Reveal 2 by Living Lavishly Magazine

the central coast of ca Volume 2

Inside this issueâ&#x20AC;Ś

Find out why the Central Coast of CA is a premium destination spot for world class wineries, galleries, weddings, spas, cuisine and more!

Love at first sip. Experience every luscious, vibrant taste of Monterey Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acclaimed Arroyo Seco region, captured in Arroyo Vista Chardonnay, from the limited production, artisan wines of J. Lohr Vineyard Series.

J. Lohr San Jose Wine Center 1000 Lenzen Ave., San Jose, CA 95126 408.918.2266 | 10am-5pm Daily

ÂŠ 2015 J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, San Jose, CA

J. Lohr Paso Robles Wine Center 6169 Airport Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446 805.239.8900 | 10am-5pm Daily

vineyard-driven | passionately made

j. lohr vineyard series

Fall Away Moments from 10 wineries, pristine beaches, apple orchards, the Avila Barn, and the charming village of Avila Beach One-Bedroom Spa Suites with Private Balcony Hot Tubs & Fireplaces | Gardens of Avila Restaurant | Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Weddings & Special Events | Hiking & Biking Trails | Award-Winning Spa & Health & Wellness Center

805.595.7302 | SycamoreSprings.com 1215 Avila Beach Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA

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REVEAL the central coast of california

CCB BRE #01266964

FEATURES

6 HWY 1 Discovery Route 13 Day with Nature 14 Making of a Maritime Museum 16 Grover Beach 18 Arroyo Grande 20 Classic California Pismo Beach 25 The Land of Ahhs 27 Slow Down Day 28 Experience the SLO Life

Cover photo by Ben Schutzer

32 Discover Morro Bay

36 Morro Bay’s Old Town 39 Just the Two of Us Day 40 Revealing North County 43 Michael Gill Cellars 44 Pet Friendly Places 46 Teri’s Top Restaurants 50 Galleries 53 With the Family 54 Wedding Venues

56 Calendar of Events 58 Family Adventure Day

Contributors Amy Joseph Ben Schutzer Judy Salamacha Mark Nakamura

36 PUBLISHERS Bret Colhouer Lani Colhouer

SALES Carrie Vickerman Dana McGraw Jessica Micklus Mike Lee Zorina Ricci

ART & DESIGN Christy Serpa Michelle Johnson

Vivian Krug

SALES & PROJECT COORDINATOR Dana Shanahan

EDITOR Theresa-Marie Wilson

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Explore California’s

Highway 1 Discovery Route

□ Big Sur Coast National Scenic Byway

Ragged Point

RD CA ST LE H

EA RS T

Elephant Seal □ Vista Points

□ Hearst Castle®

of San Luis Obispo County

San Simeon

□ Coastal Discovery Center □

wines form the perfect backdrop for the ultimate road trip through Coastal San Luis Obispo County.

Sebastian’s General Store

□ Nitt Witt Ridge

Where to find sage local advice?

Cambria

Cambria’s East & West Villages□ Fiscalini Ranch Preserve □

YROUT OVER E.C ISC O 1D

Customize Paso Robles ● Your Vacation

Leffingwell Landing □ Moonstone Beach Drive □

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

landscapes and regional

HIGH WA Y

□

Piedras Blancas Light Station

Pristine beaches, scenic

V i s i t H ig h w a y 1 D is c o v e r y R o u t e .c om t o c r e a t e s p e c i a l i z e d i t i n e r a r i e s f o r yo ur int e r e s t s : g r e a t d i n i n g , r o m a n c e , h i s t o r y, w i n e t a s t ing, f a r m t o u r i n g , a n d o u t d o o r a d v e n t u r e s . Yo u’ll f ind

●

a c o m p l e t e l i s t o f h o t e l s , m o t e l s , be d a nd b r e a k f a s t s a n d v a c a t i o n r e n t a l s a s we ll a s a

Harmony Headlands State Park □ Abalone Farm □ Estero Bluffs State Park □ □ Cayucos State Beach and Pier

Cayucos

Morro Strand □ State Beach

□ San Francisco

□ Museum of Natural History □ Morro Bay State Park

Los Osos/ Baywood Park

●

San Luis Obispo

Montaña De Oro □ State Park

□ Los Angeles

S t e w a r d s h i p Tr a v e l a c t i v i t i e s a n d ways to contribute.

●

Morro Bay National Estuary □ Los Osos Elfin Forest Preserve □ Morro Dunes Natural Preserve □

San Luis Obispo County

●

c a l e n d a r o f e v e n t s . L o o k f o r m e a ningf ul

Morro Bay

Morro Rock □

Atascadero

SOUTH BAY BLVD

Harmony

□ Tolosa Vineyards

Edna Valley

101

227

Avila Hot Springs □

Pismo Beach

●

Pismo Beach Pier □ Monarch Butterfly Grove □

101

Oceano Dunes SVRA □

Golf Stewardship Travel

VISIT

Highway1DiscoveryRoute.com

IVE

Z DR

LOPE

□ Claiborne and 227 Churchill Vintners □ Kynsi Winery

ATV Access Historic/Museums

Avila Beach

Wine & Beer Tasting

ACH

A BE

Biking

AVIL

ICE

Bob Jones Trail □ Central Coast Aquarium □ Port San Luis □

Saucelito Canyon □ Lopez Lake Vineyards Edna Valley Vineyard □ □ □ Chamisal Vineyard □ Avila Valley Barn Y

UIS

Hiking

Oceano

Arroyo Grande Valley

LOS BE

RROS

□ Laetitia Winery

Scan this code for fantastic lodging options:

WILLOW RD

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area □

O LA

OSO

FLAC

Black Lake Golf Resort □ □ □ Cypress Ridge Golf Monarch 101 Dunes Golf Club

Nipomo

Visit Ten Diverse Artisan Towns & Seaside Villages 6

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Photo by Vivan Krug

Along the CA Highway 1 Discovery Route

The Allure of the American Rural Road Trip Comes to Life

Visitors can easily navigate the 10 charming towns along the route thanks to rural road trip loop maps found on: Highway1DiscoveryRoute.com

he allure of the American Rural Road trip - freedom, anonymity, and discovery - can perhaps be more vividly experienced along the California’s Highway 1 Discovery Route (H1DR) in San Luis Obispo County than anywhere else. Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the H1DR is made up of ten diverse artisan towns and seaside villages starting just south of Big Sur from Ragged Point and San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, and heading south of San Luis Obispo to Los Osos/Baywood Park, Avila Beach & Valley, Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley, Oceano and Nipomo. continued, page 8

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Cambria

Nipomo Detail Map

Arroyo Grande Valley Detail Map

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101

Nipomo

*San Luis Obispo County Unincorporated Area

Arroyo Grande Valley

The acclaimed 101mile stretch of Highway 1 is such a spectacular rural road trip that there’s a new professionally hosted travel show called On the Road With Jo, dedicated to the route. Part of the US Department of Transportation National Scenic Byways Program, the entire route offers breathtaking natural beauty, preeminent wine regions and more than 500 vacation rentals, hotels, motels and B&B’s to plan your road trip.

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Pismo Beach 101 Pier Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove

Morro Bay*

101

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Oceano

The Livery Stable

227

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Edna Valley

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Los Osos

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Avila Valley Barn

Avila Beach Oceano Oceano

Avila Beach

Arroyo Grande Valley 101

Cambria Oceano Avila Beach Detail Map

Avila Beach

227

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San Simeon

Bob Jones Trail

Edna Valley

227

Arroyo Grande Valley 101

Nipomo

From lush farmland to the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the area boasts vast stretches of white sandy beaches and picturesque rugged coastline, renowned wineries, the world famous Hearst Castle, bucolic farmland, wildlife, pristine forests, beautiful state parks and untouched natural beauty as far as the eye can see. The window of an automobile is still the best way to explore the American landscape, especially along the H1DR. There are many places to stop along the way and become immersed in the quaint towns that make up the route.

*San Luis Obispo County Unincorporated Area

There are so many unique places to stop along the way. The entire family will enjoy getting out of the car, stretching their legs to take a whale watching adventure or learn about H1DR marine birdlife. There are organized pier and beach walks, as well as a free SeaPhoto App by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary from the Apple App Store where guests can browse through 631 species and 1,650 photos, with detailed ecological information for 140 species. Guests can upload favorite photos and even share them directly through embedded Twitter, Facebook, text and email. continued, page 10

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This unique American road trip also offers visitors other unusual activities including watching the sharks feed at the Central Coast Aquarium or participating in the Bird Sanctuary Day in Avila Beach, or experience the Piedras Blancas Light Station Historical Tour in San Simeon. In Oceano and Los Osos, visitors can take a moment to view migrating Monarch Butterflies climb the limbs of a Eucalyptus grove all clustered in black and gold or watch the Elephant Seals in San Simeon. For more information on the California Highway 1 Discovery Route, visit www.Highway1DiscoveryRoute. com. For the latest news on the region visit Facebook www.facebook.com/ WineCoastCountry and on Twitter at twitter.com/Hwy1DiscoveryRt. For more information on the California Highway 1 Discovery Route, visit http://www. Highway1DiscoveryRoute.com or contact Chief Administrative Officer Cheryl Cuming at 805-547-CBID (2243), admin@ SLOcountyBID.com.

Visit These Points Of Interest On The Highway 1 Discovery Route: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area Monarch Dunes Golf Club Blacklake Golf Resort Laetitia WInery Lopez Lake Talley Vineyards Kynsi Winery Village of Arroyo Grande The Livery Stable Oceano Dunes SVRA Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove Pismo Beach Pier

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• • • • • • • • • • • •

Avila Valley Barn Avila Hot Springs Bob Jones Trail Sea Life Center Port San Luis Morro Dunes Natural Preserve Morro Bay National Estuary Los Osos Elfin Forest Museum of Natural History Morro Rock Morro Strand State Beach Cayucos State Beach & Pier

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Estero Bluffs State Park Harmony Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Cambria Village Nit Wit Ridge Moonstone Beach Drive Leftingwell Landing San Simeon Cove Coastal Discovery Center Sebastian’s General Store Elephant Seal Rookery Hearst Castle Piedras Blancas Light Station

Cambria

Ragged Point Detail Map

Hearst Castle

3 km

Elephant Seal Rookery San Simeon

Ragged Point

Sebastian's General Store

Coastal227 Discovery 101 Center

1 Edna San Valley

San Simeon Cove227

Avila Beach Oceano 3 mi 3 km *San Luis Obispo County

Moonstone Beach Drive

Simeon

Arroyo Grande Valley 101

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Cambria

Unincorporated Area

San Simeon

Nit Wit Ridge

Baywood Cambria Village Park 1 Los Osos

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

227

101

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Cayucos Detail Map 1

Cayucos Harmony

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3 mi

Hearst Castle

Elephant Seal Baywood Rookery Piedras Park Blancas Light Station

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“Million Dollar View” at Ragged Point

Piedras Blancas Light Station

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Cambria Detail Map

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Baywood Estero Bluffs Park State Park

Edna Valley

Los Osos

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227

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Cayucos

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Cambria

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Arroyo Morro 227Strand State Beach Grande1 Valley

101 Morro Rock

Los Osos & Nipomo Baywood Park

Cayucos

Cambria

Los Osos Detail Map 1

Cayucos Morro Morro Rock Bay*

Baywood Park Los Osos

Museum of Natural History

Morro Bay National Estuary 227

Morro Dunes Natural Preserve

101

South Bay Blvd.

Ragged Point

San Simeon Detail Map

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Los Osos

CA Highway 1 Discovery Route Stewardship Travel

Stewardship Travel, offering 70 brief activities, tours and learning experiences, help visitors immerse themselves in the local culture, heritage, wildlife and ecological practices while exploring the H1DR. Whether you are an active doer, learner or donor, there are plenty of opportunities to connect more deeply to the area and make new friends at a beach cleanup, participate in a citizen science project, learn from biologists at the Coastal Discovery Center or help restore a historical landmark.

Visit our website for Shell Beach listings & information!

www.davidandkarenpresent.com

DAVID SKINNER Cell: 805-459-8798

david@davidandkarenpresent.com CalBRE #00552094

KAREN SKINNER Cell: 805-550-9001

karen@davidandkarenpresent.com CalBRE #01873847

763 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach, CA 93449

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Rural Wine Trails along the CA Highway 1 Discovery Route

REVEAL the central coast of california

ine Destinations, including Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley and Paso Robles, offer so many tasting opportunities that span over a vast stretch of land that many wineries are banding together to create more accessible wine trails that are more geographically manageable for unique day and multi-day wine tasting. Here are two: Pacific Coast Wine Trail: 10 Unique Wineries from Morro Rock to Hearst Castle (30 mile stretch up Highway 1) Travel the Pacific Coast Wine Trail and visit wineries and tasting rooms nestled in quaint, seaside towns dotted along scenic HWY 1. From the Rock in Morro Bay to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, with stops in between at Cayucos, Cambria, and Harmony, the Trail offers travelers a wine experience as unique as the coastal communities themselves. Guests are met with handcrafted, boutique wines, often poured by the owners or winemakers. Those traveling The Pacific Coast Trail are encouraged to complement wine tasting with a spectacular coastal experience—beaching, hiking, kayaking, fishing, visiting the elephant seal rookery or touring the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse – not to mention Hearst Castle. www. pacificcoastwinetrail.com Avila Wine Trail: Seven AwardWinning Wineries From the Canyon to the Coast in Avila Beach Nestled beneath the sheltering hills of Point San Luis and the Avila lighthouse, the Avila Wine Trail features family-owned and operated wine venues offering award winning vintages that capture the essence of wine making on California’s Central Coast. From downtown beach front wine tasting rooms to the See Canyon and Avila Valley wineries just five minutes from the beach, one thing is consistent - the focus on making incredible wines. www. avilawinetrail.com

Day with Nature

Get away } your way

ake up at The Cliffs Resort and start your day with the scenic Avila Ridge hike. Next, enjoy some down time with a delicious lunch and beverages at Shell Beach Brew House. Take a drive to Montana de Oro in Los Osos for a trail ride across the breathtakingly beautiful state park with Central Coast Trail Rides. Continue on to San Simeon to the Piedras Blancas Rookery to view the elephant seals in the winter for the pupping and mating season and in the late spring and early summer during their molting season. Head back to Morro Bay and end the day with a seafood dinner at Tognazziniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dockside Restaurant with a stunning view of Morro Rock.

Photo by Ben Schutzer

Photo by Neil Farrell

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The Making of a Maritime Museum By Judy Salamacha

wenty-plus years ago a small group of people launched a dream that intended to preserve historic focus on maritime, fishing, coastal commerce and homeland security for the Central Coast of California. The board of directors, with

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the help of a few “friends” like founder Brent Roberts, established a nonprofit called the Central Coast Maritime Museum Association (www.morrobaymaritime.org). Finally, in 2016 two events converged to bring that original dream to a reality.

and overhead cranes positioned three vessels onsite to celebrate and establish the Maritime Museum of Morro Bay.

On display and open for tours by volunteer docents on holidays and weekends are the U.S. Navy’s DSRV-2 Avalon, one of two rescue submarines built in the 1970s as a call-to-action after the crew of the USS Thresher sunk losing the entire crew; a U.S. Coast Guard roll-over rescue craft; and, after 15 years of restoration in the city’s boatyard, a freshened Alma, the tugboat owned by Sylvester’s Tug Services that was first on scene to rescue the crew off the oil tanker Montebello torpedoed and sunk off the coast of Cambria, CA ten days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II. And, still later came to Morro Bay’s Embarcadero South T Pier (Cabrillo’s San Salvador: the Pacific Heritage Tour 2016). The Maritime Museum of San Diego also had a dream more than 20 years ago - to build an authentic full-scale replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s flag ship Spanish Galleon the San Salvador, the first European ship to discover the California Pacific coastline. It tours to ports in California as a “floating classroom” for the public and school children to visit and learn about Cabrillo and life at sea in 1542. It is also thought that Cabrillo noticed El Moro during his search for a pathway to China. In later years Morro Rock became the beacon protecting docked fishing boats in Morro Bay as it welcomed visiting vessels to enter and stay and enjoy the Pacific coast fishing village.

The City of Morro Bay identified a site - even donated and prepared a parcel under the looming stacks of the iconic power plant with a new postal address on the waterfront at 1210 Embarcadero. On D-Day Weekend in June, heavy haulers

The convergence of these two major events this year along with an inaugural charter membership drive titled the 1542 Navigators Circle will fund the building of the first phase interpretive center in 2017. A maximum of 40 investors for a minimal investment of $50,000 would establish the original dream for the museum to remain open to the public on a regular basis thereby preserving the maritime heritage and unique fishing village lifestyle on the Central Coast of California. Tour the San Salvador and other vessels at the Maritime Museum of Morro Bay in 2016 and watch it grow the summer of 2017. fall | winter 2016

Grover Beach groverbeach.org

Photos: PhotoByVivian.com

rover Beach was named for its founder D.W. Grover in 1887. It was originally called the Town of Grover, then in 1959 the residents voted to call it the City of Grover City until 1992 when some savvy citizens realized the name was redundant and their proximity to the beach was notable so another vote was taken and Grover Beach was the name to stick.

Grover Beach is sandwiched between Pismo Beach and the Oceano Dunes. Its portion of the beach is wide and flat with sand typically packed firm enough for passenger cars to cruise, although four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Vehicles are allowed and enter at the west end of Grand Avenue. Walkers enjoy two boardwalks -- a day-use plaza links a wooden boardwalk that leads to a platform between the dunes and another boardwalk leads from the plaza through the dunes next to the Pismo Beach Golf Course. Grover Beach plays host to the annual Stone Soup Music Festival and Street Faire the last weekend in August. The event features ethnic foods, homemade crafts and eclectic sounds include Latin, African, Australian, Scottish, Jazz and Country-Western. Grover Beach also has a Summer Concert Series every Sunday at 3 p.m. ManRock Brewing Company features crafts beers. Bunn Thai Bistro, Sisters Kitchen Thai, AJ Spurs Saloon & Dining and Rib Line are visitor favorites. Fin’s Seafood Restaurant is still the go-to place in Grover Beach with its location next to the beach entrance on Grand Avenue.

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Enjoy life without limitsâ&#x20AC;Ś Rent a California Coast Beach Power Chair! Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible for individuals confined to a wheelchair or those that have trouble walking, the ability and freedom to enjoy all the aspects of beach life. We deliver to Oceano Beach, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach and Avila Beach. Our Chairs: Comfortable padded & adjustable seat Arm rests & foot rest Joystick power level control Onboard charger

rentbeachpowerchair.com Grover Beach | 661-331-7059

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Arroyo Grande arroyogrande.org

Photos: PhotoByVivian.com

rroyo Grande is a microcosm of everything wonderful in San Luis Obispo County. West of CA 101 the Arroyo Grande Mesa offers a magnificent view a rich agricultural valley hugging the Pacific Ocean. The eastern edge of Arroyo Grande features Lopez Lake Recreation Center, 22 miles of shoreline protected by rugged mountainous terrain perfect for camping, waterskiing, fishing, hiking and wind surfing. A kid’s magnet is the waterslide while mom and dad might prefer the newly installed Zip-Line.

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n the way to Lopez Lake a glance to the right on Lopez Drive reveals the vast fields of Talley Farms growing high quality vegetables since 1945. Locals anticipate what new bounty will come in their weekly Fresh Harvest box. Talley Winery and Vineyards is across the road and specializes in lush estate wines particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The earliest inhabitants in the area were Chumash Indians. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and crew were the first Europeans to discover the rich fertile agricultural grounds. While Mexican territory Francis Ziba Branch first saw the area on a hunting expedition, he later married Maria Manuela Carlon and qualified to file claim for a Mexican land grant. They raised cattle until a drought stymied grazing in the area. In 1882 a railroad depot established a transportation network and marketplace for produce. Businesses popped up along Branch Street.

Today the Village of Arroyo Grande (www.arroyograndevillage. org) boasts several museums. The Heritage House, a late 1800s home, has had major restoration to house a mini-museum, garden events and visitor center for the South County Historical Society. Built in 1901, Santa Manuela Schoolhouse is one of the few one-room schoolhouses left in the county. Next door is The Barn House, which features exhibits detailing the county’s rich agricultural history. The Paulding History House memorializes the first medical doctor who served Arroyo Grande. He came in 1881 and built the Paulding’s home/office in 1889. And the

I.O.O.F building is on the National Registry of Historic Places, built in 1903.

Entertainment in Arroyo Grande is equally prolific. The Clark Center for the Performing Arts attracts touring talent and produces excellent locally directed performances. June through September picnic baskets are encouraged for a free summer concert series at the Rotary Bandstand at Heritage Square Park and includes a 4th of July Village Band Concert. The last Saturday in July everything from hot rods, muscle cars and trucks to motorcycles and vintage trailers show up for the Arroyo Grande Valley Car Sho. Later in the year it’s time for old-fashioned family fun-time at the Harvest Festival and Parade and Christmas Concert and Parade. Sunset Magazine hailed Arroyo Grande Village “the place to be” on Memorial Day Weekend. The Strawberry Festival consumes (pun-intended) the entire village and creek-side pathways showcasing arts and crafts, ethnic foods, and strawberry everything, even a Strawberry Stampede.

Park and take a walking tour on Branch Street through the village to decide if you want to eat Italian at Cafe Andrieni, pub food at Rooster Creek Tavern, infamous Klondike Pizza or the “best burger in town” at Old Village Grill. Save room for Doc Bernstein’s Ice Cream Lab. Doc’s mega-selection of flavors even has Strawberry!

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Classic California Pismo Beach classiccalifornia.com

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his classic California beach town is famous for its historic pier, miles of beautiful white sand beaches, and a rich wine region only minuteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s away. Many visitors who come to Pismo Beach are now calling it their Wine & Wavesdestination in California. Other notable activities include surfing waves, kayaking the coastline, riding the dunes on horseback or an ATV, shopping in town and at the nearby Pismo Beach Premium Outlets stores. Â

With its central location Pismo Beach is a good jumping off point for exploring the numerous attractions the area has to offer within only a few miles. From the historical Hearst Castle less than an hour’s drive or the rich wine regions of Edna Valley, Paso Robles, and to the south the Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez wine regions made famous by the movie Sideways. You’ll find a wide variety of lodging to meet everyone’s needs and budget. Oceanfront hotels with stunning vistas, affordable motels, family-friendly vacation rentals or award-winning RV parks are all available. Also be sure to bring your four-legged family member – Pismo Beach offers several options that are dog friendly too! continued, page 22

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There are restaurants with original new cuisines or time-honored menus and several food and wine events in Pismo Beach each year. A few notable ones are the Chardonnay Symposium in early May, where the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Avila Beach bring together top Chardonnay producers from around the world. www.TheChardonnaySymposium.com. Every October brings the Annual Clam Festival. A 3-day party with food and fun the entire family can enjoy.

Wine Waves and Beyond brings the surfing culture and great wine and food together for this early June event. There is a grand tasting, surf film night, VW classic show and more.

It’s all here waiting for you—a gentle climate, where sand, sun, sea and sky converge to create the ideal getaway. California’s golden past is alive and well in Pismo Beach. http://www.winewavesandbeyond.com Come experience the best California has to offer in Pismo Beach. Visit www.classiccalifornia.com for more information and to book your stay. Also, join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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more reasonsâ&#x20AC;Ś

MORE MEMORIES

Pismo Beach is Classic California. Walk along our historic pier, enjoy miles of beautiful white sand beaches, visit a rich wine region only minutes away or wine and dine downtown at our many restaurants and tasting rooms. There are many reasons to visit and more memories to be made. Visit ClassicCalifornia.com to enter the getaway contest and to book your stay.

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V I S I T

AVILA BEACH Pick Your Perfect Paradise

www.VisitAvilaBeach.com

What’s your idea of paradise? Is it a spa retreat that combines natural, mineral hot springs? Are you searching for a beach getaway in a warm, sunny place? Perhaps you yearn to explore the Central Coast’s finest vintners on a wine tasting adventure? Or is it discovering the source of farm-to-table in an amazing agritourism experience? There is also biking, hiking, kayaking and oceanfront golf. Whatever paradise means to you, it’s easy to take your pick in Avila Beach.

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The Land of Ahhs

ust off Highway 1 on Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central coast is a road that takes you through a lush oak valley lined with transformative spas featuring natural, mineral hot springs, world-class massage, yoga instruction, and sense therapies. Journey just a little further and the welcoming paradise of Avila Beach appears. With its own uniquely sunny and warm microclimate, Avila Beach is a breath of fresh salt air, with amenity-laden hotels, charming oceanfront restaurants, magnificent local wines, shopping, and activities for all to enjoy. Start planning your next vacation, and plan on being enchanted, in unforgettable Avila Beach. continued, page 26

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Amenities & Activities Discover a historic town established as the main shipping port and working commercial fishing pier for San Luis Obispo dating back to the late 19th Century. Taste locally produced award-winning wines in the downtown tasting rooms and at wineries throughout the Avila Valley.

Pick some of California’s best apples at See Canyon Orchards and experience the harvest at local farms. Delight in the many festivals and celebrations from the Central Coast Wine Classic, Tequila Festival, Rockin’ Vintners’ Harvest Festival, Blues Festival and many more great regional celebrations.

Explore the Central Coast Aquarium and learn about ocean conservation and marine biology offering hands-on programs teaching children all about the vast underwater world.

Location & Climate Enjoy the friendliest climate on California’s Central Coast along the sparkling Pacific that’s so easy to reach right between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Bask in the warm sunny microclimate and stroll on our beautiful, pet friendly beaches. Swim, surf, sail and kayak the harbor with sea lions, otters, pelicans and other beautiful creatures

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Visit the historic fish & farmers market on the oceanfront promenade held every Friday, Spring through late summer.

Surround yourself with world-class amenities, great hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, boutiques and shops and Pick your Perfect Paradise in Avila Beach. For more information go to visitavilabeach.com

Get away } your way

Photo by www.PhotoByVivian.com

Slow Down Day W

ake up at the Avila La Fonda Hotel in Avila Beach. Take a short drive along the coast to Port San Luis Harbor and stroll on the pier before a hearty breakfast at Fat Catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ. On the way out of town, stop by the Avila Valley Barn to feed the farm animals and peruse the quaint open air market. Next will be wine tasting at Kelsey Winery in See Canyon then over to see the beautiful butterflies at Monarch Grove (late October through February). Enjoy dinner at The Spoon Trade in Grover Beach and then end the day Oceanside by building your own campfire on the beach at the end of Grand Avenue in Grover.

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Experience the SLO Life sanluisobispovacations.com

Photos by Mark Nakamura

an Luis Obispo is a town whose name spells tranquility. Steep, velvety-green hills shelter the coastal city, which year-round basks in a perfect Mediterranean marine climate. Nestled in between rolling hills and the coast, the downtown is filled with charming shops and restaurants in turn-of-the-century mercantile buildings line the streets and a beautifully preserved Spanish mission in the heart of it. Neighborhoods teem with classic California bungalows and gently rolling vineyards give way to the famous wine region just south of town. This is San Luis Obispo, otherwise known as Happy Town, USA. Featured as the Happiest Town in America in the National Geographic book “Thrive” and on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the city has become known for not only the enchanting scenery but for the lifestyle as well. It’s no wonder the people here call it

SLO. With its laid-back, relaxed lifestyle, no one is in a hurry, and certainly no one is in any rush to leave. The town is home of two colleges, which adds to the youthful, energetic culture. SLO’s happiness can be in part attributed to its no-smoking laws, no drive-thrus, low crime rate and lack of traffic.

Home of four surf shops, and a resident symphony, there is quite the variety of people and activities in SLO. Strangers are genuinely friendly, always ready to talk about their favorite hiking trail or barbecue joint, or to point the way to the winery with the best Pinot Noir. It’s all part of the SLO life, that combination of good stuff that makes visiting here so nourishing to the soul. There’s plenty to go around, so come: Experience the SLO Life. RE LEARN-BY-DOING EGINS! B WHE

805-544-KIDS | www.slocm.org

1010 Nipomo St., San Luis Obispo CA 93401

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San Luis Obispo’s unusual natural beauty, along with its gentle climate, first attracted the Spanish padres to the area in the 1700s. In 1772 they built the fifth of California’s 21 missions here, on the banks of San Luis Creek, and named it Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Today, many consider this the most beautiful of the Spanish missions.

Local. Organic. Sustainable.

Since the Spanish padres were here in the 1700s, some things around SLO haven’t significantly changed. The scenery and weather are still gorgeous, the air is still clean and San Luis Creek still runs through the heart of downtown. Agriculture still plays a vital role in the local economy; weathered barns and herds of cattle are everywhere in the surrounding farm and ranch lands. At the Thursday Night Farmers’ Market, held year-round, growers bring the freshest produce and flowers to town and a multi-block party ensues, complete with street food, crafts vendors and live entertainment. SLO’s once-dusty streets are now tree-lined and flanked by meticulously restored Victorian “painted ladies.” Old West buildings have been converted to bustling shops and restaurants, and Art Deco civic architecture stands downtown. A university and a college have brought cultural excitement in the form of numerous musical and performing arts groups; major touring shows regularly stop in SLO. A children’s museum, an art center and a history museum add to SLO’s cultural appeal, as do its many art galleries. Festivals and special events of all kinds take place on the plaza in front of the Mission year-round. Forty-five minutes north, the incredible art, history and architecture of Hearst Castle awaits. continued, page 30

Local Wines over 20 by the glass Real food grown and made by real people

Bill Spencer of Windrose Farm in Paso Robles

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Served Daily 1121 Broad St, SLO | 805.545.5401 Metered parking available just past Nipomo Street, on BOTH Marsh and Higuera Streets that are almost always open!

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South of town, a booming wine country has emerged. Some two-dozen wineries produce critically acclaimed vintages in the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley. Visitors can head out along the gorgeous country roads to sip their way through the vineyards, and then return to town to savor everything from Santa Maria barbeque to Italian fritti.

Photos by Vivian Krug

San Luis Obispo is an undiscovered gem for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. It is an ideal place for a relaxing but active getaway. The magnificent Santa Lucia mountain range, pristine coastline, and near-perfect year-round weather, make SLO a great spot for hiking, biking, running, golf, kayaking, horseback riding, surfing and rock climbing, to name a few options. Miles of off-road trails and backcountry roads that wind through vineyards and farmland beckon cyclists, hikers and runners of all levels.

The San Luis Obispo Marathon is one of the top courses in California and brings in runners from all over the world. This challenging yet beautiful course contributed to San Luis Obispo being chosen as one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top vacation spots in Runners World magazine.

R o a d bicyclists can take in gorgeous coastal scenery along SLOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back roads and along Highway 1. There are a variety of trails for those who want to push their limits and try off-roading, and for those who prefer to take it easy there are bike trails that take you on a tour of the local wineries in South County.

In the greenbelt that surrounds the city, one of the most popular and challenging hiking spots is 1,559-foot Bishop Peak, part of a chain of volcanic peaks dubbed the Seven Sisters that leads out to the Pacific Ocean at Morro Bay. Within view of Bishop Peak is 1,292-foot Cerro San Luis Mountain, another one of the volcanic hills. A trip to the summit of either rewards hikers and rock-climbers with sweeping views of the

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Photo by PhotoByVivian.com

entire city. Irish Hills Natural Reserve is laced with a network of trails that wind their way through the hills of Prefumo Canyon. A fairly easy route through Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve leads to a waterfall that’s stunning during winter and spring. Trails up Cuesta Ridge climb steadily before leveling off, offering unparalleled views of the area.

For those who like to hike, bike or run among wild flowers and eucalyptus-scented trails, Montana de Oro State Park offers several trails. A relaxing walk along the Bluff Trail before or after an ocean-front picnic lunch is an ideal way to experience the area. Coon Creek Trail and Rattlesnake Trail are moderate routes that wind back into the mountains for a gradual, two-mile climb to a mountaintop. A loop of about six miles, Oates Peak Trail climbs nearly 1,400 feet for a serious workout that yields a spectacular panorama of the coastline. Kayakers and surfers can be seen enjoying the San Luis Obispo coastline at Morro Bay, Avila Beach and Pismo Beach, all within a fifteen-minute drive of downtown SLO. These are all prime spots to view wildlife such as sea and shore birds, seals, otters and migrating gray whales in the distance. Kayaking here varies from the smooth water of Dinosaur Caves in Shell Beach to the crashing waves at Montana de Oro State Park. The great surfing

spots in Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Cayucos and San Simeon have earned SLO Surfer Magazine’s nod as one of the country’s “ten best surf towns.”

Golfers have many choices countywide, nine or 18 holes, public or private, oceanfront or vineyard-view; the courses offer a diversity of experiences and challenges. The fairways are never crowded and the greens fees are a bargain, making golf in San Luis Obispo a pleasure year-round.

SLO’s location halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco make it a strategic stopover for drivers heading up or down California’s Central Coast. Once they check in at one of the city’s European-style B&Bs, tidy motels or full-service hotels, they can spend a few days enjoying the laid-back pace and scenic beauty of the city. Those lucky enough to discover San Luis Obispo have the great good fortune to experience the SLO Life. For more information about events, attractions and visitor services in San Luis Obispo, call 1-877-SLO-TOWN or visit www. SanLuisObispoVacations.com. Information provided by the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce.

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Discover Morro Bay morrobay.org

true gem, this seaside fishing village with bustling waterfront offers a picture perfect getaway for travelers who seek food, wine and outdoor adventures on the coast in a gorgeous natural setting. Located along the Central California Coastline on Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scenic Highway 1, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay offers an unspoiled slice of California that even Finding Dory found enchanting. Sitting pretty between the beach and the harbor is the most recognizable landmark - Morro Rock. This amazing landmark welcomes travelers as they approach the city from miles away and is unforgettable.

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Morro Bay was Built on Fishing

Bustling Waterfront and Charming Downtown

Morro Bay’s waterfront is a hub of activity that attracts tourists from around the world, locals and anglers alike. Whether you are strolling the Embarcadero shopping and lunching, or heading out to experience one of the many watersport adventures, Morro Bay is an enchanting destination. Stroll along the Embarcadero and enjoy homemade saltwater taffy, or the smell of fresh baked cinnamon rolls. Discover fresh fish markets offering fish and chips or fresh steamed crab. From the Embarcadero, take a walk out to Morro Rock, past the marinas, along the harbor walkway as you watch the boats come and go through the harbor mouth. Take a walk to the quaint downtown shopping district just up from the Embarcadero filled with lodging properties, antique shops, one of-a-kind boutiques, jewelry stores, art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants. The Saturday afternoon farmers’ market on Main Street is alive with produce, local vendors and fun surprises. Stop in for a matinée at the classic historic Bay Theater.

Outdoor Adventures

Whether your adventurous spirit is extreme or serene, you will discover amazing outdoor activities in Morro Bay. For the adventurer looking for something exciting, sign up for a deepsea sport fishing expedition to catch the big one from one of the many charter boat companies that line the bay. Catch salmon, rockfish, lingcod, albacore or whatever is biting on daily fishing trips from Virg’s Landing Sport Fishing. They provide live bait in season and you can rent tackle if you need it. Or, try horseback riding on the beach and let your inner spirit soar. Outback Trail Rides will meet groups up to four people for hour beach rides with views of Morro Rock and the entire Estero Bay. From kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing, to sailing and surfing, there are many rental companies to keep the active adventurer happy and healthy in Morro Bay. continued, page 34

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY FROM 3PM-6PM

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BEAUTIFUL MORRO BAY FRESH SEAFOOD It starts to our our dock. dock. It starts with with hand-selected hand-selected fish fish delivered delivered right right to Served the ocean. ocean. Served within within hours hours of of being being pulled pulled from from the

It’s the only way to live. It’s the only way to eat.

701 701 Embarcadero, 701 Embarcadero Embarcadero

Morro Bay

Morro Bay, CA Morro Bay,772-2269 CA 93442 93442 • www.dutchmansseaoodhouse.com Call: (805)

Call: Call: (805)772-2269 (805)772-2269 www.dutchmansseafoodhouse.com www.dutchmansseafoodhouse.com

An Open Door for 44 Years

FRESH SEAFOOD

Coalesce

Books | Gifts | Cards | Music

It starts with hand-selected fish delivered right ourBaydock. 845 Main St.,to Morro (805)the 772-2880 Served within hours of being pulled from ocean. www.coalescebookstore.com

It’s the only way to live. It’s the only way to eat. www.beachboundtrailers.com

The city of Morro Bay started out as a small commercial fishing village in the 1950s, and grew to be a tourism destination built on living an active healthy lifestyle filled with outdoor adventure. Today, Morro Bay is home to a thriving fishing community, successfully leading the way in sustainable small fleet fishing practices nationwide as recognized in the New York Times and National Geographic in 2014. Aside from the local catch of salmon, halibut, albacore, rock cod and Dungeness crab that can be found up and down the waterfront, oyster farming in Morro Bay is a continued tradition. Oyster farming actually began in the early 1900s and has been a part of the rich culture and economic strength ever since. The cold, clean waters of Morro Bay produce two specific varieties: Pacific Gold Oysters are a beautiful, hardy species that develop a robust flavor with a hint of melon, and Grassy Bar Oysters are medium sized and have plump and juicy meats with rich, briny watermelon flavor. Fishing and farming these healthy local waters are part and parcel to what makes Morro Bay such a unique and active destination.

701 Embarcadero Morro Bay, CA 93442 Call: (805)772-2269 www.dutchmansseafoodhouse.com

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Looking for a more low key adventure? Watch the surfers at the Rock, or have a picnic on the beach. Morro Bay is also recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, and there are plenty of hiking and biking trails found in and around Morro Bay. From the Black Mountain trail in Morro Bay State Park to hiking the Morro Bay sand spit in Montana de Oro, or the Cloisters Wetlands Trails in North Morro Bay, the natural beauty of this coastal community is breathtaking. Check out the Sub Sea Tours for bay cruises and whale watching, or book an evening sunset or Saturday brunch cruise on the bay with one of the many other tour operators along the Embarcadero. You can even rent an electric boat and cruise the bay yourself! Or, head to the Back Bay for a round of golf at the Morro Bay State Park Golf Course. With amazing bayside views, this 18-hole course is a must do for the avid golfer. For the bird lovers, be sure to bring your binoculars.

The Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History offers new state of the art displays focused on the ecology of the Morro Bay Estuary. Featuring state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, this is the only museum of its kind in the California State Park system. Several exhibits feature touch screens that provide visitors the opportunity to find out what the forces of nature are doing at that moment in time. Visitors can build a sand dune, operate the hydrologic cycle and dig into the food pit to create their own food chains.

California Central Coast venues for exhibiting original fine art by local artists, boasting two large galleries on site. Additional local galleries are dotted throughout town and feature artists’ works from blown glass and sculpture, to fine jewelry and paintings all year long. Now visitors can add the Morro Bay Mural Mile Walk to their itineraries. The Morro Bay Mural Mile tour is the perfect way to tour the downtown and waterfront areas, enjoying the 23 murals that depict the area’s natural beauty, its history and the amazing array of sea life beyond the shores.

Restaurants and Fresh Seafood With thriving aquaculture and agriculture industries, fresh seafood and locally grown produce are in abundance in Morro Bay. Windows on the Water is a well-known local favorite for its seasonal farm to table menus, oyster Tuesdays, fabulous views, and an incredible wine list. Sunsets don’t get much better than from this romantic dining room on the bay. Dorn’s Original Breakers Cafe on Market Street above the Embarcadero has been a Morro Bay favorite since 1942, offering breathtaking views overlooking the Embarcadero and the bay. They offer fresh seafood, a great brunch and make a mean Bloody Mary.

Museums, Art and Culture in Morro Bay

Museums, art and culture take center stage in the seaside village of Morro Bay. The Morro Bay Art Center is one of the largest

The Morro Bay Skateboard Museum is the place where visitors can see the complete history of skateboarding - from the early 1930’s to present day. More than 200 skateboards are on display from all eras with rotating exhibits from extensive private collections.

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The Morro Bay Estuary is an 800-acre wetland home to more than 250 species of land, sea, and shore birds, both migratory and resident and dozens of endangered species. Morro Bay hosts the Winter Bird Festival every January attracting bird watchers and photographers from all over the world. The great blue herons and snowy egrets roost all year at the Heron and Cormorant Rookery located near the entrance of the museum. You can walk to the site and observe these magnificent birds, watch courtship rituals, nesting habits, and, in spring, adults caring for their young.

At Tognazzini’s Dockside visitors can actually watch the catch of the day being unloaded as they sit under patio umbrellas listening to live music while eating fish tacos, smoked salmon or fresh tuna from this restaurant and seafood market. The family-friendly Hofbrau der Albatross restaurant offers patio seating right on

the bay with a perfect view of Morro Rock. Diners can watch the sea life frolicking in the bay as they dig into their freshly carved roast beef the restaurant has been known for serving for more than 35 years. And don’t miss Giovanni’s Fish Market right on the bay, offering their famous giant calamari sandwich, fish taco Tuesdays and fried fish on a stick – a favorite for kids. This family owned fresh fish market has been a main stay on the waterfront for over 25 years.

Wine Bars, Wine Tasting and Craft Beers

Located on the bay with magnificent views of the harbor, the Morro Bay Wine Seller has provided a comprehensive selection of local and regional wines to taste or purchase for over a decade. They also offer specialty cheeses, olive oils and craft beers. If you are looking for a wine bar that offers great food, stop by Stax Wine Bar & Bistro for a bite on the bay. Relax by a fire on plush leather couches and choose from more than 150 local and imported wines with many offered by the taste, glass and bottle. Enjoy lunch or dinner from the Tapas Menu featuring gourmet cheeses and charcuterie, Panini sandwiches, prawn cocktails, oysters on the half shell, and more.

Morro Bay is also home to three wine tasting rooms located along the Pacific Coast Wine Trail that runs along Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County. Chateau Margene and MCV Wines specialize in red Bordeaux varietals and their tasting rooms are located right on the Embarcadero. Cuatro Dias is a boutique winery that produces only 3,000 cases a year and their tasting room is located in North Morro Bay. Paso Robles and SLO Wine Country are minutes away and many wine touring companies will come to Morro Bay and pick you up from your hotel, B&B or vacation rental.

Let Your Creativity and Inspiration Meet at The Cotton Ball

Now accepting quilts for quilting services!

Check out our website for full list of classes! thecottonball.com

Regular Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-6pm • Sun 10am-5pm

2830 Main St. • Morro Bay, CA • (805) 772-2646

Looking for craft brews? Look no further. The Libertine Pub offers patrons a cozy atmosphere, live music and an expansive beer selection. They focus their brews on barrel aged “wild ales” and offer up to 48 craft beers on tap at all times, so even the seasoned craft beer-geek can satisfy their palate.

Family Fun

For a family-friendly California adventure head to Morro Bay where moms, dads, grandparents and little ones will enjoy a fun and comfortable getaway with a wide range of activities, and places to stay offering free breakfast. Spend a day exploring the bustling waterfront filled with classic places to stop like the Shell Shop, on the Embarcadero since 1955, or Crill’s Salt Water Taffy stand that has been operating locally since 1970. Kids of all ages love the Sub Sea semi-submersible boat tour that gives the feeling of what it’s like to be underwater without donning a wetsuit. Rent kites and a surrey from Farmer’s Kite Shop and bicycle out to Morro Rock along the harbor walk to fly your kites on the beach. The whole family can relax and take in all the natural beauty of this unique fishing village. For more information visit www.morrobay.org and follow Morro Bay on Facebook, twitter or Instagram.

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nce you discover Morro Bay’s Old Town you will want to make a return trip! Most of the retail shops and restaurants in the area are local owner-operated small businesses, so as you wander through town you will find opportunities you don’t usually see in a bigger city.

Revealing Morro Bay’s Old Town

“What customers tell me is that Morro Bay has that small town coziness from times past,” said Susan Stewart, owner of Beads By the Bay and current president of the Morro Bay Merchants Association. “I’ll sometimes hear we are a town that time forgot, but that really means we have history. I like to say we are a casual and friendly beach town, a place you can have fine dining in blue jeans, and watch your fresh fish being offloaded at the working waterfront. Visitors can expect a place to relax and stroll far away from freeways, big box and chain stores and crowds.”

Not just a Waffle… It’s a meal or special dessert with a side of frozen yogurt!

805-772-9262 280 Morro Bay Blvd, Morro Bay

Wonderful Food. Friendly Service. Casual, elegant dining at the Marina in the State Park.

Bayside Café

AT T H E M A R I N A

Dog Friendly Patio!

10 State Park Road, Morro Bay

805-772-1465 MTW 11–3pm, Thurs & Sun 11–8:30pm, Fri & Sat 11–9pm

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Stop in and see the beautiful selection of fine jewelry and other merchandise. Morro Bay Jewelers also specializes in repairs and custom work.

Fun Games for Kids of All Ages!

898 Main Street Morro Bay (805) 772-1878 Store Hours: Tue-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-2pm Like us on

At “The Gathering Place”: 307 Morro Bay Blvd, Morro Bay

(805) 704-YUMM (9866) Frozen Yogurt & Sorbet with Live Culture & Probiotics | Old-Fashioned Waffle Specialties

Eclectic and authentic might describe the variety of storefronts available in the easily walk-able business district on and nearby Main Street and Morro Bay Blvd. Antiques and collectibles featuring furniture, jewelry, toys, clothing and kitchenware can be found at numerous shops. Among the clothing shops, vintage Texas-style and Tony Lama boots are signature products for one Main Street clothier while the newest in Hawaiian Alohastyle shirts can be found next to the iconic Bay Theater, which shows first run movies and still sells tickets, popcorn and sodas at throw-back prices. The great variety of thrift stores offer treasure hunting browsing opportunities for gently used merchandise and recycled treasures.

Whether decorating with beach-themed furniture and trinkets or looking for a vacation souvenir, items are affordable. Materials for DIY projects range from gardening to garnishing with buttons, beads, ribbons and bows. New and used musical instruments and CDs are in one shop; browse vinyl records in another. Old Town has a leather shop with custom products, and there are bicycles for sale or rent in the bicycle friendly town. In fact, Morro Bay is one of the stops in October on the 2016 Amgen Tour! (www.amgentourofcalifornia.com).

Original photography, pottery and paintings by local artists hang at the Morro Bay Art Association ( w w w. a r t c e n t e r m o r r o b a y. com) with various art studios and businesses close-by. Collectors or healers can purchase unique rocks and crystals. And the community continues to support the 43-year-old indie bookstore, which sells and trades new and used books and operates a small wedding chapel. Folk music, poetry readings and book signings are regularly scheduled in the chapel. www.coalescebookshop.com . Many of the centrally located Old Town hotels, including a charming B&B, make parking and shopping an easy stroll. From Memorial Day to mid-October the City of Morro Bay operates three routed trolleys with drivers trained to know the business district. But if you need to work out and/or de-stress there are two gyms and at least three Yoga centers. continued, page 38

Beads by the Bay and Garden Shop The ONLY Bead and Garden Shop on the Central Coast!  ! OPEN EVERY DAY!

333 Morro Bay Blvd. Morro Bay, CA 93442  (Across from Bank of America) (805) 772-3338  www.morrobaybeads.com  morrostrands@aol.com

333 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay, CA

805.772.3338

morrobaybeads.com We are a full service bead store! Come see us for all your beading needs, including repairs! Our

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Community Markets are held Saturdays from 2 p.m. to dusk. Each August and November, the Morro Bay Merchants Association holds a street fair inviting additional merchants to offer their unique crafts and goods. Still a mixed commercial/residential area, many of the storefronts maintain lush hidden gardens for customers to enjoy, including two of the coffee shops, the wedding chapel gardens behind the independent bookstore, and the retail nursery with garden and pond behind Stewart’s bead shop. Although not officially an historic district, Old Town has a fascinating history. Read all about it at the newly renovated Morro Bay Library next to the Visitor Center/Chamber of Commerce where pre-arranged walking tours by members of the Historical Society of Morro Bay can be scheduled. Or if it’s local gossip you prefer and you need a haircut or a perm, schedule some talk time at the salon or tiny but mighty old-fashioned barbershop.

“For a city of just over 10,000, we’re proud to have restaurants that feature a wide variety of cuisine,” Stewart said. “In Morro Bay you can get anything from great barbecue to fish and chips, a fresh gourmet seafood dinner or Italian, Thai, sushi, pizza and more. We have a great vegan restaurant next to a health food store that even non-vegans enjoy! There are several independent coffee shops that open early and roast their own coffees. And if, on the spur of the moment, you wanted to connect with a professional photographer for a family portrait on the beach, we have one available.”

Be sure and check the events’ schedule for a variety of activities that feature Morro Bay’s Old Town. You might want to book now for May 5-8, 2016. Registrations are filling up for the family & dog-friendly 20th Annual Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show with more than 500 classic cars lining the streets, an American Graffiti Cruise Night around several blocks in Old Town and even an old fashioned ice cream social. Expect the focus and fun to be about the amazing cars on display, but with Morro Bay’s own community radio station, 97.3 The ROCK, dancing in the streets would not be unusual. www.morrobaycarshow.org. The Merchants Association of Morro Bay invites you to visit – anytime and often. www.morrbay.org.

CATCH THE SPIRIT OF MORRO BAY

A true gem, Morro Bay is a seaside fishing village known for sustainably caught fresh seafood, and a bustling waterfront and downtown offering abundant shopping, restaurants, wine, events and outdoor adventures. Located north of Los Angeles, fall and winter months are a great time to visit and enjoy this unspoiled slice of California — when the crowds tend to be lighter, the lodging rates lower and the fun a bit brighter.

2016/17 FALL AND WINTER EVENTS Sept 10 Sept 28 – Oct 10 Oct 1 – Dec 3 Oct 1 Oct 8 – 9 Oct 9

Avocado & Margarita Festival Spanish Galleon San Salvador in Harbor Surfboard Art Festival Morro Bay Harbor Festival Open Studios Art Tour City to Sea Half Marathon

BOOK YOUR STAY TODAY AT MORROBAY.ORG 38

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Oct 29 – Nov 1 Nov 6 Nov 27 Dec 3 Jan 15 – 17 Feb 1 – 28

Vintage Trailer Rally Morro Bay Triathlon Home for the Holidays Street Faire Lighted Boat Parade Winter Bird Festival Find Romantic Lodging Packages

Just the Two of Us Day S

leep in! Start your day enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Morro Bay Harbor with a late morning champagne brunch at the Inn at Morro Bay’s 60 State Park Restaurant and Lounge. Then grab a beach blanket and head to the Embarcadero to visit Sub Sea Tours and Kayaks. Rent a couple of kayaks and get up close and personal with the sea life on your way across the bay to the Sand Spit. Lay your blanket on the sand and share some cuddles and kisses while enjoying the views of the sun bathing otters and sea lions. After you’ve washed away the sea, stop by Morro Bay Wine Seller to relax and taste local, regional, and international wines while munching on their variety of cheeses, and chocolates. For dinner, grab a table for two at Off the Hook and watch the sunset over The Rock as you delight in some of the county’s best cuisine. If you still have some energy after your meal, check out The Libertine Pub for locally crafted beer and dance the night away to the sounds of a live band.

Get away } your way fall | winter 2016

Revealing North County

Photo by Amy Joseph

raveling south on US-101 visitors first encounter what locals call North County -- San Miguel, Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, Creston, Santa Margarita, Cholame and Pozo – all communities within the Paso Robles Wine Country. The AVA (American Viticultural Area) is notable in the world of award winning winemaking for more than 40 varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Syrah. Mostly boutique family owned wineries and vineyards, the AVA boasts 200 wineries producing on more than 26,000 vineyard acres.

While visitors explore the diversity of each community’s signature attractions, it is not unusual to pause and make

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frequent stops to check out the county’s top economic driver. The entire Paso Robles Wine Country region is peppered with wineries where the winemaker and hospitality staff are hoping every visitor will spend some time sampling their wines over “getting to know you” conversation. Countywide aerial tours are available by four helicopter adventure touring companies, including Paso Robles based Sinton Helicopters or take a leisurely Hot Air Balloon ride offered by Soaring Adventures of America, Inc. to get an overview of North County’s Wine Country. Ground tour buses or limousine services are also available.

San Miguel Although it was damaged in the 2003 San Simeon Earthquake, Mission San Miguel Arcángel is open at 775 Mission Street during its renovation efforts. Established in 1797 by the Franciscans, the Spanish priests saw opportunities to convert and work with the many Salinan Indians living in the area. Adjacent to the mission, visitors can also tour the period-restored Rios-Caledonia Adobe, which was a stage-stop from 1868-1886.

Paso Robles

North County’s largest city is Paso Robles with close to 40,000 residents and growing. Andrea and Kevin Klipfel realized the area was positioned for growth so two years ago the couple merged and relocated their former in-county financial advisory firms and created Meritage Asset Management Group basing it in Paso Robles.

As new residents the Klipfels have enjoyed exploring what to do after hours with their family and their clients. Andrea shared some ideas, “There are so many great places to eat and enjoy in Paso. Just to name a couple, we’ve enjoyed Villa Creek on the Square as a street-side bar and restaurant. It’s in the hub of the business district and has great food and an extensive local wine list. Then there is casual or seated dining at Panolivo, a bistro and bakery with French/Mediterranean cuisine and treats. “We like to suggest Uncorked Wine Tours for a day of wine tasting. They will customize a tour for any size or length of a visit. Friends, who come during the summertime, might book tickets to hear internationally known performers attracted to the Mid-State Fair or Vina Robles Winery & Event Center. Golfers will enjoy Hunter Ranch Golf Course and the kids love Ravine Waterpark

or the rescued animals at Zoo to You and WHAR, the wolf rescue facility. A place to stay – we’ve recommended the higher-end boutique hotel downtown, the Hotel Cheval, or the historic Paso Robles Inn, which offers western style décor and hospitality and a great upstairs bar with a large dance floor.”

Historians won’t want to miss the Carnegie Library across from City Park. It is the home of the Paso Robles Historical Society. An interactive children’s museum is open Wednesday through Sunday on 12th Street. Stop by and meet a veteran at the Estella Warbirds Museum and learn about American World War combat flying and see the airplanes our flyboys flew. The museum has added classic automobiles as well.

Early June the burgeoning olive industry will celebrate the 13th Annual Olive Festival and in July north county’s growing lavender industry will be introduced at the Central Coast Lavender Festival. Both festivals are produced by the Main Street Downtown Association and held at the Paso Robles City Park, which is in the heart of the business and shopping district. Besides the iconic Mid-State Fair at the end of July and early August, the Paso Robles Events Center hosts numerous festivals including the 18th Zinfest in mid-February, the 34th Paso Robles Wine Country Festival for four days mid-May, and Harvest Weekend in mid-October. Imagine 200 wineries offering unique winemaker dinners or special events at their tasting rooms to support each festival weekend. continued, page 42

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Templeton On US-101 between Paso Robles and Templeton check out the mega Firestone Brewery on the left. It is a must stop for those who watched Adam Firestone on “The Bachelor” and would love to experience touring his state-of-the-art brewery adjacent to his pub/restaurant where visitors can enjoy rich cuisine paired with Firestone on tap. He may not be in the house, but locals know the beer and the food are always five-star worthy.

Would you believe Crocker, CA could have been the city’s name, but in 1886 when the honor was proposed to the Vice President of the burgeoning Southern Pacific Railroad, Charles F. Crocker, he chose to name the community after his 2-yearold son, Templeton. Until 1889 when the rails were extended to Santa Margarita, Templeton was the end stop before train travelers had to take a stagecoach the rest of the way to San Luis Obispo. Collaborating with the Southern Pacific Railroad moguls, the West Coast Land Company set aside 160 acres for the town and parceled the rest of its 63,000 acres into small ranches to be marketed to settlers. A fire in 1898 destroyed the original wooden buildings on Main Street, which were subsequently rebuilt with brick to continue to serve the predominantly rural agriculture area it was originally projected to be.

Don’t miss the community’s entire story revealed by docents and pictorially at the Main Street Templeton Historical Museum Society. Touring is also available to learn about one of the county’s top crops at Olea Farms, which produces gourmet olive, olive oils and olive flavored vinegars. McPhee’s Grill is known countywide for its fine dining and western casual décor. A newer favorite also on Main Street is 15 Degrees Wine Shop & Bar. Beginning June 8, each Wednesday evening is the community’s 16th Annual Summer Concert Series in the Park.

Atascadero

Magazine publisher E.G. Lewis hoped to develop Atascadero as a planned utopian colony for 30,000 residents when he founded it in 1913. He purchased the Atascadero Ranch in 1912, solicited investors, planted thousands of orchard acreage, installed a water system, and constructed a road that ultimately became Highway 41 West. In 1916 he created a “tent city” to house investors while he showcased the colony’s livable opportunities. He went so far

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as to build cottages and a beachfront inn west of “his colony” and the Morro Bay development, Cloisters.

His first civic building was called the The Printery. It housed the first rotogravure presses west of Chicago and was where Lewis published the Atascadero News, which is still in operation.

Lewis built an Italian Renaissancestyle City Hall and Museum, called the Rotunda Building, between 1914 and 1918 with bricks made from local clay. The golden domed multi-use headquarters for Lewis’ “colony” was reopened after restoration and upgrades were completed after damages in the 2003 earthquake. It is a registered California Historical Landmark and overlooks the Sunken Gardens Park. The Carlton Hotel on El Camino Real Road north of the Rotunda was built in 1929 and restored fin 2003.

Atascadero creates unique public events at the Charles Paddock Zoo. Nearby the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial makes patriots of all visitors. The Atascadero Lakeside Pavilion presents a summertime concert series and each June the Atascadero Wine Festival. The third weekend of October is the Founder’s Day Parade and community celebrations, including a living history reproduction of Lewis’ 1916 Tent City.

Santa Margarita

Motoring southeast of Creston and Atascadero is Santa Margarita. Sunset Magazine fell in love with the Santa Margarita Ranch and collaborated with Visit San Luis Obispo County to promote a high profile, countywide inclusive wine and food festival for the past six years.

Pozo

Southeast of Santa Margarita is Pozo, which was a Butterfield Overland stagecoach mail route for deliveries in San Luis Obispo County. The Pozo Saloon was established in 1858 to service the stagecoach bumped and battered travelers over Pozo Summet. Today it produces one of the best-recognized concert weekends on the Central Coast attracting performers like Willie Nelson and the Black Crowes. The Pozo Stampede Country Western Music Festival is the last weekend of April.

The only thing missing on the Central Coast is

Michael Gill Cellars

estled within a rolling landscape of oak trees, the vineyards are small, potent, and exquisite. The Westside Paso Robles coastal estate takes full advantage of the excellent natural conditions: the mountainous terroir is known for its rocky, calcareous soil, and differing levels of hillside sun exposure allow vineyards to be specifically sited for each varietal.

805-874-CORK (2675) San Luis Obispo | Paso Robles | Santa Barbara County Custom Private Tours

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This gives founding vintner, Michael Gill, the opportunity to cultivate luxurious wines unmatched in quality. Inspired by the historicism and beauty of illustrious French hunting lodges, the tasting room inspires images of time gone by. Nestled in the midst of surrounding vineyards and centuries-old oaks, it evokes a classicism and indulgence not often found in Paso Robles.

One of the newer wineries in Paso Robles, Gill, has been very successful. In the winery’s 4 years, Michael Gill has received numerous awards. In 2016 alone, he has received 7 Best of Class awards on 5 varieties, including best of whites in the Orange County Competition and Best Red Wine from a Micro winery in the California State Competition. Well worth the drive up Peachy Canyon Road. Join them for a fabulous outing of Westside wine tasting in Paso Robles, CA. Explore our Central Coast vineyards and unique tasting room.

Find all the pleasures San Luis Obispo has to offer. MA PS | DISCOUNTS | HOW TO GE T A R OU ND TOP AT TR AC TIONS | E VENTS

San Luis Obispo HEA R W HAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY

Program of the

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because

them at home. we can’t bear to leave

or some folks a family vacation includes bringing their pets too. The Central Coast has a multitude of places to bring your furry friends. Enjoy lodging, dining, beaches, wineries and hiking trails with the entire family. Knowing that your pet is welcome in advance allows for peace of mind.

Bed and Breakfast Creekside Bed & Breakfast Inn 5325 Vineyard Dr. Paso Robles (805) 227-6585 Creekside Inn 2618 Main Street, Cambria (805) 927-4021 Heritage Inn Bed & Breakfast 978 Olive St. San Luis Obispo (805) 544-7440 Inn at Morro Bay 60 State Park Rd. Morro Bay (805) 772-5651 Inn Paradiso 975 Mojave Ln., Paso Robles (805) 239-2800 Just Inn at Justin Vineyards & Winery 11680 Chimney Rock Rd. Paso Robles (805) 238-6932 Kaleidoscope Inn & Gardens 130 East Dana Street Nipomo (805) 343-9345

Petit Soleil 1473 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo (805) 549-0321

Hotels and Motels Avila La Fonda 101 San Miguel St. Avila Beach (805) 595-1700 Avila Village Inn 6655 Bay Laurel Drive Avila Beach (805) 627-1810 Bayfront Inn Morro Bay 1150 Embarcadero Morro Bay (805) 772-5607 Beach Bungalow Inn & Suites 1050 Morro Ave., Morro Bay (805) 772-9700 Blue Dolphin Inn 6470 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria (805) 927-3300 Cambria Palms Motel 2662 Main St., Cambria (805) 927-4485

REVEAL the central coast of california

Cambria Pines Lodge 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria (805) 927-4200

Pismo Lighthouse Suites 2411 Price Street , Pismo Beach (805) 773-2411

Cayucos Beach Inn 333 South Ocean Ave. Cayucos (805) 995-2828

Sea Otter Inn 6656 Moonstone Beach Dr. Cambria (805) 927-5888

Cafes/Restaurants

Cliffs Resort 2757 Shell Beach Road Pismo Beach (805) 773-5000

Bayside Cafe 10 State Park Road Morro Bay (805) 772-1465

Creekside Inn 2618 Main Street, Cambria (805) 927-4021

Big Sky Cafe 1121 Broad St. San Luis Obispo (805) 545-5401

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa 2727 Shell Beach Rd, Unit 131, Pismo Beach (805) 773-5003 Dolphin Inn 399 South Ocean Avenue, Cayucos (805) 995-3810 Paso Robles Inn 1103 Spring Street, Paso Robles (866) 321-1828 Pier View Suites 12 N Ocean Ave., Suite 226, Cayucos (805) 995-0014

Blue Sky Bistro 699 Embarcadero, Morro Bay (805) 772-8988 Creekside Garden Cafe 2114 Main St., Cambria (805) 927-8646 Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab (they have Doggie Discs) 114 W. Branch Street, Arroyo Grande (805) 474-4068 860 Higuera St San Luis Obispo (805) 548-1986

Luna Red 1023 Chorro St. San Luis Obispo (805) 540-5243 Madeline’s 788 Main St., Cambria (805) 927-4175 Marisol at the Cliffs 2757 Shell Beach Rd. Pismo Beach (800) 826-7827 Dorn’s Original Breakers Café 801 Market Ave, Morro Bay (805) 772-4415 Dutchman’s Seafood House 701 Embarcadero, Ste. E, Morro Bay (805) 772-2269 Fin’s Restaurant 25 W. Grand, Grover Beach (805) 473-3467 Frankie’s & Lola’s Front Street Café 1154 Front Street, Morro Bay (805) 771-9306 Giovanni’s Fish Market 1001 Front Street, Morro Bay (805) 772-2123 Hoppe’s Bistro & Wine Bar 78 North Ocean Ave. , Cayucos (805) 995-1006 Indigo Moon Cafe 1980 Main St., Cambria (805) 927-2911 Las Cambritas Mexican Restaurant 2336 Main St # B, Cambria (805) 927-0175 Lido Restaurant The Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa 2727 Shell Beach Rd. Pismo Beach (805) 773-8900 Lil Hut 1205 Embarcadero Morro Bay (805)772-3488 Linn’s Easy as Pie Cafe 4251 Bridge St., Cambria (805) 924-3050

Mr. Rick’s 404 Front St., Avila Beach (805) 595-7425 Pappy McGregor’s 11122 Pine St., Paso Robles (805) 238-7070 Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse 1103 Spring St., Paso Robles (805) 226-4925 Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe 1804 Osos St., San Luis Obispo (805) 545-5895 San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill 9520 Castillo Dr., San Simeon (805) 927-4601 Sea Shanty Restaurant 296 S. Ocean Ave., Cayucos (805) 995-3272 Zorro’s Cafe and Cantina 927 Shell Beach Rd. Pismo Beach (805) 773-9676

Beaches

Oceano Dunes State Park (805) 773-7170 Three miles south of Pismo Beach off Highway 1, Oceano (805) 473-7220 Olde Port Beach 3993 Avila Beach Dr., Avila Beach (805) 595-2515 Pismo State Beach 555 Pier Avenue (805) 489-1869 Spooners Cove in Montana de Oro State Park Los Osos (805) 528-0513 William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach/San Simeon Cove 50 Hearst Castle Rd., San Simeon (805) 927-2020

Trails Bishop Peak Patricia Trailhead 850 Patricia Dr San Luis Obispo

El Moro Elfin Forest North East end of Los Osos, 2 miles south of the city of Morro Bay, Los Osos Laguna Lake Park and Trails 504 Madonna Rd. San Luis Obispo (805) 781-7222 Mission San Miguel Arcangel 775 Mission St., San Miguel (805) 467-2131 San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden 450 Dairy Creek Rd. San Luis Obispo (805) 541-1400

Wineries Adelaida Winery 5805 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles Cayucos Cellars Tasting Room 131 N. Ocean Ave., Cayucos (805) 995-3036 Eberle Winery 3810 W. Hwy. 46, Paso Robles (805) 238-9607

Black Hill Trail Morro Bay State Park Road Morro Bay

Eos Winery 2300 Airport Way, Paso Robles (805) 591-8050

Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail Avila Beach

Moonstone Cellars 801 Main St., Cambria (805) 927-9466

El Chorro Regional Park 2990 Dairy Creek Rd. Highway 1, San Luis Obispo (805) 781-5930

Avila Beach Port San Luis Cayucos State Beach Ocean Front Ave., Cayucos (805) 781-5930 Moonstone Beach - Cambria Morro Bay State Park 60 State Park Road, Morro Bay (805) 772-2560 Morro Strand Beach Hwy. 1 and 24th St. Cayucos

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by Teri Bayus

Teri’s Top Restaurants

his area is providential with restaurants taking advantage of fresh crops, offerings from the sea and a burgeoning wine scene producing amazing contributions. Complying the best restaurants for the area consisted of a list stretching from the top of Paso Robles wine country to the southern tip of the county. These eateries comprise the most consistent in food, service, atmosphere and stellar chefs, but what they have that all do not, is that small spark of genius. Those unknown elements that make us want to return again and again.

artisan

One of the favorite chefs and restaurants in Paso Robles has always been Chef Chris Kobayashi and his brother Michael of Artisan. With a menu moving with the seasons, it is always a treat to try what this brilliantly whimsical chef has put together. His farm to fork themes will inspire, favorites are the wood fired pizzas and small plates like venison stroganoff, mushroom toast, bacon, brioche, crème fraîche, poached egg (which we have nicknamed, breakfast, lunch and dinner), and Cayucos abalone, cornbread dressing, mussels with linguica.

Artisan is built upon chef Kobayashi’s attention to detail, focus on locally sourced ingredients and fervor for refined cuisine. Artisan is located at 843 12th Street in Paso Robles or you can call them at (805) 237-8084.

Koberl at Blue

They feature wine country cuisine with a European aptitude. Each menu item has been created to pair nicely with a fine glass of wine. You will want to eat your way through this inventive and exquisite menu. This culinary shrine to perfection gets my vote every time. Koberl at Blue is true California fine dining for those who want to spoil themselves with epicurean delights. Favorites include Coriander seared sea scallops and shrimp, Sautéed duck breast & Confit of duck. Erik the chef and owner follows the local, fresh produce and proteins to create traditional yet inventive masterpieces. Be confident that this is a sophisticated choice for dinner where you will never be disappointed. Located at 998 Monterey in downtown San Luis Obispo, (805) 783-1135.

Cracked Crab

This long time provider of celebratory meals has been chosen to be the only domestic outlet of rare Alaskan King Crab. This house specialty consists of a big bucket of shellfish expertly prepared and casually dumped on your paper-covered table with sausage, potatoes, corn, and all the tools needed to crack crab. It is a visual and succulent feast. Start with the Oysters on the Half Shell served with a mignonette sauce of raspberry and shallots. The Crab Bisque is a rich creamy soup with minefields of crab lump meat, sherry and a hint of cayenne pepper. An uncommon delicacy from Alaska is the King Crab Tails. The crab tails are a meaty and rich part of the body of the crab and these are breaded, fried and served with a Thai sweet and spicy dip. Make sure you finish with impeccable key lime pie. The Cracked Crab is located at 751 Price Street, Pismo Beach, (805) 773-2722.

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Fish Gaucho This distinct eatery in Paso Robles has captured my Mexican food loving palate. Executive Chef Chris Beckett whose jacket reads “El Jefe”, is a gentle giant who recognizes his stellar staff and wonderful heritage coming together to make Fish Gaucho prosperous. Favorites include Ahi Crudo. This dish of a raw tuna treat served along shaved red onion, sliced Morro Bay avocado, pickled Fresno chiles, micro greens, chile crema, and citrus lime vinaigrette is stacked like a volcano of flavor and Diver Scallops that were seared medium rare resting on a bed of butternut squash succotash with roasted corn, onion, and asparagus. This restaurant and tequila bar offers a fresh, healthy twist to traditional Mexican food, with an authentic atmosphere, Latin inspired music and a tequila selection made up of the finest tequilas. Located at 1244 Park Street, Paso Robles, (805) 239-3333.

Granada Bistro

The artsy lighted tree, opulent heaters and warm welcome from the staff, instantly dazzle. This place looks like it stepped out of a Woody Allen film for its drama and elegance. But it is the food that impresses most. They offer a charcuterie platter, a bacchanal of house-cured meats and cheeses that inspires. Serving farmto-table tapas and dishes inspired by Spanish, Cuban, and South American cuisine. My favorite is Paella a swirling dish of risotto rice with house chorizo, prawns, organic chicken, mussels, clams and local halibut with a sprinkling of peppers and onions make this saucer a symphony of flawlessness and flavor. The food is complemented by an eclectic wine list including Spanish and Latin American selections served in retro wine glasses. Granada Bistro is located at 1126 Morro Street in San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-9100.

Sea Venture

While the bar boasts the most stunning sunset viewing and a full menu to enjoy at the bar, the restaurant has at its helm one of the best and brightest chefs in the area, Casey Walcott. Casey changes the menu with the seasons, but my favorite dish is the delectable Lobster Vol-en-Vent. This amazing multi layered tartlet is swollen with sautéed lobster, shrimp, grilled asparagus and cubes of fingerling potatoes, it sits upon a cloud of lobster cream sauce. Every bite is perfect a harmonious experience. Located at 100 Ocean View Avenue in Pismo Beach, (805) 773-4994.

Bistro Laurent

This quaint eatery is the local’s French slice of heaven. Owner, and chef Laurent Grangien fell in love with idea of creating a bistro in the Central Coast of California. The natural beauty and ability to use local wines with local ingredients made Paso Robles his oblivious choice. Try savory entrees like Alaskan halibut with haricot verts and saffron sauce. Everything’s is cooked to perfection, including sliced beef tenderloin, puree potatoes with a Bordelaise sauce. The meat required no knife to cut it and the sauce will rock your senses. Remember to save room to finish the traditional French way with a plate of cheese selections. Located at 1202 Pine Street in Paso Robles, (805) 226-8191.

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Foremost Wine Company One of the most dynamic and creative chef’s on the Central Coast is Chef Julie Simon. She is brave and understands the complexity of flavors better than most and insists on using the best ingredients. Here she creates for diners the freshest and most tasty renditions of French countryside inspired dishes. She is known for her whole animal program that honors the animal and gives the diners a chance to try exhilarating new dishes that are not offered anywhere else. This hip space feels and looks like something found in San Francisco. It has an industrial feel with cool decorating touches, two bars, a lounge and a wine shop, which will impress with its creativeness and hand selected varietals. Located at 570 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, (805) 439-3410.

Garden’s Of Avila

The only local restaurant with a picturesque garden that is both functional and beautiful, the chef here creates intoxicating deliciousness and seductive beauty on the plate using homegrown offerings. Try the Garden Party, where the chef picks your five courses using what is the freshest and most flavorful. Grilled Local Snapper with saffron poached potatoes, a hint of honey. Hand Cut Tagliatelle pasta with sweet baby corn, and squash blossoms, a buttery delight that was comforting and enchanting. The Prime Beef Sirloin Cap with a mustard béarnaise sauce delighted and the huge portions of Drake Duck Breast with roasted carrot, baby eggplant and cippolini onions surprised. Make sure you book a garden tour, a hot tub grotto and massage as part of this impeccable meal. Garden’s of Avila Restaurant is located inside the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, (805) 540-3326

Kuma Sushi Rolls and Bowls

Kuma is headed by two of the best sushi chefs that turn fish into a work of art. Sushi Chef’s Hidehiko Nogi and Jeff (Razor) Fujiwara have created a menu that is my culinary utopia. From the Tuna Poke with raw tuna served with a mango salsa with a bit of cayenne and macadamia nuts. To the Kuma Omakase with scallops, salmon roe, fresh local halibut and tobiko. As tasty as it is beautiful with the lemon carved into a swan and the celery whittled into a bonsai tree. The bowls of noodles are prepared in house daily. Add all the extras, garlic chip, shoyu egg, nori, sweet corn and spicy kimchi to receive the full ramen sensation. But the most unusual and favorite item is the Loco Moco, a Hawaiian influenced dish with white rice, resting under 2 slices of Spam, savory gravy, sliced pineapple and a poached egg. Kuma is located at 2011 10th Street in Los Osos, (805) 528-6767.

Rosa’s

Consistency, romance, culinary delights and perfect service is what is the norm at Rosa’s. This is the one restaurant to frequent for all occasions. From a business lunch to celebratory meals, Chef and Owner Doug MacMillian is perfection in putting together an impeccable staff, menu and atmosphere. A favorite is the Tuna Capriccio with a thin layer of smoked Ahi tuna covered with arugula leaves, onions and capers. They are famous for their Cioppino, Ossobuco and Steaks. If you need to satisfy many, Rosa’s is a sure bet every time. Located at 491 Price Street in Pismo Beach, (805) 773-0551.

Ember

They have established themselves as the best of the best in national, regional and local press. They continue to be the first restaurant that locals recommend, and they deserve every accolade. The love and devotion that goes into preparation is stupendous, the heart of each employee is felt in this flawless dinning experience. Brian Collins is the heart of this gastronomic enchantment and a wonderful host.

The menu changes monthly on the first, but some of my favorites are the Prosciutto Wrapped Artichoke that is stuffed with burrata mozzarella, the Cayucos Abalone made with crispy pork belly, and The Rib Eye Steak. I usually order as many appetizers as we have quests so we can try everything. Ember is located at 1200 East Grand Avenue in Arroyo Grande, (805) 474-7700.

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Mistura The ah-ha moment of an idea, the touch of a loved one, the taste of a new food that opens your senses, these are the fabric of a life well lived. Chef Nicola Allegretta is one of those rare artists, and his new offering, Mistura, a Peruvian restaurant is his best canvas to date. Favorites include Habla Causita, a Trio of Causas that is a distinctly Peruvian dish. Seasoned whipped cold potatoes crowned with wild shrimp, king crab and Ahi tuna tartare. The Anticuchos de Carretilla, grilled natural beef heart marinated with aji panca a late night Peruvian street food that is exceptional. The Alpaca Carpaccio is thinly sliced and served with an aji amarillo, sliced heirloom cherry tomatoes, avocado with a swirl of aji verde. They have a “fajita’s” type dish and empanada’s for the less adventurous, but everything is superb. Mistura is located at 700 Clubhouse Drive in Paso Robles, (805) 238-3333.

My #1!

Photos Courtesy of Spoon Trade

The Spoon Trade Rarely has a new restaurant so captured this fine diner’s soul like this one. This restaurant has that special spark, that addictive element and the most miraculous cuisine anywhere on the coast. The staff is as flawless as the food, and every trip here uncovers a culinary exploration that is mind blowing. Coming home after years in the big city dining game is a gift that Brooke and Jacob Town have bestowed on us in the venue of The Spoon Trade. With their partner Patrick Bergseid, they have built a culinary oasis.

Comfort food is our first pleasure, representing the memory and flavors of our youth. When we revisit the sensory effect it is more than taste buds and fullness, it’s literally a remembrance of grandma, our childhood, and our life. This is a restaurant with a palette and imagination to combine comfort and haute cuisine. Favorites are Chicken and Waffles, the TriTip Tartare, Pepper Crusted New York Steak and everything on the menu. Find them at 295 Grand Avenue in Grover Beach, (805) 904-6773. Teri Bayus can be seen on her gastronomic travel television show, Taste Buds at www.centralcoastnow.tv or on Charter channel 10. Her novel Consumed, an erotic culinary tale, is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and ITunes.

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Galleries San Luis Obispo Amnesia 787 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo 805-543-4323 artcentralartsupply.com Art by Colleen Gnos 141 Suburban Rd. C4, San Luis Obispo colleengnos.com Arts Council San Luis Obispo County 570 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo 805-544-9251 sloartscouncil.org Drew Davis Fine Art 331 Pacific St. San Luis Obispo 805-234-2302 drewdavis.com

Foundation for The Performing Arts Center 550 Dana St. San Luis Obispo 805-541-5401 fpacslo.org

Hands Gallery Contemporary Craftsmanship 777 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo 805-543-1921

Frame Works 339 Marsh St. San Luis Obispo 805-542-9000 sloart.com

Just Looking Gallery 746 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo 805-541-6663 justlookinggallery.com

Gallery at the Network 778 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo 805-788-0886 galleryathenetwork.com

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art 1010 Broad St. San Luis Obispo 805-543-8562 sloma.org

Gene Francis Gallery 1120 Garden St. San Luis Obispo 805-545-7902 genefrancis.net

Spirits of Africa Gallery 570 Higuera St. Suite 150, San Luis Obispo 877-688-0156 spiritsofafricagallery.com Art by Colleen Gnos

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HandsGallery.com 805-543-1921 777 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo

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857 Oak Park Blvd, Pismo Beach (located in the Ross shopping center)

Steynberg Gallery 1531 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo 805-547-0278 steynberggallery.com The Claassen Gallery 774 Marsh St. San Luis Obispo 805-391-0361 jeffclaassen.com/blog The John Landon Gallery 1110 Morro St. San Luis Obispo 805-441-4422 johnlandongallery.com

South County Chris Burkard Gallery 271 B 5 Cities Dr. Pismo Beach 805-270-3835 chrisburkard.com Sayva Creative Art Gallery 65 Landing Passage Avila Beach 805-704-6859 sayvacreativegallery.com Seaside Gallery 176 Foothill Rd. Pismo Beach 805-295-6386 theseasidegallery.com Thomas Kinkade Gallery 500 Cypress St. Pismo Beach 805-773-9424 kinkadecentralcoast.com Under The Sea Gallery 324 Front St. Avila Beach 805-627-1488

North Coast By The Bay Gallery 895 Embarcadero Morro Bay 805-772-5563 bythebaygallery.com

Morro Bay Art Association 835 Main St. Morro Bay 805-771-2504 artcentermorrobay.com

Cayucos Art Association & Cayucos Art Gallery 10 Cayucos Dr., Cayucos 805-995-2049 cayucosart.org

Native Spirit Gallery 333 Bernardo Ave. Morro Bay 805-772-2571 morrobay.org/nativespirit-gallery

Fiona Bleu 900 Embarcadero Morro Bay 805-772-0541 rowanchasestudio.com

Seven Sisters Gallery 601 Embarcadero Morro Bay 805-772-2504 sevensistersgalleryca.com

Focus On Nature Photo Gallery 601 Embarcadero Morro Bay 805-772-4972 gallery.focus-on-nature. com

Under The Sea 833 Embarcadero Morro Bay 805-772-4872

Forever Stoked 1164 Quintana Rd. Morro Bay 805-771-9095 foreverstoked.com

North County Heritage Gallery West 840 13th St., Paso Robles 805-227-4676 heritagegallerywest.com

Full Moon Pottery Studio-Gallery 345 Harbor St. Morro Bay 805-772-2890 fullmoonmb.com

Paso Robles Art Association 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles 805-238-5473 pasoroblesartassociation. org

Gallery At Marina Square 601 Embarcadero Morro Bay 805-772-4972 galleryatmarinasquare.com

Studios on the Park 1130 Pine St. Paso Robles 805-238-9800 studiosonthepark.org

John Ramos Gallery 407 Morro Bay Blvd. Morro Bay 805-772-2890 johnramos.com

The Art of JOHN RAMOS

Tobin Reese Fine Art 816 Vine St. Paso Robles 760-537-0772 tobinreese.com

fall | winter 2016

Celebrate Family & IAN Friends With Us! ITAL IA &

R T IZZE US P TAURAN O M FA RES

Ice Cold Beer & Wine on Tap

& much more...

Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Open Daily Dine In • Carry Out • Local Delivery Your Neighborhood Italian Restaurant 401 Shell Beach Road • Shell Beach • 773-4438

REVEAL the central coast of california

Clothing for Women Just Like You. San Luis Obispo 1022 Morro Street 805.784.0664

Arroyo Grande 121 E. Branch Street (in the village) 805.574.1727

Paso Robles 840 11th Street, Suite 103 805.239.8282

With the Family Get away } your way

egin the day with a cool country hike along the Johnson Ranch Trail in SLO, then head in to Pismo Beach for an Old West Cinnamon Roll. Travel a little further to Avila Bay Drive and go for a swim at Avila Hot Springs. In the afternoon, take a leisurely bicycle ride along the shady Bob Jones Trail into the town of Avila where you can grab a cone of Doc Burnsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salted caramel ice cream at the Hula Hut. Finish the day with dinner at the Olde Port Inn on Harford Pier, soaking in the sunset and harbor views.

Photo by www.PhotoByVivian.com

Wedding Venues

Photos by Hayley Marie Photography

Country Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles ayreshotels.com Bianchi Winery Paso Robles bianchiwine.com Biddle Ranch Vineyard San Luis Obispo biddleranch.com Blacklake Golf Resort Nipomo blacklake.com Broken Earth Winery Paso Robles brokenearthwinery.com Calcareous Vineyards Paso Robles calcareous.com

Cambia Pines Lodge Cambria cambriapineslodge.com

Green Place Estate Arroyo Grande facebook.com/theheritageestates

Opolo Vineyards Paso Robles opolo.com

Casitas Estate Arroyo Grande casitasestate.com

Greengate Ranch & Vineyard San Luis Obispo greengateweddings.com

Cass Winery Paso Robles casswines.com

Hidden Springs Villa San Luis Obispo weddingslo.com

San Luis Obispo Golf Country Club San Luis Obispo slocountryclub.com

Cypress Ridge Pavilion Arroyo Grande cypressridge.com

Home Sweet Home Cottage & Ranch Templeton hshcottageandranch.com

Dallidet Adobe San Luis Obispo dallidet.org EOS Estate Winery Paso Robles eosvintage.com

REVEAL the central coast of california

Justin Winery Paso Robles justinwine.com Mistura Restaurant Paso Robles misturarestaurants.com

Santa Margarita Ranch Santa Margarita historicsantamargaritaranch.com Swallow Creek Ranch Cayucos swallowcreekranch.com Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort Avila Beach Sycamoresprings.com Terra Mia Vineyards Paso Robles terramiavineyard.com

The Gardens at the Peacock Farms Arroyo Grande thegardensatpeacockfarms.com The Grace Maralyn Estate & Gardens Atascadero thegracemaralyn.com The Groves on 41 Templeton thegroveson41.com The Monday Club San Luis Obispo themondayclubslo.org

Point San Luis Lighthouse Avila Beach sanluislighthouse.org Sea Venture Beach Hotel & Restaurant Pismo Beach seaventure.com SeaCrest Hotel Pismo Beach seacrestpismo.com The Cliff Resort Pismo Beach cliffsresort.com

The River Oaks Pavilion Paso Robles riveroakshotsprings.com

The Gardens at the Peacock Farms Arroyo Grande thegardensatpeacockfarms.com

Tooth & Nail Winery Paso Robles toothandnailwinery.com

Ventana Grill Pismo Beach ventanagrill.com

Victorian Estate Arroyo Grande victorianwedding.net

Coastal Avila Beach Golf Resort Avila Beach avilabeachresort.com

The Groves on 41

Avila Lighthouse Suites Avila Beach avilalighthousesuites.com Dolphin Bay Resort Pismo Beach thedolphinbay.com Inn at the Cove Pismo Beach innatthecove.com La Perla del Mar Chapel Shell Beach (805) 748-5547 Old Custom House Avila Beach oldcustomhouse.com

Award Winning Olive Farm Private Event Venue in the Templeton Countryside

Pismo Beach Golf Resort Grover Beach pismoweddings.com TheGrovesOn41.com (805) 466-1542

fall | winter 2016

Calendar of Events Atascadero (AT) Paso Robles (PR)

Cambria (CM) Cayucos (CY)

October

Morro Bay (MB) San Luis Obispo (SL)

Avila Beach (AB) Pismo Beach (PB)

November

Surfing For Hope Longboard Contest & Fun Fair surfingforhope.org

Paderewski Festival (PR) paderewskifest.com

A Toast to the Coast (CM) cambriachamber.org

Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Harvest on the Coast (AB) slowine.com

Morro Bay Harbor Festival (MB) morrobay.org

Cayucos Car Show (CY) cayucoschamber.com

City to the Sea Half Marathon (SL) citytothesea.org

SLO Wine Countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harvest Festival (SL) slowine.com

Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend (PR) passowine.com

Garagiste Wine Festival (PR) californiagaragistes.com

Bubblyfest by the Sea (AB) bubblyfest.com

SLO Bacon Festival (SL) Slobaconfest.com

Scarecrow Festival (CM) cambriascarecrows.com

Christmas Concert & Parade in the Village (AG) agchristmasparade.com

Pismo Clam Festival (PB) pismochamber.com

Festival of the Trees (CM) cambriachamber.com

Pismo Jazz Jubilee (PB) pismochamber.com

December

Central Coast Railroad Festival (SL) ccrrf.com Oktoberfest Craft Show (CM) cambriachamber.org Antique Street Faire (CY) cayucoschamber.com Carved Pumpkin Contest (GB) grover.org

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Arroyo Grande (AG) Grover Beach (GB)

Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Sunken Gardens (AT) atascadero.org Holiday Parade Downtown SLO (SL) downtownslo.com Holiday Harmony & Tree Lighting Downtown Pismo Beach (PB) pismoevents.com Reindeer Run 5K (SL) slocity.org Lighted Boat Parade (MB) morrobayboatparade.com Christmas Light Parade (PR) Pasoroblesdowntown.org South County Holiday Parade (AG) grover.org Holiday Tree Lighting (GB) gover.org

January

Cambria Hospitality Night (CM) Cambriachamber.com

Polar Bear Ocean Dip (CY) cayucoschamber.com Winter Bird Festival (MB) morrobaybirdfestival.org

Christmas in Cayucos (CY) cayucoschamber.com

Art & Wine Festival Cambria (CM) cambriaartwine.org

Cambria Christmas Market (CM) cambriachristmasmarket.com

Art & Wine Tour (AT) visitatascadero.com

February Coastal Discovery & Stewardship (CM) visitcambriaca.com California Western Monarch Day (PB) monarchbutterfly.org Inspired Home, Garden and Gourmet Expo of Paso Robles (PR) inspiredexpos.com

Rent The Memory Maker!

BlendFest on the Coast (PR) pasowine.com

Festival Mozaic’s Winter Mezzo (SL) Festivalmozaic.com

Paso Unveiled Fashion Show Fundraiser and Extravaganza (PR) sloymca.org

March

SLO Culinary Carnival (SL) sloculinarycarnival.com

SLO International Film Festival (SL) slofilmfest.org

SLO Craft Beer Festival (SL) Slo-beer-fest.com

Sea Glass Festival (CY) cayucosseaglass.com

Western Dance Jamboree (CM) cambriachamber.org Antique Show (AG) southcountyhistory.org

Inspired 5K Fun Run and Health Expo of SLO (SL) inspiredexpos.com Vintage Paso: Zinfandel (PR) pasowine.com

7 BES T O F CLA S S 2 0 16

Camp or Glamp, on the Central Coast!

– Reserve the Campsite – Reserve the Trailer – Relax, We do the rest!

Where the Wild Things are. HOME OF GOLD MEDAL WINES

2013 Cougar, sleeps 6 with 1 queen bed, 1 pull out couch (full) and table to bed conversion. AM/FM/CD/AUX, DVD Player, TV, Surround Sound, and more!

Call us today to check availability, and book your next trip!

4125 Peachy Canyon Rd., Paso Robles

805.423.6740 or memorymakerslo@hotmail.com

www.gillcellars.com | 805.239.1668

6 miles west of Paso Robles - Open Friday-Sunday

fall | winter 2016

Get away } your way

Looking for fun times with the whole fam? Play like a local and check out our local’s favorite places to take the gang!

Family Adventure Day

fter a hearty breakfast at Lil Bits in Grover Beach, you will make your way to Vista Lago Adventure Park at Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande for some serious fun on the various rope courses and zip lines! Walk on the pier in Pismo Beach and grab some lunch at the infamous Splash Café. Drive on the beach or rent quads at the Oceano Dunes. On the way to San Luis Obispo the kids can run around Dinosaur Caves Park in Shell Beach, then you’re off to enjoy some pizza at Woodstock’s before ending the day with a double feature at Sunset Drive-in.

Photo by PhotoByVivian.com

58 58

REVEALthe thecentral centralcoast coastofofcalifornia california REVEAL

CUESTA COLLEGE San Luis Obispo Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community college

At Cuesta College, you can choose from over 70 associate degrees or 60 certificate programs, and complete your academic goals on the beautiful and idyllic Central Coast! Come take a tour of one of our three locations (San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Arroyo Grande), and discover how we transfer the most students to Cal Poly SLO and why weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re consistently ranked as one of the top community colleges in California.

(805) 546-3100

cuesta.edu

Insta

fall | winter 2016

Pamper Your Creativity in Wine Country Central Coast

Quilt & Sew 3-Day Retreat

All Inclusive—Everything is Provided

Feb 22-24 (8am-5pm) Radisson Hotel Convention Center Santa Maria Airport