Finding Synchronicity in San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande By Cori Solomon
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laces I love usually involve all my senses; taste, touch, sight, smell, and hearing. Like wine and grape growing, it involves terroir and that sense of place. This connection is dear to me, especially visiting the destinations of San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande. My journey begins the minute I exit the tunnel on Highway 101 as it turns away from the ocean inland in Santa Barbara County. The view of the random oak tree standing apart from a
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tranquil pasture sets me in the mood for my special place
shows. It characterizes a time when I was close to my father
San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande represent a happy place. It gives me great pleasure to reminisce about visiting my father ’s ranch on Corbett Canyon Road in Arroyo Grande, walking around the pond, viewing the animals, including a llama named Michael, named after Michael Jackson because this llama came from Neverland. I remember potluck get-togethers with friends after the local dog
I remember the wineries I visited and the restaurants I frequented, including those still existing. In San Luis Obispo, walking along the creek, seeing bubble gum alley, or visiting the farmers market were some of our favorite pastimes. Our family often ventured to the Five Cities—Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Grover Beach, and Oceano