BIG FUN IN SMALL-TOWN CALIFORNIA Story and photos by Katherine McMahon
If you are like me, you have driven up and down the 101 between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo countless times, seen the exit for Arroyo Grande, and told yourself that someday you will get off and explore. Well, I am here to tell you — you should!
The only bridge of its kind in the state, the famous swinging bridge has crossed Arroyo Grande Creek for more than a century.
Arroyo Grande is an adorable little city nestled in the heart of the Central Coast, about three hours northwest of Los Angeles and 90 minutes from Santa Barbara. Originally inhabited by the Obispeño Chumash, it officially became a city in 1911. Plenty has changed over the years, but Arroyo Grande’s vibe is still classic Central Coast. The heart of Arroyo Grande is the village along Branch Street just north of the creek that gives the city its name. On a Friday, the village was bustling. Arroyo Grande is the type of place where everybody knows each other; servers and bartenders know their customers by name. I felt like I stepped onto a small-town movie set and I loved how, in some parts of town, time seems to have stood still. If you are a lover of coffee like I am, then you will be happy with Arroyo Grande’s wide variety of choices. I found my personal favorite at Tribe Coffee, on the west side of town. Tribe brews up some truly delicious coffee and is one of the cutest shops I’ve ever been to. You can enjoy your latte while browsing the gift shop that features so many unique items. For a healthy but delicious breakfast spot, look no further than Café Andreini right in the center of the village. Here you’ll find open-faced sandwiches, breakfast burritos, açai bowls, and some of the best avo toast on the Central Coast! If you want to indulge a bit then try CJ’s Café, a local diner known for their generous portions of breakfast burritos, omelets, huevos rancheros, pancakes, and chicken fried steak.
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Spring 2022
california101guide.com
