, from low key and chill to bougie and decadent. “Ojai’s definitely got the right vibe! I can’t wait to see what crops up here,” Sutula added. The future is bright for new and interesting cannabis experiences on the Central Coast and gives new meaning to “living the high life.”
Au Bon Climat
Our tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara offers current releases and select library wines in a warm, casual setting. The wines of Au Bon Climat, Clendenen Family, Barham Mendelsohn, Vita Nova and Jim Clendenen’s other creative endeavors are featured, representing an array of varietals beyond his acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. With Over 100 different wines stocked, the selection is amazing. Seated tastings by appt. See reservation app on homepage. Walk-in tasters welcome if space allows
Jamie Slone Wines Tasting Room
23 E. De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 560-6555 www.jamieslonewines.com
Voted best tasting room and best winery in the 2019 Santa Barbara News-Press Readers’ Choice Awards. Our mission is to provide our guests an outstanding Santa Barbara wine experience. In our cozy tasting room, you’ll discover our passion for family, entertaining, and delicious handcrafted 90+ point wines from the best local vineyards. We’re sipping on Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Red Blends and Cabernet Sauvignon. We are living the wine lifestyle. A Yelp and TripAdvisor favorite...join us! Mon-Thur 12 - 6pm • Fri 12pm - 7 pm • Sat 11am - 7 pm • Sun 11am - 6 pm
Looking for the perfect summer stop along the California coast?
Fly on over and meet our flock at The Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary
Located at 2430 Lillie Ave Summerland, CA 90367 sbbird.org
Murphy’s Vinyl Shack
Vintage LP records and current new releases. Vinyl Art and Nostalgic Posters....more than just a record store... A BLAST FROM THE PAST ! Worthy of a trip to Carpinteria.....stop in and say “Hi”.
Family owned and family style juice bar serving healthy and all organic food. Our menu includes cold pressed juices, juice cleanses, harvest salads, bagels and of course our delicious house coffee.
Website - juice-n-things-llc.business.site
…simply fine wines at great prices!
Carpinteria Wine Company
Wines for all occasions
NEW ARRIVALS WEEKLY
Stop in and shop our tremendous selection! M-F 10-6pm Sat 10-5pm Take the Carpinteria Avenue exit from 101 South - 4th building on the right
Susan Willis Ltd.
You do not want to miss this hidden gem, located on the north end of Carpinteria Ave. off the beaten path! Susan Willis LTD, is a very classy and eclectic gift shop that has been here for 26 years, with it’s own parking lot, it is easy and convenient to access. Come browse through many choices of summer must haves, like Turkish Towels, sun glasses and sun readers, to body lotions and summer treats to tuck into your picnic basket. Treasures, too many to mention. Great gift ideas for your summer Pet and House sitters. Monday- Saturday 10-5
FOOD OF THE PEOPLE
Pizza, Pasta and Salads. Serve lunch and dinner.
Open from Wed to Sun. 12 to 8pm. Pick up and delivery Home made food.
THARIO’S Kitchen
3807 Santa Claus Lane Carpinteria, CA 93013 (805) 684-2208
GOOD FOOD • FINE THINGS GARDEN MARKET
Delightful Breakfast From 7 a.m. every day enjoy our beachside escape or take it to go Coffee & Espresso Santa Barbara’s fi nest organic beans
Savory Lunch... Market fresh soups, salads & desserts Gourmet sandwiches Box lunches
Fine Wines Exquisite Gifts Home & Garden Decor
Catering available
3811 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, CA 93013 805-745-5505
Clementine’s Steak House
Top service is provided, along with the quality of our food. Patio and indoor seating in a quaint environment. Delicious specials daily.
Wonderful assortment of homemade pies.
FOOTHILL FARMS
This beautiful, turn-key 1920’s Tudor Revival on the prestigious Foothill Road has been impeccably modernized, restored and expanded with close attention paid to preserving the home’s historic character. The main 3-bedroom residence has dramatic pitched ceilings and includes a luxurious primary bedroom with separate his and hers baths and dressing rooms, a formal dining room, a large living room with a stone fireplace, an art gallery, a wood paneled office, elegant bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry. Designed by noted architect William A. Edwards, it was designated by The City of Ojai as a Historic Landmark in 2020. The property includes a charming guest cottage designed by Austen Pierpont, a separate studio, a detached garage and a pool. 1104FoothillRoadOjai.com Offered at $6,995,000
PATTY WALTCHER
BRILLIANT CONTEMPORARY
This completely renovated, contemporary home on nearly 3 gated acres has fabulous 360 degree views and is totally refined in every detail. From the organic interior layout to the cultivated surrounding environment, everything has been finished with the highest quality materials. High ceilings, windows, and open, connected spaces create a light, airy atmosphere while extensive use of natural materials makes the home feel earthy and warm. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, with amazing views, gorgeous marble counters and wood cabinets. A covered outdoor entertainment area features a fabulous fireplace and a finished garage could easily be converted into an ADU. The beautifully landscaped grounds include a stone labyrinth, cobblestone driveway, and mature avocado, citrus and olive trees. 2100MaricopaOjai.com Offered at $2,750,000
PATTY WALTCHER
The Ojai Storytelling Festival was an eyeopening experience. I had no idea that there were so many talented people who could thoroughly captivate an audience. The festival had to be experienced to be believed. A friend could rave to you about how entertaining the event was, but actually the experience can’t be conveyed. It’s like trying to describe the smell of a flower. –Mike Millan, 2009
The Ojai Storytelling Festival, Oct. 28 - Oct 31 2021 will be celebrating its 20h year with a stellar lineup of acclaimed storytellers from around the world in the beautiful Libbey Bowl. The line-up includes Regi Carpenter, Donald Davis, Bill Harley, Diane Macklin, Kim Weitkamp, Bil Lepp, the Reverend B. Jones, special guests Debra Ehrhardt for Naughty Tales and Kimberly Ford and the Dreamland Band’s Tribute to Joni Mitchell. Tickets for individual performances as well as weekend passes are available on the website at ojaistoryfest.org While storytelling is an ancient art form, the Ojai Storytelling Festival presents the oral tradition in a contemporary way. Festival organizer Brian Bemel says, “Listeners will definitely hear traditional tales, but many of this year’s tellers will offer a very modern take with stories firmly rooted in today’s culture. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll hear…
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE! Direct to more Info
Laughing Night featuring comedic tales from all the tellers
Supernatural Tales (especially for Halloween)
Naughty Tales with Regi Carpenter, Kim Weitkamp and Debra Ehrhardt
Workshops with featured tellers on the art of storytelling
And much much more.
The Ojai Storytelling Festival Celebrates the Spoken Word with stories that are never read but performed in a lively style transporting listeners to another place, another time. These are some of the sights and sounds that will make this year’s festival moving, funny, and enthralling.
One of the most challenging obstacles faced in publicizing the festival each year is overcoming all the preconceptions people have about storytelling. The word itself conjures up an image of someone reading a book to a child, but attendees won’t hear any reading at the festival, the Ojai Storytelling Festival presents the oral tradition in a very lively fashion. Some of the stories will be based on folktales while others will be captivating personal narratives. Each tale will be dramatically told utilizing movement and gesture, and will contain all the elements that are part and parcel of an engaging play with the main difference being that there is a much stronger connection between the audience and the performer in storytelling. “Theater of the spoken word” better describes what happens at the festival.
The festival reaches a diverse audience and while there are some performances for children, the majority of programming is geared for adults, especially those scheduled in the evening. Audiences that enjoy riveting theatre will be quite at home listening to the real life tales of love, hope, courage and wisdom as told by the acclaimed spoken word artists at this year’s festival. An important side note, the festival celebrates stories, but there is plenty of music and movement to liven up the stage.
There truly is something for everyone at the Ojai Storytelling Festival.
