Volume 1
the central coast of ca
Inside this issue‌
Find out why the Central Coast of CA is a premium destination spot for world class wineries, galleries, weddings, spas, cuisine and more! winter/spring 2016
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“
Our winemaking approach is to harness the intense flavor of the fruit and complement it with traditional aging in oak barrels. We take no shortcuts. —STEVE PECK, RED WINEMAKER
”
Vineyard-driven. Passionately made. Red Winemaker Steve Peck’s passionate commitment to creating wines with balanced yet bold flavors is evident in every bottle of J. Lohr Vineyard Series wines. Open a bottle today and enjoy the finest expression of fruit our vineyards have to offer.
J. Lohr Wine Centers | Tasting Daily 10am-5pm San Jose - 1000 Lenzen Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 918-2160 Paso Robles - 6169 Airport Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 239-8900
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© 2016 J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, San Jose, CA
Stay Your Way Travelers book easy with Martin Resorts Stay One More Day... Stay 3 Nights, Get 50% off 1 Night! What will you do with one more day? The choice is simple- coast on it to a Martin Resorts hotel and extend your stay with us. Book easy at: http://www.martinresorts.com/onemoreday
The Inn at the Cove From wine country to oceanfront paradise, Martin Resorts’ premier hotels stretch California’s Central Coast. On the downtown square in Paso Robles, Paso Robles Inn has renovated winethemed rooms, mineral-water hot tubs, and a steakhouse. Steps from the sand in Avila Beach, the all-suite Avila Lighthouse
Suites features a heated oceanfront pool. In Pismo Beach, three waterfront hotels welcome guests: Pismo Lighthouse Suites is an all-suite, family-friendly oceanfront hotel; the all oceanview Best Western PLUS Shore Cliff Lodge has the largest heated oceanfront pool in Pismo; and the Inn at the Cove is a hidden gem,
with oceanview rooms and private beach access. No matter where you stay, you can’t go wrong at a Martin Resorts property. Midweek rates starting at $149. martinresorts.com
winter/spring 2016
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enjoy the premier edition of
the central coast of ca
Turning Your Dreams Into Reality The time to buy on the gorgeous Central Coast is now! > Beachfront Homes > Relocation Services
> Luxury Homes > Investment Properties
Call Nancy Puder today. Nancy and her team of experts will turn your dreams into reality!
124 S. Halcyon Rd. Suite D, Arroyo Grande BRE#00677873 | nancy@nancypuder.com | nancypuderassociates.com
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805-710-2415
FEATURES
6 HWY 1 Discovery Route 15 Just the Two of Us Day 16 San Luis Obispo Wine 101 18 Experience the SLO Life 23 Family Adventure Day 24 Galleries 26 Pismo Beach 30 Pet Friendly Places 32 Slow Down
Cover photo
@tbegin22
33 Discover Morro Bay 40 Nature 42 Revealing North County 46 Teri’s Top Restaurants
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50 Arroyo Grande 53 Local Favorite Eats 54 Wedding Venues
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56 Calendar of Events 58 Grover Beach
Contributors
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Judy Salamacha Luke Bender Mark Nakamura Tanner Begin Vivian Krug
33 PUBLISHERS Bret Colhouer Lani Colhouer
SALES Carrie Vickerman Dana McGraw Jessica Micklus
Mike Lee Michael Ruiz Zorina Ricci
ART & DESIGN Christy Serpa Michelle Johnson Charity Bassett
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?
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Cambria
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Cambria’s East & West Villages□ Fiscalini Ranch Preserve □
YROUT OVER E.C ISC O 1D
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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
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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
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San Luis Obispo
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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.
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Morro Bay National Estuary □ Los Osos Elfin Forest Preserve □ Morro Dunes Natural Preserve □
San Luis Obispo County
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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
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Morro Bay
Morro Rock □
Atascadero
SOUTH BAY BLVD
Harmony
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□ Tolosa Vineyards
Edna Valley
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Avila Hot Springs □
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Pismo Beach
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Pismo Beach Pier □ Monarch Butterfly Grove □
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Oceano Dunes SVRA □
Golf Stewardship Travel
VISIT
Highway1DiscoveryRoute.com
IVE
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LOPE
□ Claiborne and 227 Churchill Vintners □ Kynsi Winery
ATV Access Historic/Museums
RD
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Avila Beach
Wine & Beer Tasting
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Biking
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Bob Jones Trail □ Central Coast Aquarium □ Port San Luis □
Saucelito Canyon □ Lopez Lake Vineyards Edna Valley Vineyard □ □ □ Chamisal Vineyard □ Avila Valley Barn Y
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Hiking
Oceano
Arroyo Grande Valley
LOS BE
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□ Laetitia Winery
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Scan this code for fantastic lodging options:
WILLOW RD
Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area □
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Black Lake Golf Resort □ □ □ Cypress Ridge Golf Monarch 101 Dunes Golf Club
Nipomo
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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
T
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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The acclaimed 101-mile 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.
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.
Visit These Points Of Interest On The Highway 1 Discovery Route: • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Piedras Blancas Light Station Hearst Castle Elephant Seal Rookery Sebastian’s General Store Coastal Discovery Center San Simeon Cove Leftingwell Landing Moonstone Beach Drive Nit Wit Ridge Cambria Village Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Harmony REVEAL the central coast of california
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Estero Bluffs State Park Cayucos State Beach & Pier Morro Strand State Beach Morro Rock Museum of Natural History Los Osos Elfin Forest Morro Bay National Estuary Morro Dunes Natural Preserve Port San Luis Sea Life Center Bob Jones Trail Avila Hot Springs
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Avila Valley Barn Pismo Beach Pier Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove Oceano Dunes SVRA The Livery Stable Village of Arroyo Grande Kynsi Winery Talley Vineyards Lopez Lake Blacklake Golf Resort Laetitia WInery Monarch Dunes Golf Club Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area
Cambria
Morro Bay*
“Million Dollar View” at Ragged Point
3 km
Elephant Seal Rookery San Simeon
Ragged Point
1 Edna San Valley
San Simeon Cove227
Avila Beach Oceano
Simeon
Arroyo Grande Valley 101
Nipomo 1
3 mi
Cambria
3 km *San Luis Obispo County Unincorporated Area
San Simeon
Nit Wit Ridge
Baywood Cambria Village Park 1 Los Osos
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
227
101
Avila Beach Oceano 3 mi 3 km *San Luis Obispo County Unincorporated Area
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Cayucos Harmony
Moonstone Beach Drive
Morro Bay* Sebastian's General Store
Coastal227 Discovery 101 Center
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CayucosLeffingwell Landing
Morro Bay*
Baywood Estero Bluffs Park
Cambria
State Park
Edna Valley
Los Osos
101
1
227
Arroyo Grande Valley 101 Harmony
Cayucos
Nipomo
Cambria
3 mi *San 3 Luis kmObispo County Unincorporated Area
Morro Morro Rock Bay*
Baywood Park
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Cayucos State Beach 227 Edna and Pier
Los Osos Morro Dunes Natural Preserve
Arroyo Morro 227Strand State Beach Grande1 Valley
101 Morro Rock
Los Osos & Nipomo Baywood Park
Cayucos
Museum of Natural History
Morro Bay National Estuary 227
Valley
Avila Beach Oceano
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Cayucos
Cayucos
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Cambria
Los Osos Detail Map
Cayucos Detail Map
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Los Osos Hearst Castle
3 mi
Hearst Castle
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Elephant Seal Baywood Rookery Piedras Park Blancas Light Station
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Piedras Blancas Light Station
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Cayucos
Cambria Detail Map
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South Bay Blvd.
Ragged Point
San Simeon Detail Map H e arst
Ragged Point Detail Map
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Los Osos Elfin Forest Preserve
Edna Valley
Arroyo Los 227 Osos Av Avila Beach Grande Los Oso s Va Valley lle Montaña de Oro y Ro Oceano ad 101 State Park 1 mi Avila Nipomo Beach 1 km
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*San Luis Obispo County Unincorporated Area
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. continued, page 10
Save Big with Amtrak
Los
®
SAVER FARES. BOOK NOW AND RECEIVE 20% OFF. Kids ride for half off, too. Make your reservation by February 29, 2016 for travel through May 20, 2016. Saver Fares are valid on select routes, must be purchased a minimum of 14 days in advance, and are non-refundable. Other restrictions apply. See where the train can take you. Amtrak.com/SaverFares This offer is valid for sale between 23Feb15-29Feb16 and valid for travel between 09Mar15-20May16. Blackouts apply: 18Dec-20Dec15 and 01Jan-02Jan16. This offer is valid for travel on the following trains only: Southwest Chief, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Cardinal, California Zephyr, City of New Orleans, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Lake Shore Limited, Sunset Limited, Capitol Limited, and Texas Eagle. This offer features our best Saver Fares. Advance purchase is required a minimum of FOURTEEN (14) days prior to travel. Once purchased tickets are non-refundable. Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all days. Fares are subject to availability. Up to 2 children ages 2-12 may accompany each adult at half fare. This offer is valid for Coach seats only; no Sleeper upgrades permitted. This offer is not combinable with any other discount offer. In addition to the discount restrictions this offer is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Once travel has begun; no changes to the itinerary are permitted. Other restrictions may apply. Amtrak, Southwest Chief, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Cardinal, California Zephyr, City of New Orleans, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Lake Shore Limited, Sunset Limited, Capitol Limited, and Texas Eagle are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
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Avila Beach Detail Map 1
Bob Jones Trail
Avila 101 Hot Springs Dr ive is Ba y Sa n Lu
Oceano Detail Map Cayucos
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Pismo Beach 101 Pier
Morro Bay*Pismo Beach
Monarch Butterfly Grove Baywood
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Oceano Dunes
Avila Beach Sea Life Center
Los OsosSVRA
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Avila Valley Barn
Edna Oceano
Avila Beach Oso Flaco Lake Oceano Natural Area Oceano
Avila Beach
4 mi 4 km *San Luis Obispo County
Los
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Port San Luis
4 mi 4 km
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227 The Livery Stable 101
227
Arroyo Grande Valley
Oso
Nipomo
101
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Unincorporated Area
Oceano
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.
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Av
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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.
Ragged Point
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San Simeon Cambria
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Laetitia Winery
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4 km
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San Simeon Arroyo Grande Cambria Valley Nipomo Detail Map
Arroyo Grande Valley
*San Luis Obispo County Unincorporated Area
Cayucos
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Laetitia Winery
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Monarch Dunes Golf Club
Los Osos 227
101
Avila Beach Oceano
Edna Valley 227
Arroyo Grande Valley 101
Nipomo
4 mi 4 km
Nipomo
*San Luis Obispo County Unincorporated Area
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Rural Wine Trails along the CA Highway 1 Discovery Route
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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
The Art of JOHN RAMOS
“Homage to Jean Michel Basquiat” A Fine Art Gallery located in a historic building in Downtown Morro Bay. Original Paintings & Collector Prints. Capturing the California Lifestyle, and “wish-you-were-here” coastal places to feel the warm tropical breeze.
RAMOS GALLERY 407 Morro Bay Blvd. Morro Bay, CA 93402 805-772-4700
HOURS: Wed.–Sun. 11-5
johnramos.com winter/spring 2016
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Pismo Beach. Literally.
Your Relaxation Destination One-Bedroom Spa Suites Experience the only full service hotel on the sands of Pismo Beach. Rooms with Hot Tubs and Fireplaces Full Ocean View Dining | Beach Weddings Just South of the Iconic Pier
10 Local Wineries & Charming Town of Avila Beach
Award-Winning Spa & Yoga Dome 805.595.7302
100 Ocean View Ave. Pismo Beach, CA 805.773.4994 SeaVenture.com
Experience
One-Acre Organic Chef’s Garden Hiking & Biking Trails
Garden Weddings
1215 Avila Beach Drive San Luis Obispo, CA
SycamoreSprings.com
THE AvilA BeAch Golf ResoRt, lOCATEd On CAliFORniA’S CEnTRAl COAST
The Avila Beach Golf Resort is a public course located steps away from Avila’s breathtaking estuary and oceanfront! The onsite restaurant, Mulligans Bar & Grill, offers daily specials for drinks, breakfast and lunch. With four unique venue locations, the Resort presents the ideal spot for your Wedding, Private Event, Concerts and Festivals, and more!
6464 Ana Bay drive, Avila Beach, CA 93424 (805) 595-4000 | info@avilabeachresort.com | www.AvilaBeachResort.com *PHOTO CREdiTS: BlAkE FROM SlOTOGRAPHy (lEFT) & JAkE And nECiA PHOTOGRAPHy (RiGHT)
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Get away } your way
Looking for a little alone time with your sweetie? Encounter the most recommended romantic places and swoon like a local!
Just the Two of Us Day
A
fter breakfast, walk hand-in-hand through the beautiful gardens at the Cal Poly Arboretum. Next, relax with a couples massage at the Spa at Dolphin Bay Resort in Shell Beach. Grab a bottle of wine and food for a romantic picnic at Monta単a de Oro in Los Osos. Stop by Avila Valley Barn to feed the animals and browse the gift shop on your way to dinner at Gardens of Avila at the Sycamore Hot Springs & Resort. End the day with a relaxing soak in a natural spring hot tub nestled in the oaks before bed.
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San Luis Obispo Wine 101 “An Introduction” Photo by PhotoByVivian.com
Being a wine tour owner-operator and sommelier has given me a unique peek behind the scenes of what makes the Central Coast so special. This beautiful area lies just a few hours south of San Francisco, perfectly situated between the City by the Bay and the City of Angels. It contains two distinct wine regions covering more than 32,000 acres of vineyards; each has something exceptional to offer both the novice and serious wine collector. Approachable winemakers and knowledgeable tasting staff throughout the area make for a fun and educational experience.
The diverse Paso Robles wine region has been gaining international recognition, including being named the 2013 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. More than twothirds geographically larger than the Napa Valley, Paso Robles boasts eleven diverse American Viticultural Areas (AVA’s) spread over 42 miles east to west and 32 miles north to south. This area has rainfall variances of up to 30 inches and an elevation that ranges from 700 to 2,400 feet, meaning you can find more than 40 different varietals growing in sand, loam, and calcareous soils. A single region with such a multifaceted climate allows visitors to take a world tour in a single day: Paso Robles varietals range from the Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots to Spanish Tempranillos and Albariños, with many other stops along the way, including Italian reds (Barbera and Montepuciano) and Rhone styles like Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier.
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Some of my most popular stops with tourists and locals alike are the cave tours at Halter Ranch, Eberle, and Justin Wineries, and the architectural gems like Law Estates, Denner, and Shale Oak (a masterpiece in eco-friendly design that captures rainwater and even repurposes corks into purses and bags for sale in their tasting room.) Of course, no wine tour would be complete without lunch, and your options could include a picnic or making a reservation at one of several wineries offering pairings--where chefs create delicious dishes sourced from local farmers’ market vegetables, meats, and cheeses. You can’t go wrong with the crab cakes at Cass Winery, the garlic soup and seared sea scallops at Niner Wine Estates, or the award-winning mac-n-cheese and house-made chips with bloody mary dip at Grey Wolf Cellars. Be sure to check availability! If you travel the back roads of Paso Robles on either the east or west side, you will see more than 1,300 acres of planted olive and walnut trees with multiple tasting opportunities to sample and see that what the region does for grapes, it also does for the flavors of local oils.
Continuing south about 40 minutes down Highway 101 is the quaint San Luis Obispo wine region, a cooler wine-growing area where vineyards are influenced by an early morning marine
layer, sunny days, and afternoon breezes--the perfect growing conditions for French Burgundian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This allows the grapes to ripen, yet hold their acidity--ideal for Burgundy styles. Quality aromatic white wines including Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer are planted here, but 100-year-old Zinfandel vines are also alive and well in Arroyo Grande.
The only thing missing on the Central Coast is
SLO Wine is more than a region, however; it’s a lifestyle. With hiking trails, no drive-through restaurants, and multiple farmers’ markets--the largest one is on Thursday nights in downtown SLO. The area has plenty to do in the evening after a day of wine tasting. The Central Coast is the perfect getaway, where you can visit large, lavish wine estates and small family-owned wineries in the same afternoon. In fact, around here, it’s not uncommon to have a winemaker pour for you and share their passion for handcrafted small lots. Whether you’re visiting Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo, you’re sure to find outstanding wine in a fun and unpretentious atmosphere. With so much to offer, the only thing the Central Coast is missing is you! Laura Jeffrey/Sommelier Owner/Operator/101 Wine Tours
Laura’s wine education began at Cal Poly through the extension program and continued with travels to international wine regions like the Swiss Vaud, Alsace, Champagne, and Burgundy, and Northern Rhone in France.
(805) 874-CORK San Luis Obispo | Paso Robles | Santa Barbara County Custom Private Tours
101winetours.com 5 Star Ratings on Yelp & Trip Advisor Laura Jeffrey owner/sommelier
Wine Tasting | Weddings | Private Events | Catering Experience our rustic outdoor venue among the vines, on-site wedding cooridination and full service catering.
www.casswines.com
7350 Linne Rd., Paso Robles | 805.227.2888 winter/spring 2016
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Experience the SLO Life SanLuisObispoVacations.com
Photos by Mark Nakamura
S
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.
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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. San Luis Obispo’s unusual natural beauty, along with its gentle climate, first attracted the Spanish padres to the area in the
Hand-Crafted Super ! Premium
(805) 474-4068
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Fun and Inventive Flavors!
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Model Train Circling The Parlor!
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.
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 20
& much more...
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
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South of town, a booming wine country has emerged. Some twodozen 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. 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 nearperfect 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 country’s top vacation spots in Runners World magazine.
Road bicyclists can take in gorgeous coastal scenery along SLO’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.
Photos by Vivian Krug
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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 entire city. Irish Hills
Photo by PhotoByVivian.com
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. winter/spring 2016
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Get away } your way
Looking for fun times with the whole fam? Play like a local and check out favored places to take the gang!
Family Adventure Day
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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
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Original Paintings & Fine Art Prints by John Ramos
John Ramos Gallery
Galleries
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San Luis Obispo
he Ramos Gallery features original paintings and fine art prints by California artist John Ramos. The RAMOS GALLERY, now located in the quaint coastal town of Morro Bay, is in the historic building that was once the post office in 1930 for Downtown Morro Bay.
Amnesia 787 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo 805-543-4323 artcentralartsupply.com
The large open gallery space has a framing studio to create beautiful and unique styles that are custom to each piece of artwork. Art by Colleen Gnos “Brunch at Nepenthes”, Big Sur from Oil on Canvas 37” x 18” Lt. ed. Prints Available With almost 100 pieces displayed on the large brick walls the 141 THE RAMOS GALLERY, 407 Morro Bay Blvd. in Downtown Morro Bay, CA Suburban Rd. C4, “small jewels” to large spectacular ocean waves skies, the art of John Ramos captures the Galleryand Hours: Wed.–Sunday 11-5pm 805-772-4200 Online: johnramos.com San Luis Obispo breathtaking WOW moments with his vivid rich colors and crisp details. colleengnos.com John’s inspiration for his paintings comes from “nature, the strong energy of Big Sur and the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean”. Just as much as a sunset or sunrise with the brilliant vibrating colors of the beginning of the day or the ending of another spectacular day on the Central Coast of California, John has been painting here for over 20 years and continues going out on location to find the next breathtaking view. Showing and selling his artwork to people from the US and abroad from his current gallery in the town of Morro Bay has been the best place to showcase his local artwork along with paintings from his travels to exotic tropical places around the world. The RAMOS GALLERY is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am-5pm at 407 Morro Bay Blvd., Exit off Highway 1 at Morro Bay Blvd. to Downtown Morro Bay. Pictures of the Gallery and the entire Ramos Print Collection can be seen online at www.johnramos.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
Original Paintings & Fine Art Prints by John Ramos
“Brunch at Nepenthes”, Big Sur
Oil on Canvas 37” x 18”
Lt. ed. Prints Available
THE RAMOS GALLERY, 407 Morro Bay Blvd. in Downtown Morro Bay, CA Gallery Hours: Wed.–Sunday 11-5pm
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805-772-4200
Online: johnramos.com
Foundation for The Performing Arts Center 550 Dana St. San Luis Obispo 805-541-5401 fpacslo.org
Full Moon Pottery Studio-Gallery 345 Harbor St., Morro Bay 805-772-2890 fullmoonmb.com
Frame Works 339 Marsh St. San Luis Obispo 805-542-9000 sloart.com
Gallery At Marina Square 601 Embarcadero Morro Bay 805-772-4972 galleryatmarinasquare.com
Gallery at the Network 778 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo 805-788-0886 galleryathenetwork.com
John Ramos Gallery 407 Morro Bay Blvd. Morro Bay 805-772-2890 johnramos.com
Gene Francis Gallery 1120 Garden St. San Luis Obispo 805-545-7902 genefrancis.net
Morro Bay Art Association 835 Main St., Morro Bay 805-771-2504 artcentermorrobay.com
Hands Gallery Contemporary Craftsmanship 777 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo 805-543-1921
Native Spirit Gallery 333 Bernardo Ave. Morro Bay 805-772-2571 morrobay.org/native-spiritgallery
Just Looking Gallery 746 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo 805-541-6663 justlookinggallery.com
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art 1010 Broad St. San Luis Obispo 805-543-8562 sloma.org Spirits of Africa Gallery 570 Higuera St. Suite 150, San Luis Obispo 877-688-0156 spiritsofafricagallery.com 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
Art by Colleen Gnos
South County
North Coast
Chris Burkard Gallery 445 1st St. Avila Beach 805-270-3835 chrisburkard.com
By The Bay Gallery 895 Embarcadero. Morro Bay 805-772-5563 bythebaygallery.com
Seaside Gallery 176 Foothill Rd. Pismo Beach 805-295-6386 theseasidegallery.com
Fiona Bleu 900 Embarcadero, Morro Bay 805-772-0541 rowanchasestudio.com
Sayva Creative Art Gallery 65 Landing Passage Avila Beach 805-704-6859 sayvacreativegallery.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
Cayucos Art Association & Cayucos Art Gallery 10 Cayucos Dr., Cayucos 805-995-2049 cayucosart.org
Focus On Nature Photo Gallery 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay 805-772-4972 gallery.focus-on-nature.com Forever Stoked 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay 805-771-9095 foreverstoked.com
Seven Sisters Gallery 601 Embarcadero Morro Bay 805-772-2504 stores.sevensistersgalleryca. com Under The Sea 833 Embarcadero Morro Bay 805-772-4872
North County Heritage Gallery West 840 13th St., Paso Robles 805-227-4676 heritagegallerywest.com
Paso Robles Art Association 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles 805-238-5473 pasoroblesartassociation.org Studios on the Park 1130 Pine St., Paso Robles 805-238-9800 studiosonthepark.org Tobin Reese Fine Art 816 Vine St., Paso Robles 760-537-0772 tobinreese.com winter/spring 2016
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Discover Pismo Beach pismobeach.org
Photos: PhotoByVivian.com
I
n the 1950s Pismo Beach embraced the status of “Clam Capital of the World.” Families and beach revelers by the thousands flocked to the beach with buckets and shovels to harvest clams at low tide then feast on everything from chowder to clam bakes. The clams are not as plentiful today, but Pismo Beach still celebrates their heritage at October’s Clam Festival and takes pride in being a classic beach community offering visitors much to see and do.
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From October through February the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove hosts a photographer’s bonanza of the orange and black butterfly. Over the past five years more than 25,000 Monarchs have wintered in the eucalyptus and cypress trees at the south end of Pismo. Renowned as one of the largest butterfly groves in the nation, they live in dense clusters until they fly away in March.
While Pismo Beach offers beach-play, watersports, kiteflying, or simply strolling on its expansive white sand beach, the community plans visitor-friendly special events all year long. Most activities happen on or near the iconic Pismo Pier. The white-railed wooden pier juts out 1,370-feet into the Pacific Ocean and encourages pubic access fishing and romantic sunrise or sunset walking. Clam Chowder is a must-try at restaurants bordering the pier and recently reconfigured boardwalk. Shop on or near the pier or at the 40 stores nearby at the Pismo Beach Premium Outlet Mall.Â
DAVID and KAREN present Pismo & Shell Beach
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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The Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce (www. pismochamber.com) lists and sells advance tickets online to numerous community events. TASTE of Pismo features 43 wineries and restaurants paired with musical entertainment at Dinosaur Caves. Fireworks highlight a family-friendly pierside July 4th extravaganza. VIP seating and viewing is available and sells out quickly. In October, thousands gather in Pismo Beach for their annual Clam Festival.
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EMOTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY by Vivian Krug Cotton
Numerous beachside hotels and restaurants are sprinkled throughout the cycling and pedestrian-friendly city. Besides the award-winning chowder at Splash Café, cuisine is varied from fine dining at Rosa’s Italian Restaurant and Cracked Crab to casual fare at Mo’s Smokehouse BBQ and long-time family-owned Brad’s Restaurant. Steamers of Pismo hosts noontime meetings of the Pismo/Five Cities Rotary Club each Tuesday and on Thursdays the Rotary Club of Arroyo Grande. The SeaVenture Beach Resort and Restaurant might be the pick stay during the Clam Festival with Chef Casey Walcott cooking up a traditional clam bake in nearby sandpits.
art | event | family | pets commercial | real estate | business photobyvivian@gmail.com facebook.com/Emotions photobyvivian.com 805.458.3321
Need a special gift for a special someone? Any time is a good time for giving.
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We Buy GOLD & DIAMONDS Hours: Tue - Fri 10AM - 6PM, Sat 10AM - 5PM
805.473.1360
857 Oak Park Blvd, Pismo Beach (located in the Ross shopping center)
Photos: PhotoByVivian.com
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because
them at home. we can’t bear to leave
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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
Hotels and Motels
Creekside Bed & Breakfast Inn 5325 Vineyard Dr. Paso Robles (805) 227-6585
Avila La Fonda 101 San Miguel St. Avila Beach (805) 595-1700
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
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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
Cambria Pines Lodge 2905 Burton Dr., Cambria (805) 927-4200 Cayucos Beach Inn 333 South Ocean Ave. Cayucos (805) 995-2828
Cliffs Resort 2757 Shell Beach Road REVEAL the central coast of california
Pismo Beach (805) 773-5000
Morro Bay (805) 772-1465
Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa 2727 Shell Beach Rd, Unit 131, Pismo Beach (805) 773-5003
Blue Sky Bistro 699 Embarcadero, Morro Bay (805) 772-8988
Creekside Inn 2618 Main Street, Cambria (805) 927-4021
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 Pismo Lighthouse Suites 2411 Price Street , Pismo Beach (805) 773-2411
Sea Otter Inn 6656 Moonstone Beach Dr. Cambria (805) 927-5888
Cafes/Restaurants Bayside Cafe 10 State Park Road
Big Sky Cafe 1121 Broad St. San Luis Obispo (805) 545-5401
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 Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab (they have Doggie Discs) 860 Higuera St San Luis Obispo (805) 548-1986 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 Phone (805) 473-3467
Frankie’s & Lola’s Front Street Café 1154 Front Street, Morro Bay (805) 771-9306
Marisol at the Cliffs 2757 Shell Beach Rd. Pismo Beach (800) 826-7827
Hoppe’s Bistro & Wine Bar 78 North Ocean Ave. , Cayucos (805) 995-1006
Pappy McGregor’s 11122 Pine St., Paso Robles (805) 238-7070
Giovanni’s Fish Market 1001 Front Street, Morro Bay (805) 772-2123 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 Luna Red 1023 Chorro St. San Luis Obispo (805) 540-5243
Madeline’s 788 Main St., Cambria (805) 927-4175
Mr. Rick’s 404 Front St., Avila Beach (805) 595-7425
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
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 Oceano Dunes State Park (805) 773-7170
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 Black Hill Trail Morro Bay State Park Road Morro Bay
Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail Avila Beach
El Chorro Regional Park 2990 Dairy Creek Rd. Highway 1, San Luis Obispo (805) 781-5930 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
Eos Winery 2300 Airport Way, Paso Robles (805) 591-8050 Moonstone Cellars 801 Main St., Cambria (805) 927-9466
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
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Get away } your way
Perhaps you’re ready for a mellow, low key kinda day. Visit some of the resident’s favorite spots and take it “SLO” like a local!
Slow Down Day
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fter sleeping in at the newly renovated Inn at Morro Bay, grab a drink at Top Coffee then stroll the Estuary Back Bay trail to spot shorebirds, outgoing tides and fishing boats ready to work. Find a Yoga class to join in Old Town Morro Bay and then browse the Cayucos beach for sea glass. Have lunch at Alloco’s Italian Bakery in Cambria. Avoid the crowds to see a first run movie at Bay Theatre in Morro Bay. Time for shopping in downtown SLO before dinner on the patio at Novo Restaurant. Enjoy after dinner drinks and music at Creekside Brewing Company in SLO.
Discover Morro Bay morrobay.org
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his 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 California’s scenic Highway 1, Morro Bay offers an unspoiled slice of California. 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.
Continued, page 34 winter/spring 2016
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adventurer looking for something exciting, sign up for a deep- sea 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. Looking for a more low key adventure? There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to be 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 Sunday 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. For the bird lovers, be sure to bring your binoculars. The Morro Bay National Estuary offers over 250 species of birds to discover.
Bustling Waterfront, Charming Old Town and North Morro Bay Districts
New and Improved Adventure Pass The new Morro Bay Adventure Pass, launched January 2016, offers visitors even more discounts and fun! Originally created to help tourists make the most of their experiences, the pass program has been fine-tuned offering discounts on bicycle, surrey, kayaking, and stand up paddle board rentals, plus other water and land adventures, including wine tasting, all at one low price. Purchase your Adventure Pass online and redeem activity vouchers for three days full days of fun. The Adventure Pass costs $30 for an Individual, $60 per couple, and $90 for the entire Family.
Art and Culture in Morro Bay
Art and culture take center stage in the seaside village of Morro Bay. The Art Center in Morro Bay is one of the largest California Central Coast venues for exhibiting original fine art by local artists, boasting two large galleries. The Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History is regally perched on a hill overlooking 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. 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.
Outdoor Adventures
Whether your adventurous spirit is extreme or serene, you will discover amazing outdoor activities in Morro Bay. For the
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Morro Bay’s waterfront is a hub of activity that attracts tourists from around the world, local residents and anglers alike. 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 steamed crab. Restaurants, wine bars, hotels, and shops abound. 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. Watch the surfers at the Rock, or have a picnic on the beach. Rent a kayak, motorboat or paddleboard and get on the water to explore the bay and appreciate the waterfront from the ocean.
Take a walk up to Old Town, the quaint downtown shopping district a short walk up the hill 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. Hop on the Trolley and head up to North Morro Bay to check out the fabulous beaches that stretch for miles along Estero Bay. A great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner, North Morro Bay offers several destination restaurants, a Thursday afternoon farmers’ market, surf and coffee shops and great parks. Check out the distinctive surf shops, shell shops, home décor shops, wine tasting bars, live music venues and more in this amazing working fishing village.
Morro Bay National Estuary and Museum of Natural History
The Morro Bay Estuary Natural Preserve and its 800-acre wetland are home more than 250 species of land, sea, and shore birds, both migratory and resident and dozens of endangered species. This extensive marsh is located at the mouth of Los Osos Creek that opens out into Morro Bay, and is designated both a state and national estuary. Wildflowers bloom in the spring and green grass and brush cover the hills, offering a seed supply that attracts birds all year-round. Morro Bay hosts the
Winter Bird Festival every January attracting bird watchers and photographers from all over the world.
The great blue herons and the great and snowy egrets roost all year at the Heron and Cormorant Rookery located near the entrance of the museum. You can locate the rookery from the bay by the cluster of barren eucalyptus trees. Or you can view the rookery from the parking lot of the Inn at Morro Bay. You can walk to the site and observe these magnificent birds, watch courtship rituals, nesting habits, and, in spring, adults caring for their young.
The Museum of Natural History - the only one in the California State Park system - opened in 1962. It serves between 45,000 and 50,000 people annually, including 5,000 school children in programs that support California’s required science and social studies standards. The museum offers new state of the art displays focused on the ecology of the Morro Bay Estuary. Entry fees are $3 for adults and free to children 16 and under. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Restaurants, Fresh Seafood, Wine Bars and Craft Beers
With thriving aquaculture and agriculture industries, fresh seafood and locally grown produce are in abundance in Morro Bay. Surrounding farms and vineyards yield a bounty of outstanding organic produce, fresh seafood and award-wining wines served with flair at Morro Bay’s renowned restaurants, wine bars and craft breweries.
prawn cocktails, oysters on the half shell, and more. Looking for craft brews? Look no further. The Libertine Pub offers patrons a cozy atmosphere, live music and an expansive beer selection, a great place to celebrate American Craft Beer Week each May. They focus their brews on barrel aged “wild ales” and offer up to 48 craft beers on tap at all times.
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. There are over 30 hotels and motels to choose from, some featuring free breakfast and convenient amenities such as mini-fridges and microwaves. From May through October, a seasonal trolley runs from the Embarcadero, to Morro Rock, up to Old Town, to the State Parks by the Back Bay Marina, and out to North Morro Bay so there is easy access to anywhere you want to go, no matter where you stay. In fact, the picture-perfect community of Morro Bay is a breeze for hotel guests to navigate thanks to the new free trolley service. The Morro Bay Tourism Bureau (MBTB) has partnered with the city to sponsor the trolley for the busy tourism season starting Memorial Day Weekend and going through the first week of October. Within this partnership, all guests staying at Morro Bay hotels and motels will be able to
Windows on the Water is a well know 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. They also have a fabulous wine and extensive sake list. Dorn’s Original Breakers Cafe on Market Street above the Embarcadero has been a Morro Bay favorite since 1942, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with breathtaking views overlooking the Embarcadero and the bay. They offer fresh seafood, a great brunch and make a mean bloody Mary. Family friendly dining is abundant on the bay as well. At Tognazinni’s Dockside, Too 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 fresh seafood market. The family-friendly Hofbrau der Albatross restaurant offers patioseating 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 over 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. Located on the bay with magnificent views of the harbor, the Morro Bay Wine Seller has been providing exceptional service and a comprehensive selection of local and regional wines to wine enthusiasts from near and far, for taste or purchase, for over a decade. They offer specialty cheeses, olive oils and craft beers to pick up and take with you. If you are looking for a wine bar that offers great food, stop by Stax Wine Bar & Bistro for a bite on the bay. Come relax by a fire on a plush leather couch and choose from over 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,
ride for free. 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, in Morro Bay since 1970. Kids of all ages love the Sub Sea Tours where they can ride around the bay in a semi-submersible boat to get a feeling of what it’s like to be underwater without donning a wetsuit. Rent kayaks or a canoe and watch the kids light up when encountering wildlife like sea otters, pelicans or seals. 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. Jump on the trolley and head up to Morro Strand State Beach and spend the day beach combing, building castles and swimming in the ocean. Don’t miss the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum featuring skateboards and memorabilia from the 1930s to present day. Every member of the family will enjoy Morro Bay no matter your age! The whole family can relax and take in all the natural beauty of this unique fishing village. For more travel information visit http://www.morrobay.org or follow Morro Bay on its Facebook, twitter or Pinterest pages. winter/spring 2016
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Revealing Morro Bay’s Old Town
O
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.
“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.”
Beads by theShop Bay and Garden Shop Beads by the Bay and Garden An Open Door for 43 Years The ONLY Bead and The ONLY Bead and
Garden Shop on theGarden 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 We are a full service bead store! Come see us for all your beading needs, including repairs! Our beautiful secret garden is full of herbs, succulents, and air plants, as well as our new line of garden miniatures!
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 We are a full service bead store! Come see us for all your beading needs, including repairs! Our beautiful secret garden is full of herbs, succulents, and air plants, as well as our new line of garden miniatures!
Coalesce
Books are humanity in print. Barbara Tuchman
Books | Gifts | Cards | Music We are a full service bead store! Come see us for all your beading needs, including repairs! Our beautiful secret garden is full of herbs, succulents, and air plants, as well as our new line of garden miniatures!
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845 Main St., Morro Bay (805) 772-2880 www.coalescebookstore.com
315 Morro Bay Blvd. Morro Bay CA 93442
805-225-1754 Seashells and sawdust is home decor and gift store with a coastal vintage flair. We provide repurposed and refinished furniture as well as Dash and Albert Rugs, lighting, Barr co Candles and many other beautiful lines for your home. Our gifts include baby, woman’s clothing, handmade jewelry and other fun unique items.
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 Aloha-style 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). continued, page 38
Our pieces are finished by hand using the best materials which include Miss Mustard Seed Milkpaint, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Chalk Paint and The Junk Gypsy Chalk Paint.
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Original photography, pottery and paintings by local artists hang at the Morro Bay Art Association (www. a r t c e n t e r m o r r o b a y. c o m ) 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
We’ll see you here... Ruby Dragon is the largest metaphysical center on the Central Coast. Rocks, Crystals, Healers & Readers.
805.772.1100 875 Main Street, Morro Bay | www.RubyDragon.info
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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.
“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
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Pottery made in Morro Bay
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photographer for a family portrait on the beach, we have one available.”
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 oldfashioned barbershop.
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.
Making friends creating memories...
A Historic Favorite of Locals for over 50 years!
899 Main St, Morro Bay, CA 93442
805-772-2525
Where the Locals Eat! SCRAMBLES WAFFLES HOT LUNCHES BEER & WINE Serving Breakfast & Lunch Daily–6:30am- 2:00pm
RESTAURANT & GIFT SHOP
213 Beach St, Morro Bay
805-772-9051
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Get away } your way
You love nature, we love nature too! Enjoy a day of beautiful scenery from land to sea at some of our local top picks.
Photo by Mark Nakamura
Commune with Nature Day
Photo by Vincent Shay
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S
tart the Day with a sunrise hike up Bishop Peak in San Luis Obispo and lunch afterwards at Big Sky Café. Enjoy the afternoon with standup paddle boarding with Avila Beach Paddlesports and then check out the tide pools in Cayucos. Watch the sunset from the beach in Morro Bay and then it’s off to Dorn’s Restaurant for a delicious dinner with a view of the bay.
Photo by PhotoByVivian.com
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3rd he
Annual 20 1
May 14, 2016
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11am–10pm
MISSION PLAZA San Luis Obispo CA
FEATURING: Rebirth Brass Band Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra
Airto Moreira & Eyedentity featuring Diana Purim... and MORE!
SUMMER JAZZ WORKSHOP-July 18-21, 2016 Apply Online Now!
For tickets and details, visit slojazzfest.org America’s jazz and blues station is JAZZED to sponsor SLO Jazz Fest!
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Photo by PhotoByVivian.com
Revealing North County T 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 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.
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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 Arcångel 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.
Spotlight Wineries **Travel east over the Salinas River bridge to talk about “old country” winemaking with the Locatelli family. **West of San Miguel on San Marcos Road is Rabbit Ridge Winery, the home of the Russells, who have been in the winemaking business for more than 35 years in Northern California and Paso Robles.
**Visible from US-101 before you enter the City of Paso Robles is San Marcos Creek Vineyard. The Winters and Morellis recently announced bookings are available to stay in their newly opened sumptuous Reale Leone Inn suites adjacent to their tasting room.
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 midFebruary, 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. Spotlight Wineries
**Downtown meet the fun folks of Frolicking Frog on 12th Street or the intriguing wine collaborators at Paso Underground on Pine Street. **Out on Highway 46 East Gary Eberle of Eberle Winery is one of the founding fathers of the wine region. Don’t miss their haunted cellar cave tours.
**Ask the family why their tasting room is baseball themed at Rio Seco Vineyards & Winery on Union Road, which runs parallel but just south of 46E. The winery produces an outdoor summer barbecue and concert series featuring local favorites. **Continue on Union Road but up the hill to meet family friends at Penman Springs Vineyard, which always has delish wines and just as delish snacks on weekends to compliment every wine tasting palate.
**Where’s the party? Tobin James Winery at Union & 46E is the happening place. **It’s well worth the drive out Linne Road to taste and experience the wines and amazing sculpture gardens of Sculpterra Winery. On Sunday afternoons a variety of local or “on the road” musicians jam courtesy of Songwriters at Play.
**A cluster of wineries border both sides and the back-roads of Highway 46W, including Tooth & Nail Winery, which takes you back to the days of knighthood and King Arthur’s castle. winter/spring 2016
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Photo by Mark Nakamura
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-year-old 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. Spotlight Wineries
**Castoro Cellars’ entry arbor shelters visitors all the way to the tasting room so that one might think they’ve been transported to Tuscany. **Like Castoro, Croad Vineyards & Inn markets their wineries as perfect settings for weddings.
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**Visitors can usually find it at home because Wild Horse Winery & Vineyard has made it to the international marketplace but not all nine (9) varietals found at the tasting room.
**Interested in California railroad history while sipping fine wine, then Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery should be on your list to visit.
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 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 Renaissance-style 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.
Creston
The multi-day Creston Classic Rodeo each September has raised over $160,000 to restore historic buildings and facilities converted for such uses as a volunteer fire department, community center and swimming pool.
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.
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Travel ten miles east of Atascadero on Highway 41 and view numerous ranches with thoroughbred horses grazing. The small community of Creston has become a haven for retired racehorses and stud thoroughbreds. With barely a population of 100, several famous people have owned property near Creston, including writer and Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard who died at his ranch and television game show host, Alex Trebek. For years Creston was the home for the Cardiff Stud Farm, which has since been purchased and converted to an events center for weddings and special events.
Fitness Center Dog Friendly Business Center Conference Room
BREAKFAST - DINNER & PRIVATE EVENTS
BREAKFAST DAILY 7 AM - 10 AM
Spotlight Winery & Zipline Adventure:
Adventure seeking visitors will find five zip lines operated over the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, the oldest continuously operated cattle ranch in California. The zip lines span more than 4,500 combined feet, including a 1,200-foot valley crossing and 1,800-feet viewing of vineyard acreage. By the time the zipline adventure is complete visitors are ready to do what is most commonly done in the Paso Robles Wine Country – yes, visit a tasting room!
Ancient Peaks Winery specializes in artisan wines grown from grapes picked and produced at the Santa Margarita Ranch.
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.
FOR DINNER RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL 805.237.8700
WWW.INDULGERESTAURANT.COM
Enjoy the Paso Robles Wine Country From Horseback
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Cholame
If traveling I-5 South, head west on either H-41 or H-46, which merge barely a mile before reaching Cholame, which might be the most popular stop in San Luis Obispo County besides Hearst Castle. The corridor connects the San Joaquin Valley to the Paso Robles Wine Country. If you stop at the Jack Ranch Café find Hearst Beef and the memorial for James Dean’s high-speed death crash. In 1955 the actor was hitting the prime as a teen idol career and transitioning to an Academy Award-winning actor’s actor. Even Clint Eastwood stopped by to pay his respects while enjoying a hamburger!
Come by to enjoy the Central Coast’s best latte or a one of a kind cup of French Press!
brucoffeehouse.com
805.464.5007
5760 El Camino Real, Atascadero
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by Teri Bayus
Teri’s Top Restaurants
T
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 Santa Barbara county line. 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
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY FROM 3PM-6PM
HAPPY HOUR
3-6pm Mon-Fri 3-6pm Every Day
BEAUTIFUL MORRO BAY
HAPPY HOUR
3-6pm Mon-Fri
BEERS ON TAP WINE LIST FULL BAR APPETIZERS
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.
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
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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 N o g i 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 secure 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. Favorite are 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.
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.
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My #1!
The Spoon Trade Rarely has a new restaurant so captured this fine diners 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 Towne 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, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.
Photos Courtesy of Spoon Trade
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.
A Top Restaurant pick of local foodie Teri Bayus!
Farm to Table Haute Catering River Oaks Venue Weddings & Events
700 Clubhouse Dr. Paso Robles, at River Oaks Golf Course
805.238.3333 Lunch Hours: Tues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat 11am to 2pm Dinner Hours: Tues Wed Thurs & Sun 4pm to 9pm, Fri & Sat until 10pm
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Arroyo Grande arroyogrande.org
A
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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Photos: PhotoByVivian.com
O
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 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 and 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. 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. 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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2015 TOP 5 CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE – Edsmart.org
2015 TOP 25 CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE – Schools.com
CUESTA COLLEGE San Luis Obispo County’s community college
At Cuesta College, you can choose from over 70 associate degrees or nearly 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 we’re consistently ranked as one of the top community colleges in California.
Come take a tour!
(805) 546-3100 52
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Get away } your way
Want to eat at the best local spots? Indulge your cravings at some of our local’s “don’t miss” favorite places to eat!
Local Favorite Eats
Rise & Shine
Bon Temps Creole Café, San Luis Obispo Joe’s Place, Paso Robles La Parisienne French Bakery, Morro Bay Louisa’s Place, San Luis Obispo Penny’s All American Café, Pismo Beach
Bunch O’ Lunch
Branch Street Deli, Arroyo Grande Firestone Grill, (get the tri-tip sandwich), SLO Nois Little Thai Takeout, Los Osos Sylvester’s Burgers, Atascadero, Los Osos, Oceano Taco Temple, Morro Bay
Din-Din
F. McClintock’s, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Shell Beach Guest House Grill, Atascadero Harbor Hut, Morro Bay Taste, San Luis Obispo Raku Ramen, San Luis Obispo
Sweet Treats
Brown Butter Cookie Co., Cayucos, Paso Robles Copper Café at Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo Doc Burnsteins, Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo KravaBowl-Avila Beach, Morro Bay Teaberry Yogurt, San Luis Obispo
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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
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Casitas Estate Arroyo Grande casitasestate.com Cass Winery Paso Robles casswines.com
Cypress Ridge Pavilion Arroyo Grande cypressridge.com Dallidet Adobe San Luis Obispo dallidet.org
EOS Estate Winery Paso Robles eosvintage.com Green Place Estate Arroyo Grande facebook.com/ theheritageestates
Greengate Ranch & Vineyard San Luis Obispo greengateweddings.com Hidden Springs Villa San Luis Obispo weddingslo.com
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Home Sweet Home Cottage & Ranch Templeton hshcottageandranch.com
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort Avila Beach Sycamoresprings.com
Mistura Restaurant Paso Robles misturarestaurants.com
The Gardens at the Peacock Farms Arroyo Grande thegardensatpeacockfarms. com
Justin Winery Paso Robles justinwine.com
Opolo Vineyards Paso Robles opolo.com
San Luis Obispo Golf Country Club San Luis Obispo slocountryclub.com
Santa Margarita Ranch Santa Margarita historicsantamargaritaranch. com Swallow Creek Ranch Cayucos swallowcreekranch.com
Terra Mia Vineyards Paso Robles terramiavineyard.com
The Grace Maralyn Estate & Gardens Atascadero thegracemaralyn.com The Groves on 41 Templeton thegroveson41.com
The Monday Club San Luis Obispo themondayclubslo.org
The River Oaks Pavilion Paso Robles riveroakshotsprings.com
Old Custom House Avila Beach oldcustomhouse.com
Pismo Beach Golf Resort Grover Beach pismoweddings.com
Point San Luis Lighthouse Avila Beach sanluislighthouse.org Sea Venture Beach Hotel & Restaurant Pismo Beach seaventure.com
SeaCrest Hotel Pismo Beach seacrestpismo.com Tooth & Nail Winery Paso Robles toothandnailwinery.com Victorian Estate Arroyo Grande victorianwedding.net
Coastal Avila Beach Golf Resort Avila Beach avilabeachresort.com
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
The Cliff Resort Pismo Beach cliffsresort.com
The Gardens at the Peacock Farms Arroyo Grande thegardensatpeacockfarms.com Ventana Grill Pismo Beach ventanagrill.com
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Calendar of Events January Art & Wine Festival Cambria (CM) seecambria.com Model Railroad Train Show (OD) slomra.org Polar Bear Ocean Dip (CY) visitcayucosca.com Winter Bird Festival (MB) morrobaybirdfestival.org
February
Antique Show (AG) slohomepage.com
BlendFest on the Coast (PR) pasowine.com
Coastal Discovery & Stewardship (SLOC) visitcambriaca.com California Western Monarch Day (PB) monarchbutterfly.org
Taste of Pismo (PB) pismochamber.com
Vintage Paso: Zinfandel & Other (PR) pasowine.com
May
Cambria Chili Cook-Off & Car Show (CM) cambriachamber.org
Strawberry Festival (AG) arroyograndevillage.org
Sea Glass Festival (CY) cayucos-sea-glass-festival.myshopify.com
April
Cambria Fish Fry (CM) cambriachamber.org
Cambria Wildflower Show (CM) ffrpcambria.org
Central Coast Orchid Show (AG) fcos.org Earth Day Food & Wine Festival (TM) earthdayfoodandwine.com Morro Bay City Wide Yard Sale (MB) morrobay.org
Morro Bay Kite Festival (MB) morrobaykitefestival.org
Inspired 5K Fun Run & Expo (SL) inspiredexpos.com
Sculptors Symposium (CM) californiasculptorssymposium.org
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MB = Morro Bay OD = Oceano Dunes PR = Paso Robles PB = Pismo Beach SL = San Luis Obispo
SLO International Film Festival (SL) slofilmfest.org
Western Dance Jamboree (CM) cambriachamber.org
March
AB = Avila Beach AG = Arroyo Grande CY = Cayucos CM = Cambria LO = Los Osos
SLO Marathon (SL) slomarathon.com
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Wine, Waves & Beyond (PB) winewavesandbeyond.com
Avila Beach Tequila Festival (AB) avilabeachresort.com
Avila Beach Blues Festival (AB) otterproductionsinc.com Festival of Beers (AB) californiafestivalofbeers.com Taste of Cambria (CM)
Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Morro Bay Car Show (MB) morrobaycarshow.org May Madness (CY) cayucoschamber.com
Pacific Breeze Concert Series (PB) pismobeach.org Paso Robles Wine Festival (PR) pasowine.com SLO Jazz Festival slojazzfest.org
June Concerts in the Plaza (SLO) downtownslo.com
Concours d â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Elegance Car Show (SL) sanluisobispoconcours.com Central Coast Oyster Festival (AB) centralcoastoysterfestival.com Olive Festival (PR) pasoroblesolivefestival.com
Pacific Breeze Concert Series (PB) pismobeach.org
Pismo Beach Classic Car Show (PB) thepismobeachclassic.com Roll Out the Barrels (EV, AG) slowine.com Vintage Trailer Rally (PB) vintagetrailercamp.com
July
4th of July Parade and Celebration (CY) cayucoschamber.com 4th of July Fireworks Celebration (PB) pismochamber.com Arroyo Grande Car Show (AG) arroyovalleycarclub.org
Central Coast Wine Classic (AB) centralcoastwineclassic.org
Concerts in the Plaza (SLO) downtownslo.com
Avocado & Margarita Festival (MB) avomargfest.com
Pacific Breeze Concert Series (PB) pismobeach.org
Still Frothy Billabong Surf Festival (PB) us.billabong.com
Festival Mozaic (SLOC) festivalmozaic.com
Portuguese Festival (CY) cayucoschamber.com
Pinedorado Days (CM) pinedorado.com
October
Seven Sisters Festival (LO) sevensistersfest.com
Antique Street Faire (CY) cayucoschamber.com
August
Morro Bay Harbor Festival (MB) mbhf.com
Summer Faire (CM) cambriachamber.org
Classic California Golf Invitational (PB) Pismochamber.com Concerts in the Plaza (SLO) downtownslo.com Party on Price (PB) Pismochamber.com
Trading Day, Kids Flea Market & Bike Rodeo (PR) pasoroblesdowntown.org
September
A Taste of Downtown & Arte De Tiza (PR) pasoroblesdowntown.org Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival (AG) agharvestfestival.com
Central Coast Railroad Festival (SLOC) ccrrf.com
Open Studio Tour (SLOC) sloartscouncil.org Oktoberfest (CM) cambriachamber.org
Pismo Beach Clam Festival (PB) pismochamber.com
Scarecrow and Harvest Festival (CM) cambriascarecrows.com
November
Cayucos Car Show (CY) cayucoschamber.com
Christmas Concert & Parade in the Village (AG) agchristmasparade.com Garagiste Wine Festival (PR) californiagaragistes.com
Holiday Extravaganza at Melodrama (OC) americanmelodrama.com Paderewski Festival (PR) paderewskifest.com
Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Harvest on the Coast (AB) slowine.com
December
Christmas at the Hearst Castle (SS) hearstcastle.org Festival of the Trees (CM) cambriachamber.org
Holiday in the Pines (CM) cambriachristmasmarket.com Photos: PhotoByVivian.com
Lighted Boat Parade (MB) morrobayboatparade.com
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Grover Beach groverbeach.org
Photos: PhotoByVivian.com
G
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 and 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 fourwheel-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. 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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AWARD WINNING
GASTRO PUB MENU Craft Cocktails, Local Beers and Wines Live Music, Pub Trivia, Dancing and a lot of carrying on! Winner of Best North County Pub/Bar for eight straight years!
Lunch & Dinner Daily from 11am-9pm Patio Dining All Ages Welcome
–New Times
805.238.7070
1122 Pine St., Paso Robles
Connect with us
PappyMcGregors.com
Fresh. California Style. Mexican
fresh fish•ceviches•over 200 premium tequilas•handmade craft margaritas•cocktails
1244 Park Street I Paso Robles I 805.239.3333 I www.fishgaucho.com I HOURS: M-Th: 3pm-Midnight, Fri-Sun: 11:30am-Midnight
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kevinmain.com 720 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805.547.0662