San Luis Obispo County Visitors Guide

Visitors
Access
San Luis Obispo County
Maps Dining Wine Tasting Attractions Spas Lodging Shopping Calendar of Events
Guide
Fall 2011
Tour art galleries of Morro Bay See monarch butterflies in Pismo Dine at Cielo Mexican Food & Cantina
Visit museums
Explore nature
Meet winemakers
FREE Hat for 1st Time Visitors!
Paso Robles 805-226-0500 Grover Beach 805-474-8500
slopoker.com
*DETAILS AT CASHIERS CAGE. PLAY RESPONSIBLY: 800-GAMBLER
DIRECTIONS INSIDE
FALL 2011
www.slovisitorsguide.com
FALL 2011 3
Ser ved Daily 7am-11am

Buy One Breakfast Get One 1 , /2 Off With pu rchase o
f 2 beve One co rag Not goo upon per table es. . d with to any othe r offer o -go orders, Expires r on holidays. 11/30/1 1.
Now serving delicious, unique and traditional breakfasts at a price that cant be beat!
Also join us for lunch or dinner for amazing seafood entrees. Enjoy a tropical drink in our cozy bar.
Where great atmosphere, food and service will bring you back time & time again!
Voted BEST SEAFOOD ON THE CENTRAL COAST by the locals!
Seafood Restaurant
1500 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande 805.481-FISH (3474)
Summer Hours: June-Sept. Daily 7:00am-10:00pm Fall Hours: Daily 7:00am-9:00pm (til 10pm Fri. & Sat.)
4 FALL 2011 www.slovisitorsguide.com
www.QuarterdeckSeafood.com
Ben Hogan & JanKris Wines
Where Memorable Wines Meet Unforgettable Views
Complimentary Tasting
Located in the renowned Templeton Gap, we invite you to come enjoy our Garden-themed Vineyard Estate serving award-winning wines, friendly ambiance and stunning views.
Daily From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1266 N. Bethel Road, Templeton, CA 93465

ph: 805-434-0319 www.veriscellars.com

FALL 2011 5
PIONEER DAY
Saturday October 8
2011
Saturday, September 17th, 6 pm
81st Annual Paso Robles
Pre-Pioneer Day Dinner Dance Paso Robles Event Center October 8th Pioneer Day Events
Beans cooked in the Park Antique/Classic Cars Judging Heritage Oaks Bank 545 12th St. 8:00 am Childrens Pet Show, 14 years and under City Park Gazebo 8:30 am Little Cowboy/Cowgirl Contest City Park Gazebo 10:00 am Pioneer Day Parade Starts at 17th & Spring St. around City Park 12:00 noon Free Bean Feed, City Park 12:00 noon Carnegie Library/Historical Museum City Park, Opens 12:30 pm Band Concert City Park Gazebo 1:00 pm Gymkhana Paso Robles Event Center 1:00 pm Horseshow Pitching Contest City Park 1:00 pm Pioneer Museum Open to Visitors 1:00 pm Old Gas Engine Show Pioneer Park 1:00 pm Wagon & Tractor Display, Dutch Oven Cookin, Mule Packing Demonstration Pioneer Museum
7:00 am 7:30 am
Featuring Over 70 Antique Tractors & Wagons

For information about Pioneer Day: www.pasoroblespioneerday.org Wade Taylor 805-550-1078, wade@prlandman.com
Designed by ACCESS Publishing
FALL 2011
Check out our Favorite
Places
Visitors
Guide
Published quarterly by: 806 9th St., Suite 2D P.O. Box 631 Paso Robles, CA 93447
Access
Throughout the visitors guide weve printed listings recommending our Favorite Places. Look for restaurants, attractions, shops, museums, spas, golf courses, outWere a door activities, galleries and other places and services that cater to you, the visitor. Weve also highlighted slovisitorsguide.com wineries on our Access maps that are our Favorite Guide Places. Id like Look for this sticker in the to welcome windows of places serving you to San visitors like you. Luis Obispo County! There are so many exciting things to do and see here. Enjoy your time here!
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Visitors
To advertise, call:
805-226-9890 fax 805-226-9892 info@slovisitorsguide.com
Editor & Publisher

Scott D. Brennan
Advertising
Beth Brennan, Karen Battaglia Nona Cantalupo, Lori Gardner, Sally Giordano
Writers & Photographers

Kate Joyce, Ruth Ann Angus, Nick Powell, Scott Loy, Jennifer Brennan, John Crippen, Trisha Butcher
Graphic Designer
Jane Johnson
Submissions Welcome
Scott D, Brennan, Publisher
San Luis Obispo
Hearst Castle
Pismo Beach
Santa Maria
Paso Robles
Atascadero
Santa Cruz
Morro Bay
Monterey
Cambria
Ventura
Cayucos
Mileage Chart
Appoximate driving miles
Santa Barbara
Arroyo Grande
We welcome your stories and calendar events. Fax your submission or press release to 805-226-9892 or email scott@slovisitorsguide.com
Distribution
30,000 copies of the visitors guide are distributed quarterly to over 550 hotels and visitor hot spots. If you would like to distribute copies at your business, call 805-226-9890.
Santa Cruz Monterey Hearst Castle Cambria Paso Robles Atascadero Cayucos Morro Bay San Luis Obispo Pismo Beach Arroyo Grande Santa Maria Santa Barbara Ventura
0 42 176 167 139 151 176 179 167 179 182 199 272 300
42 0 153 144 116 128 139 157 144 156 159 176 250 277
176 153 0 9 37 49 24 29 42 54 70 86 160 187
167 144 9 0 29 39 16 21 34 46 61 78 151 178

139 116 37 29 0 12 23 26 28 40 44 60 122 161
151 128 49 39 12 0 20 17 16 28 32 48 110 149

176 139 24 16 23 20 0 6 19 31 34 50 124 151
179 157 29 21 41 17 6 0 13 25 29 45 119 146
167 144 42 34 28 16 19 13 0 13 16 33 95 133
179 156 54 46 40 28 31 25 13 0 4 20 93 121
182 159 70 61 44 32 34 29 16 4 0 17 90 118
199 176 86 78 60 48 50 45 33 20 17 0 76 103
272 250 160 151 122 110 124 119 95 93 90 76 0 27
300 277 187 178 161 149 151 146 133 121 118 103 27 0
Copyright
All material, text, stories, photos, maps, graphics, etc. herein are copyrighted by the San Luis Obispo County Visitors Guide. No content may be reproduced without the written permission from the publisher.
Memberships
Access Visitors Guide is a proud member of the following organizations: Atascadero Chamber of Commerce Cambria Chamber of Commerce Charles Paddock Zoo Grover Beach Chamber of Commerce Los Osos Chamber of Commerce Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Paso Robles Childrens Museum SLO County VCB Templeton Chamber of Commerce
FALL 2011 7
Park eld
Lake San Antonio

CH OL A
Lake Nacimiento
NA
To Monterey & San Francisco
E
L VA
LE
San Miguel
KE
RD.
Mission
ST
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I EN
To Big Sur
Hearst Castle
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San Simeon
SAN SIMEON BEACH STATE PARK
To Fresno & Bakers eld
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1
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
W.R. HEARST STATE BEACH
Adelaida
ELAIDA AD
Airport
46
Shandon
E S
Paso Robles
VIN EY A
RD
0 1 2 3 4 5 MILES
Cambria
229
41
DR
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46
OL
Templeton
101
Creston To California Valley & Carrizo Plain National Monument
D C R E EK
Harmony
Welcome to
Whale Rock Res.

CAYUCOS STATE BEACH MORRO STRAND STATE BEACH
Atascadero
58
Cayucos
RD.
41
Santa Margarita
Morro Bay
MORRO BAY STATE PARK
LOS O
Morro Rock
Find a map of things to do and see!

PAGE CITY ACTIVITIES
Baywood Park Los
1
VAL L
EY
Cal Poly
Osos
LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST
Santa Margarita Lake

ZO RD. PO
SOS
31 Arroyo Grande 52 Atascadero 45 Cambria 43 Cayucos 41 Baywood Park 36 Morro Bay 62

Paso Robles Pismo Beach/ Avila Beach/ Grover Beach/Oceano Los Osos/
MONTANA DE ORO STATE PARK
. RD
Mission
San Luis Obispo

101
Avila Beach
Airport
Lopez Lake
Point San Luis Lighthouse
Grande Pismo Beach Grover Beach

PISMO STATE BEACH OCEANO DUNES
HUASNA RD.
LO
Shell Beach
Arroyo
227
DR. PEZ
Huasna
Oceano
101
Nipomo
21 Shell Beach/
11 San Luis Obispo
To Santa Barbara & Los
166
Wine tasting
Golf
Whale watching
Hiking trails
Canoe & kayak
Sur ng
Bike trails
Pier
Marina
Fishing charters
Picnic areas
Camping
Horse trails
O -road recreation
FALL 2011
Table of Contents
So Much to See...
REVIEW BY AREA
Arroyo Grande 30 Atascadero 51 Avila Beach 24 Cambria 44 Cayucos 42 Grover Beach 28 Los Osos 41 Morro Bay 35 Nipomo 34 Paso Robles 61 Paso Wine Country 79 Pismo Beach 20 San Luis Obispo 10 San Miguel 75 San Simeon 47 Santa Margarita 50 Templeton 58
HIGHLIGHTS
14
Take a Food Tour
See monarch butterflys
22
Tour Point San Luis Lighthouse
25
Explore Lopez Lake
33
Tour Art Galleries
37
Tour Hearst Castle
47
Take a Guided Hunt
54
Visit a Goat Farm
59
FIND A MAP
City Map Index 8 Paso Wine Country 80 SLO County
Experience Pioneer Day
65
Play and learn at a museum
66
SLO Wine Country 19
Recommended Inns & Hotels 113

Calendar of Events 114
Taste local olive oil
76
Wine Tasting in North County
79
FALL 2011 9
San Luis Obispo

T
There are many things to discover around the city of San Luis Obispo
he city of San Luis Obispo has many faces. It is the seat of county government, a business and shopping center, and a traditional college town. To sample the SLO life, as locals refer to their environment, put on your walking shoes and start at the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa mission, the fifth in the mission chain in California. San Luis Obispo is alive with history and a walk around downtown will expose you to many structures from the early days. Some must sees are the Ah Louis Store at 800 Palm Street. Constructed in 1874, it was the supply station for Chinese laborers who built the railroad tunnels through the mountains of the Cuesta Grade. Sinsheimer store with an iron front, built in 1884, is at 849 Monterey Street. The Jack House at 536 Marsh Street was built in 1875 and is often open for tours. State Historical Landmark Dallidet Adobe at 1185 Pacific Street is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
10 FALL 2011
Visit the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society Museum on Monterey Street where an extensive collection of area artifacts are displayed. The museum is housed in the original Carnegie Library built in 1905 with granite from Bishop Peak, one of the legendary seven sisters. The sisters are a chain of volcanic peaks stretching from the city to the ocean at Morro Bay along Highway 1. Drive across town to visit an architectural wonder, the Madonna Inn. Built by the late rancher, Alex Madonna and his wife, Phyllis, it sits in pink splendor by the side of Highway 101, exit Madonna Road. Horses graze in the white-fenced fields on the property. A quality restaurant is on site and touring the public rooms is a must. You can see the dining room, the wine cellar and be sure not to miss the mens restroom. Even women should take a peek to see the waterfall urinal. The Inn has 109 theme-based rooms and a stay here might have
created by experienced and skilled chef
Antonio Varia
NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE

Antipasti, hand crafted pastas and generous main courses featuring the areas freshest seasonal ingredients. Desserts such as tiramisu or gelato.
Paso Robles 805.237.0600

943 SPRING ST.
San Luis Obispo 805.545.8000

1037 MONTEREY ST.
www.btslo.com
LUNCH: MON-FRI 11:30-2:30 (SLO RESTAURANT CLOSES AT 2 ON THURS.) DINNER: SUN-THU 5:30-9:30, FRI & SAT 5:30-10:00
San Luis Obispo

you sleeping in the Safari Room or the Caveman Chamber or even the Old Mill Room with its own waterfall. A new addition to the property is the convention center where many special events take place. After touring the Madonna Inn drive over to the largest open space in the city, Laguna Lake Park at 504 Madonna Road. Here there are picnic tables and barbecues, large grassy areas, and of course, the lake. Feeding the many domestic and wild ducks and geese is a popular pastime. There is a nice walking trail along the lakeshore and a launching ramp for kayaks and canoes. Boating on the lake is fun, but best done in the morning hours before the winds come up. A visit to California Polytechnic Universitys agricultural center makes for an interesting time. Here there is a full-scale working dairy with Jersey and Holstein cows. There is also the swine unit, horse unit, and chicken house as well as the Cal-Poly farm. Students in the agricultural division supply produce and dairy products to many local families as well as local supermarkets. Plant aficionados will enjoy seeing the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden on Highway 1 at Dairy Creek Road in El Chorro Regional Park. The gardens are a lovely quiet place to stroll or sit and meditate. Mediterranean plantings as well as California Natives are part of the landscape and a new educational facility is on site where a variety of programs take place. For more information, call SLO County Parks at 805-781-5930. By Ruth Ann Angus
0 1/2 MILES 1 Bishops Peak
D. LV LB Cerro HIL OT San Luis FO Peak
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To Paso Robles
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To Los Osos & Baywood Park
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Art Galleries
The Gallery at the Network
Downtow gallery featuring over 40 artists. Heres a fun, convenient way to experience handmade, exceptional artwork by award-winning artists of the central coast. 778 Higuera St., Ste. B, near the mission in San Luis Obispo. www.galleryatthenetwork.com, 805-788-0886
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Mission San Luis Obispo
101
Purveyor of Quality Antiques

Furniture Lamps Silver Pottery Glass Jewelry & Much More!
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DESSERTS PASTRIES BREADS
A NT I
Q U ES O N M O N T E R
1599 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo 805-783-1599

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Laguna Lake
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SOUTH
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A NN DO MA RD.
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San Luis Obispo

For a map of San Luis Obispo area wineries, please see page 19.
R. SA N LUIS D
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BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SEAFOOD

spla afe shc .com spla shb ake r y. c om
AWARD-WINNING CLAM CHOWDER
Cafe & Baker y Cafe 1491 Monterey, SLO 197 Pomeroy, Pismo Beach 544-7567 773-4653 OPEN DAILy At 7AM
CASUAL DINING AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
FALL 2011 11
Voted Best Breakfast 3 Years in a Row
San Luis Obispo
Dining out
Ben Franklins Sandwiches
Over 40 years serving San Luis Obispos biggest and best sandwiches. Also offering a variety of salads, soups plus homemade chili. Going wine tasting? Call in your order ahead for easy pick-up. Daily 9-6, Sundays 10-5. 313 Higuera, San Luis Obispo. www.ben-franklins.com, 805-544-4948
Woodstock Pizza
Voted San Luis Obispos best pizza 22 times! Dine in, take out & delivery. Watch sports on HDTV, play video games & enjoy free WiFi. Open for lunch & dinner till 1 a.m. midweek and 2 a.m. on weekends. 1000 Higuera St. woodstocksslo.com 805-541-4420.
Real Estate
Farrell Smyth, Inc.
Serving the real estate needs of San Luis Obispo County since 1978. Residential, commercial, investment, relocation services, property management and rentals. www.farrellsmyth. com 805-543-2172.
Buona Tavola
Weekday Special
Mention you saw this ad.
10% OFF YOUR ORDER
Antipasti, hand crafted pastas, generous main courses and truly inspired desserts, such as Chef Varias famous tirami su. The highest quality and freshest foods. 1037 Monterey St. Open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Open for dinner 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 805-545-8000.
Shopping
Antiques on Monterey
Offering a wide selection of jewelry, furniture, silver, toys, glassware and many other unique items. Open daily from 11-5:30. Free parking. 1599 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, 805-783-1599.
Cielo Cantina Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
HOME STYLE COOKING 964 Higuera St., Downtown San Luis Obispo 541-0227 www.louisasplace.net
One of the best patios. Try traditional mexican fare, famous butternut squash enchiladas and thier award winning margaritas. Open 7 days a week. Kids menu & sunday brunch. At Mission Plaza downtown, 1023 Chorro St. www.CieloCantina.com 805-545-9001.
Finders Keepers
Fabulous designer fashions at incredible prices. Casual to elegant. Browse through gently used fashions from designers like Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vutton and more. Open Mon. to Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located in the center of downtown at 1124 Garden St. between Marsh & Higuera. www.finderskeepersconsignment.com 805-545-9879.
Creekside Brewing Co.
most wanted
san luis obispos
Enjoy hand-crafted brews and scenic creek side views at this local favorite. Pub-style comfort food, local beers and wines, in addition to a full bar. Banquet room and catering available. Serving lunch and dinner. 1040 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. 805-542-9804.
Louisas Place
Voted Best Breakfast in town. Family-style restaurant serves up a large selection of delicious meals for breakfast and lunch. Come and treat your taste buds. 964 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo. www.louisasplace.net (805) 541-0227.
Mountain Air Sports

The Central Coasts premier retailer of outdoor apparel, equipment, footwear and supplies since 1975. Great selection of hiking books & trail maps. Come by and visit us at the corner of Marsh & Broad streets, 667 Marsh St., Downtown San Luis Obispo. www.mountainairsports.com, 805-543-1676.
Mamas Meatball
Voted SLOs Best Pizza 23 Times!!!

- New Times Readers Polls
Mamas Meatball is a fine Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria serving lunch and dinner. Mamas Meatball has specialized in creating seasonal menus by using only the finest and freshest ingredients. 570 Higuera St. #130. Open daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 805-544-0861.
Tours & Attractions

Central Coast Food Tours
Discover new tastes and the fascinating stories behind them with the Central Coasts premier food tasting tour. Our tours include seven food and beverage tastings (enough for lunch!) and interesting historical and architectural stops along our path. www.CentralCoastFoodTours.Com Tickets at Zerve 800-979-3370
Splash Cafe & Artisan Bakery
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Comfortable, affordable & delicious. Full service bakery. Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 1491 Monterey St. 805-544-7567.
Watch Sports on HD TVs Video Games Free Wi-Fi
1000 Higuera St 805 541-4420
woodstocksslo.com
12 FALL 2011
liv e De
er!
San Luis Obispo
Heavenly dining at Cielo Cantina

W
Experience bold flavors and authentic Mexican atmosphere
ith its red-tile rooftop and adobe exterior, its only fitting that Cielo Cantina, the restaurant that sits across from San Luis Obispos Spanish Mission, should serve Mexican fare in a family-friendly setting. The interior is decorated in the modern style of Mexico City, with subdued earth tones, agave plants in elegant pottery, and intimate paintings of indigenous people on the walls. We wanted to make it casual and welcoming for everybody, said owner Sean Faries. With the location, we get all kinds of patrons tourists, students, families, business people theyre all welcome here. Cielo Cantina is Spanish for sky bar, and the name fits. The creek side patio provides the perfect California dining experience where patrons can immerse themselves in the rich environment, surrounded by lush vegetation and historic architecture, while they munch flavorful food and watch the bustling downtown activity. Add a margarita to the mix, and it sure feels like heaven! Our chef did a fantastic job of taking traditional Mexican cuisine and breathing new life into it with local produce and seafood, said Faries. Our dedication to quality really sets us apart. That sentiment is especially evident in their steaming plate of roasted squash enchiladas served with black beans and rice. This meat-free concoction is a guaranteed hit with vegetarians, but the unique combination of bold flavors is enough to keep even the staunchest carnivores coming back for more. Another favorite is the fiesta salad with plump shrimp, locally grown avocado, olives, and plenty of pico de gallo. Their fajita menu boasts five different options for sizzling spreads of carmelized onions and peppers with chicken, certified Angus steak, halibut, shrimp, or even portabella mushroomes. Theyre made with high quality meat, not leftover bits and pieces hidden in sauce, said Faries. Cielo builds a lot of value into their plates with heaps of hand crafted, deliciously seasoned guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo included with most meals at no extra charge. Entre prices start at $6.50 and peak at just $14, letting patrons get a full meal (usually needing to-go
boxes) without having to break the bank. Weekly specials like Mondays industry night (30 percent off the bill for hotel, restaurant, and winery staff), Taco Tuesdays with $2 tacos and beers, and all day happy hour on Thursday keep the savings coming, and the kids menu manages to provide even better deals. Children can get a small entre, a drink, and a churro with carmel dipping sauce for dessert, all for $5. Our motto is service, service, service, said Faries. We try to make guests feel comfortable, especially if they want to modify the menu to fit their diet or unique tastes. The foods great, but dont forget that Cielo Cantina is also a full service bar. They serve over 50 different tequilas, margaritas, and mixed drinks, and their talented bartenders pour drinks into the early morning hours with DJs spinning dance music Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Theyre the only ones downtown that serve ice blended cocktails for a sweet summer treat. Weve got the largest tequila selection in town, said veteran bartender Chris Lee. We do tequila flights that are a lot like wine tasting. Theres more value and quality taste to some tequilas than most people would think. Faries had a professional tequila sommelier come down and give an instructional course on the finer points of tequila and the agave plant from which its derived so that all of his bartenders could answer any questions and help drinkers get the best experience possible. Aside from the traditional margarita, Cielo serves a prickly pear cocktail made with the puree of a sweet Mexican fruit that looks like a cactus. They also make a skinny margarita that uses Saint Germain instead of Sweet and Sour mix for a cocktail with half the calories. The Perfect Margarita uses fresh squeezed lime juice and premium cointreau, said Faries. Perfect is really an understatement. Its an amazing cocktail. Daring drinkers can try the infamous worm shot, a mescal concoction with a real worm floating inside. Its certainly a memorable experience for a twenty first birthday celebration. The staff will even snap a picture as you swallow the worm and post it online. For quality food and a stimulating atmosphere, visit Cielo Cantina at 1023 Chorro Street by the Mission Plaza. For more information or reservations, call 805-545-9001. Nick Powell
FALL 2011 13
San Luis Obispo
A delicious adventure
W
Take a food tour
hen visiting a foody city like San Luis Obispo, trying to pick a few restaurants that capture the unique spirit of the area can be a daunting task, especially if time is tight and knowledge is lacking. Luckily, theres a new business that takes hungry visitors on a downtown walking tour that guarantees to have everyone leave town feeling like a local. Central Coast Food Tours puts groups of up to twelve people in the capable hands of knowledgeable tour guides and sets them loose on a two mile trek through the vibrant downtown district of what USA Today and Oprah called Americas happiest city. Participants are taken to six to eight food and beverage hot spots with unique styles and flavors that represent the diverse qualities of San Luis Obispo. Most are small, hole-in-the-wall type gems that locals love but that tourists might
Black Sheep Bar and Grills mac and cheese.
easily overlook. Were just local people who love this area and want to share our en-
The GALLERY AT THE NETWORK

Fine Art and Crafts from premier Central Coast Artists
thusiasm with visitors, said Laura Gurreau, who started the business with her husband in April of 2011. We want to shine a light on the back street finds. Each stop on the tour includes a prearranged, snack size serving of the establishments finest offerings. Be prepared to taste decadent truffles, fresh salads, rich olive oils, exotic meats, and much more. All together, theres plenty of food for a full meal (and even takeout boxes), but the fine dining is broken up with easy strolls through interesting neighborhoods, giving
everyone time to digest and make room for more morsels. The food is the obvious star of the show, but the tour includes much more than a list of restaurants and some lunch. Gurreau and her lead tour guide, Jules Durocher, did extensive research with the San Luis Obispo Historical Society to learn about the areas dramatic history and architecture. They also sat down with each of their featured business owners to learn the story behind the food. You really get to know the restaurants, said Durocher. I love
and
778 Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-788-0886 www.galleryatthenetwork.com Distinctive artwork for home, garden and commercial settings www.homeandgardenartlink.com
Take a sT CenTral Coa od Tour! Fo
Discover new tastes and the fascinating stories behind them. Each guided tour includes 6 food tastings and several stops at interesting historical or architectural features on the way.
Check schedule & buy tickets: www.centralcoastfoodtours.com Or Call at: 800-979-3370 twitter.com/ccfoodtours www.slovisitorsguide.com
facebook.com/ccfoodtours
14
FALL 2011
San Luis Obispo

that decorate sharing that their home information and town or poscreating real sibly discover relationships a wonderful with people. restaurant Ever wonder theyd always why most of San known about Luis Obispos but never tried buildings are for one reason made of brick, or another. or why all the The goal houses seem is to entertain to have front people and feed porches? And them some how did local dynamic, prohero and famed Brick-fired pizza at Giuseppes. gressive food, developer Alex said Durocher. Madonna get Its a great activity for tourists, but his start? These questions will be its also perfect for Cal Poly alumni answered along with details about doing reunion get-togethers. Father Junipero Serra and the Its easy to see why it took just a groundbreaking at Mission de San few months for Central Coast Food Luis, Obisbo de Tolosa. Participants Tours to rise to Trip Advisors top will learn how Black Sheep Bar and spot for San Luis Obispo Tours. Grille got its name, and theyll hear Between feeding your stomach and the heartwarming tale of how a feeding your brain, theres not a departed regular got a plaque in a dull moment. The tour guides are table at Jaffa Caf. friendly and helpful, willing to anEven jaded, long term residents swer questions on any topic. Theyll are bound to learn something new help tourists plan their entire vacaabout the many works of public art
Guide Jules Durocher educates the group at Black Sheep Bar and Grill.
tion, offering tips on local activities, hotels, and hikes. Because of the tours busy schedule, guides ask participants to refrain from shopping at any of the stops. However, they do give guests a pamphlet of coupons that people can use after the tour as they meander back to their cars at the end of the day. The company makes regular adjustments to its tours, so theres always something new on the journey. They also do seasonal events
like their summer wine and food pairing that took place every Friday at El Colibri and Spa in Cambria. Be on the look-out for future tours in Paso Robles and possibly a pub crawl in San Luis Obispo. To book your own delicious adventure, go to www.centralcoastfoodtours.com. Reservations are made online only. Tours cost $65 per person, last between two and three hours, and take place in rain or shine. Nick Powell
Hand-crafted ales Pub-style comfort food Scenic patio dining Local wines, Full bar Banquet room Catering available
Mon-Fri 4:00p-6:00p
LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK
Lunch 11:00a-4:00p Dinner 4:00p-9:30p Bar Menu Sun-Wed 11:00am-11:55p, Thu-Sat 11:00a-1:30a
HAPPY HOUR MONDAY
Serving all of San Luis Obispo County since 1978 in Real Estate Sales including: Residential, Commercial, Investment, Relocation Services, Property Management and Rentals.
(805) 543-2172 www.farrellsmyth.com Now with two Real Estate offices to serve you! Main office: 21 Santa Rosa St, Ste. 100, San Luis Obispo AG Branch: 102 E. Branch St, Ste. D, Arroyo Grande
FALL 2011 15
$3 Pint Night
1040 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo 805-542-9804

www.creeksidebrewing.com
San Luis Obispo
Farmers market is a fun festival

vegetables and fruits as compared to what is found at the supermarket, and most are grown pesticide free. Higuera Street between Osos and Nipomo Streets becomes an olfactory heaven with the aroma of barbecue, and vendors offer the best in grilled tri-tip, a specialty of the Central Coast, as well as chicken, ribs, and sausage. Other food booths offer pizza and homemade cookies. You will enjoy the variety of entertainment from belly dancers to rock and folk musicians to gymnasts to high school bands. There is something for everyone. And
an Luis Obispos Farmers Market is not just a market and not just an event, its an institution. Combination produce market and street fair, this Thursday night gathering has much to offer for a summers night stroll. Freshness is the key to the success of every farmers market. Crops are usually picked on either the same day as the market or within a day. Tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, and avocados are offered at their peek ripeness. Variety is another reason to shop at farmers market where you may find several different kinds of
be sure to spot San Luis Obispos mascot, Downtown Brown, a six foot bear who gives out bear hugs and paw shakes. Cars are not allowed on the five blocks of Farmers Market and parking is available in the city parking lots on Palm and Morro as well as street parking on adjacent streets. Watch for the no parking
signs on the meters though. Farmers Market takes place every Thursday except for Thanksgiving or if it is raining. But it never rains in summer in San Luis Obispo so be sure to come out on Thursdays to enjoy the countrys best Farmers Market. For information call (805) 544-9570. Ruth Ann Angus
Dare to be as fabulous on the outside as you are on the inside!

Casual to Elegant
Chanel - Gucci - Prada - Louis Vuitton Michael Kors - Manolo Blahnik - Celine Tods - Twelfth Street - Nanette Lepore Alberto Fermani - Max Mara - True Religion Juicy - Marc Jacobs - Eileen Fisher Donna Karan - Chloe - Tylie
Fabulous Designer Fashions at Incredible Prices!
Apparel EquipmentFootwear
Helping you meet the challenge.
finders keepers
consignment boutique
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
667 Marsh Street Downtown San Luis Obispo (805) 543-1676
Conveniently located in the center of town! 1124 Garden St. - Between Marsh & Higuera - San Luis Obispo 805.545.9879 Or shop online at www.FindersKeepersConsignment.com
16 FALL 2011
Locally owned and Operated for over 30 years! Santa Barbara San Luis Obispo
www.mountainairsports.com
San Luis Obispo
Bubblegum Alley is a sticky situation

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ts a warm spring day and youre walking along a bustling downtown sidewalk when something catches your attention. An aroma, a scent, a fragrance of some kind. What is that unidentifiable odor? You pause, ponder, but cant quite put your finger on it. In fact, youre not even certain if it is a good smell or a bad smell. You decide to investigate. You are, of course, in San Luis Obispo, California strolling down Higuera Street. You have probably just seen a movie, had lunch, and are now carrying several shopping bags. As you approach 733 Higuera you catch your first glimpse. You have just identified the source. Its a wall. Its a wall covered in covered in gum? Thats right, you have just stumbled upon Bubblegum Alley. Bubblegum Alley rivals only The Madonna Inn as the most unusual (and popular) attraction in all of San Luis Obispo. A narrow alley (be careful not to brush up against the sides as you pass through) 15 feet high and 70 feet long that is plastered from bottom to nearly top with every color and variety of chewing gum known to man. There is some disagreement as to how this unassuming byway between two downtown shops came to be covered in gum. Some say it started just after WWII as a San Luis Obispo High graduating class event. Some say it started as a rivalry between the local high school and Cal Poly University in the 1950s. Oh what a simpler time it was, when rivalries were settled by Bubblicious. Whatever the origins, one thing is for sure. This alley of gum represents tradition - much to the delight and disgust of the local citizenry. There are those who see Bubblegum Alley as a dump for the ABC (Already Been Chewed) and think of it as a stain on the clean streets of SLO. But then there are those in the majority who see the wall for what it is a fun, silly, and yes, even gross tradition that draws attention from people all over the world. Bubblegum Alley has appeared on several nationwide television programs, is seen as a good luck charm for area sports teams, and is a popular place to demonstrate love and affection to ones mate, similar to carving your initials in a tree. The walls of the alley act as a canvas, an outlet for creative expression. Many ponder at how some of the higher wads could have possibly been stuck where they are, and only the bravest of artists know for sure. Just take a look at the giant self-portrait high in one corner of a man in sunglasses blowing a giant bubble. A lot of people had to chew a lot of gum to make that larger than life public art piece. There are attractions that one must see to believe. Bubblegum Alley is definitely one of those. When you visit the walls, you may gasp. You may laugh. You will undoubtedly begin to point here and there as you travel up and down the alley. You will find hearts. You will find peace signs and shiny wrappers. You will find pennies and pebbles stuck in the goo. You will take the piece of gum that you are chewing out of your mouth and find the perfect spot. You will become a part of this most unusually awesome tradition, adding to the layers of time, and you may even come back to do it all over again. By Rebecca Ross Klosinski
Luxurious Guest Rooms

Amenities include luxury bedding and pullout sofas, flat screen high-definition televisions with On Demand movies, complimentary high speed Internet, coffee/tea in-room with microwave and refrigerator.
Meeting Spaces
Each of our meeting rooms offer a wide selection of technologically advanced audio/visual equipment and services, appx. 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and full catering services.
Dining & Entertainment

Our Caf offers breakfast and dinner and a happy hour Monday - Friday from 3-6pm.
Photos by Amy Levinsohn, White Wolf Studios
Please ask about Group Discounts.
San Luis Obispo 1605 Calle Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 805-786-4200 Fax 805-786-4210 Marriott.com/SBPCY
FALL 2011 17
San Luis Obispo & South County Wine Tasting
Laetitia Vineyards Home of Diversity

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ts the only place on the Central Coast where sparkling wine is produced, but that isnt the whole story about Laetitia Vineyard and Winery. When you walk into the tasting room you cant miss the two huge Coquard presses in the adjacent room. Laetitia is the only winery in the United States to have these rare European wooden-basket wine presses that are manufactured by the Coquard Company of France. Using these, Laetitia makes sparkling wine according to the Methode Champnoise, the authentic French method that puts that famous sparkle into the beverage. During harvest time guests are invited to take off their shoes and get into the large presses to stomp the grapes, I Love Lucy style. Bubbles, or CO2, are the most important thing about sparkling wine and there are four methods of getting those bubbles into the
Laetitia Vineyards tasting room.
wine. It can be injected, just like it is in soda drinks, but the fizz doesnt last long. There is an Italian method called Charmat that allows for smaller, long-lasting bubbles, and there is a transfer method. But the original French method is the supreme one and has produced award winning champagne for many years. However, the designation champagne cannot be used outside of the Champagne region of France, thus all others are referred to as sparkling wine. You might think producing sparkling wine would be enough,
but the owners and the winemakers at Laetitia believe in diversity and offer a full complement of fine wines including white wines such as Chardonnay, Rousanne, and Riesling and red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Two related winemakers are responsible for all the products. Dave Hickey has been the sparkling wine producer since 1999 and was apprentice with Maison Deutz, under the former owner of the winery, since the early 80s. His son, Eric, joined him, working in the cellar while in high
san
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5450-B Edna Rd. (Hwy 227), San Luis Obispo 805-546-8669

Fri-Sun 11-6 Drop-ins Welcome! www.autrycellars.com
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Come learn about wine from the source Meet the Winemaker Join us for the Grand OpeninG of our new Tasting room!
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San Luis Obispo & South County Wine Tasting

To Paso Robles To Morro Bay
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school, and in 1994 became Cellar Master at Maison Deutz. Eric studied winemaking at UC Davis and after new owners bought the winery, he was named winemaker over the still wine program. Laetitia Vineyards was purchased by Selim Zilkha, an entrepreneur who was born in Baghdad and has lived in Egypt, Lebanon, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He founded the Mothercare retail chain in the United Kingdom as well as Zilkha Renewable Energy, a wind power development company with his son. He became interested in the wine industry and purchased both Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard and Laetitia Vineyards. His daughter Nadia is Executive Vice President and has her own line of wines. Pinot Noir grapes comprise a majority of the plantings at the Laetitia Estate along with Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Tempranillo, and Riesling that enjoy the cooler climate of the Arroyo Grande Valley. The Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard label utilizes grapes grown in the Santa Barbara Mountains at 3,200 feet above sea level. Here there are warm, sunny days that lend themselves to quality grapes of both red and white Rhone varietals. Farming methods under the care of Lino Bozzano have resulted in Laetitia and Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyards being awarded certification by the Sustainability in Practice (SIP) program. Rather than using chemicals and pesticides for weed control, goats are employed to browse the areas between the vines. The goats are watched over by Lucky the llama, who also helps out with grazing. Bio fuels are used in the tractors and rose bushes are
Avila Beach Spyglass Park
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Pismo Beach Winery

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planted at the end of the vineyard rows to attract insects away from the fruit. Grapes are picked at their optimal times and teams of pickers move down the rows hand picking the grapes. Laetitia Vineyards produces seven different sparkling French Coquard press. wines with the best being their Brut Cuvee and Brut Rose. Between Laetitia, Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard and Nadia labels, more than 30 different varieties are offered. When you visit the winery you will drive
up the hill past rows and rows of Pinot Noir vines to reach the tasting room. Outside is a fountain with picnic tables under the shade trees. A bocce ball court is available and there is a lovely walking trail. Laetitia provides van pick up for guests staying at the Cliffs, Dolphin Bay, Spyglass, Seacrest, Sea Venture, and Sandcastle Resorts, which includes free wine tasting of five selections. There are a number of events throughout the year such as Roll Out the Barrels in May, and the SLO Vintners Harvest Celebration in November. Guests get to ride through the vineyard in gondola cars for tours. Laetitia means joy and happiness and an afternoon spent tasting the diversity of these wines is guaranteed to give you joy and make you happy. Ruth Ann Angus
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Baileyana & Tangent Tolosa Autry Cellars Saucelito Canyon Ortman DLE RD. BID CH
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Pismo Beach
Shell Beach & Oceano
he beach cities of Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, Oceano and Grover Beach run along the coast connected by first Highway 101 and then Highway 1. It is difficult to tell where one city ends and the next begins. The four cities attract visitors year round for their proximity to the ocean and the variety of activities individuals and families can enjoy. The main attractions in Shell Beach are the vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Drive down to Ocean Boulevard where parking and a set of stairs provide access to the sandy beach below. Theres a perfect lookout gazebo in Margo Dodd park. Take a picnic basket and enjoy breathtaking sunset views. Fishermen love to cast lines from the stretch of cliffs. Also popular in Shell Beach is kayaking.
RVs every week. You can rent and ride dune buggies and ATVs on the beach and enjoy riding for the entire afternoon. There is a small cost per vehicle to drive on the beach and it is recommended you have a larger vehicle before attempting to drive on the dry sand; you dont want to get stuck in the dunes.
Pennys All American Cafe
Dinosaur Caves Park
Proudly serving delicious food for over 9 years. This family owned business enjoys making their customers smile. Come in and enjoy the best breakfast by the beach or try out the new summer dinners. 1053 Price Street, Pismo Beach, www.pennysallamerican.com, 805-773-3776.
Located at the corner of Cliff Street and Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach. This 11-acre park is popular with walkers, photographers, dog lovers, joggers and fishing enthusiasts. Observe dolphins, whales, sea otters and other sea life as well as sea and shore birds such as gulls, cormorants, and Peregrine falcons.
Splash Caf
This restaurant is a must-stop and is popular with the locals. There is often a line out the door to get clam chowder in a bread bowl. Pismo Beach is called the Clam Capital of the World, so you shouldnt leave without trying a bowl. 197 Pomeroy, Pismo Beach. 805-773-4653.
Tours & Attractions

Pismo Beach Pier
This 1,200-foot pier is a major fishing attraction. For serious recreation, try kayaking, surfing, or scuba diving. For a more relaxed afternoon walk the pier and then head to the downtown area for shopping. Thousands flock to the Oceano Dunes State Recreational Park to camp along the ocean in tents and
Dining Out
Mamas Meatball
Fine Italian cuisine at great prices. A casual, family-run restaurant serving home-style Italian cuisine, using only the finest and the freshest local ingredients at an affordable price. 325 Pier Ave., Oceano. 805-473-2383.
Outdoor Activities
Seaweed Express
Welcome aboard the Seaweed Express, a fast pace adventure boat tour. Visit sea otters, dolphins, whales, sea lions and jellyfish. Float through our rugged coastline and explore Mermaids Lair, Pirates Cave and Fossil Point. Located at Port San Luis. www.seaweedxps.com. 805-703-0397.
Oceano Dunes
Old Juans Cantina
Mexican never tasted so good. Try the Sunday Ranchero breakfast. Hwy 1 & Pier Ave., Oceano Beach. 805-489-5680.
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Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Oceano

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Dinosaur Caves Park Prime Outlets at Pismo Beach
A crowd of surfers can frequently be seen just off the Pismo Beach Pier.
Shopping
Thomas Kinkade Gallery
A showcase of Thomas Kinkades famous works both new and classic. Ask to see his lesser known pieces as well. Experience the many beautiful styles of Kinkades artwork. 500 Cypress St., Pismo Beach. 805-773-9424.
Beach Cities
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Always changing and affordable original paintings, sculpture and gicle art by local and globallyacclaimed artists presented for sale in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Fine art in the heart of Pismo Beach. Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 580 Cypress Street, Pismo Beach, www.theseasidegallery.com, 805-773-8057.
Pismo Pier
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Vino Versato - The Wine Pour
Offering wine tasting flights, glasses and bottles for purchase in a fun and upbeat atmosphere. Our wine flights are hand-poured with an emphasis on local boutique productions. Three beers on tap, specialty pints, weekly Happy Hour and live music on the weekends. www.vinoversato.com, 781 Price Street, Pismo Beach, www.vinoversato.com, 805-295-6622.Salons & Spas
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Beverly Hillbillies
Murder Mystery
Murder Mystery Parodies

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REUNION now - Sept 4 Sundays 5pm Oct 2 - nov 6 Sundays 5pm SpyglaSS ReStauRant Shell BeaCh
Call or visit our website for other locations/dates.
Reservations & Info 805-489-3875

www.murderinmind.com
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FALL 2011 21
The mighty monarchs
Pismo Beach hosts the largest monarch butterfly colony from Oct.-Feb.
Go see the butterflies
onarch butterflies make one of the most incredible journeys from as far away as Canada, across the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada range to winter in balmy Pismo Beach. In late spring they take wing again and head back north and during the trip mating occurs. Several generations are born and die before a return trek is made. A monarchs life span is short about nine months. Some of the great-great-great grandchildren of the butterflies that are at Pismo Beach now will return next fall. Monarchs are well known as long distance travelers and cover up to 265 miles a day on their journeys. Some travel as much as 1000 miles to reach their destination. Its a mystery to scientists why the monarchs return to the same
To reach the grove from U.S. 101 exit at Price Street in Pismo Beach. Travel north on Price for 25 yards to Ocean View Avenue, then left one block to Dolliver Street (Highway 1). Go left for one mile. Pismo State Beach North Beach Campground will be on the right. You may drive into the campground and park in campsite #78. There are signs to the grove. Additional parking can be found adjacent to the grove entrance on Highway 1.
wintering sites, but this Pismo location has become the largest colony of monarch butterflies in the
Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce
Voted 2007 Business of the Year

Happy Hour Beer & Wine
For Delivery Call 805-473-3916
country. While population figures fluctuate and have decreased from historical times, an average 75,000 butterflies come to Pismo each year. Recent years have seen only 23,000 compared to 230,000 in 1990-91. This decline in numbers is of concern to the scientific community and special tagging programs have been carried out for years now to study the butterflies. In the grove you will see clumps of insects suspended like Japanese lanterns from the branches of the trees. They look like paper grocery bags hanging with only the underside of their wings showing. Every now and then a flash of
bright orange and black will show as one butterfly in the group will flex his wings. Once warmed by the sun the colorful insects often burst out all at once in a massive flight of hundreds of wings. The Central Coast Natural History Association has a docent trailer on site and volunteers docents are on hand every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special talks explaining the life cycle of the Monarchs are held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. At the trailer you can purchase postcards, t-shirts, jewelry, educational books and brochures and many other butterfly souvenirs. A visit to the Central Coast at this time is not complete without a stop at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove.
1053 Price Street Pismo Beach 805-773-3776

www.pennysallamerican.com DAILY 6AM-2PM
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FALL 2011
Vino Versato is a Pismo Beach favorite

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he latest trendy thing for wine aficionados to do is to visit wine bars and Vino Versato in Pismo Beach is one of the best. You wont find the typical bar scene here. This small boutique wine bar is where elegance and sophistication reign. We believe in supporting our local vendors, Cindy Giovacchini says, and in so doing she and her partner Johnna Bramblett only offer you exclusive hand poured wine selections. They offer $5 wine tasting flights, glasses and bottle for purchase and three beers on tap and an array of specialty pints in a fun and upbeat atmosphere. They feature a list upwards of 45 wines with emphasis on local boutique producers under 400 cases. We put a lot of effort into finding exceptional wines that are rarely seen by the public, says Johnna. We enjoy introducing people to great vintners like these, Cindy to Billie Holiday. Appetizers include spicy black bean dip with parmesan crisps and nuts, cappocolla, salame, prosciutto with double cream gouda and French blue cheese, and the decadent Belgian chocolate pudding with chocolate wafers and French truffles. Yum! Entertainment includes local favorites like Tim Jackson, Dave Miller and Michael Nunez every Friday and Saturday evening. You can keep up with special events at Vino Versato on Facebook. Located at 781 Price Street in Pismo Beach, they are open Monday to Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., but closed on Tuesday, and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Ruth Ann Angus
A cozy outdoor patio encourages socializing.
Addams Family Reunion murder mystery

Join Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday and Uncle Fester as they host their annual family reunion. But wheres Pugsley? Its an interactive murder mystery parody that opens Sunday, October 2 and runs every Sunday at 5pm through November 6 at the Spyglass Inn Restaurant in Shell Beach. The price is $48.95 per person which includes the show, dinner, tax and wait staff gratuities. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes. For more information call Murder In Mind Productions, (805)489-3875
said, from day one on we have had regulars. The owners were so appreciative of these loyal patrons that some of them have earned their own exclusive bar chair with their name emblazoned on the back. Other customers are jealous, Cindy said, and want their name on a chair too. She may have to consider placing names on the little round bistro tables. Every Wednesday night from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. is Winemaker Wednesday where you will meet the winemaker, taste the selections, and learn about the wines. Some of the recent winemakers participating were from Mc Keon-Phillips, by winemaker Ardison Phillips of Santa Maria, Red Zeppelin of Paso Robles by winemaker Stillman Brown, and Core Wine Company of Santa Maria by winemakers Dave and Becky Corey. There is seating inside and outside on the patio where you can sip your wine or beer and people watch on Pismos Restaurant Row. There is a European feel to the black, silver and pink dcor of the shop. The pink does double duty as the owners are supportive of breast cancer awareness having had friends afflicted with this disease. Pink is the representative color for breast cancer. Vino Versato celebrates wine, women, and song and men enjoy this ambiance too. One of the best deals is the 5 at 5 offering where from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. you get a $5 glass of premium wine and $5 appetizer of your choice while listening to recorded musical selections that range from Andrea Bocelli

Pismos Newest, Hippest, Wine Bar & Tasting Experience
Vino Versato
Local Boutique Wines Live Music Thur, Fri, & Sat
781 Price St., Pismo Beach (Next to Cracked Crab) vinoversato.com Mon-Sat 3-9p Closed Sun
805-295-6622
FALL 2011 23
Avila Beach
ituated off the beaten path of Highway 101 and Highway 1, Avila Beach is set back from the rest of the beach communities. The small town rests in a bay at the mouth of Diablo Canyon and is a great place to go for a nice afternoon or evening out.
The restaurant has an unobstructed view of the ocean and has terrific seafood, but go prepared to pay market price. 805-595-9422.
Golf Courses
Avila Beach Golf Resort
Overlooking the bay, the Avila Beach Golf Resort includes a par 71, 6500yard championship course. The front nine is situated within oak-lined valleys, while the back nine transverses a tidal estuary. Golfers will enjoy this challenging, scenic course. www. avilabeachresort.com, 6464 Ana Bay Dr., 805-595-4000.
boutique clothing store specializing in womens fashions and accessories. Carrying such brands as Juicy Couture, Free People, Level 99, and Rebel Yell. New and exciting styles of clothing come in weekly. 425 First St. 805-439-1926.
Technologies. Just 4 miles from Pismo. 55 Front St., www.spaAvila.com 805-540-5061.
Wine Tasting
Alapay Cellars
Alapay continues to earn highest honors for their premium boutique wines. One block from the ocean is the basement level tasting room. This tasting bar is splashed with bright colors and hosts a giant salt water aquarium, wine accessories and beach related gifts. 415 First St. www.AlapayCellars.com 805-595-2632.
Dining Out
Gardens of Avila
Serving the finest in fresh California fusion cuisine. Romantic, intimate setting. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Try renting a hot tub before or after your meal. 1215 Avila Beach Dr. at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. 805-595-7302.
Spas & Salons

The Spa Central Coast
Located at Avila Lighthouse Suites, you will find a full service day spa, offering facials, massage, far infrared sauna, couples treatments, waxing, Sun FX tanning and body wraps. Products by Bare Minerals, Aveda and Spa
The Grill Avila Beach
Hot Springs
Sycamore Springs Resort
All rooms/suites with private hot tubs. Top-rated spa and wellness center offers a wide variety of massages and facials. Hourly hillside hot tub rentals. Daily yoga, Pilates, tai chi classes, hiking. Gardens of Avila Restaurant. 1215 Avila Beach Dr. 800-234-5831.
Located at the Avila Beach Golf Resort, The Grill offers seasonal, locallysourced cuisine with unforgettable Pacific Ocean views. Whether youre looking for a casual lunch, cocktails on the patio or an intimate fire-side dinner, The Grill is the perfect place. www.avilabeachresort.com, 6464 Ana Bay Drive, Avila Beach, 805-595-4001
featuring... Facials Massage Couples Room Body Treatments Mineral Spray Tan, and more
SLO COuntyS Premier Day SPa
Proudly Offering In-Room Massage at all South County Hotels/Resorts
Olde Port Inn
Fine dining. Stay on Avila Beach Dr. until the end. Inn is at the end of the pier. Fresh fish market nearby. Take some fresh seafood home to enjoy.
Shopping
Avila Couture Clothing Co.
Shop beautiful downtown Avila Beach! A unique and upscale
550 Front St., Avila Beach 805-540-5061
www.SpaAvila.com
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FALL 2011
Avila Beach
Sentinel of the sea

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Tour Point San Luis Lighthouse
ometimes called the San Luis Obispo Lighthouse, it stands on a bold headland overlooking the Pacific, not far from the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, the Point San Luis Lighthouse, and thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, it is now open for public tours. The need for a lighthouse here became obvious during the late 1800s when Port Harford had hundreds of ships coming in. The well known fog of the Central Coast made navigation along the rocky shoreline hazardous and eventually construction began on the Prairie Victorian model lighthouse and was completed in June of 1890. In 1974 the Coast Guard decommissioned the station and it fell into disrepair. In 1995 the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers formed to save the structure and return it to its former glory. This project included repairing an old wagon road which was the only land access to the site and was barely passable. That road is now paved and although quite narrow, is used for the van and trolley tours out to the point. On a sunny Saturday morning a group climbed aboard Lucy the trolley and soon found out that among the guests was Mary Alviso Gandsey of Templeton, niece of one of the last lighthouse keepers, Robert Moorefield. This would mark the first time Mary had returned to the light station since spending summers there during the early 1940s. After passing through the heavily guarded gates of Diablo, we drove up the long winding road fearful of the edge but overwhelmed by the beauty of the area. At each curve another scene greeted us Avila Bay, the yacht harbor, Harford Pier, and the wide expanse of the Pacific. We were reminded by our guide
Continued on page 26
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Avila Beach
Continued from page 25
that in early days horses pulling wagons traveled in to the lighthouse this way. And finally there it was, the Point San Luis Lighthouse. Our tour started in the Horn House where we learned that this was a whistle house for the 10-inch fog whistle that was used before there were fog horns. This demanded a full head of steam in the boiler house before it could be blown. Later it was replaced by a two-tone diaphone horn. That original foghorn is gone but the two that followed and replaced it are still in the building. The older of the two, dating from 1924, is refurbished and is on display. When the foghorn blew, it was so loud it shook the building, our guide said, and rattled the windows. So every 30 seconds when it blew everyone who worked in that building stopped talking. When these same folks went into town to visit the saloon, others noticed that they spoke with a pause in their speech every 30 seconds. Housed in the Horn House is the original fourth order Fresnel
lens that was used to send a white flash of light every 30 seconds followed by a red flash of light. The lens is 132 years old and was lit by a kerosene lamp. It was brought over from France in 1878 and cost $2000 to ship. Keepers worked in four hour shifts keeping the light lit. During restoration of the buildings an original wick was found in the walls apparently stolen and hidden by an industrious pack rat. The wick is now on display with the lens. Next we toured the lighthouse itself and an impressive structure it is. A climb up the narThis Fresnel lens is 132 years old and was lit by row twisting stairwell a kerosene lamp. brought us to the lamp All of the rooms are now house where we could restored with period furniture see a 360 degree view. including a magnificent stove in the The Head Keeper and his family kitchen. In the parlor and bedrooms lived in the rooms connected to the are coal fireplaces with slate surlamp house tower. rounds that were finished to look like marble. The restoration crew has a painter who was able to finish the slate on the parlor fireplace to match the original mantle. The San Luis Historical Society and the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Chapter of the Questers have been instrumental in helping with supplying furniture from the 1890s period and many local residents have brought back items that had been removed from the home. Upstairs are three bedrooms, one of which belonged to Lucy, stepdaughter of Keeper, Robert Moorefield and Mary Gandseys
cousin. Mary related some of the summertime adventures they had shared as children and what it was like to live at a remote light station. At one time a double keepers dwelling was on the property where the first and second assistant keepers and their families lived. This was torn down by the Coast Guard and replaced with a duplex that is being restored and will become a Visitor Center. There was also a coal shed and an oil house where the kerosene for the lamp was stored as well as whale oil and two 50-gallon cisterns to catch and store rainwater. One of the two original privies is also on the site. Soon it was time for us to get back on the trolley which was donated by the City of Morro Bay and we now understood why the trolley had been renamed Lucy after Lucy Brohard who only recently passed away. Once again we enjoyed the vistas on our return trip down the road and all of us commented, where else could we travel two miles to go back 100 years in time to a period when tending the light meant the difference between death in a stormed tossed ocean or transit to a safe harbor for ships coming to the Central Coast. You can experience this fine docent led tour every first and third Saturday of the month when both trolley and van tours are available. The fare is $20 per person and trips leave at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. with return trips on the half hour. No pets and no smoking allowed. There is also a hiking trail to the lighthouse and docent led tours by the trail cost $5. For reservations call 805-5405771. Ruth Ann Angus
Award-winning Italian-style Wines in a fun beach setting

2 TasTings for The Price of 1*
76 Landing Passage, Avila Beach
Open Daily 12-6
*with this ad.
805.627.1443 www.morovino.com www.slovisitorsguide.com
(Across from the parking lot)
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Avila Beach
Avila Couture brings high fashion to Avila Beach

A
new addition to the thriving downtown Avila Beach business district opened at 425 1st Street, across from the Avila La Fonda Hotel and next door to Alapay Cellars tasting room. Avila Couture Clothing Company, a unique and upscale boutique clothing store specializing in womens fashions, is owned by Rebecca Remmengaco-owner of Alapay Cellars. Realizing a dream Rebecca has had for a number of years, the boutique has been elaborately decorated (yes, there are even pink chandeliers) and is carrying popular brands such Rebecca Remmenga has opened Avila Couture Clothing Company. as Juicy Couture, Free People, Level 99, BB Dakota, Gypsy 05, One Teaspoon, and Rebel Yell and in Fresno prior to settling in Avila you no longer have to drive to Santa apparel plus accessories. Beach in 2001. Having met and Barbara for these wonderful clothIm really excited about openmarried her husband Scott, the two ing lines and brand names! ing the store! says Rebecca. The of them have grown Alapay Cellars Mrs. Remmenga is no stranger feedback has been really positive to the business and community ser- winery to its current case capacity from day one. Were filling a niche vice world; she was the former Sales of nearly 6000 cases annually. that was missing in Avila Beach plus, Manager for a leading radio station In 2007, Rebecca was named one of the top 50 Women in Business on the Central Coast by the Pacific Coast Business Times magazine. In 2008, she was named one of the Top 20 under 40, by the SLO Tribune newspaper. Additionally, she played an important part in the extensive remodel of the Avila Community Center, serving as the Treasurer from 2003-2008. The Avila Couture Clothing Company is open Monday thru Thursday from 10:30am6:00pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30am to 7:00pm, closed on Sundays. New and exciting styles of clothing are coming in weekly, with the addition of sizes to accommodate the more full figured women. Rebecca and her staff look forward to the upcoming busy summer season, serving both local residents and visitors alike with a fun and unique shopping experience.
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15
Taste Award-Winning Wines at the Beach
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415 First St., Downtown Avila Beach 805.595.2632 Open 10:30am-6pm Daily
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Come on in... the Waters WINE
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Owner Rebecca Remmenga
425 1st St., Avila Beach ~ 805-439-1925

FALL 2011 27
Grover Beach
G
rover Beach is an outdoor lovers dream that offers numerous recreational activities. It also offers dining, night life and a card room. The town rests between Pismo Beach, Oceano and Arroyo Grande. The town, which covers a roughly two mile area and has streets named after popular beachside resorts, has parks for visitors to take in the great weather year round. You can drive along the beach in your car, truck or ATV, or rent one. Or you can ride horses on the coastline. Grover Beach hosts the only train station for the Beach Cities and has a Visitors Center there at 180 Hwy. 1. This is one of the last affordable beach towns for buying real estate. It has been called an up and coming Santa Cruz or Malibu. Hilton is constructing a new hotel soon and a convention center is being planned.
Dont miss the hidden gems, dunes, golf and parks of this laid-back beach town
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Park
Located at the end of Grand Avenue. This is undeniably one of Grover Beachs main attractions. Thousands flock to the Oceano Dunes State Recreational Park to camp along the ocean in tents and RVs every week. You can rent and ride dune buggies and ATVs on the beach and enjoy riding for the entire afternoon. There is a small cost per vehicle to drive on the beach. Several ATV rental shops are located within Grover Beach. See details on page 33. Overnight camping is allowed on the beach and scenic boardwalk leads visitors to the Monarch Butterfly Grove in nearby Pismo Beach. This nine-hole executive course is located within feet of the ocean. 27 par. Open dawn to dusk daily. The course also offers a great seaside location, which means golfers rarely get too warm, said
owner Bruce Van Vort. We can almost guarantee a perfect golf day. 9 La Sage Drive, Grover Beach 805-481-5215.
Parks
S.C. Skate Park
1750 Ramona Avenue between 16th St. and Oak Park Blvd. Open to skateboarders and inline skaters. Helmets, knee pads and elbow pads are required. Onsite staff. $2 admission. 805-597-4725.
Dining out
Station Grill
Great family dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Serving traditional breakfasts for around $5. Lunch is served all day including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Dinner served from 3pm to 8pm. Great homemade comfort food like, meatloaf and lasagna. Plus daily specials. Enjoy watching the trains go by. 170 W. Grand Ave, Grover Beach. 805-489-3030.
16th Street Park
Pismo Beach Golf Course
At South 16th St. and Menetone Ave. Areas to barbecue, restrooms, a large covered picnic table area and two play structures. The park also boasts horseshoes, softball and a grass volleyball court.
Where visitors feel like locals and locals are treated like guests!
F LesREE s Dailons y!
Join us for Great Food at Low Prices!

Open 7 Days a Week Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Play Texas Ho ldem

PLAY RESPONSIBLY: 800-GAMBLER
SloPoker.com 805-474-8500 4th & Grand Ave Grover Beach

Next to Mongos Saloon
STATION GRILL 170 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach

805-489-3030
www.StationGrill.net
Come and watch trains while you dine.
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Grover Beach
Ride the dunes on the beach

he beach at Oceano Dunes is the only beach in California where vehicles are still allowed to drive on the sand. And the dunes were featured in a scene in Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End. Visitors are able to camp and ride all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on the beach all year round. Before you head out to the dunes, the Friends of the Oceano Dunes offers tips on what to bring and what to do and not to do: Arrive at the beach at low tide a tide schedule can also be found on the Web site www.oceanodunes.org Air tires down to 20 lbs. per tire. Dont make sharp turns in the sand. Dont stop going uphill. Carry a cell phone for emergencies. Dont ride ATVs with a passenger or without a helmet Dont take glass bottles to the beach. Bring extra keys. They are difficult to find if dropped in the sand. Flip flops and shorts can be very uncomfortable and very dangerous, says Zach Zeman with BJs ATV Rental. He recommends dressing in layers, wearing long pants and closed toe shoes. While ATVs are available for rent on the beach, you can also stop by an ATV rentals store front as well. Before you rent an ATV, be prepared to fill out release and liability forms and get basic safety instruction before being released to ride in the dunes. Zeman said BJs will not rent
Rentals
BJs ATV Rentals
197 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach. Carries everything youll need to spend a day riding the dunes. ATV rentals include fun lightweight ATVs for the smaller dunes as well as fully-automatic models for inexperienced riders. Carries ATV and dirt bike parts. Two-hour minimum. Group rates available. Open Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat & Sun 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 805-481-5411.
Sun Buggie Fun Rentals
368 Pier Ave., Oceano. Sun Buggie Fun Rentals has dune buggy rentals, both two-seaters and four-seaters. 805-481-2296.
COME RIDE THE PISMO DUNES

197 Grand Ave Grover Beach Grand Ave. Exit off Hwy 101 3 miles West - Near the Beach
ATVs to anyone under the age of 9. All children are supposed to be supervised, he says. Oceano Dunes is ranked as the No. 1 place to stay overnight by Reserve America. Its a very popular destination, says Jim Suty, president of the Friends of the Oceano Dunes. He has been vacationing at the Dunes for more than 30 years. Suty says he used to visit the Dunes every six weeks and now he makes it down about five to six times per year, including Thanksgiving. Well be celebrating Thanksgiving down there, Suty said. Weve been doing that for 30 years. He recommends visitors to the county make a trip to the dunes, even for a day, to walk along the sand, hang out at the beach, ride ATVs or small dune buggies, play volleyball, shop in the nearby towns or go for a plane ride. Theres a myriad of things to do it all depends on what theyre looking for, Suty said. From San Luis Obispo, exit Highway 101 at Pismo Beach to Highway 1, turn right at the light in Grover Beach to enter the state park. It costs $5 per vehicle to enter the dunes. Be sure youre in a

vehicle fit to drive along the beach, as the dunes are two miles from the entrance.
www.bjsatvrentals.com
(805) 481-5411
How to get there
FALL 2011 29
Arroyo Grande
Spend an afternoon discovering this historic village and all it has to offer
he beautiful Village of Arroyo Grande offers a variety of activities and retail stores to visit when in South San Luis Obispo County. Additionally, the small community showcases its history through the variety of historical buildings, the historical society and local business showing off its roots with historic photos and information. On Saturday afternoons, the village comes alive with wine tasting, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, the farmers market and more.
graphs, kitchen items and more. 805-489-8282.
Paulding House
551 Crown Hill Road, Arroyo Grande. Docents are available to answer your questions at the Paulding House during its hours of operation, which are available by appointment 805-473-3231 or on the first Saturday of the month from noon to 3 p.m.
The first floor of the Hall will house the Museum with a display of its large collection of historical artifacts from the South County area that is a result of 25 years of intense collecting. The second floor will house a historical library and study area as well as offices serving the Society and Museum. The building hosts a variety of exhibits.
Quarterdeck Seafood Restaurant
Voted the Best seafood on the Central Coast by locals. The saltwater fish tank is a fun treat for kids and
History
Heritage House Museum and Gardens
126 South Mason, Arroyo Grande The museum has an interesting collection of period clothing, photographs and kitchen items, just to name a few and docents are available to answer any of your questions. The Heritage House Museum is open to the public on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Barn is the South County Historical Societys Museum Annex, which houses a variety of antique vehicles and agricultural artifacts from the South County area. It also houses vintage printing presses and other interesting exhibits. The barn is located just a few steps from the Santa Manuela Schoolhouse and immediately behind the Heritage House, a historical home which is also a museum with an interesting collection of period clothing, photo-
Rubys House: Patricia Loomis History Library & Resource Center
Dining out
Doc Burnsteins Ice Cream Lab
The ice cream created on-site are delicious and inventive. Every Wednesday at 7 p.m., Doc Burnsteins has its Ice Cream Lab Show, a 30-minute comedy show with audience participation. By the end of each show the audience will have created a unique flavor that will make its debut the following weekend and will remain out until the next weeks flavor is put out. Open at noon. 114 W. Branch St. 805-4744068.
134 S. Mason St. This new center will offer teachers, students, journalists and researchers a wealth of materials on California history with a special emphasis on local South San Luis Obispo County history. The Library and Resource Center will be available to students and community members for research projects, including the production of community history exhibits and historical reenactments.
IOOF Building
Klondike Pizza
128 Bridge St. The South County Historical Society acquired the property, which was formerly the meeting place for the International Order of Odd Fellows in 1985. The Hall was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1991. Currently, the Society is raising money to have this historical building restored, with the first step being earthquake retrofitting.
Located in the basement of the building, the floor is dirt and covered with discarded peanut shells. Quality pizza takes time and the average wait for orders is 20 minutes; however, if it is a busy time, it will take longer, but its worth the wait. Sing-along every first and third Saturday night, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Open Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat & Sun. till 10 p.m. 104 Bridge St., 805-481-5288.
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Arroyo Grande
the tropical atmosphere in the bar is a fun treat for adults. Lots of menu selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Just north of the Village off Hwy 101 at 1500 W. Branch St. 805-481-3474.
HO PKWY.
Farms
Windmill Farms
Come explore the daily farmers market with huge selection of fresh produce, an assortment of gourmet goods, gifts, and garden items. Kids will love the critter corral petting zoo area. More than a farm, its a great family outing! Just north of Nipomo off Hwy. 101,1275 N. Thompson Ave. www. windmillfarms.org 805-489-1000.
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Cypress Ridge Golf Course
227
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Come experience the way golf should be at Cypress Ridge. This Peter Jacobsen Signature Course is as challenging as it is beautiful. Mature cypress trees, lush green fairways and cool, fresh ocean air make this a golfers paradise. 780 Cypress Ridge Parkway, Arroyo Grande. www.cypressridge.com. 805-474-7979.
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Team Goodell Central Coast Real Estate & Investments
Buttons n Bows
OAK PARK BLVD.
ELM ST.
HALCYON
Handcrafted and limited release wines available for tasting. Summer: Open daily weekdays 12pm-5pm, Fri. 12pm-9pm & Sat. 12pm-7pm. Winter: Closed Tues. & Wed., open Thur., Sun., Mon 12pm-5pm, Fri. 12pm-7pm, Sat. 12pm-6pm211 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande, 805-481-9463.
Grover Beach
OAK
Phantom Rivers Wine
FA I R
101
To Santa Maria
1/2 MILES
FARROLL AVE.
To Cypress Ridge
Team Goodell
Central Coast Real Estate & Investments
John Goodell
Childrens Boutique 119 East Branch Street Clothes & Toys 473-9186 Arroyo Grande
A fourth-generation local resident who, together with his team, offers top-level real estate service.
805-473-3300 www.TeamGoodell.com john@teamgoodell.com 290 Station Way, Ste. A, Arroyo Grande

FALL 2011 31
Wine Tasting
RD.
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It doesnt get any cuter than this childrens boutique. They have a wonderful selection of clothes and quality toys. 119 East Branch St. 805-473-9186.
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Our team of exceptional real estate professionals, under the leadership of John Goodell, offers toplevel service and extensive knowledge of the area. 290 Station Way, Suite A, Arroyo Grande. www.teamgoodell.com. 805-473-3300.
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Arroyo Grande
A farmers market and more!

W
Special events take place at indmill Farms isnt your the farm. In the fall a large supordinary farmers marply of pumpkins are put outside ket. For one thing it is available and people and kids come from every day, rain or shine. The old far and wide to make their spefashioned barn and windmill grace cial pumpkin selections. We are the side of the road just off the 101 also excited to be starting to host freeway on Thompson Road in the Central Coast Garden Club Arroyo Grande. As cars whiz by on here, Kirk said. The Club will the freeway they might miss this meet there on the 4th Sunday of special place, but if they slow down the month at 2 p.m. and make a stop, they will surely If you are looking for someenjoy the adventure of a visit to thing special for that person who Windmill Farms. has everything, this is a good Approaching the Farm you place to come to find something will see old fashioned western unique whether it be gift items, wagons and a quaint trolley car. gourmet food, coffee, and tea, Nearby is a field with sunflowor lovely roses and garden art. ers and corn growing high. As Inside the barn you will find fresh produce, kitchen items, gifts and more. Or perhaps you might just like you walk through a vine covered to sit in the garden with a cup archway you might feel like you fences to beg for your attention. of gourmet coffee and a deliare entering into a magical world from the pesticide-free fruits The Kirks host school groups cious raspberry scone! Windmill especially when you glimpse and vegetables that they grow on throughout the year to come and Farms is open from 10 a.m. to 6 your first view of the garden. their adjacent farmland and on see the animals and take part in a p.m. in summer and until 5 p.m. Brilliant blue pottery is sura farm in the Central Valley to little of farm life. Kirk mentioned in winter. Do stop by, you wont rounded by potted roses of white, an eclectic and colorful assortthat they do breed the goats and be disappointed. red and yellow. Brightly colored ment of gift and culinary items. will sell kids. ceramic You will see Ruth Ann Angus flowers beautiful gift and little items, crocktoadstools ery, natural accent the lotions, green foliage soaps, fraof the plants. grances, and Here too are oils, cards, fountains tableware, and statuary. decorative Gift Store. Market. Nursery. Petting Zoo. Benches art, colsituated on lectibles and Toggenburg goat awaiting a treat. the gravel more. Spepathways cially made offer a place to rest and enjoy the up gift baskets are also available. Open 7 Days a Week peaceful scene. Mounted on the In the main part of the room front of the building is artwork shelves are stocked full of a wide featuring whimsical cows and variety of gourmet foods, sauces, chickens. jams, preserves, breads and mixThe garden at Windmill es. Most of the gourmet foods Farms specializes in a variety are from California suppliers and of roses and succulents. We local sources, Kirk said, we like decided on these two types of to support our local farmers. You plants because of the hardness can sample anything you might of our water here, commented be interested in before buying, 1275 N. Thompson Ave. Lorna Kirk, owner of the Farm. she said, this way you wont be Arroyo Grande Lorna and her husband bought disappointed. Just north of Nipomo, east off Hwy. 101 the property in 2000 when there Outside in the Critter Corral Exit Los Berros/Thompson Rd was only the front small barn visitors can walk through and building on the site. They have pet or feed the animals. There since built onto that structure, are goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, www.windmillfarms.org greatly enlarging the capacity of turkeys, and Guinea fowl. The what the barn can offer. Inside goats in particular strike interestyou will find a myriad of items ing poses as they reach over the
Fun for the Whole Family
805-489-1000
32
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Arroyo Grande
Exploring Lopez Lake

I
ts fall and the perfect time to visit one of San Luis Obispo Countys best attractions Lopez Lake. Pack a picnic and head out through Arroyo Grande Village into the countryside. Soon you will approach the beginning of the lake. Lopez came Woodpeckers store acorns in the bark of trees. into being in 1969 flooding farmland, strawberry fields, and all, to become pez Lake a great stopping-off point. the water supply for the growing A flock of American white pelicans Five Cities area. Two Chumash viloften resides at one end and eared lages located near the present dam grebes, cormorants, mergansers, are now under 160 feet of water as is and other waterfowl dot the surface the original ranch belonging to Juan of the lake. One of the best ways to and Jesus Lopez. Trees and buildsee this is to take a ranger guided ings were removed in preparation nature boat tour. Park rangers will for the flood. It wasnt long though take you out on a comfortable, before area residents recognized stable pontoon boat that can get that this was a great recreation spot back into all the twists and arms of and Lopez Lake became a popular the lake. If youre really lucky, you county park. may spot a bald eagle perched in a There are 22 miles of shoreline tree or an osprey hunting. and afternoon winds make the Turkeys also love the acorn rich lake a perfect place for sailing or habitat at Lopez. They even have windsurfing. The lake is also a great their own special trail named for place for a canoe or kayak trip. them Turkey Ridge Trail. This is Good boat launching facilities are their favorite roosting and feeding located adjacent to the marina and area and they are so accustomed to store and there are boat and equippeople that you can get pretty close ment rentals here too. Waterskiing to them. is especially popular. Hiking is a great way to experiFishing is great at Lopez Lake, ence the flora and fauna of the park. which is stocked with rainbow Just walking beneath the stately live trout, bass, crappie, catfish, and oaks is a treat. There are numerbluegill. You will find fishermen ous trails available and most are quietly angling in the backwaters of relatively easy. Some bring you to the lakes many arms. views of the lake and others offer If you love nature then this is the panoramic vistas. Along the way place for you. More than 150 speyou may see evidence of prehistoric cies of birds have been noted and times in the shell fossils embedded 30 mammal species. Among these in the Santa Margarita limestone. are mule deer that are easily seen This was an inland sea some 26 milbrowsing the oak studded hillsides. lion years ago and the remains of Coast live oaks with their acorn scallops and oysters stick out of the abundance attract the colorful and crumbly soil. industrious acorn woodpecker. You can enjoy your picnic at one Masters at saving up for a rainy day, of the lakeside tables. You might this bird goes about in a serious even want to stay overnight at one manner drilling numerous holes in of the tent or RV campgrounds the trees. Then they collect acorns rated among the best in the county. and one by one stuff them into the For more information see www. prepared receptacles storing them slocountyparks.org or call (805) for future consumption. 788-2381. Many migratory birds find Lo Ruth Ann Angus
FALL 2011 33
meet & Fleamarket combines great family entertainment with old school swapmeet atmosphere. There is a miniature outdoor railway nestled in a bonsai garden with a waterfall, trestles, tunnels and other miniature marvels. Oil Pan Alley is dedicated entirely to auto enthusiasts, complete with Hot Wheel races. For the kids there are free miniature pony rides every Sunday, this plus over 300 vendors offering their wares. The Nipomo Swapmeet & Fleamarket is the largest swapmeet on Californias central coast and is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 A. M. to 6 P. M. Its free but there is a fee to park. Ruth Ann Angus
Golf Courses
Blacklake Golf Resort
Located between Santa Maria and Pismo Beach, Blacklake Golf Resort is the Central Coasts only 27 hole course. Visit Blacklake to play any combination of the three distinct nines and stay for lunch or dinner at Blacklake Bar & Grill. www.blacklake. com, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo, 805-343-1214 .
Real Estate
Nipomo Properties
Looking for your dream home, investment property or your own vineyard, this is the full service real estate company for you to call. New home in Trilogy 3 bed, 3 bath $625,000. Call Diane or Anita for details! 543 West Tefft Street, Nipomo. www.NipomoProperties.com 805-929-4970.
Nipomo
N
ipomo is a small city on the mesa in the southern area of San Luis Obispo County that is known for its stands of eucalyptus trees, expansive golf courses, upscale homes, and one of the largest swapmeets anywhere. The name Nipomo is derived from a Chumash word, nepomah, meaning foot of the hill, and Chumash were the original inhabitants of the area going back 9,000 years. Nipomo is known for the historical home of Captain William G. Dana whose descendants populated the area and started the town. His adobe house still stands near the 101 Freeway. The Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos has been restoring the property and many historical events and festivals are held here throughout the year. www.danaadobe.org Other attractions in the city are the Nipomo Native Gardens where a forest of native plants and trees are maintained by volunteers from the Nipomo Native Gardens Society. The Nipomo Native Garden is a twelve acre site located between Pomeroy, Camino Caballo and Osage. The site is in the final stages of being restored to a native botanical garden which will feature native plant communities endemic to the Nipomo Mesa and dunes complex. www.nipomonativegarden.org Along the country roads throughout town are even rows of thousands of blue gum eucalyptus trees that were planted here in 1908 in anticipation of developing a timber industry. The wood of eucalyptus turned out not to be of the quality necessary for building. A bit south on Highway 1, at the end of Oso Flaco Lake Road is the Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area. There is a boardwalk across the lake and this is an excellent spot for birdwatching. The trail from the boardwalk leads into the dunes. The huge Nipomo Swapmeet and Fleamarket are on the grounds adjacent to the 101 Freeway at the Teft Street offramp. The Nipomo Swap-
Tours & Attractions

The Luffa Farm
Come and see how luffas grow at the Luffa Farm. These natural sponges grow like squash. Take a free tour and see all their products at the gift shop. www.theluffafarm.com Open Wed. to Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1456 Willow Road. 805-343-0883.
Come & explore our unique farm, sponges & gift shop
Free Tours
Wed-Sun 10-4 1457 Willow rd., Nipomo 805-343-0883 www.theluffafarm.com
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arm-grown luffa s ur f p O and are naturally on s

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The Luffa Farm

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Morro Bay
A sightseers delight
xplore the natural beauty of Morro Bay, the town famous for its fog and fishing. Whether for a day or a week this small town by the Rock has something for everyone. Morro Bay is bursting with exciting activities for you to try. Theres deep sea fishing, whale watching, world-class surfing, hiking, biking, and kayaking, and camping under the stars. When it comes to birdwatching, theres little doubt that Morro Bay provides the best chance for seeing a great variety of species. Its an incredible birding spectacle. And birds arent all. There are harbor seals, sea lions, and sea otters. Youd have to travel far and wide to see so much diversity. Looking to take a slower pace? Stroll down the Embarcadero and browse gift shops and art galleries. Explore the local cuisine dining on fresh caught fish. Find the perfect wine to complement your meal from area wineries. Sit on a bench in Tidelands Park and watch the boats leaving the harbor or take a walk on the beach and watch the waves. Walk out the harbor boardwalk to Morro Rock, the 576-foot volcanic plug that looms over the bay and seashore. Keep an eye out for sea otters that rest in the kelp beds near the shore.
Head into Old Town and you will find a variety of specialty shops, antique galleries, restaurants, and coffee shops. Book a stay at one of the fine motels. And take in a movie at the towns first rate theater. Venture into Morro Bay State Park and visit the Natural History Museum that has interactive exhibits, offers guided nature walks and informative lectures. Tee up and enjoy an afternoon hitting the greens at the 18-hole championship golf course where every hole has a view of the bay. No matter what you choose to do, a stay in Morro Bay is always exceptional and sure to make you want to return again and again.
Thomas Kinkade Gallery
A showcase of Thomas Kinkades famous works both new and classic. Ask to see his lesser known pieces as well. Experience the many beautiful styles of Kinkades artwork. 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. 805-772-8204.
food for breakfast, lunch & sunset dinners. Fresh seafood with south of the border selections and clam chowder bread bowls. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. Happy hour 4:00-6:00 p.m. Pet friendly & WIFI. 805-772-8988.
Giovannis Fish Market
Shopping
Silver Seahorse
Absolutely adorable clothing & gifts for children. Just when you thought your kids couldnt get any cuter, wait until you see this store. 601 Embarcadero #7 Marina Square, www.silverseahorse.com 805-772-1336.
This is a fun, family owned landmark market and diner for over 25 years. They offer a wonderful variety of fresh fish for sale. Dining on outdoor wharf patio. Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.1001 Front St., Morro Bay. 805-772-1276.
Hofbrau Restaurant
Art galleries
Art Center Morro Bay
View or purchase regional fine art, attend meetings, workshops, classes for adults and children, Art in the Park summer festivals, and Morro Photo Expo. Enter scholarship programs. Gallery open Noon-4 p.m. daily. 835 Main Street., Morro Bay, www.artcentermorrobay.com, 805-772-2504.
Dining out
The Bayside Caf
Located at the State Park Marina its the best kept secret on the Central Coast. Seafood dinners, such as fresh fish, steamers and fish and chips. Meatloaf served Thursday nights. Lunch daily starting at 11:00am, Dinner Thursday-Sunday 4:00pm8:30pm. Located across the street from the State Park Campground entrance. 805-772-1465.
For over 40 years, the Hofbrau has been serving slow-cooked, handcarved roast beef sandwiches, beer-battered fish & chips, and juicy hamburgers on their ocean-side patio. A favorite of locals and tourists alike. 901 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. 805-772-2411.
Morro Bay Mud Fudge
Over 60 flavors of award- winning chocolate. Dont leave Morro Bay with out trying some amazing handmade fudge. 89 Main St Suite C, Morro Bay, (805) 771-0195.
Gallery at Marina Square
Windows on the Water
Large selection of works from local artists. 601 Embarcadero, Ste 10, Morro Bay 805-772-1068.
Blue Sky Coastal Cafe
Waterside location with casual dining indoors or out. Fresh fare & comfort
Gourmet dinners and bay views. Open daily at 5 p.m. call for reservations. 699 Embarcadero Blvd. 805772-0677.
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Morro Bay
Golf Courses
Morro Bay Golf Course
The number one must play course on the central coast. Ocean views from all 18 holes, driving range, food and beverage. Feel like you are playing at Pebble Beach for a fraction of the cost. 201 State Park Road, www.centralcoastgolf.com (805) 7828060
SAN JACINTO
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To Cayucos
To Atascadero
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Outdoor activities
Bay Cruisers Boat Rentals
Rent an electric boat that you can easily cruise on Morro Bay, no experience required. Bring a picnic and drinks and spend some wonderful time on the water. 845 Embarcadero on the dock, www. baycruisers.com, 805-771-9337.
ATAS
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Cloisters Community Park
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Keiser Park
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1/2 MILES
Morro Bay Aquarium
Coleman Park
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Morro Rock
Morro Rock
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Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $2 for adults, $1 for children 5-11, under 5 free. 595 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. 805-772-7647. Take a walk and explore the beautiful Morro Rock. Follow Embarcadero Blvd North to Coleman Drive. The Rock provides habitat to the peregrine falcons. Otters sometimes raft in the channel. Climbing the Rock is illegal.
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MORRO ROCK STATE PRESERVE
Marina and Yacht Club
MORRO BAY
KERN FRESNO BERNARDO ESTERO PINEY WAY
Museum of Natural History
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EMBAR
Rock Kayak Rentals
Where your adventure begins! Their knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you with rentals, sales or lessons. 845 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, 805-772-2906.
Bayshore Blu s Park MORRO DUNES NATURAL PRESERVE
BAYSHORE
U BLACK MO
STAX is the hottest new wine bar located right on the waterfront. Featuring over 100 wines by the taste, glass or bottle. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 12-8pm. Gourmet meats, cheeses, chocolates, beers and more! 1099 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, www.StaxWine.com, 805-772-1276.
Morro Bay State Park Marina
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STAX Wine Bar
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Wine Tasting
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Morro Bay
Museum of Natural History
Morro Bay Golf Course
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A central coast favorite in Morro Bay

Open for lunch daily. Dinner Thursday through Sunday Across the road from Morro Bay State Park campground entrance.
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36 FALL 2011
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601 Embarcadero #7 Morro Bay @ Marina Square (805) 772-1336 Open @ 10am Daily Boys: Newborn to 4, Girls: Newborn to 10
SOUT
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Y BLVD. H BA
NT IN RD. A
Morro Bay State Park, Morro Bay. Recently modernized. Open daily 10am to 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years day. $2 for admission, ages 16 and under free. 805-772-2694.
OLIVE EY WAY PIN
IC MESA ANCHOR PECHO CARMEL
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MORRO BAY STATE PARK Black Hill
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Estero Bay
Tidelands Park
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MONTEREY NAPA
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FAIRVIEW KINGS TULARE ARCADIA
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Morro Bay
The Gallery at Marina Square

A
mong the little shops on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay are an assortment of really fine art and craft galleries. One of the best and most interesting is the Gallery at Marina Square. Go upstairs and you will find two large gallery sectrivets. What makes this gallery special is that it is all work from local, professional, award winning San Luis Obispo County artists. Also making it special is how it is run for the artists. The gallery came about eight years ago when a group of artists who belonged to a co-op in San Luis Obispo decided they wanted something more where they could show their work, sell it, and offer a unique and diverse art experience to the public. They chose to do this in Morro Bay at a location that draws people visiting the Central Coast from all over the world, Marina Square. The actual business is owned by Nona Jane Siragusa but is run by a hub of artists that act as its board of directors. Each hub member has a distinct responsibility, such as marketing, which Patricia Newton handles.
Individual artists are featured in a month long show, and a reception, open to the public, is held on the second Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.
tions filled with oil and watercolor paintings, fine photography, jewelry, glass blown figurines, fabric art, sculpture, woodcrafts, cards, notes, bookmarks, magnets, mugs, and
The gallery showcases San Luis Obispo County artists.
Deb Festa Fantasy Garden
Nona Jane Siragusa Daughter of God III
Patricia Newton Romance of Morro Rock
Ardella Swanberg Seated Nude
Gallery at Marina Square

Open Daily 10am-6pm 601 Embarcadero, #10, Morro Bay, CA 93422 805-772-1068
http://galleryatmarinasquare.blogspot.com
Janice Ray-Lehmkuhl Jewelry

Chuck Pruitt White Pelicans
Shelly Myers Ocean Earth
FALL 2011 37
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Space in the gallery is rented as it becomes available and Siragusa makes the decision for inclusion in the group. Price for a space is governed by its size. Each artist is required to work at least one day a month selling all the pieces in the gallery. Artists with more extensive exhibit space work more days. The gallery retains 35% of sales and this money goes towards rent, upkeep of the area, supplies, and advertising. Artists pitch in to pay for a variety of advertising that the gallery places in many local publications and in so doing a photo of their work is used in the ad. Once a month an artist is featured in a month long show, and a reception, open to the public, is held on the second Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Food and nonalcoholic drinks are served and musical entertainment Artist Patricia Newton with her artwork. is supplied by guitarist, new artists to produce smaller Michael Swanberg. things because these are the types In August mixed media artist of items that sell well, espeDon Doubledee and photogcially since tourists are our main rapher Karen Peterson will clientele. So you will find note be featured in a show entitled California Dreaming. Doubledee cards of the larger paintings in the gallery at most of the spaces commented that participating in along with other smaller items to the gallery is like being in a famchoose from. I think the prices ily. Everyone helps each other, he said, whether its with framing are reasonable for the quality of art offered here, Doubledee said, a piece, or marketing ideas, or and it is all work that reflects the help with their presentation. nature of the area. Along with member shows, The Gallery at Marina Square there is also a featured guest artist is open daily from 10 a.m.to 6 who may or may not be local. p.m. at 601 Embarcadero #10, Guest artists are supplied with Morro Bay, (805) 772-1068. a large wall space to hang their work in the second room in the Ruth Ann Angus
upstairs location that is adjacent to the original gallery space. Featured artists in September will be photographers James Crawford, Laura Dienzo, and Robert Taylor. A local life drawing group will be guest artists in October and featured artist will be watercolorist, Susan Wood. We all produce both large and small work, Patricia Newton commented, and we advise
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Morro Bay
The Art Center in Morro Bay

F
or 60 years the Art Center at Morro Bay has been gallery home to local artists and beyond. This large exhibit space located on Main Street in Old Town Morro Bay is run by the Morro Bay Art Association and is a hub for fine art on the Central Coast. In the beginning there was no gallery. In 1951 a small group of artists who hungered for a way to let the public see their work banded together and used whatever space they could for a show. They even hung their paintings outside on the neighborhood trees, which of course allowed passersby full view of their art. Eventually the opportunity to purchase the building where they are now located in downtown Morro Bay became available, and the association finally had a permanent home. Currently there are 200 members who may show up to three pieces in each show and there are eight or nine shows a year. With two spacious galleries in the building the association is able to showcase a wide variety of mediums. It is all original artwork from local artists. There is one special exhibit a year that brings in pieces from national and international artists. In 2012, in either late May or early June, the Pastel Society of the West Coast will be featured in the exhibit. This year is the 60th anniversary of the association and current President Flo Bartell hopes to be able to exhibit the first painting that a variety of past presidents had exhibited at the gallery. Scrapbooks reflecting the time period from 1951 to 1971 will also be on display. A reception entitled Looking Back will be held at the gallery on September 18th and it is open to the public. On the second Monday of the month a demonstration by a local artist takes place at 3 p.m. Refreshments are served. Bartell is in her third year as President and works avidly at marketing the Art Center. Weve made significant changes in the past few years, she said. We changed the name to Art Center
The Art Center is located in Old town Morro Bay and is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Morro Bay and painted the building a catchy purple color so it would stand out on the block. The Center offers many classes and workshops for the public. An oil and acrylic class taught by artist Jason Mayr is offered on
Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Kathy Miller presents watercolor classes on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both classes are $25 per session. Creativity Days are free and fun sessions on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone can attend with their own projects and materials. Upcoming workshops with area and regional artists will feature paper dolls and stacking dolls in August, and soft pastel in October. A multi-media workshop by Joan Scott is also planned for fall.

Children are not forgotten either. Art Camp is offered in summer months and there are free clay classes for eight to 14 year olds. Plans are also in the works for classes for children ages six to eight. In October we will have an art contest for children, Bartell said, and information about it will be available in area schools, libraries, and in local newspapers. It is a county-wide contest for ages five to 14 with prizes in several categories. The Art Center sponsors Art in the Park held in City Park on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th weekend, and Labor Day weekend. It also is the sponsor for the annual Morro Photo Expo to be held
in 2012 on March 31-April 1. Perhaps unknown to most is the fact that proceeds from the sale of art at the gallery and from Art in the Park goes to fund scholarships for local college and high school students. Weve funded more than $10,000 to a number of students each year, Bartell commented. In mid-November students participate in the Annual Student Scholarship Show. Anyone can join the Morro Bay Art Association. Family and Single memberships are $25 with Business at $18 and Students at $12 per year. Members who display also work as docents at the gallery and open hours are from noon to 4 p.m. daily. Ruth Ann Angus
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Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-2pm FALL 2011 39
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Morro Bay
Explore tidepools
his is a great place to start an exploration of tidepools. From Piedras Blancas to Montana de Oro the rocky outcroppings of the coast offer us a glimpse into the marvelous wilderness of the underwater world. It starts with the rise and fall of the tides. Twice a day, pounding surf surges in and beats against the rocky shoreline, whipping up an agitated froth. Six hours later the waters retreat leaving the area exposed and life within it on hold until the sea returns. In a tidepool at Corallina Cove in Montana de Oro deep pockets in the rock layers hold pools of water filled with colorful life. Ochre Sea Stars, some orange and some purple, stand out against the deep green sea lettuce. Small black and brown turban snails pepper the pools. Some of these shells actually contain hermit crabs that scurry around hunting for food. Green anemones wave their tentacles trying to capture minute organisms to drag into the depths of their bodies. A pretty rose colored scale called coralline algae covers most of the rocks under water and lends the cove its name. Harbor seals haul out and rest on the exposed rocky ledges. Closer to the breaking waves are sea urchins, and more crabs and sea stars. There are several tidal zones beginning with the splash zone, which receives the blast of the waves at high tide, and proceeding through the high tide, mid tide, and low tide zones. Each of these sections has its own creatures and plant life that manage to exist in both the turbulent water and when high and dry. The high tide zone remains moister than the splash zone and here you will see barnacles, mussels, rock crabs, anemones and chitons. The mid tide zone is uncovered at normal low tide levels. Small fishes, shrimp, sea stars, hermit crabs and nudibranchs live in this
environment. Of these the shell-less snail, the nudibranch, is probably the most colorful, often having flowing plumes on their backs. They dine on sponges, hydroids, colonized plant-like organisms that
cling to rocks, and bryozoans, mosslike creatures similar to coralline algae. Uncovered only at the lowest tides each month, the low tide zone harbors anemones, sponges, sea urchins, tube worms, sun stars, sea cucumbers and thick beds of seaweed. Gazing into these many small ponds at low tide you will be privileged to see a miniature realm in complete detail. If you go tidepooling, please leave the areas as you found them. Replace rocks and creatures exactly as they were and handle everything gently. Ruth Ann Angus
Where to go
Corallina Cove, Montana de Oro Hazard Reef, Montana de Oro Morro Strand Beach, north of Yerba Buena St., Morro Bay Cayucos Beach, south of Ocean Front and D Streets The rocky reefs off Shell Beach Windy Cove, north of Natural History Museum, Morro Bay Leffingwell Landing, Cambria The rocky reefs of Highway 1 near San Simeon Wear non-skid shoes capable of getting wet and a walking stick for support The Central Coast Natural History Association offers docent walks at many of the above locations. Call 772-2694 for information.
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Los Osos
Los Osos is a gateway to nature

L
os Osos, Spanish for Valley of the Bears, is off the beaten path and the gateway to Montana de Oro, an amazing state park along the ocean. The town has many quaint places of interest for visitors to stop on their way to and from the state park. Try one of the many restaurants or grab something to take with you for a picnic at the beach or one of the nearby forests.
MORRO ROCK STATE PRESERVE Morro Bay Golf Course To Cayucos 0 1 MILES EL CHORRO REGIONAL PARK Dairy Creek Golf Course 2
Morro Bay
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Los Osos Valley Road leads right into the state park. The park, popular for day visitors, has 50 primitive sites. The park is well-used with daily visitors throughout the year who go there to hike, picnic, fish, camp, surf, take a dip in the ocean or visit the tide pools. The parks visitor center is located at Spooners Ranch House Museum above Spooners Cove. The cost to enter the park is free. 805-528-0513. For camping call 800-444-7275. The forest has nearly 200 species of plants, more than 100 varieties of birds, and many species of mammals and reptiles and amphibians. The forest includes a 1-mile boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible at the north end of 16th Street. Guided tours are given on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m. starting at the north end of 15th Street off Santa Ysabel. 805-528-0392. The pier, at the intersection of 2nd Street and El Morro Ave., overlooks the shores of the back bay of Morro Bay. It is a quiet place to sit and enjoy the estuary. Grab something to eat and enjoy watching the many species of birds in the bay. Half-mile east of South Bay Boulevard on the south side of Los Osos Valley Road. The reserve has an easy one-mile trail through the Pygmy Oaks, which are dwarfed coast live oaks. The low canopy reserve is on the site where Chumash Indians once lived.
Sea Pines Golf Course MONTANA DE ORO STATE PARK

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Elfin Forest
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Baywood Pier
SANTA MARIA EL MORRO
3rd
Downtown Baywood Park
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5th
Sweet Springs Nature Preserve

RAMONA
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The Los Osos Oaks State Reserve
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Located at the corner of Los Osos Valley Road and Palisades Avenue. The park includes a 17,000-square-foot skate park, three tennis courts, playgrounds and restrooms. The park is ideal for walking or picnicking and is the site of the Los Osos Valley School, one of five original one-room schoolhouses between San Luis Obispo and the coast. Of those five, only two still exist today, both in Los Osos. Located on the north end of Ramona Avenue between Broderon and 4th Street. The park is open from dawn to dusk and has trails that wander through the Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees around two freshwater ponds and a salt marsh to the edge of Morro Bay. The preserve is managed by the Morro Coast Audubon Society. Monarch butteries are plentiful in this preserve from late October to March. On Santa Maria Avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets. The market takes place every Monday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The market offers fresh, local, in-season produce. 805-748-1109.
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Baywood Park Farmers Market
Los Osos Community Park
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Los Osos Community Park
NIPOMO SANTA YNEZ
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Bear statues
On your way into Los Osos notice the large grizzlies stationed as guards into the town at South Bay Boulevard and Los Osos Valley Road. The statues were created by local artist Paula Zima.
Golfing
Sea Pines Golf Resort
The resort includes a golf course with tournaments, private lessons and pro shop, lodging and a clubhouse grill. 1945 Solano Drive. 805-528-5252.
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SOUTH BAY BLVD.
MOUNTAIN VIEW
Sea Pines Golf Course
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El Morro El n Forest
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Cayucos
Enjoy this scenic seaside retreat
quiet town, Cayucos invites folks to slow down, smell the ocean air, pick up sand dollars and never take life for granted. The broad main street recalls the days of stagecoaches and cowboys, and the Saloon is still a great place for after-hours drinks. You can also play a game of pool or a hand of poker there. For a drink with a view, try Schooners across the street. The livery station gave way to Nelsons Garage, but the Cayucos Barbershop still keeps coiffures in order. Cayucos is a town in tune with
its past, but is also preparing for its future. Cayucos is the number one destination on the central coast for antique shoppers, and a great place to just cool down and get away from the heat. It is the perfect beachside town for renting a beach house and enjoying a week of sand castles, sunsets and relaxation. Tourism is the local economys largest industry, and Cayucos offers many nice hotels and beach house rentals for the weary traveler.
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FALL 2011
Cayucos State Beach & Pier

The coastline has several access points. Free parking, bathrooms, showers at the pier. Lit for night fishing. Nearby you will find surfboards, wetsuits, kayaks and lessons available. Great childrens playground and volleyball.
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Antique shops
Its hard to miss all the lovely antique shops in downtown Cayucos. There is a lot of fun to be had and treasures to be found when exploring the nooks and crannies of these fine shops.
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Rich Man Poor Man

Fine antiques, open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 146 North Ocean Ave Cayucos. 805-995-3631. www.RichManPoorManCayucos.com
Dining
Duckies Chowder
82 Ocean Front Ave., Cayucos. Famous clam chowder in a relaxing setting by the Cayucos Pier. 805-995-2245
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Just a short walk north from the pier. Good picnic area with tables, barbecue pits and playground .
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Hoppes Garden Bistro
This is a true five-star restaurant. Expect the best in beef, poultry and seafood. Try the abalone. Outstanding wine list. Highly recommended for a special night out. Open Wed. to Sun., lunch and dinner. 78 North Ocean Ave, Cayucos. 805-995-1006.
Ocean Front Pizza

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This is the best pizza in town! Free local delivery. Open 7 days a week from noon til 9pm. 156 1/2 Ocean Front Ave., Cayucos. 805-995-2979
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Sea Shanty Restaurant.

296 South Ocean Ave., Cayucos. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Great local seafood. Open daily at 8 a.m. 805-995-3272.
To Morro Bay
Skippers
113 North Ocean Ave., Cayucos. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 805-995-1122.
Shopping
McLean Jewelry Design
Hand-made wedding sets and unique jewelry for women and men in platinum, gold and silver. Exotic gemstone collection from around the world, including Tahitian Pearls, Canadian Diamonds, Big Sur Jade. Since 1977. Open Wed. to Sun., 10am-5pm, 180 N. Ocean Ave. 805-995-1212.
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Cambria
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estled in a forest of coastal pines, Cambria rests along a rugged coastline, offering spectacular views, top-notch cuisine and quaint shopping. The town is charming; filled with boutique shops and roads lined with wildflowers. Walking through Cambria is like revisiting the quiet, isolated community that flourished in the early 1900s. Today, Cambria is the biggest settlement on the North Coast with two village areas filled with small shops, restaurants, motels and seaside cottages. It is also the gateway to the California State Parks most popular attraction Hearst Castle. Cambria is about 35 miles north of San Luis Obispo on scenic Highway 1 and about 30 miles west of Paso Robles at the end of the wine countrys Highway 46 West. On your drive youll first notice the smell of the magnificent pine trees. Then follow them, as they grow right up to the coastline. Cambria boasts some of the finest restaurants in San Luis Obispo County. They run the gamut of tastes from California cuisine to seafood, but share a common goal of absolute freshness. See story and photos on page 47. See story and photos on page 47.
San Simeon & North Coast

Art Galleries
Teresabelle Gallery
Handcrafted fine arts like jewelry, crafts, sea glass, beads, and gifts. 766 Main St. 805-927-4556. chicken, pork and pasta dishes. 6550 Moonstone Beach Dr., Cambria 805-927-3859.
Sea Chest Oyster Bar & Restaurant
Dining
Alloccos Italian Bakery
A unique Italian bakery, specializing in fresh baked bread,Taralli Italian gourmet pretzels, Italian pastries, house sandwich & Italian coffee. Open 7 day a week. Come see them at North County Farmers Markets. 1602 Main Street, Cambria, www.Alloccos.com, alloccos@yahoo.com, 805-927-1501.
Sunset views and seafood. Sit at the oyster bar, and watch the chefs cook. Appetizers include oysters Rockefeller and steamed clams. Come early for a good seat and bring cash or check. Reservations and credit cards are not accepted. Opens daily at 5:30pm. 6216 Moonstone Beach Dr., Cambria 805-927-4514.
Outdoor activities
Coastal Discovery Center
Interactive family exhibits: talking tide pool, live trout tank, & deep sea voyages. Activities for kids. Free to the public Fri - Sun 10-4, and most holiday Mondays. Hearst State Beach in San Simeon across from exit to Hearst Castle. 805-927- 6575
Cambria Pines Lodge Restaurant
Hearst Castle
A casual, relaxing lodge environment with beautiful garden views. Indoor and outdoor seating are available. Features organic produce hand picked from the Lodges organic kitchen garden. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended for dinner. 2905 Burton Drive, Cambria 805-927-4200 ext 2111.
Nitt Witt Ridge
Elephant Seals San Simeon
Las Cambritas
San Simeon is the last stop on the road to Hearst Castle. The state beach here is a favorite camping site for tents and RVs. Its a great place to watch kite-boarders ride the ocean and fly high in the breezes, when the wind is right. Or take a hike through the nature surrounding you.
Family-owned local favorite serving creative Mexican home cooking and unique daily specials. Happy hour includes margaritas, well and beer. Central Coast wine list and live music on our petfriendly patio on Sundays. 2336 Main St., Cambria 805-927-0175.
Nitt Witt Ridge, pictured above right, is a hilltop home transformed by one man into what has been described as an assemblage of sculpted junk. Arthur Weal, spent many years collecting items fellow Cambrians were throwing away in order to create the home, which has been named a California Historic Landmark as a true example of a folk art environment. Tours. 881 Hillcrest Drive, 805-927-2690.
Shamel Park
Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill
A locals favorite. Full bar and views of the ocean. Lunch and dinner entrees include seafood, steak,
On Windsor Blvd. North, Park Hill. Shamel Park is a great place to bring the kids and spend an afternoon by the coast. The park has a large lawn area that perfect for picnics, a public
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Cambria, San Simeon, North Coast
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pool, playground and beach access. Look for whales migrating along the coast.
Hearst Castle
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Vacation Rentals
Cambria Seaside Getaways
Whether youre looking for a scenic getaway for the entire family including your pet or a romantic retreat for two, we have a vacation rental for you. Visit us upstairs at 702 Main St, Cambria. www.CambriaSeasideGetaways.com, 805-927-0177
San Simeon Pier
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A wide variety of unique yarns, knitting and crochet supplies, buttons, and kits. Something for everyone, from the beginning knitter to the serious fiber artist. Unique gifts and offerings to remember your trip to Cambria. 4070 Burton Drive. www.cambriayarn.com 805-927-3280.
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Black Hand Cellars
Specializing in red wines like Bordeaux, Cuvee and Rhone blends. Open Thursday-Monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located at 766 Main St., Cambria in the courtyard (cross streets Arlington and Main). www.blackhandcellars.com. 805-927-WINE (9463).
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Fermentations
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Great wine tasting bar specializing in local wines. Enjoy a glass while you browse our selection of unique gifts and home decor. Taste the fig lemon balsamic vinegar and other treats. 4056 Burton Dr., in the East Village, Cambria. www.fermentations.com (800) 446-7505.
MONTE CRISTO PL.
Toll Free: 800-464-0177
805-927-0177
702 Main Street Cambria, CA 93428

cambriaseasidegetaways.com

805-927-7141 4056 Burton Drive www.fermentations.com Cambria East Village

FALL 2011 45
Wine Tasting
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Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting Home Accessories with a Wine Theme Unique Wine Gifts Shop while you taste! Open Every Day
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Ball & Skein & More

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or over 30 years, people from around the world have been coming to the Ball & Skein & More in Cambria, California to find the most amazing selection of yarns and needle supplies from around the world. In its current location in Cambrias Historic East Village at 4070 Burton Drive for over 28 years, the shop has been under new ownership since Halloween of 2009. In what came to look like a series of meant-to-bes Kris Gregson and her husband Oz Barron moved from a small town just outside of Boston Massachusetts to buy and run a yarn store on Californias Central Coast! When asked where they find their yarns, Kris explains, We travel to trade shows and meet with representatives of various products. There are so many beautiful yarns available now it makes our job fun but hard. We try to find things that are unique, give great value to our guests, and are items we can feel good about offering. We love finding products with a story. We have things that are Fair Trade certified, many made by small cooperatives from around the world, organic yarns, and yarns from California as well as the rest of the US. We like to think if you choose something from our shop, its not just another yarn. People ask us all the time how we found Cambria, say Kris, We say that Cambria found us. A life long knitter and crocheter as well as a successful corporate executive, Kris has spent years visiting yarn shops around the country, often bringing her knitting to meetings and town meetings. Oz and I had been asking ourselves whats next for a few years and we explored many places in the US and the Caribbean knowing wed find it when we saw it. After all, its how we found our old house back east. Intrigued by a series of columns by Atascadero resident and motor-
SLO county and while driving past cycle journalist Clement Salvadori, the shop, Oz mentioned that they they visited the area last April to loved the little shop. When it was spend a week or so. It reminded discovered it was for sale, well the us so much of Vermont, a place die was cast and across they came, dear to us, says Oz. The sense of Oz by motorcycle, Kris by airplane. community, the arts, and the rural Were so excited, were having a environment, combined with the great food, wine, mild weather, and modern day adventure!, says Kris. Stop by and say hello and check the ocean nearby had them making out their extensive selection of items plans for an eventual move west. In June of 2009, a trip was taken for all fiber fans, including items for THE PREMIER HORSEBACK RIDING EXPERIENCE the non-knitter among us! to look at properties all around

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FALL 2011
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Tour historic Hearst Castle

ome and join the millions who have visited this hilltop San Simeon estate to explore the architecture, art, and gardens of The Enchanted Hill, and absorb the stories that accompany them. Hearst Castle opened to the public as a California State Park in 1958, but before that it was the home of publisher, movie producer, and art collector William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951). personal life. Admission is free. Beautiful works of art from his collection give a glimpse of the treasures seen on tour. A display dedicated to Mr. Hearsts career in media, publishing, and politics features an audio recording of a political address he made. A short video highlights the film career of Marion Davies. Young visitors to the Castle can explore the exhibit with a free Treasure Hunt map provided at the desk inside the exhibit doors. A prize is awarded to participants. Children and adults alike will enjoy the touch gallery - a display of tiles, marble, textiles, and other materials used in the art and architecture of the Castle that allows guests to experience the collection in a tactile way not allowed on tour.
In 1865, George Hearst, a wealthy miner, purchased 40,000-acres of ranchland that included the Mexican Ranchos of Piedras Blancas, San Simeon and Santa Rosa. In 1919, his only son, William Randolph Hearst, inherited the land from his mother, Phoebe Apperson Hearst. By then the ranch had grown to encompass 250,000 acres. Originally known as Camp Hill, its wilderness offered a place for family members and friends to rough it on camping trips. Despite elaborate arrangements with separate sleeping and dining tents, Hearst envisioned more comfortable accommodations. His simple instructions to famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan in 1919: Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something. Hearst and Morgans collaboration was destined to become one of the worlds greatest showplaces. As they were planning and constructing his dream home, Hearst renamed the rocky perch from which it rose La Cuesta Encantada - The Enchanted Hill. By 1947, Hearst and Morgan had created an estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. The estates magnificent main house, Casa Grande, and three guest houses are of Mediterranean Revival style, while the imposing towers of Casa Grande were inspired by a Spanish cathedral. The blending of the architectural style with the surrounding land, and Hearsts superb European and Mediterranean art collection, was
History
so seamless that world-renowned architectural historian, Lord John Julius Norwich, was moved to say that Hearst Castle is a palace in every sense of the word. The William Randolph Hearst exhibit located in the Visitor Center offers guests an insightful look into the Castle, its architect Julia Morgan, and its owner W.R. Hearst. Family histories, vintage photographs, and historical documents provide a more intimate look at Mr. Hearsts
Museum
Tours Available
Tour One is recommended for
first-time visitors as it provides a broad overview of the many facets of Hearst Castle and it is the least strenuous of the tours. Tour duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes which includes the bus ride to and from the castle. Tour Two focuses on the architectural elements and vast art collection in the main house, or Casa Grande. Featured rooms on this tour include; the Doges Suite, The Cloisters which are four guest rooms flanked by open walkways, the Library, the Gothic Suite which occupies the entire third floor and includes Hearsts impressive private suite, library and office, and the Kitchen. Tour duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes, which includes the bus ride to and from the castle. Tour Three provides an overview of the construction and development of the Hilltop by contrasting the earliest guest house with the most recent addition, the North Wing. Tour duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes, which includes the bus ride to and from the castle. Tour Four not only concentrates on the beauty of the botanical gardens, but also provides a glimpse into some of the less familiar aspects of Hearst Castle. Tour duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes, which includes the bus ride to and from the castle. (800) 444-4445.
Find and see the elephant seals

The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Colony is located on scenic coast Highway 1 approximately 45 miles north of San Luis Obispo near the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse and south of Big Sur. The site is open all year round with docents present every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during breeding season and on weekends and holidays at other times. Seals are viewed on the beaches from a boardwalk bluff above. Parking and entrance are free. www.elephantseal.org.
An elephant seal family raising their pup. FALL 2011 47
Tour the Piedras Blancas lighthouse

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ighthouses have always evoked a romantic feeling with people. Travelers go out of their way to visit a lighthouse. Piedras Blancas is no exception. From June 15-August 31 there will be tours offered on MondaysSaturdays except federal holidays. From September 1-June 14 tours are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, except federal holidays. Tours start one and a half miles north of the entrance to the light station at the old Piedras Blancas Motel. Be there at 9:45 a.m. No reservations are necessary and tour guides will be waiting for you there. Tours cost $10 for adults, $5 for ages six to 17, and free for children five and under. Next you will car caravan with your guide to the lighthouse. Construction of the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse began in 1874 and was finished in 1875 when the first order Fresnel lens was installed. You will notice that the top of the lighthouse is missing this lens. Originally the lighthouse stood more than 100 feet high. It is now 74 feet high. In 1949 the lens and the upper section of the structure were removed due to earthquake damage. The beautiful Fresnel lens has survived however, and you can see it close up in an enclosure in downtown Cambria. The light from the first order Fresnel lens could be seen 18 miles out to sea. In 1906 a fog signal building was built. Inside was the latest equipment to make sound loud enough to carry out to sea. The first sounds used were similar to a train whistle, and then a siren was used. Finally the traditional fog horn blast came to be and the light station was recognized by the length of the blasts. These first blasts used were loud enough to break eardrums. Piedras Blancas means white rocks in Spanish and the large rocks offshore are just that. Over the years many birds have roosted or nested here, and their droppings, called guano, are the source of the color. At times in the 1800s guano was harvested from these rocks by passing schooners. After a harvesting like this, when the sea breezes blew, an odor wafted across the light station making the lives of the lighthouse keeper and his family a bit miserable. The tour will take you inside the lighthouse where there are displays explaining the early equipment used in operating the beacon. Visitors are not yet allowed to climb to the top of the lighthouse, but after future restorations, this too will be available. In the middle of the interior hangs a weighted apparatus that extends into an eight-foot hole in the floor. A weight was wound up around a drum and gravity caused it to fall causing the beacon up top to turn. The mechanism was called a clockwork; it worked like the weight on a grandfather clock. A tour of the light station will be a highlight of your visit to the Central Coast. Call for details 805927-7361 or email PiedrasBlancasTours@gmail.com. Ruth Ann Angus
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The Guthrie-Biachini House as it appeared in the late 1800s.
Discover Cambrias past at the Cambria Historical Museum. The GuthrieBianchini House today.
Visit the Cambria Historical Museum

ne of Cambrias oldest homes is the Guthrie-Bianchini House, built in 1870 by Thomas Clendinen. After 50 years in probate, the house was purchased by the Cambria Historical Society in 2001 and the renovation began. Now the home of the historical museum, this lovely old building sits of the corner of Burton Drive and Center Street in Cambrias Historic East Village. Sharing Cambrias heritage is an important mission of the Cambria Historical Society. For one thing, that heritage belongs to you. With help from the community and visitors to Cambria, we purchased and restored the Guthrie-Bianchini House as Cambrias museum of history for everyone, young and old, to explore and enjoy. Come in and meet the pioneers who have inspired us with the tenacity and energy that reflects Americas heritage and values. The docents and exhibits will take you on a fascinating journey. The Cambria Historical Museum is located in the heart of Cambrias East Village at 2251 Center Street. Museum hours are Friday-Sunday, 1p.m.-4p.m., Monday, 10a.m.-1p.m. Tour this historic home, learn from the exhibits and relax in the garden. The museum, and Cambrias history, is yours to enjoy.
The Guthrie-Biachini House as it appeared in 2001.
Your Place to Dream Picturesque 25-acre wooded setting; lush garden landscapes 152 guest rooms and suites Charming gazebo, lawn areas and banquet rooms for weddings, social events, and meetings Outdoor heated pool & spa Sojourn Massage and Day Spa
Dinner 5-9pm Steaks, seafood, vegan, featuring vegetables & herbs from our organic kitchen garden Bar Menu 9-11pm Live Nightly Entertainment Karaoke Thursdays! Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm Soup & salad bar, burgers, sandwiches, and specials Breakfast Buffet Mon-Fri 7:30-10am Sat-Sun 7:30-11am Outdoor Pet Seating! Dinner reservations recommended
2905 Burton Drive, 93428
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FALL 2011 49
Santa Margarita
Come and explore this slice of the old west
anta Margarita is an oasis of rural country life nestled in the heart of the county just off Highway 101 and Highway 58. Its a little taste of the old west. Spend the day at Santa Margarita Lake, fishing, hiking, relaxing and then finish the day in downtown with wine tasting at two locations, beer tasting at the just-opened brewpub, dining, and antiquing before heading to your next destination.
Santa Margarita Lake
Located off Highway 58. The park offers a variety of services year round. Some services include fishing and boating, hiking and trails, picnics, camping, and swimming. The park is located on several thousand acres of land that has been designated as open space. Two camping areas are open and backcountry campgrounds are accessible by boat. The swimming area is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Be sure to stop at the one gas station in town before driving out to the lake, as there are no gas services once you leave town. 805-788-2397.
Santa Margarita Historical Soceity
The vision of the Santa Margarita Historical Society is to make our
local history available on-line with hardcopy held at our public library located on the corner of I & Murphy Streets in Santa Margarita. Plans call for restoration of the small county jail building and documenting a number of the communitys historic buildings, both those that are still standing and those that have
disappeared over the decades. The Society is recording the stories of old timers to help ensure that the history of the town, which grew out of the Mexican Land Grant Rancho Santa Margarita, is not lost.
dinner menu that changes based on the season. 805-438-4500.
Shopping
The Educated Gardener
This nursery is an attraction all on its own with its lavish grounds that are nice to walk through on a sunny afternoon. Enjoy the atmosphere or pick out a plant or garden decoration to take home. While there, be sure to visit Chicken John, the resident roster. 22210 El Camino Real. 805438-4250.
Dining
The Range
22317 G Street. The Range offers fine dining that reflects what is locally grown and produced in the area, including many of the wines served. Chef Jeff Jackson serves a unique
Specialty NurSery & GardeNerS Store 805-438-4250 www.educatedgardener.com

Specializing in drought tolerant, hardy and unusual perennials & carrying the largest selection of pond plants in North County
22210 El Camino Real P.O. Box 564 Santa Margarita, CA 93465
The Educated Gardener at 22210 El Camino Real.
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Atascadero
Outdoor family activities abound
tascadero was purposely situated halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on Highway 101, only 20 miles from the ocean by the citys founder, E.G. Lewis in the early 1900s. The city is full of history with its numerous colony homes, many of which have been restored to their original grandeur. The lake itself is an attraction for locals and visitors alike with paddle boat and kayak rentals, a small wading pool for the little ones, fishing and a mile-loop around the lake for walking, jogging and bike riding. The park also offers play equipment for the children and picnic areas for small and large groups. Before venturing into the park, check out the countys only zoo, Charles Paddock Zoo, which is located in the park, just off Highway 41.
and next to Heilmann Park, which is a great place for picnics and for kids to play. 805-466-8848.
Atascadero Lake and Park
Located on Highway 41 next to the zoo. The park is open from dawn to dusk and is open to the public. Paddle boats and kayaks are available for rent during the summer and depend on the water level of the lake. Recreational fishing is available around the lake. A pedestrian path loops around the lake and is about one mile.
of only 211 zoos accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association since 1991. The park was founded by Charles Paddock in 1955, who was a park ranger who came to the aid of injured wildlife. 805-4615080.
Blue Sky Gardens is the perfect place to pick out your fall pumpkins.
Atascadero Historical Society
Dining Out
Fig Good Food
A tiny place serving up big flavors... including homemade pasta and slow cooked meats off the rotisserie. Making their own sandwich rolls and focaccia every morning and using mostly organic vegetables. 5945 Traffic Way, 805-460-9900.
Farms
Blue Sky Gardens Pumpkin Farm
Bring your family to this small off-theroad farm, for a haunted house, corn maze, and farm animals. Pumpkins, gourds, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers are available. Open daily during October 9:00 a.m. to dark. Reservations recommended for small groups. 19505 Walnut Avenue, Atascadero (Garden Farms), blueskygardens.sanityonline.com, 805-610-6330.
Chalk Mountain Golf Course

10000 El Bordo Rd. The golf course is situated among ancient and mature oak trees, sweeping hills, and a meandering creek. Chalk Mountain is a fun and challenging course for all levels of golfers. The golf course is open to the public and is located next door to the citys only dog park
The Atascadero Historical Society Colony House, 6600 Lewis Ave. behind the city parking lot across the street from the City Administration Building, is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Talk to a docent about the history of Atascadero.
Atascadero Zoo
9100 Morro Rd., Atascadero, just off Highway 41, about one-and-a-half miles west of Highway 101. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children 3 to 11 years old and $4.25 for seniors 65 and older. The zoo is open during the summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The zoo is one
Kai Lana Sushi and Seafood

They have such great local word of mouth, they are adding on a new deck. Their Hawaiian fusion menu is consistently called the best, with great prices too. Also offering wine tastings and acoustical events. 3000 El Camino Real, 805-462-2232.
FALL 2011 51
Atascadero
Salons & Spas

The Spa Central Coast
Full service day spa offering facials, massage, steam room, infrared sauna, seaweed body wraps, waxing, Sun FX tanning, meditation room. W e carry Bare Minerals, Aveda and Spa Technologies. 6105 El camino Real, www.thespacentralcoast.com 805-464-0129.
De Anza Trail
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Shopping
The boutique that will keep you and your friends coming back for more. Not only are the prices great but the customer service cant be beat. They carry a wide variety of clothes. Visit today!. 5992 Entrada Ave, Atascadero, 805-462-2673.
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A skin and body wine experience. Grape seed oil massages, facials & body treatments, wine bar, and much more. Re-emerge a new person, relaxed and rejuvenated. 5990 Entrada, Atascadero, www.vinotherapystudio.com, 805-466- VINO (8466).
SA
Vino Therapy Studio
NT A
DEL
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101
C AS AT E AD
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Adobe Plaza
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RE AL
41
Stadium Park PIN AL Adobe Plaza
1/2 MILES
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Bella Cose Boutique
DILL AR
AV E.
D.
Colony District
SCA CA
C UR B
TA SAN
O RD .
LUCIA RD.
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Wine Tasting
Frolicking Frog Cellars
With 450 case annual production, they are proud to be among the wineries of the Central Coast & Paso Robles appellation. Their hand-crafted wines are unique and boutique. Stu, the winemaker, celebrates his passion in every wine bottled. The 11th harvest in 2011 will be adventurous. www.frolickingfrogwine.com, 805-466-0779.
AB NG SA
D.
RIE LR D.
Chalk Mountain Golf Course Heilman DO Park OR . L B AVE E Paloma Creek Park
Atascadero Lake Park & Zoo NT AR OSA AVE.
Haven Wine Bistro
Romantic, relaxing environment with an outdoor patio and over 45 Central Coast wines by the glass, local and imported beer and delicious bistro fare served all day. Live music Wednesday - Saturday. Next to our sister business The Spa Central Coast. 6155 El Camino Real Atascadero, www.havenwinebistro.com, 805-461-9463.
MORRO
RD.
41
NR AFA EL RD.
AS
DE CA
SANTA BA
Atascadero
Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4
101
462-Cose (2673) 5992 Entrada Ave., Atascadero
Marahlago Larimar Brighton Gemstone Collections Not Your Daughters Jeans Jag Jeans Lucy Love Willow Spanx Zashi April Cornell Santiki Plus Sizes
Maggie Z and Cobian Sandals
Gift Certificates Unique Gifts
Fig Chutney & Brie Peruvian Chicken Salad Cuban Pulled Pork Citrus-Glazed Rotisserie Chicken
Visit our boutique in Downtown Atascadero, around the corner from the Carlton Hotel
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Sali nas Rive r
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ROCKY CANYON RD.
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Your Central Coast Conservation Center
Fun for the Whole Family!
Visit and have fun at the

Zoo. Visit our website for events, memberships, camps, educational programs and much more.
DiscoVer over 200 animals

in five park-like acres.
obserVe the animals up close

in naturalistic habitats.
ParticiPate in special
events that are always happening at the Zoo.
Fun to Do at the Zoo

Birthday Parties Zoo Snooze Bug Zone Workshops
For a listing of events and educational programs go to www.CharlesPaddockZoo.org

Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Admission: Adults (12 and over): $5 Seniors: $4.25 Children (3-11): $4 Children (2 & under): FREE
Located on Hwy 41, about a mile-and-a-half west of Hwy 101 For info call 805-461-5080 or visit our Website www.charlespaddockzoo.org
(Site donated by Clever Concepts, Inc. www.cleverconcepts.net)
We are open during the construction!
FALL 2011 53
Atascadero
Take a guided hunting trip

ike many small businesses, Anderson Taxidermy & Guide Service, Inc., grew out of the hobbies and passions of its owners. Don and Rosemary Anderson run Anderson Taxidermy & Guide Service, Inc., from their home, nestled in the wooded hills of Atascadero. Don is a fourth-generation resident of the Central Coast, and began hind them. The experience shared, and memories of times past, places and adventures in the field recall of those who were with you, memories of quality time spent doing with family and friends. Not every animal is mounted, but those that have been all have stories behind them. Don and Rosemary are aware of the importance of maintaining the population and health of the herds that Don and his clients hunt. They emphasize that the hunting industry is highly regulated to conserve and protect the populations of the animals they hunt, and that all of their activities are in strict compliance with Fish & Game regulations. Their hunting clients must obtain all necessary license, permits and tags. For the more rare and sought-after animals the regulatory limitations can result in high fees, and the revenue generated from hunting is used to maintain the lands that the animals
Don hunts and guides hunters in California, numerous other states and internationally.
A bighorn sheep hunt can be up to 12 days in length.
hunting on his familys ranch in Arroyo Grande. Now Don hunts and guides other hunters in California, numerous other states and internationally. While Don specializes in guiding hunts in this area, he began his career as a hunting guide in Alaska, and still guides hunts there; but his experience hunting in California helps him offer what Rosemary describes as exclusive hunts on the Central Coast. He has access to local ranches through relationships forged with landowners during his decades of hunting and guiding. His knowledge of the animal that he hunts allows for the success rate of animals taken by his customers. Among the animals that Don guides for locally are pigs, Tule Elk, deer, California Desert Bighorn Sheep and the sought-after Aoudad, also known as a Barbary Sheep originally from North Africa which has an established population on the Central Coast. While most hunts range between two to four days, a guided hunt for a California Desert Bighorn sheep hunt can be 12 days in length and extended to accommodate the hunters need to remain in the field in pursuit of these elusive and challenging species. He describes the period of hunting as time quietly spent, with the softly spoken communication between he and his hunters and no smoking allowed. The effort is to be unobtru54 FALL 2011
MPKIN PUTCH
PA
Picnic Area
Don Anderson brings a lifetime of hunting experience into his guided trips.
sive so as not to alert the animals to their presence. Don finds the skills developed while hunting beneficial for younger hunters, as they learn to be patient, quiet and to get up early to go out into the field. Rosemary says that hunting is a matter of tradition with Don and their business is about sharing their abilities with others so they may experience time honored traditions passed on from generation to generation with others. She says that for Don and her, hunting is a choice, hunting when successful can put meat on the table, however it isnt about pulling the trigger so much as enjoying the outdoors and
the gifts nature can provide. If your are skilled and capable of placing a well aimed shot, the return is in having put food in the freezer and possibly the preservation of a trophy taken, honoring the animal as well. Not everyone is 100% successful every time they enter the field to hunt. Those that do may have the animal mounted to preserve the memories of that hunt and recalling time spent with those who were with them at the time of that hunt. So when you look at that animal, know that there is something greater than just a head on a wall, there are memories and the stories be-
CORN MAZE
Farm Animals
OPENING DAY Saturday, Oct. 1

OPEN DAILY 9AM-DARK
HAUNTED HOUSE
19505 Walnut Ave., Atascadero Garden Farms

Just North of Santa Margarita off El Camino Real, Follow the Signs School Groups call for Reservations
438-5801 or 610-6330
Blue Sky Gardens

Atascadero
inhabit, protect and maintain the animals population. Dons skills and experience have earned him a place in the international hunting community as well as in his native California. His reputation brings him the majority of his business, and he says that most of his customers find him through word-of-mouth, from other hunters. Besides serving as a guide in California, Don also offers to guide hunts in Alaska, Texas and Mexico. In the past, he has led hunts in locales as far off as Ethiopia and Pakistan. As hunting became a passion of Dons he was introduced to the finer details of taxidermy as a way to preserve and display the game that he obtained. When the leading taxidermist on the Central Coast began moving towards retirement, Don stepped in to fill his place. He started his taxidermy business in 1977 and has been expanding his client base since. Now he offers his taxidermy services not only to locals but to hunters from around the world as well. His knowledge of the animals he has hunted have provided him to make lifelike replicas of the species mounted, he can re-create the muscle contours and stance of each animal he works with. While most examples of Dons taxidermy work are in private collections some examples are available on public display at the Cachuma Lake Nature Center on Highway 154, between Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez. These mounts serve to give visitors information about the animals indigenous of the area that they might never see in the wild. Anderson Taxidermy & Guide Service, Inc., does much of the legwork for hunters who want to try their hand at the game the Central Coast has to offer. Besides organizing the hunt, Don often arranges for food, transportation and lodging for his clients. He also can take care of having their game sent to the butcher shop and prepared for display at his taxidermy shop. For more information on the services Anderson Taxidermy & Guide Service, Inc., offers, visit their website at www.thehuntpro.com or call (805) 466-3240.
ANDERSON TAXIDERMY & GUIDE SERVICE

INC.
13600 Old Morro Road Atascadero, CA 93422-2021 Phone: (805) 466-3240 Fax: (805) 461-5767
DESERT BIGHORNS SAMBAR DEER, AOUDAD, BLACKTAIL DEER,WILD BOAR, TURKEYS, VARMINTS BROWN BEAR in Alaska WHITETAIL DEER, EXOTICS inTexas
CALIFORNIA SPECIALS:
OTHER HUNTS OFFERED:
Don Anderson with his California desert bighorn ram
More than 25 years as a licensed guide Dedicated to providing high-quality hunts, one hunter at a time Customized packages available
VISIT US ONLINE: www.thehuntpro.com
The Carlton

Luxurious Guestrooms
6005 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 805-461-5100 8 the-carlton.com
7305 thru 7385 El Camino rEal atasCadEro, Ca 93422

www.adobeplazaatascadero.com
FALL 2011 55
is dedicated to one goal: Creating an unforgettable experience for you
e Whats Hap Come SeLittle Caesars Pizza pening!

Gibson Brothers B-B-Q Taco Bell Pacific Western Bank San Luis Physical Therapy Caring Touch Massage M&M Smoke Shop Yogurt Creations The UPS Store Sunrise Donuts Mary Annes Hallmark Hair District Check Into Cash Radio Shack
Atascadero
The Spa Central Coast offers shuttle service

N
othing defines a getaway like a trip to this beautiful wine region, and nothing defines relaxation, during that getaway, like The Spa Central Coast. Founded in 2003 by Kitty Arosteguy, The Spa Central Coast offers Central Californias premier day spa experience. From traditional facials and massage to mineralbased sunless tans and detoxifying infrared sauna sessions, The Spa Central Coast offers up an array of treatments, perfectly tailored, and perfectly executed to enhance your wine country stay. With three locations, the Spa Central Coast proudly serves the greater San Luis Obispo County: The flagship The Spa Central Coast, located in the historic Colony District of Atascadero The Spa Central Coast at Avila, located inside Martin Resorts Avila Lighthouse Suites The Spa Central Coasts newest offering, inroom massage at the lovely Paso Robles Inn, also a Martin Resort. In addition to partnering with Martin Resorts to provide luxurious on-site treatments, The Spa Central Coast is pleased to offer a
ATASCADERO - CENTRAL COAST WINE COUNTRY
Highest Overall Guest Satisfaction in Region - 2010 + 2011!

InterContinental Hotels Group
Complimentary Hot Breakfast Bar - now with pancakes Heated outdoor pool + whirlpool spa Free Wi-Fi & High-Speed Internet access Visit us at TripAdvisor.com Fitness center Business center Corporate, Group + Extended Stay Rates Guest laundry Priority Club Rewards points or miles
Hawaiian Fusion Great Prices Music on the Deck Wine and Sake Tastings
Open for Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES OF ATASCADERO 9010 West Front Rd Atascadero, CA 93422
3000 El Camino Real, Atascadero

www.KaiLanaSushiAndSeafood.com
805-462-2232
1-805-462-0200
All rights reserved. This hotel is independently and locally owned and operated.
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FALL 2011
Atascadero
shuttle service to and from any Paso Robles hotel to their beautiful, full-service Atascadero location, which includes the delectable offerings of Haven Wine Bistro, a sister company of The Spa Central Coast.. Plan time, during your Paso Robles visit, to pamper yourself. Take pleasure in a foot-soak on the back patio, while sipping on a glass of local wine and enjoying organic bistro fare. Grab your partner and experience a steam-room treatment, followed by personalized, luxurious couples massage. Got a night on the town planned? Treat yourself to a body-slimming seaweed wrap and mineral spray tan. The possibilities are endless and only a shuttle away. For a complete spa menu, please visit www.thespacentralcoast. com, or call (805) 464-0129.
FALL 2011 57
Templeton
empleton is the epitome of small town charm. If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life then you are in the right place. A visit to the historic main street of Templeton will transport you back in time. A time when you could safely wander the boardwalks while eating an ice cream cone, sampling homemade chocolates, having a glass of local wine, dining out, shopping at little boutiques, and best of all spending time with the family.
lunch or dinner. The macadamia crusted Alaskan halibut is exquisite. 416 S Main St., 805-434-3204.
Museums
Templeton Historical Museum Society
Incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1989, the realization of a dream of nearly 25 years earlier. The Horstman house, built by Albert Horstman, a prominent businessman in the 1920s, was donated to the society in 1994 and serves as the museum where local memorabilia and photographs are displayed. Templetons original railroad warehouse (behind the house) contains a 1925 Model T in original condition, an antique carriage and other items too large to put into the house. Open Fri. Sun. 1- 4 p.m. 309 Main St. 805-434-0807.
Farms
Happy Acres Family Farm
This cute little family farm specializes in lotions, soaps and other skin card products made from all natural, hormone-free goat milk. You can also find fresh goat milk, cheese and ice cream. Come visit their one of a kind farm stand in Templeton. happyacresfamilyfarm.net 1955 Templeton Rd. 805-434-7580.
Dining Out
McPhees Grill
58
Fresh seasonal menus. A special place to go for
FALL 2011
Templeton
A family affair at Happy Acres Family Farm

S
omething got your goat? Not at Happy Acres Family Farm. Goats are what it is all about at Happy Acres, a state licensed, certified organic dairy goat farm. More than 200 of them rest under shade trees, munch alfalfa in enclosures, or roam in the grasses with the alpacas. Stephanie Simonin is the goat lady, and her business has grown from one sweet goat named Stella, who Simonin brought in some years ago to help feed calves who had lost their moms. Stella still lives here along with an assortment of animals who share the farm. There are mini-teacup pigs, miniature horses, regular sized horses, a miniature donkey, a cow, alpacas, a goose, cats, kittens, small dogs and really big dogs. All the animals get a name and the goats have tags on collars around their necks so you can see what those names are and be properly introduced. Simonin, her mom, Laurie, her sister, and all the kids take part in running the farm. In 2009, Simonin completed work on a large farm stand that sits at the entrance to the property. When you first drive up two huge Burmese Mountain dogs greet you enthusiastically. If you should happen to bring your pet along, Simonin requests that you leave the pooch in the car while you visit. The stand contains cheese, ice cream, eggs from free-range chickens, and certified organic fresh produce. Happy Acres offers a line of skin care products made from the milk at both the stand and online. The products include moisturizer, facial cleanser, lip butter, eye cream, and soap bars. Eczema, psoriasis, and acne are helped by products like these. They also contain vitamins A, B, and K, amino acids, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous and are paraben free. Simonins Mom, Laurie produces all the lotions and cheeses. The cheese production area is located in the milking barn. Large batches are produced for restaurants in the area. We were asked
Simonins mother Laurie produces all the lotions and cheese.
Stephanie Simonin treats her goats to a few peanuts.
by one of the Italian restaurants to make an Italian cheese, Laurie commented as she pointed to a cooler stocked with two sizes of

oblong shaped cheeses. Most cheeses are French. This is Toma, she explained, made with no culture.
Some of the other cheeses are Fresh Chevre with herbs that are grown locally, one with Sundried Tomatoes, Parmetta, which would be used as you would Parmesan, and Feta. Some are made without salt and some with, Laurie said. While goat milk is well known to be good for those who are lactose intolerant, Simonin commented that she discovered the benefits of drinking goat milk first hand. Not soon after one of her children, who suffered seasonal allergies, began drinking it, the condition cleared up. No more sinus or runny nose, she said. While Laurie produces the products, Simonin is in charge of the goats, performing milking chores twice a day. Her sister and the kids also pitch in and have chores like giving Lucy the cow her bottle feeding. Lucy is actually still a calf and requires milk along with feed. This is just one of the rescue animals that have come to live at Happy Acres. The calf had been mistreated to the extent that she still is not quite as well socialized as she should be, but with tender care at Happy Acres she is beginning to trust her new owners. A cow is useful on the farm especially during the time that the goats give birth. The kids often need a supplement of milk and Lucy will be beneficial at that time. Simonin breeds the goats once a year and relies on the blood line and talents of Scotty, the Billy goat among others. Scotty roams the back pasture along with an assortment of goats and two black alpacas. The alpacas were also rescue animals, and they perform a valuable service. The farm is located in the countryside of Templeton and it is not uncommon for there to be mountain lions, coyotes, and foxes about. Even neighborhood dogs are a threat. When a threat is perceived, the alpacas give out a high-pitched sound and immediately go on alert. They herd the goats back behind them and prance forward, shrilling their call as a warning to
FALL 2011 59
Templeton
Stop by the Happy Acres farmstand at 1955 Templeton Rd., Templeton

whatever predator might be trying to gain entrance to the field. Another nice element of having alpacas is that they produce a fine, soft wool that is spun into yarn for making clothing. The yarn is sold at the farm stand and the funds are donated to charities that the kids choose. Tours of the farm are available by appointment and consist of learning how to milk, blending your own cheese, which you get to take home, bottle feeding baby goats when they are born, and feeding peanuts to the goat herd.
Tours last one and half to two hours long and cost $25 for adults and $12 for children. Happy Acres offers discounts for school groups. Call Stephanie at (805) 434-7580 for an appointment. A visit to Happy Acres Family Farm is sure NOT to get your goat! Happy Acres Family Farm products are sold at Farmers Markets in Morro Bay, Templeton, Baywood Park, and Avila Beach. They are also available at area stores and the cheeses are featured in recipes in dozens of restaurants. You can find their lotion products for sale online at www.happyacresfamilyfarm.net . Ruth Ann Angus
Unique
Dairy Products
&
FA
R M S TA N
D
Lotions Soaps Cleansers Goat Milk Cheese Ice Cream
cERTiFiED ORgANic PRODucE

Family Owned & Operated 1955 TEMPLETON RD., TEMPLETON / 805-434-7580
www.happyacresfamilyfarm.net
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Paso Robles
P
aso Robles is bursting at the seams with attractions for tourists.Wine tasting, fine dining, shopping, visiting the lakes, seeing local Missions and visiting museums top the list of things to do in and around Paso Robles. Two new major hotels have opened in the last two years and more are on the drawing board. Both the La Bellasera Hotel and Suites (at Highway 101 and 46 East) and the Courtyard by Marriott (at Highway 101 and First St) are two new beautiful additions to the citys numerous lodging options. of media. Make art a part of your life by witnessing the creative process in action, enrolling in a class or workshop or viewing quality themed exhibitions.
Shopping Fine Dining Wine Tasting

Antiques
Vineyard Antiques
Underpriced treasures is our reputation in our 10,000 sq.ft. antique mall. Antique furniture from primitive to elegant. Old tools, glassware, pottery, artifacts, toys, wine accessories, jewelry and more. Garden art in our 2,000 sq.ft. patio. Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5. 2320 Ramada Dr., Ste. A, 805-237-4012. union of barrels still fermenting beer in the US. After the tour, belly up to the bar and try one of ten beers on tap. 1400 Ramada Dr., firestonebeer.com, 805-238-2556 x15.
Dining Out
Big Bubbas Bad BBQ
Big family fun is what youll find at this westernthemed restaurant. Belly up to the full bar. Dont miss the onion rings or the mechanical bull. 1125 24th Street, 805-238-6272.
See special section on Page 79 The biggest attraction for tourists is the local wine country. There are more than 180 wineries in North County, many with tasting rooms open for your enjoyment all week long. This area is the fastest growing American Viticultural Area in California with 26,000 acres planted. It has one of the longer and most consistent growing seasons for wine grapes in California. If art is what youre looking for, the newly opened Studios on the Park in Paso Robles is sure to please. A nonprofit open studios art center in the heart of downtown at 1130 Pine Street. The center has nine studios with 24 working artists in a variety
Wine Tasting
Reminisce Antiques
Buona Tavola
Studios on the Park
Browse this village of shops for a selection of fabulous antiques and treasures for everyone. Vintage, home decor, western, gifts, jewelry, accessories and everything inspirational. Open Mon. to Sat, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In downtown at 1344 Pine St., ReminiscePasoRobles.com 805-239-1001.
Antipasti, hand crafted pastas, generous main courses and truly inspired desserts, such as Chef Varias famous tiramisu. The highest quality and freshest foods. Open weekdays for lunch & dinner. Open Sat. & Sun. for dinner at 5:30 p.m. 943 Spring St. Call for reservations. 805-237-0600.
Cider Creek Bakery & Deli
Beer
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
This award-winning brewery offers an in-depth tour experience showing you all that goes in to making beer. See the Firestone Union, the only operating
Breakfast and lunch in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The bakery goodies are the best. The sandwiches are to die for. Pastries, pies, cookies, breads, espressos and lattes. Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Weekends 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. 205 Oak Hill Road #102, www.cidercreekbakery;.com, 805-238-4144 . Continued on page 62
YANAGI
Gifts, Gallery & Massage
Local Art & Unique Jewelry Candles, Books & Music Yoga Classes & Massage
S U S H I & T E P PA N G R I L L
} }
Featured Artist - Rosi Lusardi
1319 Park Street

www.EarthTonesGifts.com LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES
5 OFF $ 10 OFF
$
any purchase of $50 or more.
any purchase of $30 or more OR
Call for Teppan Table reservations.
805.238.4413

Offer good at Paso Robles location only. Not good with any other discounts. One offer per table. Must present this ad. Expires 10/31/11.
1221 PARK ST., PASO ROBLES 805.226.8867
www.yanagisushigrill.com
FALL 2011 61
Paso Robles
Fenomenal
MISSION
10th
An enchanting world tour for your palate. Located in downtown Paso Robles. Dine inside the Mediterranean ambiance or al fresco. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, wines, beverages and desserts. Open 8:00 a.m.- p.m. 1214 Pine St., odysseyworldcafe.com, 805-237-7516.
26th ST.
24th 23rd 22nd 21st 20th 19th 18th 17th 16th 15th 14th
13th 12th
Salin as River
Tasty and healthy French-inspired California cuisine in a casual chic atmosphere. Breakfast, lunch & dinner served all-day, everyday. Spectacular desserts and French pastries. Reasonably priced wines. Extensive kids menu. Patio dining. 1344 Park St., 805-239-3366.
RIVER RD.
Panolivo Family Bistro
Paso Robles Event Center Historical Museum Pioneer Park
Mission San Miguel
ESTREL
LA R
D.
WELLSONA RD.
Wellsona
TOWER RD. The Links Golf Course

UE
Ristorante Il Cortile
13th
PASO ROBLES
Roberts Restaurant & Wine Bar
11th
SPRING ST.
8th 7th
Amtrak Station
46
24th ST.
PACIFIC AV E.
Senor Sanchos
Robbins 6th Field 5th

SPRING ST.
. ION RD UN CRES TO N
GOLDEN HILL RD.
Downtown off the park. American classic fine dining. Sensitively-priced menu. Abundant portions, using locally-grown produce and proteins. Beautiful, stylish dining room with an uptown, yet cozy, ambiance. 1218 Pine St , www.robertsrestaurantpaso.com., 805-226-5556. Everyday is a celebration at Sanchos. Fantastic food, margaritas and atmosphere. You will never go away hungry or thirsty or in a bad mood. www. senorsanchos.com. 2927 Spring St., (805) 237-1508 and 1902 Creston Rd. 805-237-9880.
10th 9th
OLIVE ST.
City Park
River Oaks Golf Course

NAC LAKIMIEN E D TO R.
AIRPORT RD.
The towns newest fine dining Italian restaurant. Seasonal menus created with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Homemade pastas, fresh seafood, meats and antipasti. Dinner served 7 nights a week. Lunch served Mon.- Sat. 608 12th St. www.ilcortileristorante.com, 805-226-0300.
Downtown District
Paso Robles Airport DRY CREEK RD. Ravine Water Park
Cuesta College
101
46
Barney Schwartz Park
Hunter Ranch MILL RD. Golf Course UNION RD.
RD .
N
W E
1st
NIBLICK RD.
RI
VE
Thomas Hill Organics Bistro
CR
RD .
EST ON
From our farm to your table. A creative menu featuring organically-grown produce and natural proteins. Enjoy local wines, lunch or dinner in our dining room or outdoor patio. Located downtown in the alley at 13th St. 1305 Park St. www.thomashillorganics.com, 805-226-5888.
46
To San Luis Obispo
RD .
1/2 MILES
229
R obert s
A Fresh Approach To Classic American Cuisine
Underpriced Treasures
7,500 sq.ft. Inside, 2,500 sq.ft. Outside
Vineyard Antiques
Invest in Your Future While Collecting the Past
Open for Lunch 11a-2p & Dinner 5p-10p Closed Mondays 1218 Pine Street, Downtown Paso Robles 805.226.5556
www.robertsrestaurantpaso.com
Rated the #1 restaurant in Paso Robles by Trip Advisor
Over 10,000 sq. ft. of antiques!

2320 Ramada Dr., A Paso Robles (805) 237-4012
Hours: M-S 10-5, Sun 11-5 vineyardantiques@gmail.com
Wine-Related Antiques & Collectibles Buy & Sell Antiques, Furniture, Coins, Jewelry, Gold & Silver
62
FALL 2011
4th 3rd 2nd
KIL
. CYN
. RD
NIBLICK RD. Paso Robles Golf Club
JARDINE RD.
101
VISTA DR.
A
PL E
SANT RD.
Odyssey World Cafe
San Miguel
Estrella
NCHITA CAN RA YO N
World fusion tapas, cheeses and cured meets pair beautifully with international and local wines and brews. Relax in a hip, comfortable setting on the downtown park in Paso Robles. Let your senses explore Fenomenal. 835 12th Street, Paso Robles fenomenalplace.com, 805-227-7154
Paso Robles
E ST. RIVERSID
IAN IND
To San Francisco
For a map of Paso Robles area wineries, please see page 80

RD .
RD. LEY VAL
CROSS CA NYONS RD .
VINE ST. Historic Vine Stree VINE ST. t
SPRING ST.
PINE ST. PARK ST.
OAK ST.
ST.
ER
Paso Robles
A family diner serving the best breakfast in town and homemade mouth-watering desserts. Call ahead and order your box lunches for wine tasting. A downtown Paso tradition. Dont miss it. www.vicscafepaso.com, 814 13th St. 805-238-3988.
Vics Cafe
and encourages the development of archives and serves as a repository for records and other materials. The Paso Robles Historical Society is located at the historic Carnegie Library in the downtown city park. Open Thurs. Sun. 1 to 4 p.m. 805-238-4996.
Yanagi Sushi & Grill
Pioneer Museum
Voted best sushi in the county, its a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Call to reserve a teppan table, or sit at the fresh sushi bar, either way, you get to watch your chef in action. 1221 Park St.. 805-226-8867.
Hot Springs Spa

River Oaks Hot Springs Spa
Done wine tasting? Take an hour and come relax in the historic natural mineral springs. Private indoor and outdoor tubs start at $12/hour. Full service spa offering therapeutic massage and facial treatments. RiverOaksHotSprings.com, 800 Clubhouse Dr. 805-238-4600.
The Pioneer Museum is fun for all Ages. 20,000 sq.ft of local history, get a glimpse of what life was like in the Good Old Days. Dinosaur bones, Paderewski, vintage farm equipment, pioneer relics and lots more. Located at 2101 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles. Open Thursday-Sunday 1-4, Free Admission, 805-239-4556.
Pet Boarding
Paso Robles Pet Boarding
The caring place, family owned. Your pet will be treated like our family! Open 7 days a week. 2940 Union Rd.., 805-238-4340.
Museums
Paso Robles Historical Society
The Paso Robles Historical Society is a non-profit organization that seeks
Real Estate
Margret Purkiss, Realtor
Let her 30 years of experience in specialized customer service work for you. Whether you are looking for your dream home or investment property, Continued on page 64
ttttttttttt Just good downhome cookin! E ABLE TO WIPE R NAPKIN WONT B OU ttttttttttt Y E SMILE OFF YOUR FACE. VICSRestaurant CAFE TH A Family ttttttttttt Come by Chilis today and Rib live life to the ta Prime er stiest. inn D ttttttttttt $ 3.95
Saturd
h ay nig
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Catering Homemade Pies & Desserts
841 13th St. Paso Robles 805-238-3988
MON-SAT 6AM-8PM SUN 7AM-2PM www.vicscafepaso.com
ese topped with Oldtimer with che Shiner Bock crispy onion strings, d avocados ce, and slice BBQ Sau
Molten Cakes
2940 Union Rd. Bathing & Grooming Avail. Paso Robles Call for Reservations and vaccination requirements
238-4340
2001 Theater Dr., Paso Robles, CA 805-226-9226

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Chilis Grill & Bar
Paso Robles
Continued from page 63 or want to sell your home. SRES, DRE #01848509, 805-975-3988.
Tours
Cal Limo Limousines
Offering the ultimate wine country experience with exotic limousines and expert wine tour guides. You will be pampered each step of the way. Tours available in Paso Robles, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Edna Valley, Pismo Beach, and Santa Ynez. www.cal-limo.com, 805-772-2200.
RV Resorts
Wine Country RV Resort
Pastries Pies Cookies Breads Muffins Sandwiches Soups Salads Join us fo r Coffee Espresso Latte Breakfast Now Serving Beer & Wine
Hot Rod & Classic Car Gatherings Saturdays 7:30a-9:30a
& Lunch
Whether you are looking for relaxation, exciting activities or a romantic setting, weve got it all! As a familyowned and operated business were dedicated to making your stay a most enjoyable one. 2500 Airport Rd., www.winecountryrvresort.com, 805-238-4500.
Sinton Helicopter Tours
Salons & Spas

Strawberry Blonde Salon
Strawberry Blonde Salon, well known for its artistry, innovation and education, is located next to the train depot. They specialize in all the latest treatments and complete care for your hair as well as makeup and nails for any occasion. 714 Pine St. strawberryblondesalonpasorobles.com 805-239-4200.
OPEN DAILY M-F 7-6, WEEKENDS 7-3 205 Oak Hill Rd. #102, Paso Robles 805-238-4144 www.cidercreekbakery.com
Hop from vineyard to vineyard in your own chartered Helicopter. Rise above the ordinary, try a helicopter tour for your next wine tasting experience. Airport service, wedding, group and corporate transportation available. Rates start at $950.00 per hour. sintonhelicopters.com or call 805-238-4037.
Wine Experience
UnCorked Wine Tours
Tour wine country in a fully loaded luxury van, customize your tour or leave it to your fun and friendly driver. You will also get photos of your day. Accommodates up to 6 adults. www. uncorkedwinetours.net (805) 459-4500.
Shopping
Earthtones Gifts & Gallery
Consience living inspired by nature. Offering unique gifts, artisan handicrafts & jewelry, books, music, candles, cents, crystlas, massage, yoga & reiki. Stop by their downtown shop at 1319 Park St. earthtonesgifts.com. 805-238-4413.
Wine Walk Downtown
Country Farm & Craft Market

Local farm fresh produce and fresh eggs in season. Thursday, 3 to 6 p.m., at the 101 Open Faire Farmers Market; Friday, 4 to 7 p.m., at the Golden Hills Plaza; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the downtown park in Paso Robles.
The only guided wine walk in CA. Voted the 2nd best place to dine in the USA, and one of the happiest places on earth to live. Hear about the history of downtown as you walk. Wed- Sun, $29 per person. winetoursvip.com, 805-239-5920.
Vacation Rental
Cabernet Cottage
Located just steps from the historic town square. It is a newly remodeled two bed/ one bath and infused with wine country charm, antiques and oriental rugs. 738 Vine St. www.cabernetcottage.net 310-447-8583
Weve got just the room you need. The only thing missing is you.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate
An experience providing visitors with hundreds of chocolate treats, just as unique as the store. Located in downtown Paso Robles right next door to the movie theatre. 1106 Pine St., 805-226-7598.
Newly Remodeled High-speed Internet Swimming Pool Cable HBO DD Phones Non-smoking Rooms Handicap Accessible No Pets
Restaurant & Bar On-site Meeting & Banquet Rooms Complimentary Wireless Internet 24-Hour Fitness Center Outdoor Heated Pool & Spa Extended Stay & Group Rates Available
120 S. Vine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 239-9700 - Main (805) 239-5511 - Sales www.courtyardpasorobles.com
64 FALL 2011
Close to Wineries & Downtown Paso Robles
805-239-3030 2745 Spring St., Paso Robles
Approved
Paso Robles
Come get all steamed up!

P
Pioneer Day Parade Saturday, October 3
ioneer Day is coming to Paso Robles on Saturday, Oct. 8, and this years parade will feature two one of a kind steam powered machines from the past, a 1906 Best Company traction engine tractor and also a 1902 American Fire Engine Company horse drawn fire engine. The mammoth tractor, weighs over 19 tons, is some 18 feet wide and 20 feet tall and must be disassembled to be moved. It weighs over 19 tons, is powered by a two cylinder engine that produces 110 horsepower at its drawbar. It was manufactured by the Best Tractor Company of San Leandro, California which along with the Holt Tractor Company, later became the famous Caterpillar Tractor Company. These tractors were used for logging, farming and in the construction industries. The horse-drawn steam fire engine was restored by the Hubert Family who found it rusting away in a barn in 1991. It is sponsored and operated by the California State Firefighters Association. It was manufactured by the American Fire Engine Company of Cincinnati,
Ohio and served the City of Reno, Nevada for over 20 years. It weighs over 9,300 lbs. and can pump 1,000 gallons of water a minute. It was manned by three fireman and pulled by the three of the traditional fire horses, the Percheron. This engine has been the proud participant in three Tournament of Roses Parades in Pasadena, California. This parade is the 81st annual and will
feature over 170 interesting entries including historical wagons and tractors, equestrian teams, floats, bands and marching groups. Other activities include a free bean feed and band concrete in the City Park, royalty named from pioneer families within the area and many other related activities. Please see our Advertisement for more information or log onto www.pasoroblespioneerday.org
A Rare Opportunity to Experience Art Being Made
Meet the artists while they create original works of art Attend free art demonstrations or register for a workshop Visit the Printmakers and Photographers Guilds Shop at our Contemporary Fine Crafts Gallery
1130 Pine Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 Across from Downtown City Park 805-238-9800 Thursday Noon - 6 pm Friday & Saturday Noon - 8 pm Sunday Noon - 6 pm
www.studiosonthepark.org
www.slovisitorsguide.com FALL 2011 65
Paso Robles
Paso Robles Childrens Museum

T
he Paso Robles Childrens Museum in downtown Paso Robles opened its doors in 2007, and has since had over 72,000 visitors. The museums historic home was once the volunteer firehouse serving Paso Robles, and when the Childrens Museum moved into the space its theme was designed to reflect the buildings history. The building still resembles a classic firehouse, and the firemans pole is still located in the main area of the museum. The building, which was built in 1940, underwent construction for 5 years to become the museum space that it is today. However, the building still maintains much of the feel of a firehouse, from the high ceilings to the large
The museum is housed in the volunteer firehouse that once served Paso Robles.
windows in the front where the doors for the fire trucks used to open. Some of the exhibits embrace the buildings history as well, and a fire truck near the entrance is available for children to climb on and explore. Tamara Richardson, the Paso Robles Childrens Museums manager, says that the museum is aimed at children from age 1 to 10, with the focus being on the early years of childhood. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children in exploring the museum, but it is also set up so that the children can play independently. The museum is designed to help children learn through play. The museum has a Creation Station on the second floor with a new activity each day, so frequent visitors to the museum can expect to find new arts and crafts activities each time they visit. Exhibits in the museum include Grape Stomp, The Market Area, Newtons Playhouse, Physical Science Corner and the Theater Area. Local school groups are encouraged to visit the museum on field trips, and a special time before the museum opens has been carved out for them. The school groups participate in lessons on topics such as the food pyramid, the weather, metamorphosis and the solar system, depending on the ages of the students. Over 7,500 students attended these programs last year, and their
66 FALL 2011
visits were paid for through grants received by the museum. Tom Martin, whom Tamara calls the founding father of The Paso Robles Childrens Museum, had the idea to convert the volunteer firehouse into a space for children in 2001. When the Safety Center opened in Paso Robles it freed up the volunteer firehouse building for another use. In 2002 the non-profit that runs the museum was formed, and the initial fundraising push began.
The success of The Paso Robles Childrens Museum is a reflection of the support that it has received from the community of Paso Robles. Over $1,000,000 was raised for the conversion of the building and the installation of the exhibits. One wall of the museum is dedicated to those who have donated to help fund the museums programs; the museums budget is made up completely of money raised through donations and grants. Tamara says that both residents of the Paso
Paso Robles
Interactive exhibits are fun as well as a learning experience.
Robles area and visitors to town enjoy trips to The Paso Robles Childrens Museum. Fans of The Paso Robles Childrens Museum are invited to attend their annual fundraiser, held this year at The Paso Robles Inn Ballroom on Sunday, October 16th from 1 - 4pm. There will be 16 wineries and 10 restaurants participating in this event, Cioppino & Vino.
The Paso Robles Childrens Museum is open Wednesday and Saturday 10am - 4pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am - 4pm and is closed Monday and Tuesday. The price for admission is $6 for kids over age 1, $7 for adults and $5 for seniors. Visit www.pasokids. org or call (805) 238-7432 for more information. Kate Joyce
Wine Countrys Premier Day sPa

featuring... Facials Massage Couples Room Steam Room Infra Red Sauna Body Treatments Mineral Spray Tan Wine & Spa Packages, and more
y & Learn! Pla

Climb aboard our 1944 Mack Firetruck and become a firefighter or shoot some balls out of a cannon to learn about Newtons laws of gravity in Newtons Playhouse. We offer discovery fun for children and their families showcasing the heritage of the Paso Robles Volunteer Firehouse
Proudly Offering Shuttle Service from all Paso Robles Hotels/Resorts
6105 El CaminoReal, Atascadero 805-464-0129 www.TheSpaCentralCoast.com
FREE
Paso Robles Fine Dining Italian Restaurant 608 12th Street, Paso Robles
www.ilcortileristorante.com www.slovisitorsguide.com
Child n dmissio A
with paid adult admission
805.226.0300
623 13th St. Paso Robles, Ca 93446 www.pasokids.org

Call for hours and information 805-238-7432
Association of Childrens Museums Reciprocal Member
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Paso Robles
A country saloon with character

U
sually when a horse walks into a bar, its a setup for an old joke, but at the Pine Street Saloon in downtown Paso Robles, its a yearly tradition. This tavern is housed in one of the towns oldest buildings and honors its wild western roots during the annual Pioneer Day Parade by throwing the door wide open and letting cowboys lead their horses in for a drink. This year, the event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 8. People get a real kick out of it, said Ron French, one of the saloons owners. How often do you get to have a beer with a horse? The opportunity to literally Owner Ron French behind the historic bar of Pine Street Saloon. saddle up to the bar might be unique, but its not the only upstairs. But beware. Its rumored to within city limits, and all for free thing that sets this bar apart from be haunted. (though that kind of service warthe rest. Incredible hometown I dont really believe in ghosts rants a generous tip). hospitality, daily drink specials, and or any of that, said French. Its an Its really popular with folks that country ethos make the Pine old wooden building with creaky staying at the hotels, said French. Street Saloon an essential stop for noises. If you dont have a designated anyone looking to enjoy a cold beer Out of curiosity, French set up driver and cant afford a cab, we in a down to Earth environment. night vision cameras in the hall want to make sure you dont do We go out of our way to take corridor and has video footage of anything thats going to get somecare of customers, said French. what he calls super charged dust one hurt. Thats a common statement particles that appear to glow, travel Even free limo rides dont reach coming from a business owner, through glass, and zip around the the extent of the bars helpful hospiand French really backs it up. Two room even when the air is still. tality. Back in the frontier days, the years ago, the saloon acquired its I set up a candle in there, and saloon was a brothel, and there are own limousine, which French uses you can see that the flame isnt still guest quarters above the bar. to pick up and deliver his custommoving at all while these things fly French has since cleaned the place ers when they dont have a sober around, said French. I dont worry up, and when a customer doesnt driver on hand. Because he wants about it though. have anywhere else to go, he or she everyone to enjoy a safe night on French said that an added bencan sleep it off in a room available the town, hell take you anywhere efit of the guest quarters is that he can use them as incentive to attract better bands from out of town. When the musicians have a free place to stay after their concert, they can charge less for the gig, which means patrons can enjoy better shows more often. Past performers include Paula Nelson, Willie Nelsons daughter. Were a country bar through and through, said French. Weve got about 10 local bands that play here regularly. We keep them on a kind of rotating schedule and mix in an out of town act every once in a while to keep it from getting stale. During the day, the Pine Street Saloon is a quiet place to relax and visit with neighbors and friends, but that changes at night. Theres always something fun happening, and the night time activities are guaranteed to draw a crowd, with live music every Saturday and karaoke almost every other evening. Monday is open mic night and theres free pool on Wednesdays. Women can enjoy two for the price of one drinks on Tuesdays Ladies Night, and anyone in the restaurant or hospitality industry can get the same deal every Monday. For people who dont fit either of those categories, the bar offers a daily happy hour from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. with dollar off well drinks and beers. We can make those foo-foo
eurOpean Caf ambianCe COzy, Casual, COmfOrtable

Breakfast Lunch All Day Dinner

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Locals Love Us!
Odyssey World Caf

1214 Pine St., Paso Robles 805-237-7516
Downtown near the Park odysseyworldcafe.com
Open Every Day - All Day 8:00am-8:30pm Friday & Saturday until 9:00pm
Gourmet Salads Sandwiches & Wraps Oriental Bowls Homemade Soup Delicious Food Family-Owned Since 1997 International Menu
FALL 2011
Join us Downtown Nightly Dinner Specials Angus & Lamb Burgers Pasta Dinners Steak Dinners Grilled Salmon Local Wine List Art Gallery with Gicle Prints
Paso Robles
drinks, but theyre not very popular around here, said French. Our specialties are beer or Jack and Coke, nice and simple. That cowboy attitude provides an honest, blue-collar alternative to the more sophisticated wine sipping culture found throughout Paso Robles. Sure, its nice to roam the hillsides discussing the subtle differences between grape varietals, but sometimes nothing beats a down and dirty cowboy bar with good company, easy laughs, and cheap drinks. Other than the limousine, theres little about the bar that could be called refined, and there are no fancy frills. The jukebox plays both kinds of music: country and western, and the decorations consist of animal heads and old concert flyers. The only food they serve are peanuts, beef jerky, and bags of potato chips, so grab a bite to eat before you mozy over to the bar to cap off your evening. Its a cash only establishment, but they do have an ATM inside for those that only brought their credit cards. The simple, no nonsense formula of cold beer and good service has worked at Pine Street Saloon for 40 years. Its a family operation that started in 1971 under Pat French. For most of its run, the business was in the building next door to its current location, but the family always had their eye on the old brothel as a perfect drink house. They moved the business in 2002 just in time for the big earthquake that damaged several buildings in the area, including the brick building that had housed the bar. It was torn down, and but the new location suffered nothing more than a slight tilt. If you look carefully at the front entrance, you can see that the wooden building leans a little to the right. This place was built to last, said French. We did some retrofits to reinforce the walls and make sure it was safe. After the move, Pat French handed the reigns to her son Ron, but she still gets behind the bar to serve drinks every now and again. Rons son works in the bar as well, making it a third generation business. Mom started it. Im keeping it going, and Dannys keeping it clean, said French. Whether youre a homegrown local or a weary traveler, point your horse toward 1234 Pine Street in the historic downtown district of Paso Robles and visit the Pine Street Saloon. For more information call (805) 238-1114 and ask for Ron. Nick Powell
Crush & Roll West, September 16-17

For the third year in a row, cigar connoisseurs and wine enthusiasts will gather in Paso Robles for the Central California Coasts premiere festival, Crush & Roll West. This celebration of premium cigars, premium wine and the good life, takes place Sept. 16-17, 2011 in the heart of the Central Coast wine country. In addition to sampling world-class cigars and wines, attendees will learn the finer points of both from expert vintners and cigar manufacturers. This year, both the Friday evening and Saturday events will be held at the Paso Robles Event Center, which is home to hundreds of events throughout the year, including the yearly California Mid-State Fair. The Event Center is right off the 101 freeway and is easily accessible from any of the fine Paso Robles hotels and motels. Cost for the two-day event is $125 and activities include complimentary cigar and wine tasting, cigar rolling demonstrations, seminars, raffles, auctions, poker tourney, music, and much more.
Country Farm
Certified Farmers Market & Fair
Hot Dogs Tamales Fish Tacos Barbeque
Local Farm Fresh Produce & Fresh Eggs in season Local Quality Crafters LocalFresh Hot Food: Food Vendors
Paso at the Park: 9am-1pm 11th & Spring St. Open All Year
&
Craft Market
Saturday
Thank you for supporting your Local Farmers & Vendors
Call 805-237-0345
for information
FALL 2011 69
Paso Robles
Lake Nacimiento offers family fun

C
Water ski, jet ski, kayak, fish, camp
ome enjoy a perfect recreation and relaxation spot for visitors and residents. Thanks to excellent rainfall this year, Lake Nacimiento is nearing capacity. In addition to a newly completed spillway, the lake resort has a new parking lot, ranger station and a marina with several new improvements. It is a stabilized marina with wider walkways, a protected fuel dock, marina store, boat slips that are wider and longer then before, three ADA boat slips, a 6-foot-wide by 80-foot-long ramp and restrooms on the dock. There is abundant wildlife including bald and golden eagles. If you are lucky to spot one of their several nesting sites high up in the trees you are in store for a great treat. There are deer and cattle aplenty, if bird watching is of inter-
Come and enjoy the taste of Paso Robles while staying at Wine Country RV Resort!
70
Toll Free (866) 927-8669
2500 Airport Road Paso Robles, CA 93446

FALL 2011
(805) 238-4560
Countr ine y
For reservations call
10% OFF for Good Sam or AAA Members Full Hook-ups WI FI/TV Long Pull-thrus Big Rigs Welcome Heated Pool/Jacuzzis BBQ Areas/Horseshoes Store/Laundry/Fitness Room 3 Clubhouses with Kitchens Club Rates Over 150 Winery Tasting Rooms 11 Golf Courses within 45 Minutes Less than 30 Minutes from Beaches
For a Tour, Visit our Website: winecountryrvresort.com
Paso Robles
est there are dozens of known birds in the area including great blue heron, western bluebird, American goldfinch, and several species of humming bird. Navigating the lakes 165 miles of shoreline includes mountains, canyons, caves, and waterfalls. Several coves on the lake include Snake Creek which is the tamest next there is Dip Creek which is home to the slalom course, it is the most family friendly area to day beach at, followed by Tables Creek which gets packed and islands of boats lashed together are not an uncommon site nor is the floating DJ that converted an old pontoon boat into what looks like a floating speaker. Further down the lake several coves form what is locally known as the narrows, a very long windy narrow part of the lake that is a no wake zone. The narrows are a favorite spot to let the kids float behind in a tube or simply in their life vests or to just take a siesta. The resort can assist in any or all of these activities with rentals of fishing boats, pontoons, wakeboards and ski boats, kayaks or canoes by the hour, half day or for a full day of fun, rentals start at $20 and go up to $500 depending on craft and length of rental. The Dragon Grill restaurant opens for the season from midMay to mid-September. The local favorites that always sell out are the lasagna and the skirt steak. Movies are shown right next to the grill on Friday and Saturday nights and is free for those who are at the resort. The resort offers biking, hiking, horseshoe pits, volleyball and basketball and a pool. There are 350 camping and RV sites and RVs, trailers and mobile homes for rent by the night or by the week, as well as condos in the Lakeview Lodges, which sleep up to 14. Camping/ lodging rates start as low as $25 and go to $440 nightly. There is a general store with friendly staff to help out if you need something that you forgot or just simple supplies and snacks. Fees for day use start at $12, boating fees are $6 daily and fishing licenses start at $13.40 for one day; recreation on the lake includes boating, skiing, and a slalom course thanks to the Far West Water Ski Club, wake boarding, and fishing for the lakes numerous White Bass. The lake is popular for both visitors and locals, it gets extremely busy on the holiday weekends. If you head out there during the week youll have it more to yourself also if you want to avoid the crowds head out early in the day. For reservations or more information, call (805) 238-3256 or http://www.nacimientoresort.com/ Slalom course info http://www. farwestwaterski.com/default.html The resort is located at 10625 Nacimiento Lake Dr., Paso Robles. To get there exit Highway 101 at Highway 46 and head west through Paso Robles. In the city, you will be on 24th Street and when you leave the city, it will turn into Nacimiento Lake Drive. You will then turn right on Nacimiento Lake Dr. and will turn left to get into the park and resort area. It is a 20-minute drive from Paso Robles. Ryan Paine
Wine Tours Weddings Special Events
For the ultimate wine country experience

Paso Robles Morro Bay San Luis Obispo Edna Valley Pismo Beach Santa Ynez
R
www.cal-limo.com
805.772.2200
TCP 25201
Mission san Antonio de Padua

The Mission that time forgot
From Our Farm To Your Table

Museum/Gift Shop 831.385.4478
Our bistros menu features fresh, organic produce grown on our farm and changes often according to availability and season. Unique, local wines shape our wine list and a local winery is featured every Wednesday night for our special Wine Pairing Menu.
Open Daily 10am-4pm www.missionsanantonio.net
Join us for an
Evening in the Garden

Our Elegant Wine Tasting Event
November 5, 2011 4-8pm

$40 per person presale $50 per person at the door www.slovisitorsguide.com
Open For Lunch and Dinner. Sunday Brunch. Closed on Tuesdays
1305 Park St. Paso Robles (entrance in the alley) 805.226.5888 thomashillorganics.com
FALL 2011 71
Paso Robles
Discover the past at Pioneer Museum

T
he Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, located at 2010 Riverside Avenue, next to the Mid- State Fairgrounds, is a great place for an afternoon excursion to learn the history of the Paso Robles area. The 20,000 square feet of building space shows Paso Robles through the years, even before it was Paso Robles, and gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like in the good ol days. The museum opened in 1972 with a 6,000 square foot building, which now houses the collection of antique buggies, View vintage automobiles, farm equipment and a country store display. carriages and cars. When you visit the museum, you will an exhibit with cowboy, horse and ing about the geological eras, and explore three large rooms which saddle artifacts. will see dinosaur bones that were have different interesting exhibits, One exhibit in the Museum is dug up in the Paso Robles vicinmany of which are kept up by local dedicated to the famous pianist Igity. Next, you will learn about the community organizations. nacy Jan Paderewski, who came to areas Western heritage, including You will start your tour learnPaso Robles for the healing powers of the baths when his rheumatism became debilitating in the early 1900s. This display includes his bed along with other memorabilia. In another exhibit you will see an old-fashioned hand-set type and Linotype machine that made it easier to produce type. The blocks used to produce printed materials for this machine are also on display. In the Paso Robles Bank display, you will see a great collection of antique typewriters, calculators and other office equipment. Next to the bank vault you will discover rifles and shotguns collected by Clark S. Smith. In the country store display, you will seem transported back in time and feel like you could walk right up to the counter and order
Visit Vivant
Gourmet picnic boxes for local wine tasting Charcuterie, fresh bread, local food products Over 150 cheeses Expert staff to assist with wine pairing Enjoy our patio
Come on in! Have a cold one & experience some California history! Raise your glasses to the spirits of Frank & Jesse James! Live Music Karaoke Pool Tables Lottery Safe Rides
840 11th St. Paso Robles Corner of Pine St. 226-5530
vivantfinecheese.com
72 FALL 2011
Closed Tues.
1234 Pine St., Paso Robles 805-238-1114

www.pinestreetsaloon.com 10am-2am daily
Paso Robles
what you want. The Post Office exhibit, part of the general store, shows Mr. Patsey Dunns store, the home of the first Post Office in Paso Robles. There are also some mailboxes from San Miguel on display. Several of the exhibits show life as it was in the early years of Paso Robles, including a pioneer housewife hard at work, with the wood-burning stove she used to heat irons to press clothes, and a bedroom scene complete with lamps, candles, handmade quilts, baby carriages and much more. In the Buggy Barn you will be fascinated with the many showcased vehicles that have been used over the years, including antique cars which are kept running by volunteers, and carriages and wagons, some of which are used in the annual Pioneer Day Parade held in October. Be sure to check out the wall filled with almost 900 different kinds of barbed wire, made by different manufacturers, collected over many years. The Geneseo schoolhouse stands outside main building on the museum grounds. It was donated by the family of the late Linden Chandler in 2004 and shows a typical classroom where children learned during the early years of the community. The museum has knowledgeable docents to answer any questions you have while touring. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm. Admission is free. Special groups can also arrange a tour, and the museum is also available for special events. For more information call 805-2394556. The Paso Robles Pioneer Museum is a non-profit organization and is funded by donations and events throughout the year. Their big fundraiser Pioneer Pearls will be held on May 14th from 4:00-9:30pm at the Paso Robles Inn Grand Ballroom. This elegant dinner dance event will be the dont miss event of the year. For information or to purchase tickets, please contact Chuck Desmond at 805-237-2046 or leave a message for Cheryl Carnevali at 805-239-4556.
You love to vacation here, why not retire here.

The Happiest Place in America San Luis Obispo County
Bring this ad when you buy or sell with me for a Free Home Warranty and Exceptional Service
Margret Purkiss
PREMIER REAL ESTATE
Realtor, SRES CA DRE # 01848509
805-975-3988
direct
Each office is independently owned and operated
ING E Downtown OM Robles VENT PC Paso S U AUGUST

6-8pm, Sculpterra Winery. Call 238-4103 for tickets.
Fri. 19th Pre-Olive Social
Sat. 20th 8th Annual Olive Festival

10am-5pm - City Park. Olive Oil & Wine Tasting, Cooking Demos
Offer Expires 10/31/2011
7pm Park Cinemas, 1100 Park St. The Great Race - Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Natalie Wood. Call for tickets 238-4103.
Sat. 11th Pajama Party Movie Night
SEPTEMBER
Where visitors feel like locals and locals are treated like guests!
F LesREE s Dailons y!
8am - City Park. Taste of Downtown 11-4. Call for tickets 238-4103.
Sat. 17th Taste of Downtown & Art de Tiza
Sat. 22nd 15th Annual Golden Oak Festival

9-3 - City Park. Antiques, Crafts, Chili Cookoff, Garage Bands 4-7pm, Trick or Treat with Downtown Merchants, Carved Pumpkin Contest, 6pm
OCTOBER
Play Texas Ho ldem

PLAY RESPONSIBLY: 800-GAMBLER
Sun. 31st Safe & Fun Halloween
SloPoker.com 805-226-0500 1124 Black Oak Dr Paso Robles

Behind Arco by Motel 6 at Hwy 101 & 46E
Stroll ShopSocialize
WHERE EVERYBODY COMES TOGETHER
www.pasoroblesdowntown.org FALL 2011 73
Paso Robles
Redwings Horse Sanctuary celebrates 20 years

conditions with inexperienced or neglectful owners. It was at this time that Redwings adjusted course and made the decision to become a sanctuary and more carefully define what horses would come to Redwings. As a sanctuary, any equine that comes here as an adult stays here until its last day. And the horses that Pearl today, after receiving care from Redwings. come here are special they are horses that no adoption because of medical, physione else wants. They have been necal, or psychological issues due to glected, abused, abandoned with suffering at the hands of humans. little to no hope left for normal Why you might ask would a place take in horses that can no longer be useful. Animals that come to Redwings all have a story to tell of overbreeding, abuse, neglect, abandonment. Their stories are shared to educate visitors and community members to be more understanding of the commitment they make when deciding to purchase a horse or become a breeder. With the economic downturn, horses are suffering as badly as humans. Current estimates suggest there are as many as 170,000 horses/year classified as unwanted and possibly thousands more. Please come and visit Redwings,
wenty years is a long time and a particularly long time for any horse rescue organization to survive. Many well-intentioned people over the years have tried to establish organizations to save horses, and unfortunately, many have failed. In Redwings twenty years, they have been fortunate to have good friends who helped guide them as they fine-tuned the mission to what it is today: to eliminate the causes of equine suffering through education and community outreach programs, rescue abused and neglected equines and provide permanent sanctuary or selected foster homes for those equines. In 1991, Redwings, then located in Carmel, began rescuing horses and initially, worked to re-home as many animals as possible. What became clear in time was that many of the horses that had been rescued and re-homed, reentered the same cycle of sale, unknown living
Over 4 Acres of Lawn & Garden Supplies

The Largest & Funnest in the County If we dont have it, you dont need it!
Pearl when she arrived.
volunteer and/or sponsor one of our horses and know that through your support, you are helping to make things better for horses and burros. Redwings is in Lockwood Valley near Lake San Antonio and Mission San Antonio at 47240 LockwoodJolon Rd., Lockwood, CA (831) 386-0135. Open for visits MondaySaturday, 10:00am-3:00pm. www.redwingshorsesanctuary.org
Visit and meet our horses and burros. Hear the

stories of how they came to need sanctuary. office, give tours and help spread the word.
Volunteer to care for our animals, help in the
Hundreds of varieties of everything, not just the top 10.

Ramada Dr.
Sponsor one of our equine residents and join

with others who have realized the reward of providing for one of these magnificent animals.
TREE MAN
www.thetreemanpr.com
HWY 101
NURSERY 805-227-6225
OPEN 7 DAYS M-S 9-6 / Sun. 10-5
2630 RAMADA DR. PASO ROBLES
PASO ROBLES
HWY 46W
X
TREE MAN NURSERY
TEMPLETON
HWY 101 TO RAMADA DR. OFFRAMP, EAST SIDE OF 101
Working to eliminate the causes of equine suffering through education and community outreach programs.
info@redwingshorsesanctuary.org www.redwingshorsesanctuary.org
(831) 386-0135
Lockwood, cA 93932
74
FALL 2011
San Miguel
ome discover this tiny mission town, just 10 minutes north of Paso Robles on Highway 101. Its population is just 1,400. See the historic Mission San Miguel Archangel, which has been restored and is open to the public. The grounds include a museum shop, church and other outbuildings. Take a drive around the rolling hillsides and you will find acres and acres of wine grapes growing a dozen wineries sprinkled around. See the Wine Country Map a few pages ahead for more details. Youll also enjoy the views of active cattle ranches, almond orchards, and horses.
with history of the area. The Adobe is California Historical Landmark #936. Open Fri. - Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 700 S. Mission Street, San Miguel, 805-467-3357
DOS PADRES
mExicAn REStAuRAnt
When visiting Historic Mission San Miguel stop by for lunch or dinner
Dining
10th Street Basque Cafe
Styled like a Spanish-Basque boarding house. Come hungry and sample about nine courses. Dinner is served to one and all at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. on Sunday. Go North on Highway 101 to San Miguel, Tenth Street off ramp, 249 Tenth St. Call for dinner reservations. 805-467-3141.
firehouse flair. Great place to gather for conversation, social events and, of course, sharing food and drink. Open for breakfast and lunch with full espresso bar and daily specials. Mon.-Fri. 6:00am-2:30 pm, Sat. and Sun. 7:00am-2:30 pm. 1199 Mission St., San Miguel, 805-467-2878.
Farms & Ranches

Johansing Farms
Grass Fed Beef, higher in Vitamins A & E, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, No antibiotics or added Hormones. Stress free Cattle. What beef is supposed to taste like. Order online or get more info at johnasingfarms.com. 6242 Estrella Rd, San Miguel 805-238-5386.
Many military vehicles from WWII to the present are on display. Other interesting exhibits on the Salinan Indians, the Camp Roberts Railroad Station, the Vietnam War, the historic SATCOM station, a Korean War Room, a new D-Day exhibit, and an exhibit on the famous entertainment stars who trained at the Camp. The Museum offers video viewing rooms, a military library, a picnic area, and a gift shop. Red Skeltons barracks area is recreated in the Museum Annex. Enter at the main gate off Highway 101 and check in at the MP station for a visitor pass. Building 114, Camp Roberts, Open Thurs. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 805-238-8288.
Camp Roberts Historical Museum
Open Daily 10am-9pm Sunday Buffet 8am-2pm Take-Out Welcome Beer & Wine
805-467-0033
340 14th St. SAn miguEl
Dos Padres Restaurant
Located in San Miguel near the historic mission. Locals and tourists alike enjoy delicious home-cooked Mexican food in a comfortable atmosphere. Beer & wine. Open daily 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday buffet, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 340 14th St., San Miguel, 805-467-0033.
Museums
Rios-Caledonia Adobe
A century-old inn and stage stop on the old mission trail between San Francisco and San Diego, this adobe is located on grounds that once belonged to Mission San Miguel and is now part of the San Luis Obispo Parks Department. The Friends of the Adobe provides members the opportunity to support and keep in touch
Station 3 Coffee House & Internet Cafe

Charming coffee house with a
Come to Our House for Dinner!

Experience one of the Central Coasts most original dining experiences!
Dinner at the 10th Street Vineyard Caf made us feel as though we had been invited to a terrific party. Los Angeles Times
Full Espresso Bar

Baked Goods & More!
Near historic Mission San Miguel & Wineries
Cookbooks Now Available
10th Street Basque Caf

Original Spanish-French Basque Dining
805-467-3141
Coffee & Internet Cafe

1199 Mission St., San Miguel
Serving Breakfast & Lunch
Always Chefs Choice - Basque Dinner One Seating 7pm Friday & Saturday, 6pm Sunday Tapas Dinner Thursday nights with guest winemaker Lunch Call ahead
805.467.2878
249 10th St., San Miguel Just 7 minutes north of Paso Robles www.TenthStreetBasqueCafe.com
FALL 2011 75
Olive Oil Tasting
Olives of gold from 103-year old trees

A
s you enter the drive at Olivas de Oro Olive Company there are olive trees as far as the eye can see. They are old, you can tell by their thick, gnarly trunks. You might think that they occurred naturally except for the fact that they are very evenly spaced from each other. In fact the trees tell a story of a fantastic journey. Frank and Marti Menacho began Olivas de Oro Olive Company in 1999 when they bought an orchard near Oroville, California. The trees on the property were old growth olive trees and while they established their business in Northern California, they were looking for a property on the Central Coast. In 2007 they bought acreage in Creston and began the monumental task of uprooting 2000 of the 103 year old trees and moving them to the new location. Since then they have planted a 16-acre high-density Arbequina orchard and harvested them in 2010. The new property in Creston already had buildings on it and one of these has become the tasting room, which is open on weekends for visitors to come and try out the variety of oils. Eleven selections are offered and these include flavored olive oils such as Meyer Lemon, Basil, Rosemary, Mandarin Orange, and Garlic. These are cold pressed by pressing the fresh ingredient along with the olives rather than adding extract afterward. They also offer olive oil soaps and an organic balsamic vinegar from Modena. We are 100% certified, organic since the beginning, Frank said, and produce Extra Virgin olive oil. This is important because in the United States there are no labeling laws and any olive oil can be labeled extra virgin even if it isnt. Certification is performed by the USDA and the California Certified Organic Farmers. We practice sustainable farming in order to preserve the eco-system, Frank said. Pest control occurs with the encouragement of hawks and owls, he added, and there are owl nesting boxes and hawk perches throughout the property.
76 FALL 2011
Frank and Marti Menacho, owners of Olivas de Oro Olive Company.
Frank is a member of the California Olive Oil Council and the Olive Oil Tasting Panel. This Panel meets every year in January to taste submitted oil samples and to certify that the oil is Extra Virgin. The Panel Two Great Pyrenees dogs protect the sheep from adheres to the predators. standards set by the International Olive Oil Council in Spain. adjacent to it. The unique adoption We have a club membership gives a member an invitation to the available where you get to adopt annual harvest enabling them to an olive tree, commented Marti. pick a bucket of olives from their The olive oil you receive will be tree and make their own brined made from your tree and the trees olives. Club members receive a new
harvest shipment of Olio Nuevo, and a spring and fall shipment of two bottles each along with tasting notes and recipes. In November we also hold a harvest party and the public is invited, Marti said. Many people dont understand the differences in olive oils and their usages. True extra virgin oil is less than 0.5% acidity, and contains no defects as far as smell and taste is concerned, Frank said. Virgin oil ranges from 0.5% to 1%, and ordinary virgin from 1% to 2% acidity. After that there is oil that is lamp oil, and pumice oil, not meant for consumption. Along with producing their own products, the Menachos will plant olive trees on other properties, assist with their production, and will also produce some private label olive oils from their crop, such as for wineries in the area. The Menachos have a couple of side businesses that will pique your interest too. It isnt all olive trees and olive oil. Grazing on the property is a flock of Katahdin sheep that are utilized to keep the grasses down. Grass-fed lamb, processed by a USDA butcher, is for sale. The 60 or so sheep and lambs not only graze the grass but also nibble at the low growing branches of the trees affording the Menachos some natural pruning. The sheep are bred on the property and the stock is sold. This breed of sheep does not require shearing because they naturally rub their coats off. Frank has built a lean-to with some abrasive material wrapped around the enclosure that the sheep can use to scratch their hides. Two magnificent Great Pyrenees dogs share the pen space with the sheep for protection from predators. Marti mentioned that when they bought the property there was a house there that a caretaker had been living in. They have since refurbished and redecorated it and use it as a vacation rental. People that stay here really enjoy the solitude, and peace and quiet of the farm, she said. There are three bedrooms, a full kitchen and dining area, and a large living room. The Menachos added a sunken patio off
Olive Oil Tasting
Youre Invited
Katahdin sheep graze the property to keep grasses down. They also help with pruning the trees by nibbling on low hanging branches.
the living room where folks can sit outside and be sheltered from the wind. Rentals can be for just one of the guest rooms or the whole house. Whether you choose an after-
noon of tasting, gazing at the oldgrowth trees, or a weekend stay in the guest house, your time at Olivas de Oro is sure to be golden. Ruth Ann Angus
Paso Robles Main Street Association is presenting the Eighth Annual Paso Robles Olive Festival on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be free olive oil and olive product sampling from producers all over California. A Culinary Row at the festival will be serving great food, wine and beer and even olive oil ice cream. You can compete in the Olive Dish Cooking Contest. The festival is located in the downtown Paso Robles City Park. Bring the family for a day of Olive Inspired Fun!
Come taste at the Olive Fest
Olive Oil Tasting Daily Olive & Gourmet Foods Gifts of the Olive
the finest California Extra Virgin olive oils, vinegars and gourmet foods that inspire culinary adventure for every palate
taste
Downtown Paso Robles

1311 Park Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 239 -7667 Open 7 days a week
Downtown san lUIs obIsPo

958 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 595 -1376 Open 7 days a week
sHoP oUR onlIne stoRe...
weolive.com
FALL 2011 77
Olive Oil Tasting
Go olive oil tasting

O
live oil tasting involves smelling the aroma of an oil, and then sipping it to taste its positive attributes. Official tasters drink the oil from dark blue glasses, to ensure they cant see the color of the olive oil (and be influenced by an oils green or gold color). Tasters should look for these three positive attributes: Fruityness: Any positive organic smell or taste. Bitterness: A sign of freshness that is usually tasted on the sides of the toungue. Pungency: A peppery, burning sensation in the throat. Not all olive oils have all three of the attributes, but some should be present. Try it for yourself! Grab that bottle youve had in the pantry for ages, and taste it to see if its still good. Pour some into a wine glass about an inch or two high cover the glass with one hand while warming the base of the glass with the other. Place your nose into the glass after a minute and breathe in. Does it smell fruity, like green apples or cut grass or tomato leaf? Great! Or does it smell unpleasant, like paint thinner or bacon or a musty cellar? In that case, its probably defective and should be thrown out. Next, slurp in about a quarter of a teaspoon and let it sit on your tongue while you breathe in. Finally, swallow a bit and look for any signs of pepper in the throat. If an oil has a greasy feeling on your tongue, its probably past its prime. Remember, olive oil is a fresh product, much like a fruit juice. It needs to be used within 24 months of when its made, and it needs to be used within a few months of opening the bottle.
Look for three qualities
Heres where you can taste local olive oil

Alta Cresta Orchard
Sample gold-medal, estate-grown extra virgin olive oils in our tasting room located at our scenic orchard. 6075 High Ridge Rd., approximately 7 miles east of Paso Robles off Creston Rd. Open Saturdays & Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. www.altacresta.com, 805-227-4751. Products are available on-site. Award-winning, certified, extra virgin olive oil, raw-filtered honey and 4-year-aged balsamic vinegar may be tasted by appointment. Products are available at We Olive stores, on-line, or for best prices come visit us at our ranch. 21255 Hwy 41 E., Cholame. www. oliveuoil.com 805-463-2366.
Olea Farm
Pasolivo Olive Oil
Enjoy European hospitality as proprietors Clotilde and Yves Julien lead you through the flavors and textures of olive oils that are uniquely Californian and yet so distinctly representative of Olea Farm. Come taste Sat & Sun 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 2985 Templeton Rd, Templeton. www.oleafarm.com 805-610-2258
World-class producer of organic and estate-pressed extra virgin olive oils. Come taste handcrafted olive oils and delicious artisanal foods on your Westside winery tour. Open daily 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 8530 Vineyard Dr., Paso Robles. www.pasolivo.com, 805-227-0186.
Terrace Hill Olive Co.
Olivas de Oro Olive Co.
We moved 2000 century old trees from our orchard in Northern California to our ranch in Creston. Taste award winning organic estate grown olive oils, see our lambs, and take in the views. Tasting room open weekends 115 or by appointment. 4625 La Panza Road. Corner of Highway 41 & Creston Road. www.olivasdeoro.com, 805-227-4223.
Featuring olive oils, homemade herb blends and meat rubs, seasonings and more. Tasting room open Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and by appointment. Closed in January. Located on the beautiful Pleasant Valley Wine Trail, 2620 California Poppy Lane, San Miguel. 805-467-1906
We Olive
Olive U Olive Oil
A retail shop & tasting spot at 1311 Park St., Paso Robles. Huge selection and friendly knowledgeable staff. 805-239-7667.
A mom and pop operation.
78
FALL 2011
Wine Tasting
Your journey begins at one of more than 200 wineries
FALL 2011 79
To Monterey & San Francisco

Locatelli 10TH
MISSION LN.
101
Pretty-Smith
C R O S S C A NY ON
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Mondo Chronic
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Carmody McKnight
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San Antonio Winery
gOLDEN HILL
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Adelaida Alta Colina & Villicana 24TH
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Visitors
Wineries Wineries in bold are recommended.
Access
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58
Wine Tasting
Cerro Prieto Vineyard and Cellars

L
arry and Teresa Stanton have found their niche in the hills of Westside Paso Robles. Larrys daily routine includes inspecting the 20 acres of vineyards planted on the Cerro Prieto Vineyard and Cellars property, which they have farmed since 1984. Larry is as at home in these vineyards as are the turkeys and hawks that inhabit what Larry calls his limestone mountain. The heart of Cerro Prieto can be found in Larry and Teresas love of and connection to their land. The Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc vines that make up the Cerro Prieto Vineyard were carefully planted and readjusted through grafting so that the most suitable varietal is planted in each area. Larry has designed his vineyard to take advantage of the many microclimates that he and Teresa have discovered during their years of work on their property. Larry relocated from Southern California to the Central Coast over thirty years ago, after deciding to pursue his dream of farming while continuing with his medical career. He and Teresa met while working in the medical field. Now, with Cerro Prieto Vineyard and Cellars, Teresa says, they have continued to work side by side like we did in the medical industry. Initially, Larry and Teresa grew their grapes to sell to winemakers in the area. Then Larry began to notice something happening each year in their vineyards: the plants on the edges of each plot
Winemaker Larry Stantons connection to his land contributes to the success of Cerro Prietos wines.
would ripen first. Due to the different conditions these grapes experienced on the fringes of the rows, pressed up against the oak forests, their ripening timetable was accelerated. He began to harvest these grapes separately from those harvested by his grape buyers, and with the small lots of grapes started to make his own wine. These grapes from the fringes of his vineyards were ripening in very stressed conditions. For wine grapes, stress is a good thing. Larry says that each year this part of his crop, these ultra-stressed grapes,
were the best 5% he grew. My goal was to grow the perfect grape and by 2006 I had done it, and that is when I started making wine. He credits the quality of the wines he makes to the vineyards, and to the grapes they produce. Cerro Prieto grew out of Larrys desire to see what these grapes from the fringes of his vineyards could do if they were made into wine on their own instead of being blended in with the rest of the crop. As a small winery, Cerro Prieto had the ability to process such small lots. Each year Cerro Prieto produces
around 350 cases of wine, all blends with the exception of their first wine, a Merlot. Larry produces low-yield grapes, and gets about 1 ton per acre from the Cerro Prieto vines, and says that this translates into about 1 bottle of wine or less produced by each vine. This approach seems to be working for Larry and Teresa. Since producing their first vintage in 2006 they have received some exciting awards: 2006 Merlot: gold medal San Diego International Wine CompeContinued on page 82
S V
All of Rocky Creek Cellars wines are completely handcrafted and aged a minimum of 2 years in the barrel, resulting in a desirable delicious product for you to enjoy!
Sarzotti Vineyard & Winery

Savor the Passion drink to life
Complimentary Tasting Thurs-Sun 11-5
Specializing in Red Wines Come by for a Visit!
Family Owned & Operated www.SarzottiWinery.com

180 Bella Ranch Road, Templeton, CA 805.226.2022
(805) 238-1919 Located at 8687 Apple Rd., Highway 46 West

Tasting Room Hours are 11:00am-5:30pm 7 days a week
FALL 2011 81
Wine Tasting
2 International gold medals

2006 Merlot
92 pts Wine Enthusiast

2006 Paso Bordo (Cab/ Syrah)
91 pts Wine Enthusiast

2007 Merlot
rom the unique Paso Robles Westside/Te mpleton Gap area come some truly remarkable wines grown in calcareous from estate grapes soils both by the hot daytim on steep mountainsides, influenced e Paso temperature night by the cool s an moderated at ocean air flowing through the Temp Gap. Fifty degree tempe leton rature differentials climatic conditions provide the perfec t to produce truly world yields of 2 tons per class grapes. Low acre concentrate and flavor and bouquet intensify maximum resulting in only small premium varietals. production of our All grapes are hand harvested and sorted macerated up to 3 , weeks, and aged in 35% New French oak.
LA Intl Wine comp, International gold medal & 91 pts

2007 Paso Bordo (Cab/ Syrah)
CABERNET SAUVIGNO
PA S O
ALCOHOL 15.8% BY VOLUM
2008 Paso Bordo Reserv N e

R O B L E S
E
CONTAINS SULFITES 750 ML GOVERNMENT WARN GENE RAL, WOM ING: (1) ACCORDING TO THE SURG EN BEVE RAGE S DURIN SHOU LD NOT DRIN K ALCO EON HOLIC OF BIRTH DEFEC G PREGNANCY BECAUSE OF THE TS. (2) CONSUMPT RISK BEVERAGES IMPAI ION OF ALCO RS OPERATE MACHINERY YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE A HOLIC CAR OR , AND MAY CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEMS .
805-226-8448
805-674-0826
By appointment only.
www.cerroprietovineyard.com
tition and gold medal Critics Challenge International CERRO PRIETO V 2006 Paso Bordo: 92 &C Reserve F points Wine Enthusiast 2007 Merlot: 91 points Wine Enthusiast 2007 Paso Bordo: gold medal and 91 points Los Larry and Teresa Stant Proprietors Angeleson,International Wine 805-226-8448 Produced and bottle Competition d by Cerro Prieto Cellars Templeton, California While Larry says that he produces his wines with wine aficionados and real wine fans that like fine wine in mind, he also thinks of Larry and Teresa Stanton food and food pairings as he makes his wines. He says, I enjoy This is a great place to grow old, sitting down to a nice meal and and laughingly adds But we havent opening one of our really superb tried that yet. With Larrys dream wines. of the perfect wine shimmering in When Larry talks about his the vineyards, it looks as if Larry vineyards he shows his confidence and Teresa will continue not growin his vines and says, This place ing old together for some time at can produce world-class wines. their beautiful hilltop winery. Both he and Teresa express their Tasting of Cerro Prieto wines is gratitude at being able to live in available by appointment. Call (805) such a beautiful spot with one an226-8448 for information or visit other and do what they love. Larry www.cerroprietovineyard.com says of the Cerro Prieto estate, Kate Joyce
INEYARD ELLARS
We Pack & Ship the Central Coast to You!

Wine, Olive Oil, Cheese, & Gifts Hotel & Winery Pickup Available
WINE COUNTRY PACK & SHIP

Call or email for a rate quote (805) 227-7117 info@winecountrypackandship.com www.winecountrypackandship.com Open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm
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FALL 2011
Wine Tasting
Tom Lane makes wine with character

B
Bianchi Winery
ianchi Winery has been producing wine for over thirty years and through three generations and is now a thriving Paso Robles staple. Winemaker Tom Lane brought his considerable experience to Bianchi in 2005. Tom began his education in the fields of biology and botany, and then studied winemaking and Enology at the graduate level at U.C. Davis. His career as a winemaker flourished and he was named Winemaker of the Year twice, once in 1996 by Jerry Mead and then again in 1997 by Dan Berger. The combination of Bianchis deep roots in Paso Robles and Toms rich background in the Suzi Gaddini will be happy to pour you some of Bianchi Winerys awardwinning wines. wine industry has been a fruitful match. ment for making wine at Bianchi, The winery at Bianchi offers Tom says that Bianchis wines We modify every step for each Tom many tools to use in his wineare varied, in that he strives to keep variety so that it accentuates what making. The tanks of fermented each wine true to its varietal characthat variety should be. He feels grapes can be monitored remotely, teristics. This means that there is no allowing Tom to adjust their set palate for Bianchi wines, but that temperature from his computer in each wine has its own distinct traits. his office or even The Bianchi at home. The estate vineyards vineyards have include Cabernet soil-moisture Sauvignon, Mermonitoring lot, Syrah and devices that Zinfandel, which Tom can use to Tom says thrive determine the in the conditions state of Bianchis of this Eastside vineyards. Paso Robles The winery property. He building was describes Paso designed to Robles as an exfacilitate the cellent growing winemaking region. process, and Tom also Tom says we do purchases grapes everything here. from other This includes growers on the crushing the Central Coast, harvested grapes, Bianchi winemaker Tom Lane. which allows fermenting the him to work with grapes from difwine, aging it in barrel and bottling ferent climates like Santa Barbara the finished product--and everyCounty and the Edna Valley. Overthing in between. All of the grapes all, Bianchi produces wines from 13 grown on the Bianchi estate are different varietals, both as blends hand picked, and they cut a lot of and as single-varietal wines. Bianfruit off during the growing season chi wines can be found throughout so that they get low-yield crops. the country, mostly in small wine Tom caters the process for makshops and restaurants, as well as in ing each wine to that specific lot, the tasting room on the property. and says that there is no set regiwww.slovisitorsguide.com
that the oak elements added by barrel aging in oak barrels should not overwhelm the innate qualities of the individual varietal. With this in mind he selects oak from different cooperages and even different forests to compliment each wine he makes. He says of this process, I see barrels as spicing tools and want to match the spice. Now, running under the direction of the third generation of Bianchis to produce wine, and with the expertise of Winemaker Tom Lane and access to great Central Coast fruit, Bianchi is thriving. Visitors can expect a friendly reception and great wines at this asset to the Paso Robles wine-tasting experience. Bianchi wines are available to taste at the Bianchi Tasting room at 3380 Branch Road in Paso Robles daily from 10am - 5pm. Call (805) 226-9922 or visit www.bianchiwine. com for more information. Kate Joyce
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Wine Tasting
Fantastic wines and stunning events

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Meridian Vineyards
eridian Vineyards can resemble an oasis to its visitors. With its long, tree-lined drive leading through the vineyards and tasting room surrounded by herb garden and manicured lawns, Meridian is designed to offer visitors a place to stop and enjoy themselves. Winemaker Lee Miyamura says that besides the inviting grounds,
Guests are encouraged to call ahead if they have special requests, and the tasting room staff will do their best to help.
the staff at Meridian contribute to this air of welcoming, describing them as friendly, open, unique and inviting. Tasting Room Supervisor Emily Shelby adds that everyone on their staff is genuinely interested in wine and people, and that they go out of their way to accommodate visitors needs. It is perhaps this focus on hospitality that has helped Meridian Vineyards to become known for not only its wine, but also as a place to host and attend events. Weddings are frequently held at Meridian, and throughout the year
Winemaker Lee Miyamura and Events Supervisor Laurie Miller in the garden at Meridian Vineyards.
the calendar of events is packed with brunches, dinners and holiday events. Laurie Miller, Meridians Special Events Supervisor, says that their Fourth of July event is an awesome event and is very popular each year. They have live music and food on the lawns, and fireworks over their pond later in the evening. The events at Meridian have become a draw for locals and visitors alike. Many tasting room visitors were introduced to Meridian wines
at an event and later visit the tasting room to further explore Meridians wines. Meridian produces six core wines, which are nationally distributed: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Lee says that they are most known for their Chardonnay. Besides these six wines they produce smaller lots of limited release wines, which are available to visitors of the Meridian tasting room. These wines include
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Grenache, Sangiovese and Barbera from the vineyards on the Meridian estate. Meridian also offers chocolate and cheese pairings with their wines. This is part of what Laurie means when she says, It is the Meridian experience that makes us stand out. Guests are encouraged to call ahead if they have special requests, and the tasting room staff will do their best to help. Guests can bring a picnic lunch to have on
TA STING CELL AR
EastsidE 5225 Hwy 41E at Creston Rd

Open Fri-Sun 11am-5pm or call for private tasting
Paso Robles Tasting Rooms

www.stangerVineyards.com FALL 2011
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10 TO 4 805.238.4112

1585 LIVE OAK R OAD, PA SO R OBLES, CA 93446
WEstsidE at Poalillo Vineyards 7970 Vineyard dr 805-238-0621
tastingroom@hfwines.com
805-238-4777 84
Open Daily at 11am
Wine Tasting
If youve been here, then you know
the grounds, or the Meridian staff can have a one waiting for them when they finish their wine tasting. Lee says, We can accommodate a busload or a carload. Lee, who has been with Meridian for over 20 years and has been head Winemaker since 2006, says that is has been fun to watch Paso Robles develop in over the years, and says, It is just amazing how the industry itself has grown. She remembers one of the first Wine Festivals in the Paso Robles Downtown Park and says that it was easy to count the number of booths. Now, she says of the Paso Robles wine industry, We have come into our own.
This could also be said of Meridian Vineyards. Laurie, listing the annual events hosted by Meridian each year, says, Theres always something going on. She describes Meridians charm as rustic elegance, relaxed and lovely. Visitors to Meridian Vineyards are offered a chance to experience this charm for themselves, along with a glass of Meridian wine. Visit Meridian Vineyards at their tasting room at 7000 Highway 46 East, from 10am - 5pm daily. Call or visit their website for more details, (805) 2267133 and www.meridianvineyards. com. Kate Joyce
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Harvest Celebration
10am 5pm; $10/person includes logo glass
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Harvest Celebration
10am 5pm; $10/person includes logo glass
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Wine Vine Run Pasta and Salad Feed

Sunday, November 13th, 2011
Wine Vine RunHalf Marathon & 5K Run/Walk

Visit www.winevinerun.com for registration
For tickets call the Meridian Tasting Room 805-226-7133 7000 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, CA
805.239.8555 | off HWY 46E at Mill Rd. Thu-Sun 12-5pm | www.mitchella.com
www.meridianvineyards.com Follow Us On
FALL 2011 85
Wine Tasting
Wow! Its all about finish at Hunt Cellars

T
he little stone farmhouse that sits at the corner of Highway 46 West and Oakdale Road is where you will find the tasting room of Hunt Cellars. The winery, begun in 1996 by David Hunt and his family, offers reds and whites, varietals and blends, aged in custom made oak barrels and not released until winemaker Hunt feels they are really ready. Hunt, who once had a professional music career, decided more than 20 years ago to abandon that journey and had a vision of living the lifestyle of a fine winemaker with his own vineyard. Hunt lost his sight to retinitis pigmentosa, but hasnt lost his vision for his winery and his passion for the lifestyle still flames. Upon entering the tasting room you are greeted by the friendly staff and you cant miss the big white grand piano in the room. Its a player piano stocked with just about any song you can think of, but when Hunt is in residence, he plays. After I get my audience drinking the wine they think Im an exceptional talent, Hunt joked. As you taste the wines you will notice that their names also reflect Hunts musical background. There is a 2005 Chardonnay called Moonlight Sonata and this is a wine that, like the melody, truly transports you with its smooth, mellow mood. And then there is Afternoon Delight a 2006 Syrah Rose that will certainly delight you. One of the newest releases is a 2007 Zinfan-
The Hunt Cellars tasting room is located just minutes from Paso Robles on Highway 46 West.
del called Rocket Man that is sure to send you to the moon. The winery offers a variety of estate grown reds, and three exceptional whites. Hunt says most people step up to the big mahogany bar, take their first sip, step back, and say, Wow! Performing music is still part of his soul though and Hunt recently recorded a new CD with full orchestration and collaboration by well-known musical artists. Naturally the recording is all about his wines. Part of the secret to the wines is in the soil and the climate. The Paso Robles countryside is known for its summer heat and cooler winters, but microclimates exist throughout the region. A
characteristic dividing line in the area has been the 101 freeway and wineries west of it claim a certain type of soil and climate and those on the east side yet another type. Hunt debunks this theory altogether. He first chose about 30 acres on the west side but ultimately searched for his prime location which turned out to be deep in the eastern section, and elevated in height. His 550 acres called Destiny Vineyards, named after his daughter, sits in a spot giving him four different terroirs at a variety of elevations and climates. The soil contains deposits left there from an age when the ocean covered most of the Central Coast. There is a distinct micro-
climate where warm days change with breezes from the sea drifting through the pass in the coastal mountains and reach the vineyard around 4:30 in the afternoon. This affords the vines more heat therms during the day but also lends a necessary cooling effect. In order to learn all he could about the winemaking process, Hunt took several extension courses in enology at the University of California at Davis. The rest he perfected on his own and he is the last word in the winemaking process. All the blending is performed solely by him to his very exacting standards. Without sight he has developed his other senses more acutely and can tell differences in fragrance and
Complimentary Wine Tasting Welcome - Call ahead to schedule Open to the public during Wine Event Weekends www.birdlandcellars.com 2627 Golden Eagle Way, San Miguel, CA 93451 805 400-0451 or 805 238-3004
Wine Tasting
Owner David Hunt has been known to sit down at this player piano and entertain guests.
bouquet by taste and smell. I deliver highly extracted wines that require extended barrel aging, he said. The barrels are of American staves and French heads. Even in the vineyard Hunt uses his sensory abilities to assure himself of the quality of his fruit as it is growing. He must be doing something right because his wines have won
numerous gold and silver medals as well as best of class and best of region awards. They always range in the 90-plus range in wine competitions. Hunt sums up his business saying Its a curse and a passion. Winemaking is all about the finish. For those of us who enjoy the end result of his work, we hope he never finishes! Ruth Ann Angus
Come be a part of the world of Wow! wines.

The most common word spoken after the first sip.
Over 30 wines scored 90-96 pts

2875 Oakdale Road, Paso Robles at Highway 46 West Open 10:30-6:00 (805) 237-1600 www.huntcellars.com
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Wine Tasting
Telling a story through wine

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Calcareous Vineyard
or Calcareous Winemaker Jason Joyce, winemaking is a reflection of life. Since he started making wine at Calcareous in 2007, he has found that for him, a lot of winemaking, especially at a place like Calcareous, is about telling a story. Calcareous, located on the west side of Paso Robles on top of one of the areas characteristic oak-dotted hills, was started in 1999 by Lloyd Messer and his daughters, Dana Brown and Erika Messer. Now, an open tasting room takes advantage of the expansive views and the winery produces about 10,000 cases of wine each year, including Bordeaux blends, Rhone blends, pinot noir, chardonnay and zinfandel. The estate vineyards were planted in 2002 with cabernet manual labor, get outdoors and get out of the city for a while. Jason had attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and he was happy to return to the Central Coast for a while. He joined the winemaking staff at Calcareous and worked at the physical side of winemaking: scrubbing stainless and floors, dragging hoses. After his first harvest at Calcareous, Jason realized that he wanted his foray into the winemaking business to be more than just a detour and signed on as a permanent cellar worker at Calcareous. He became Assistant Winemaker in 2007 and in 2010 was promoted to Winemaker. When asked about the switch from chemistry to winemaking, Jason says that the biggest difference between science and winemaking is that with science there is one answer whereas with winemaking there are many answers. It was this creative aspect
Calcareous winemaker Jason Joyce left a career as a pharmaceutical chemist to work in the wine industry.
sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, mourvedre, grenache, syrah, malbec and chardonnay. Jason started working in the wine industry on what he planned to be a 3-month detour from his career as a chemist. He
had been working at a bio-tech startup in the Bay Area as a pharmaceutical chemist when he decided to take a break before moving to a larger company. He moved to Paso Robles to work a harvest, or as he puts it, do some
CALCAREOUS
V I N E YA R D
Enjoy award-winning wines at our panoramic hilltop location.

Come for the wine, stay for the view! Lunch served on weekends from 12-3pm Home of the Twisted Sisters Wines!
Peachy Canyon
X Calcareous Vineyard Just 4.2 miles west of Downtown Paso Fresno
3430 Peachy canyon Road, Paso Robles 805-239-0289

oPen daily 11am to 5Pm WWW.calcaReoUs.com
88 FALL 2011
Olive Street Vine Street Oak Street Spring Street
Directions: From Spring St. in Paso Robles: Go west on 12th St., left on Fresno St., right on Peachy Canyon Rd. 4.2 miles on right.
Pacific 6th St.

Park
Wine Tasting
In the vineyard, left to right: Rory Sheehe, Jason Joyce, Johnny Maduena, Martin Meraz
in the vineyards, pruning, that sparked the love Jason has shoot-thinning, leaf-pulling and for his new profession. tucking vines, so that he can stay Jason says that when makreminded of how much work it ing wine there is nothing set in actually is to farm a vineyard. stone about what you are trying Jason explores the many comto accomplish and likens the ponents of winemaking in his field of winemaking to a liberal blog on the Calcareous website, arts education, in that one can Chalk Talk. The apply the full blogs name spectrum of references the experiences to chalky soils winemaking. found on the Jason likes that property, and the job of a Jason has used winemaker is Chalk Talk as made up of so a way to share many distinct and document facets, from what he and organizing the the Calcarecellar to the ous staff do on maintenance of the vineyards to Behind the tasting bar are Jacqui the production side of the thinking about Pailing and John Teeling winery, as well how the wine as his own interests in the field of will eventually be consumed. winemaking. He continues, Winemaking When Jason says The land itallows you to apply that theoself is ultimately what makes Calretical knowledge, both in the careous special, he is referring to physical side of winemaking and both the winerys namesake soil in how you tell your story. It is and to the place itself. He says this storytelling that has inspired that at Calcareous visitors can the wines that Jason makes at experience what Paso Robles has Calcareous. He is excited about to offer. This hilltop winery is a the maturing vineyards on the great place to sit, take in the stunCalcareous property, which are ning views and enjoy the wine composed of the limestone, or made possible by the land of this calcareous, soil so beneficial in storied Paso Robles gem. producing high-quality grapes. Jason stays up to date with Calcareous is located at 3430 what is happening in the Calcare- Peachy Canyon Road in Paso ous vineyards by communicatRobles, and is open daily from ing with his vineyard manager 11am - 5pm. Call (805) 239-0289 or and vineyard consultant on a visit www.calcareous.com for more regular basis. He also says that information. he does regular half-day stints Kate Joyce
Family is a gift from nature... and so are our wines. Open Daily 11am to 5pm 8325 Vineyard Drive Paso Robles, California Tel: 805.239.9020 www.whalebonevineyard.com
SAN MARCOS CREEK

V I N E Y A R D
Taste Our Estate Bottled Wines Everyday from 11am-5pm
7750 NORTH HIGHWAY 101 PASO ROBLES, CA 93446 (805)467-9260 TOLL FREE (866)PASO-WINE INFO@SANMARCOSCREEK.COM WWW.SANMARCOSCREEK.COM
6 mi. North of Paso Robles on HWY 101
d. San Marcos R
Wellsona
Paso Robles
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Wine Tasting
Striving to make handmade, quality wines

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Arroyo Robles
rom his downtown, park-front tasting room winemaker Bob Shore can keep his finger on the pulse of Paso Robles, which suits him quite well. Bob is an easygoing, enthusiastic member of Paso Robles bustling town center, and the tasting room for his winery, Arroyo Robles, functions as a convenient center for the many facets of his business. As much as he loves to make wine, Bob Shore also loves to talk about wine and teach about wine. He has structured his tasting room to include a classroom for a variety of food and wine-related classes. His family is a huge part of his daily life, and of his business as well. As often as not, at least one member of his family is pouring wine at Arroyo Robles bustling tasting room. His wife Tanis, son Jason and daughter Brianna are integral parts of Arroyo Robles. Bob Shore has been making wine on the Central Coast for over a decade, starting in Avila Beach in 1998 out of a converted apple barn which he shared with three other winemaking families. Over the years he has been based out of San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria, but he has ended up in his Paso Robles location because he just felt comfortable here. He cites the excellent soil and weather conditions as reasons he produces wine out of Paso Robles, and feels at home in his downtown tasting room
Bob Shore has been making wine on the Central Coast for over a decade.
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Dedicated to producing high-quality Rhne wines in small, hand-crafted lots.

Spicy Syrahs, Vibrant Viogniers and unique blends such as Iconoclast & Clairvoyant
3525 Adelaida Rd., Paso Robles 805-835-9643
Open Fri-Mon 11am-5pm Open Daily 11am-5pm
2900 Grand Ave., Los Olivos (Next to Panino) 805-688-2459 www.carinacellars.com
Carina Cellars
2 Tastings for this ad. price of 1! the with
2 Great Locations
FALL 2011
WINERY
2020 Nacimiento Lake Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-237-7848 www.chroniccellars.com
Open Daily 11:30-5:30
Wine Tasting
due to the casual country feel and great people found in Paso Robles. The Shore family has been involved in agriculture in California for decades. He and his brother ran an agricultural laboratory business, dealing with all kinds of crops, from cotton, potatoes and carrots to grapes. He also managed a demonstration farm, which focused on using all available technology and advancements to more efficiently use fertilizers. It is from this agriculturally focused background that Bob approaches winemaking. He feels that in order to be the best winemaker he can he must really understand the soil in which he grows his grapes. He is very involved with the soil in the vineyards, which grows the Mediterranean grapes he likes. Soil types can differ greatly, even within a forty-acre plot. He says, simply, that one must grow good grapes to make good wine. He puts extra effort into the vineyard to get good grapes, and, the extra effort is always worth it. Bob also acknowledges that quality wines which are indicative of Paso Robles, both in style and in varietal. Another unique aspect of the Arroyo Robles tasting room is the array of small classes which Bob teaches. He says that he The Arroyo Robles tasting room is located at the loves to talk corner of 12th and Park Streets in Paso Robles about wine and feels that it is best for people to while he is primarily a self-taught learn by experience and tasting winemaker, he has been fortunate to find out what affects their taste to have great local consultants. As and to see how the different aspects he encourages the students in his of food and wine interact. He enwine tasting classes to learn by courages students to talk about all experience, so has Bob learned by aspects of food and wine, believing doing. He has enjoyed exploring that the more you know about the many varietals which thrive in wine the more you enjoy it. Paso Robles, and his tasting menu One class involved a wedding boasts a unique ensemble of wines. As Bob is inspired by the grapes, party and took place a few days before the wedding. The members of he is continually exploring and exthe wedding party were separated panding his winemaking practice. into two groups: the men and the He strives to make handmade, women. Each group worked with Bob to create, bottle and label their own blend, and the two blends were served at the wedding reception. He hosts traditional food and wine pairing classes, and has installed a large whiteboard in the classroom to facilitate the discussions that take place as the classes progress. Bob has also taught Pruning 101, Breakfast In The Vineyard and blending classes, all classes of his own design. Bob Shore invites visitors to come visit Arroyo Robles as a way to find out about small, family-owned wineries in Paso Robles. As he says, Paso Robles is becoming known for great taste per dollar. From its centrally located tasting room, Arroyo Robles offers locals and tourists alike a chance to taste wines crafted by a family to which Paso Robles is a central fixture in its story. Arroyo Robles wines are available to taste at 739 12th Street in downtown Paso Robles from 11am 7pm daily. Call (877) 759-WINE or visit www.arroyorobles.com for more information. Kate Joyce
Please visit our tasting room in the heart of downtown Paso Robles. Experience hand-crafted wines from our family-owned and operated winery Shop for gourmet food items, wine accessories, gifts and much more. OPEN DAILY 11-7
ARROYO ROBLES WINERY

739 12th Street, Paso Robles 805-226-5454 www.arroyorobles.com

Visit our tasting room in downtown Paso Robles. Enjoy our award-winning estate-grown wines while viewing artwork by local and world-renowned artists. 1140 PINE STREET, PASO ROBLES 805.237.7525 www.orchidhillwine.com
FALL 2011 91 Daily 12-6 & by appointment
Wine Tasting
Take your time with this wine

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ondo Cellars shouldnt be seen as a quick stop on a wine tour. Instead, its where youll want to finish a long day under Paso Robles sun. We serve our tastings restaurant style. Its not rushed at all, said Doug Mondo. People sit at the shaded tables on the patio where they can relax and take in the view. The best weather in wine country is during the late evenings, but most of the tasting rooms close at 5:00 p.m. Not Mondo. They stay open till late every Friday from March to October for Sunset Happy Hour with catered-in appetizers, live music, and plenty of wine. We get a pretty diverse group of musicians rotating through, and everyone has a lot of fun, said Mondo. Its a sea of fedoras out there. Fedoras? The Mondo family is a tightly knit clan with strong ties to their Italian heritage. They sell fedora hats (2,000 to date) in their tasting room and call their wine club the Mondo Mob, using the classic Italian hat as the clubs signal. The headwear is far from mandatory, but its fun and helps folks everywhere recognize fellow mobsters. Fans of the winery are loyal for a number of reasons. Mondo Cellars specializes in Rhone and Bordeaux blends, and wine maker Kevin Riley is known for concoctions that are incredibly smooth, balanced, and easy to drink. It
Mondo Cellars live music events are a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
doesnt hurt that theres no tasting fee for these wonderful wines. The quality service and friendly staff are also appreciated, along with the fun events and breathtaking view. The winery is perched atop a tall hill and overlooks miles of rolling vineyards. Its an ideal spot for a weekend getaway, so the family built the Villa nel Mondo, a three room bed and breakfast, on the 80 acre property. Elegantly furnished with a comfy king size bed, the Tuscany suite has a 40 inch plasma TV, a romantic fireplace, and a large shower with an antique foot bath. The Venice suite has two bedrooms and a common living room area, making it the perfect
suite to accommodate two couples traveling together. Mondo Cellars currently produces about 2,500 cases a year, but
having such a good product can have a downside. The bottles fly off the shelves, sometimes months ahead of schedule.
Stop by and taste this years award-winners
Conveniently located on the beautiful Westside of Paso Robles, off Hwy 46W just 3 miles from Hwy 101.
3230 Oakdale Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446 www.redsoleswinery.com 805.226.9898 Daily 11-5
Art. Music. Wine. Blended.

ON VINES THE
PASO ROBLES
Make plans to visit. We are pouring Friday-Sunday!
Historic
esT. 1908
Winery
MARYCREST
vinesonthemarycrest.com 5076 Mustard Creek Rd., Paso Robles 805-237-0378 Across the road from Chronic Cellars
92 FALL 2011
Tasting Room Open Daily 10:30 - 5:30

250 Winery Road, Templeton, CA 93465
(805) 237-0510
www.rottawinery.com www.slovisitorsguide.com
Wine Tasting
Ive never club membersubmitted the wines ship with all the for awards, because discounts in wine weve never had any and fun events, but leftover bottles, its also got very said Mondo. We real tax and income sell everything we benefits, said make right here in Mondo. You can the tasting room grow with us. or ship it out to the Mondo has Mondo Mob. prepared invesIn an effort to tor packets with ramp up producdetailed description and take the tions of how the winery to the next money will be used level, Mondo is to increase the sales giving his club and profits of the members a unique company and how and exclusive much stakeholders opportunity. Hes Don a fedora and join will get in return. selling stakes in 50 The winery the Mondo Mob. percent of the land is located at 326 and 30 percent of the winery to Nacimiento Lake Drive just outside raise $2.68 million to reinvest in of Paso Robles. For more informathe facility improvements and tion, visit their mondocellars.com or marketing efforts. He also wants call 805-226-2925. The tasting room to build an event plaza for recepis open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. tions, weddings, and big parties. in the spring and summer, with exThe minimum investment is tended hours on Fridays and from 11 $11,000. a.m. to 5 p.m. in the fall and winter. It would be like a country Nick Powell
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FALL 2011 93
Wine Tasting
My what big reds you have grandma

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Grey Wolf Vineyards
rey Wolf Vineyards and Cellars has been run by the Barton Family at its location on a hillside on Highway 46 West for 17 years. The winery was started by Joe Barton Sr. in 1994 and the winemaking duties have been passed on to his son, Joe Barton Jr. When Joe Sr. started making wine on the Central Coast Joe Jr. was studying winemaking at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Joe Sr. became involved in the winemaking industry when he did some construction work for some wineries. Joe Jr. says that Winemaker Joe Barton and his mother Shirlene Barton his father got bit by the bug, room on weekends. He says that it angles--Joe Sr. through working then the next thing you know he was fun for them to both be learning in the business and Joe Jr. through was trading labor for fruit. about the same subject at the same viticulture and enology classes. Joe Joe Jr. says that he and his father time, and that they were able to Jr. would help his dad with the busiwere both learning the craft at the ness, sometimes working the tasting trade information and knowledge. same time, though from different Because of this early introduction into the wine industry of Paso Robles, and because of the relationships that Joe Sr. developed with growers in the area, Joe Jr. is connected to many of the vineyards in Paso Robles. While Grey Wolf grows many of its own grapes they purchase grapes from other vineyards as well. Joe Jr.s familiarity with and ties to local vineyards allow him to have access to select fruit. These relationships that the Barton family has with their growers are very important to them and reflect the importance of community and family to Joe Barton and his mom Shirlene. Besides making the wine for Grey Wolf, Joe Jr. spends much of his time in the vineyards. Another part of the legacy that Joe Sr. left to his family is the Grey Wolf estate vineyard. Grey Wolf grows Syrah, Zinfandel, Malbec,
DUNNING VINEYARDS
E S TA T E W I N E R Y
Wine Tasting
Private Reserve Wines Meritage Blend, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay & Special Releases only available at The Winery!
Feels like HOMe
ept K st ret! Be ec S
Come find us at the End of the Road!
Lodging
Dunning Vineyards Guest Villa A New Private B&B Retreat Enjoy Wine Country Lifestyle overlooking our Estate Vineyards! Join DV Wine Club and receive club discounts on wine & lodging!
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Mention this ad and receive a free tasting Grey Wolf Vineyards & Cellars 2174 Hwy 46 West, PasoRobles (805)237-0771 www.greywolfcellars.com
FALL 2011 Open Daily 11:00-5:00
Open Thur-Mon 11-5 1953 Niderer Rd., Paso Robles www.dunningvineyards.com 805-238-4763 www.slovisitorsguide.com
Wine Tasting
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon on the property. They also produce Tempranillo, Petite Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Rhone Whites and Reds. Grey Wolf makes around 4000 cases annually. Many of the wines that Grey Wolf produces are blends, and Joe Jr. has fun with the names, many of which tie into the wolf theme visitors find in the tasting room: Little Red, Lone Wolf, Big Bad Wolf and Alpha. Joe Jr. says that they are most known for their Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon which set them apart. Indeed, Grey Wolf s 2008 Lineage, a Cabernet-based blend, won double-gold and best Bordeaux blend at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. The tasting room at Grey Wolf has a welcoming feel, and in fact used to be the Bartons home. Shirlene Bartons office is just off the tasting room, and she says she often pops in to meet tasters and see what is happening at the tasting bar. Joe Jr. and Shirlene both emphasize the importance of family in the way they approach their business, and say that many of their customers return with other family members for another visit. The Grey Wolf tasting room has become a fixture along the Westside Paso Robles winetasting routes, and Joe Jr. says that this popularity is due to the quality of wine one can get in a variety of price-ranges. He says, We make wine for everybody, and that customers get value at whatever level they are at. Grey Wolf s small size allows Joe Jr. to take a barrel to barrel approach
Find Bon Niche at the top upper right corner of the map
in making wine. With lots sometimes as small as 50 cases of one wine Joe Jr. says he has the ability to isolate the best blends to create
the wine he wants. Joe Jr. does not aim to make wines to fit a house palate, but instead strives to be creative in his winemaking. With wines in the $15 - $35 range visitors to Grey Wolf are able to be adventuresome as well. Joe Jr. says that Grey Wolf s lower price point wines are a smoking deal. With his desire to continue to be creative in his winemaking, Joe Jr. has launched a second label, Barton. Joe Jr. enjoyed being a part of Grey Wolf from the ground up, and is looking forward to working on the development and promotion of this new brand. In keeping with the family-oriented atmosphere fostered by the Barton family at Grey Wolf, Barton wines are sold along side the pack of Grey Wolf wines at their tasting room. Grey Wolf is open daily from 11am - 5:30pm and 11am- 5pm in the winter and is located at 2174 Highway 46 West in Paso Robles. Call (805) 237-0771 or visit www. greywolfcellars.com for more information. Kate Joyce
Eagle Castle Winery

Enjoy Every Sip of Your Life
Want your wedding or special event at the Castle? Call or e-mail Jenn Chavez at (805) 227-1428 x204 Jenn@eaglecastlewinery.com 3090 Anderson Rd, Paso Robles CA 93446 805.227.1428 www.eaglecastlewinery.com
Votes Bordeaux Blend

Gold Medal California State
L'Entre Malbec
Gold Medal - San Francisco Gold Medal - Orange County Silver Medal - California State
Fentres Petit Verdot

Silver Medal California State
Complimentary Tasting welcome by appointment Open to the public during Wine Event Weekends Call ahead or visit our website for hours and directions www.bonniche.com 805-400-0451 805-238-3004 2627 Golden Eagle Way, San Miguel, CA 93451
Designed by Christina Chiavoni www.chiavonidesign.com
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Wine Tasting
Donatoni wines take flight

T
he history behind Donatoni Winery is apparent to any visitor to this Westside Paso Robles winery. Memorabilia and photographs from the owners history in the airline industry cover the walls and adorn the tasting bar. And, owners Hank Donatoni and Sandi Baird are happy to elaborate on the story that the tasting room theme tells. Though they are retired now, Hank and Sandis connection to the airline business is still strong. Many of their friends were once co-workers, and even members of the aviation community they have never met find their way to Donatoni through their shared histories. Donatoni Winerys history has strong ties to the airline industry as well. In 1968 Hank was a pilot working out of Los Angeles International Airport. On a trip to New York he had some time to explore the area and decide to go to Little Italy to buy a book on winemaking. As Hank laughingly says, this was the beginning of the end for him. His home in Topanga Canyon was on acreage planted with grapes, and until this time Hank had not known what to do with the grapes when they ripened. With this book on winemaking as his guide, Hank began making wine, a hobby that would eventually become Donatoni Winery. While continuing to live in and fly out of Los Angeles, Hank became more involved with making wine.
He began to travel to Paso Robles to purchase grapes, and established a winery in Los Angelesappropriately located on property at the end of the runway of Los Angeles
International Airport. Hank and Sandi met on a flight while they were both working, Hank as a pilot and Sandi as a stewardess. One of the photos in the
EXPERIENCE THE FUSION OF EARTH, ART & WINE
come for the wine, stay for the

Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Spanish & Italian varietals, Rhone blends, Italian varietals, Bordeaux blends and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and perfect patio whites Barbra County Chardonnay from Santa
party!
Fri & Sat 12-7, Sun 1-5, Mon 12-5 or by appt.
WCP CELLARS
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Winery & Vineyard Sculpture Garden Picnic Areas Fine Art Family Owned
Open Daily 10am - 5pm 5015 Linne Road. Paso Robles, CA. 805.226.8881 www.sculpterra.com
www.wcpwines.com 805.239.1568 1335 Vendels Circle, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Wine Tasting
of the wines that Hank makes with his grapes, as he enjoys seeing what Hank does with his fruit. Donatoni also has vineyards on its property, and the four-year-old vines are coming into their own now, and starting to produce more fruit. The Donatoni estate vineyards are made up of Zinfandel, Mourvdre at their and Petite Sirah. Donatoni Winery produces numerous wines, including many blends. Hank says that they are known for their Cabernet and their Zinfandel. Hank and Sandi run every part of the company themselves, and the winery is located steps from their home. Sandi runs the tasting room and business aspect of Donatoni Winery, and even designed their label. Hank makes the wine and does everything from crush the grapes, ferment the grapes and bottle the wine on their property. They have an annual production of around 800 cases, and enjoy the level of involvement that this small size allows them. A trip to Donatoni Winery will most likely include some interesting stories, a little bit of airline humor and some great wine. Donatoni Winery: a destination that travelers of all kinds can enjoy. Visit Donatoni Winery at their tasting room at 3225 Township Road in Paso Robles. Tasting hours are 12 - 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and by appointment, (805) 2260620. Visit the Donatoni website for more information, www.donatoniwineryandvineyards.com. Kate Joyce
farmhouse atmosphere
Whether vacationing, celebrating or just winding down, begin your wine tasting adventure through the beautiful rolling hills of Paso Robles with us. Flights of ne hand-crafted, gold medal, best of class wines are served with some airline humor and smiles. So buckle up, lean back and enjoy the ride.
Great Journeys Begin With Donatoni
Hank Donatoni and Sandi Baird tasting room.
tasting room is of Hank and Sandi goofing around the day they met; someone just happened to snap a photo of the moment. Sandi says, The whole winery is based on the airline theme because that is what we did our whole adult lives. Hank recalls the first vintage of wine that he made with fruit purchased from vineyards in Paso Robles as excellent wine. He says that at the time he thought that its quality was due to his innate talent as a winemaker, but later realized that much of the credit should actually have been given to the grapes themselves. The old-vine Zinfandel that Hank was purchasing helped to form his opinion that the quality of the grape is very important to the quality of the wine it produces. Hank says that he considers himself a wine watcher instead of a winemaker, and believes his duty is to shepherd the great fruit he starts with into becoming great wine. In this initial foray into the world of grape buying in Paso Robles Hank began to establish many relationships that he still maintains today. Hank says that one grower even insists on tasting each vintage
Donatoni Winery Est. 1979

3225 Township Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-226-0620 donatoniwinery@aol.com Open Saturday, Sunday and by Appointment www.donatoniwineryandvineyards.com
from the Heart of Paso Robles Wine Country from the Heart of Paso Robles Wine Country from the Heart of Paso Robles Wine Country from the Heart of Paso Robles Wine Country from the Heart of Paso Robles Wine Country from the Heart of Paso Robles Wine Country from the Heart of Paso Robles Wine Country from the Heart of Paso Robles Wine Country from the Heart of Paso Robles Wine Country
from the Heart of Paso Robles Wine Country
historic cupola caboose & boxcar
Hospitality center Hospitality center hours Hospitality Pm hours 10 10Am to 5 center to 5 Hospitality Pm center hours 10Am to 5 Hospitality Pm center hours 10Am to 5 Visit our website for current CALIFORNIA WINE for MONTH hours 10Am to 5Pm current Visit our website center Hospitality during September events and programs Weekend Cheese center HospitalityFlights center Hospitalityfor current events and programs hours 10Am to 5Pm Visit our website hours 10SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT to INDIAN 10Am5to 5Pm Hospitalityfor current hours website center Visit our and programs Hospitalitya center events September 24th - Enjoy movie under the stars!
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Open 7 days a week, 11:00-5:00 & by appointment.
Visit our website for events and programs hours 10Am to 5Pm current hours 10Am to 5Pm 2400 Highway 46 West Paso Robles, CA 93446 events and current Visit our website forprograms Visit our www.ninerwine.com 805.239.2233 website for current current Visit events & programs for our website events and programs 2400Visit our website for current Highway 46 West Paso Robles, CA 93446 events and programs 805.239.2233 website for current www.ninerwine.com events and programs 2400Visit our website for current Highway 46 Visit our West Paso Robles, CA 93446 events andPaso Robles, CA 93446 2400 Highway 46 www.ninerwine.com events and programs 805.239.2233 West programs 2400 Highway 46 46 Paso Robles, Robles, 2400 HighwayWestwww.ninerwine.com 805.239.2233 West PasoCA 93446 CA 93446 805.239.2233 www.ninerwine.com 805.239.2233 www.ninerwine.com
2400 Highway 46 West Paso Robles, CA 93446 2400 Highway 46 www.ninerwine.com 805.239.2233 West Paso Robles, CA 93446 805.239.2233 www.ninerwine.com 2400 Highway 46 West Paso Robles, CA 93446 2400 Highway 46 West Paso Robles, CA 93446
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805.239.2233 www.ninerwine.com 805.239.2233 www.ninerwine.com
Wine Tasting
Sarzotti Winery built on family traditions

S
arzotti Winery in Templeton is a winery built on family traditions and run by a close-knit family. The Sarzottis moved to Paso Robles from Southern California, where they had farmed citrus and grapes for generations. Now, three generations of the family live on the property among the rolling hills and rows of grapes and run this hands-on, family-owned winery and vineyard. Sarzotti Winery grows and makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Chardonnay on the estate. They also make wines from locally grown Syrah, Merlot and Petite Sirah, including a dessert Merlot and a late-harvest Zinfandel. They make all their wine on the property, in their own production facility. They offer a generous tasting to visitors, and are currently pouring nine wines in their on-site tasting room, free of charge. The business is run by Jim, Cheryl, James and Jenne Sarzotti, day-to-day business of growing, making and selling wine. It is this family-oriented atmosphere that sets Sarzotti Winery apart from larger production wineries. Jim feels that people appreciate the feeling of being in someones home and says, We make everyone feel like a part of the family. In keeping with their home-grown feel, the tasting room is actually set up in their production and storage facility, and the pouring bar is surrounded by stacked barrels of aging wine. Since they are totally family run, one of the Sarzotti family members is always on had to pour wine and tell
and while the work is loosely divided up so that they each have their own area of responsibilities, as Jim says, they all do everything. Even the younger generation, though
not quite old enough to be fully involved in the business, are often on hand as the family works. The whole family lives on the property, and can often be found sharing the
J&J Cellars
Estate-Grown Wines presented in the spirit of value and everyday enjoyment
Visit
15%
Present this ad for discount on featured wine and merchandise in our tasting room
AwArd winning wines with CHARACTER ELEGANCE & STYLE

OPEN FOR TASTING THURS-MON 11-5
Open Fri. Sun., 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 2850 Ranchita Canyon, San Miguel, CA (805) 467.2891 Visit www.jjcellars.com
Premium Estate Wines Picnic Area Bocce Ball Court Outdoor Fireplace
7450 Estrella Rd., San Miguel

Go to the end of Airport Road to RiverStar! www.riverstarvineyards.com
805-467-0086
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Wine Tasting
visitors about their winery. They currently produce about 700 cases annually, and though they have plans to gradually expand in future, they want to remain small so that they can continue to be family-run. Visitors to Sarzotti Winery can find them in the tasting room year-round, but every year during both Harvest Festival and Zinfandel Festival, they will discover a bit of excitement bubbling up at the winery. The Sarzottis prepare a complimentary Tri-Tip BBQ for visitors to celebrate the season. Their wine is available locally, at Scolaris and Spencers, as well as online, but they sell a lot of their wine out of their tasting room and through their wine club. They note that much of their business are return visitors and people who have had Sarzotti recommended to them by friends. Jim sites the similarities of their land in Templeton to the Terroir of Tuscany when talking about what goes into making their wines. He relates the story of his Tuscan ancestors and how they immigrated from Italy to Rancho Cucamonga
James and Jenne Sarzotti with Jim and Cheryl Sarzotti.
to find new opportunity farming in the rich soils there. He says of his family, We always made wine, we just never sold it. Now that the Sarzotti family had begun to sell the
wine they make, they are sharing both their story and their heritage with all who drink Sarzotti wines. Visit Sarzotti Winery from 11am-5pm, Thursday-Sunday and
by appointment at 180 Bella Ranch Road in Templeton. Call (805) 226-2022 or visit www.sarzottiwinery.com for more details. Kate Joyce
October 21-23, 11am-5pm Mixed Grill Sunday, Oct. 23

Multi-Year Zinfandel & Barbera Tasting Smoky JIms BBQ Chips & barrel products 36 Olive Oil tasting & sales Private Label Artisan Condiments Wine County Art, Books and Carved Gourds
Na cim ien to
hon Drake Ma
Harvest Weekend Open House
I
N
HWY 101
Winery Tasting & Vineyard Tours most Sundays from 11am-5pm and by appointment. 7340 Drake Road, Paso Robles
ar an M
ey
cos
Rd.
La ke
(805) 467-2138
24th St.
Dr .
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Wine walk tour in Downtown Paso

D
Learn a little local history, taste wine and sample food
on Gould is the owner and operator of Wine Tours VIP. For the past four years, hes been offering guided tours or individually tailored chauffer services throughout the north county wineries, and now hes added a new and unique tour to his arsenal. He calls it Californias first and only walking wine tour. Theres so much to do in downtown Paso
A lot of people dont know that Paso was originally famous for its mud baths and hot springs,
and its all walk-able, said Gould. I want to introduce people to the area and fill them in on our history. Goulds walking tours will last for three and a half hours and will consist of five stops at locations that serve the very best of what this region has to offer. Groups of eight or fewer will meet under the gazebo at Paso Robles City Park and tour through wine tasting rooms, cheese and sweet shops, and an olive oil seller, lingering at each location for 35 minutes to enjoy free samples and discounted shopping. There are 4 different tours that each focus on three wineries of the 22 featured downtown. Between stops, Gould and other guides will explain the history of several landmark buildings and offer suggestions for whatever shopping and dining experiences might fit a particular visitors preferences. Participants will also get a hand stamp thats good for food discounts and free tastings all around town. A lot of people dont know that Paso was originally famous for its mud baths and hot springs, said Gould. They dont know about our almond and olive oil production or that we didnt
Don Gould offers walking tours as well as driving tours.
really start making wine until 1986. Gould said that within four years, Paso Robles is poised to take over Napa Valley as the countrys most prominent wine producer, but added that theres more to the town than just wine. Bon Appetit Magazine named the city the second best dining location in all of America, and Oprah recently declared San Luis Obispo County to be the happiest place on Earth. That obviously sounds enticing, but it can be difficult to navigate through a city on your own to find the treasures that warrant such accolades. Starting your trip with Goulds walking tour is a great way to ensure that the rest of your stay in Paso Robles is top notch, and the tour only costs $29 per person.
By the time we get done, youll know everything about downtown, said Gould. Gould loved the area for its wine and ambiance well before he chose to retire here five years ago. His career as an event organizer for dating services endowed him with a love for entertaining and meeting new people that he wasnt able to let it go in retirement. He worked for a year as a chauffer for local limo services before deciding to strike out on his own. He purchased a one of kind Mercedes coach and hasnt looked back. This vehicle is not like anyone elses, said Gould. Its tall enough to stand in, and its got lambskin interior, surround sound, and an
so Pa
Roble
Experience the mystique of Paso Robles wines

Walk among the vines ... sample the unique on a private, carefree adventure A one-of-a-kind customized day, just for you! Wines, local gourmet fare, chocolate and fun!
Guided Wine Walk

VISIT
DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES
OVER 22 WINERIES
3 Wineries 1 Chocolate Store 1 Olive Store
Contact us to schedule your tour! www.PasoRoblesWineGlassTours.com
in
TCP# 002549240
u eG lass To
20
09
805-296-3802
GeeGee Mainini
Complimentary Wine Tasting, Chocolate, Ice Cream and Olive Tasting
Only $29
ializing in smal Spec l handcrafted tours
per person Offered Wed-Sun 12:30 to appx 4:00pm
805.239.5920
www.winetoursvip.com
By Reservation Only
Learn the history of Paso as you walk!
W
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onboard bathroom. Theres no better way to see the wine country. Goulds wine tours are the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, a bachelorette party, or a reunion. Theres room for eight in the coach, and Gould only charges $65 per hour on weekdays and $75 on weekends. Thats as low as $8 per person when the coach is full, and hes got 10 local wineries that give his clients free tastings. Those who know the area and have favorite wineries can create their own itinerary, and newcomers can let Gould show them around. Hell pick you up and drop you off anywhere in the county, and hes more than willing to prearrange a lunch spread to have waiting at one of the wineries, open doors, carry bags, and do whatever else he can to make you tour as effortless as possible. Its a real VIP kind of tour, and I have fun doing it, said Gould. Offering tours via roadway and sidewalk might be enough for some companies, but Gould goes the extra mile to offer VIP tours by sea. Hes partnered with Papa Gallo, a 72 foot yacht that hosts Goulds clients for a five hour tour of the Morro Bay estuary. A five course lunch is prepared and served by the yachts talented chef, and each course is paired with a central coast wine that completes the dish and brings your palette to life. The chef s a real comedian, too, said Gould. He keeps groups laughing the entire time. For more information about the many services of Wine Tours VIP, call 805-239-5920 or visit winetoursvip. com.
Enjoy a light lunch or snack from our gourmet kitchen while taking in our spectacular views.
Open Daily
Taste our award-winning, small boutique wines at our newly-opened tasting room
3745 Highway 46 West, Templeton
aronhillvineyards.com 805-434-3066
Wine Tasting
August Ridge
Come enjoy the robust style of the best California wines with the classical elegance of Italian wines. These distinctive Cal-Ital wines emphasize the uniqueness of the Paso Robles region. Sangiovese, Nebbliolo, Barbera, Arneis and Super Tuscan style blends. 8790 E. Hwy. 41, Creston. www.augustridge.com 805-239-2455.
Hug Cellars hand crafts small lots of ultra-premium wine, specializing in Pinot Noir and Rhone Varieties
Open 11-5 Thurs.-Mon. or By Appointment 2323 Tuley Road, Paso Robles 805.226.8022 www.hugcellars.com info@hugcellars.com
Making Dam Fine Wine since 1983

Tasting daily 10-5:30 Extensive wine selection Beautiful gardens & picnic area Indoor & outdoor concerts Dinners & Special Events Gift shop 1315 N. Bethel Rd. Templeton (off Hwy 46 West) (888) Dam-Fine www.castorocellars.com
Wine Tasting
Take westside tour of Far Out Wineries

he group of Paso Robles Wineries that calls themselves the Far Out Wineries come together to offer a diverse set of qualities. The Far Out group is 17 wineries strong and spans across a good portion of the West side of the Paso Robles wine AVA. Theyre award winning wineries that range from large producers to microboutique and they make everything from Rhone wines to Rose to Bordeaux to Italian varietals to Ports. Theres definitely something in the Far Outs for any palate. lunch on the weekends and a bocce ball court. Nestled in the oaks and olive trees of the Far Outs, Carmody McKnight is a quaint little tasting room on a beautiful property perfect for relaxing with some snacks and a bottle to share. Owned and operated by former Miss America, Marian McKnight Conway and actor Gary Carmody Conway, they focus on mainly Bordeaux varietals and even have a sparkling wine! Mainly Bordeaux wines, Dunning offers you tastes of their Estate crafted wines under the huge oaks and winding vineyards that adorn their property. Be sure to check out their Inn, a wonderful place to stay and enjoy the peaceful and serene setting at Dunning. A unique and wonderful place to wander Halter Ranch has a huge Victorian, a covered bridge, a beautiful old barn and a grain silo, all on the property to compliment the beautiful tasting
Carmody McKnight
room. They make a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, and many rich and delicious Rhone and Bordeaux wines. Stop in, taste a little and take a stroll around. One of the more famous wineries in the area, Justin landed on the map when they produced their Isosceles Bordeaux blend and received tons of attention and awards. Since then, they have continued to make great wines and have created a beautiful tasting room, restaurant, and deli, all on the property for your enjoyment. A unique and different tasting experience, theyll take you into their barrel room and guide you through their unfined, unfiltered wines, all while pairing them with complimentary bites and snacks. Their wines are handcrafted from grapes found in the limestone hills to the west of Paso Robles and definitely demonstrate character and tenacity. This husband and wife team create estate wines that focus on Rhones as well as dry farmed
Justin Vineyards & Winery
Sustainable vineyards, tons of awards for their wines, many of which are Estate grown. Adelaida does a wide variety of wines, focusing on Rhones and some Bordeaux varietals and blends. They have a beautiful site, perfect for a picnic or some exploring. Perched up on the hills above Paso Robles, Calcareous has one of the most beautiful sites in the area. You can see forever from up there, and the views are made better by their wines lots of Rhones as well as some great Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. This family owned and operated winery has a beautiful tasting room, featuring
Adelaida Cellars
Dunning Vineyards
Le Cuvier
Calcareous Vineyard
Halter Ranch
Minassian-Young Vineyards
A boutique winery offering amazing wines and a tasting room atmosphere where you feel like family! Complimentary wine tasting with wine purchase
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Live Music on monthly followed by Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Pairings! Visit our website for more information
1220 PARK STREET IN BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES

(805) 286 4028 |
WWW.PARRISHFAMILYVINEYARD.COM
OPEN DAILY: SUMMER HOURS SUN-THU 12-7PM, FRI & SAT 12-8:30PM, WINTER HOURS 11-6PM 102 FALL 2011 www.slovisitorsguide.com
Wine Tasting
Zinfandel. Their wines exhibit characteristics that come from the soils and the climate, resulting in a natural and minimalistic style that allows the grapes to really come out in the flavors of the wines. A microwinery, created and run by the Nadeau family, they create small lots of handcrafted wines. They specialize in big Zinfandels as well red and white Rhone varietals to create unique wines with a lot of character. Youll taste the wines in their renovated little barn, situated up above Paso Robles, 4 miles west. Growing grapes since 1971, the Norman family has a pretty good handle on how this wine thing goes. Theyve got a huge spread of wines to taste from Chardonnay to Pinot Grigio, Barbera, Syrah, Zinfandel, as well as some Bordeaux and Rhone blends. Their large site has beautiful grounds, perfect for a picnic! Known as one of the fun tasting rooms, Opolo has a huge list of wines to taste and an equally huge tasting room for you to try them in. Or, sit on the patio and enjoy the views of the rolling vineyards right outside the door. If youre lucky, you might even get to sample some tri-tip or sausage hot off the grill. Their goal is to take the snobiness out of wine, and they do a great job! Tucked in the hills just west of Paso Robles, Pipestone is another family run winery, but one of the things that stands out about them is that their vineyards are sustainable and organic, all done in the ancient art of feng shui. The vineyards are right outside the tasting room and they encourage you to do some tasting, wander through the vineyards, and talk to their farm animals. Their focus is on handcrafted Rhone varietals with some Zinfandel and blends thrown in to balance out the list. A wonderful experience awaits you at Poalillo, with rich earthy wines, a beautiful new tasting room and patio, and live music amongst the vines. Try their flagship Zinfandel, or rustic Cabernet Sauvignon, but dont forget to enjoy their Viognier and Chardonnay as well. Modeled after their sister winery in France, Chteau de Beaucastel, you can count on the Rhone wines of Tablas Creek to impress every time. Theyre situated in one of the many microclimates of the West side Far Outs, the perfect place to plant and nurture the vines brought over from France. They handcraft their wines to exhibit the natural flavors of each varietal. You can even buy vines cultivated in their on-site nursery. A boutique winery producing Zinfandels and Rhone blends, this winery is the embodiment of the casual charm. You can meander amongst the hay fields, oak trees and vineyards, all surrounding the tasting room and 90-year old barn. Set up in a renovated little red farmhouse, the tasting room for Tolo is definitely quaint and full of character. The wines are made from grapes found among the rugged hillsides in the area, perfect for hardy and distinctive fruit. Josh, the winemaker, makes it his goal to create wines that demonstrate their terrior. Youll find some Rhone blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other interesting varietals to taste. This 72-acre winery tucked amongst the oak trees out Adelaida road is a great stop to enjoy the property and the wines. The quaint little tasting room is actually also their storage and winemaking facility, and if youre lucky, theyll show you around. The Villacana family works hard to produce their award winning wines. Youll find delicious Rhone wines, Rose and Cabernet Sauvignon open for tasting. Matt & Annie Browne www.hootnannieblog.com
Pipestone Vineyards
Thacher Winery
Nadeau Family Vintners
Tolo Cellars
Norman Vineyards
Poalillo Vineyards
Villicana Winery & Vineyard
Opolo Vineyards
Tablas Creek Vineyard
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Wine Tasting
Plan a perfect wine country getaway

T
he Paso Robles Wine Region is quickly becoming a hot spot for wine tasting and vineyard tours, and autumn is one of the busiest times of year. Wine lovers from all over are able to take pleasure in celebrating a new vintage being born during this special time in Paso known as, Harvest! One of the best things about touring Paso Robles Wine Country is the opportunity to converse and taste with the owners and winemakers themselves. If youre lucky enough, you might even run into them fresh off the vineyard and chat with them about the latest vintage. While spontaneity is encouraged in Paso Robles, planning ahead will ensure you are able to make the most of your wine country experience. Here are some tips to consider on your next visit to Paso Robles whether it is during harvest, or any other time of year. First and foremost, always bring your Paso Robles Wine Country Tour Brochure. It is a wonderful tool to use when planning an excursion. Wineries list hours of operation, special tours and tastings, as well as if they have picnic areas and light fare for sale. This piece lists over 110 tasting rooms with phone numbers and addresses, and has a tri-fold map. Call 24 to 48 hours in advance to set up a special tour and tasting. This will make your visit unforgettable and give your palate a break between tasting rooms! Most wineries and vineyards are happy to accommodate you and this is an exciting way to learn about Paso Robles while you taste wine. Paso Robles Wine Country. The country roads of Paso Robles can be windy and narrow. Enough said. Many wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms have picnic areas, set on the gorgeous backdrop of Paso Robles. Plan to pack a picnic, or refer to your Paso Robles Tour Brochure to see who has light fare picnic items for sale in their tasting rooms. Many downtown restaurants also offer lunches to go. Paso Robles often experiences hot days and cool nights during the months of May October. Remember that barrel rooms and cellars are temperature controlled, so bring a sweater. You will be walking and tasting a lot of wine, so staying hydrated is important. Although wineries often offer water, it is smart to take some along with you at the beginning of the day. The four Ss are Swirl, Smell, Sip and Spit. This tip is very important, and this practice is a great way to taste a lot of different wines. Remember, youre tasting, not drinking and this is the only way to keep your palate fresh. Visit www.pasowine.com.
Lunch in the Vineyard
Drink plenty of water!
Responsible Tasting
Plan for the Weather
Tour Brochure
Vineyard & Winery Tours
Make an Appointment
When visiting multiple wineries, it is recommended that you make an appointment so the tasting room is prepared to accommodate you. This is especially important when you have groups of seven or more. If you are going to be late, make sure to call the next winery. Most tasting rooms will allow you to use their phone if you do not have cellular reception.
Always remember to designate a driver or plan for a taxi, limo or tour bus to take you through
Transportation in Advance
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Hotels & Lodging Visitor Guides Favorite Places

Arroyo Grande
Abella Garden Inn B&B 210 Oak St. 805-489-5926 Aloha Inn 611 El Camino Real 805-473-8318 Pelican Cove Inn 6316 Moonstone Beach Dr. 805-927-1500 Sand Pebbles Inn 6252 Moonstone Beach Dr. 805-927-5600 Sea Otter Inn 6656 Moonstone Beach Dr. 805-927-5888 The Pickford House 2555 MacLeod Way 888-270-8470 White Water Inn 6790 Moonstone Beach Dr. 800-995-1715 La Serena Inn 990 Morro Ave. 805-772-5665, 800-248-1511 Marina Street Inn B&B 305 Marina St. 805-772-4016, 888-683-9389 Morro Bay Luxury Rentals 805-704-1169 Morro Bay Vacation Rentals 1910 Hill St. 805-459-8460 Morro Crest Inn 670 Main St. 805-772-7740, 800-613-2007 Morro Shores Inn & Suites 290 Atascadero Rd. 805-772-0222, 800-575-4095 Rodeway Inn 540 Main St. 805-772-7503 Sea Air Inn 845 Morro Ave. 805-772-4495 Sundown Inn 640 Main St. 805-772-7381 or 800-696-6928 The Bayfront Inn 1150 Embarcadero 805-772-5607 The Breakers Motel Corner of Morro Bay Blvd & Market 805-772-7317 or 800-932-8899 Travelodge 1080 Market Ave. 805-772-1259 Hotel Cheval 1021 Pine St. 805-226-9995 or 866-522-6999 La Bellasera Hotel & Suites Jct 101 & 46 West 805-238-2834, 866-782-9669 La Quinta Inn & Suites 2615 Buena Vista Dr. 805-239-3004 Paso Robles Getaways 805-226-2002 or 805-239-9680 Paso Robles Inn 1103 Spring St 805-238-2660, 800-676-1713 Paso Robles Vacation Rentals 805-423-9174 Travelodge 2701 Spring St. 805-238-0078 Zenaida Cellars B&B 1550 Hwy 46 West 805-227-0382 Spyglass Inn 2705 Spyglass Dr. 805-773-4855, 1-800-824-2612 Valentina Luxury Vacation Villas 911 Price St. 805-773-1234
Atascadero
San Simeon
Best Western Colony Inn 3600 El Camino Real 805-466-4449 The Carlton Hotel 6005 El Camino Real 805-461-5100, 877-204-9830 Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Atascadero 9010 West Front Road 805-462-0200 Oak Hill Manor B&B 12345 Hampton Ct. 805-462-9317 Rancho Tee Motel 6895 El Camino Real 805-466-2231
Courtesey Inn 9450 Castillo Dr. 805-927-4691 or 800-555-5773 The Morgan San Simeon 9135 Hearst Dr. 805-927-3878 or 800-451-9900 Sands By The Sea 9355 Hearst Dr. 805-927-3243 or 800-444-0779 Sea Breeze Inn 9065 Hearst Dr. 805-927-3284 or 800-927-3316
Cayucos
Cayucos Pier View Suites 14 N Ocean Ave. 805-995-0014 Cayucos Sunset Inn 95 S Ocean Ave. 805-995-2500 Highway One Rentals 148 N. Ocean Ave. 805-995-3678 On The Beach B&B 181 N. Ocean Ave. 805-995-3200 The View Studio Suites 3302 Ocean Blvd. 805-995-0500
Shell Beach
Avila Beach
Pismo Beach
The Palomar Inn 1601 Shell Beach Rd. 805-773-4204 Shell Beach Inn 653 Shell Beach Rd. 805-773-4373
Avila Lighthouse Suites 550 Front St. 805-627-1900, 800-372-8452 San Luis Bay Inn 3254 Avila Beach Dr. 805-595-2333 Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort 1215 Avila Beach Dr. 805-540-3326
Beach House Inn & Suites 198 Main St. 805-773-7476 (PISMO) Beachwalker Inn & Suites 490 Dolliver St. 805-773-2725 Best Western Shelter Cove 2651 Price St. 805-773-3511, 800-848-1434 Best Western Shore Cliff Lodge 2555 Price St. 805-773-4671, 800-441-8885 Cottage Inn by the Sea 2351 Price St. 805-773-4617 or 888-440-8400 Dolphin Cove Motel 170 Main St. 805-773-4706 Edgewater Inn & Suites 280 Wadsworth Ave. 805-773-4811 Ocean Palms 390 Ocean View Ave. 805-773-4669 Pismo Lighthouse Suites 2411 Price St. 805-773-1508, 800-245-2411 Quality Inn Monarch Shores 230 Five Cities Dr. 805-773-1841 Sandcastle Inn 100 Stimson Ave. 805-773-2422 or 800-822-6606 Sea Crest Resort 2241 Price St. 805-773-4608 Sea Gypsy Motel 1020 Cypress 805-773-1801 or 800-592-5923 Shell Beach Inn 653 Shell Beach Rd. 805-773-4373 Shelter Cove Lodge 2651 Price St. 805-773-3511
San Luis Obispo
Comfort Inn & Suites Lamplighter 1604 Monterey St. 805-547-7777 Courtyard by Marriott-SLO 1605 Calle Joaquin 805-786-4200 Days Inn 2050 Garfield St. 805-549-9911 Embassy Suites 333 Madonna Rd. 805-549-0800 Garden Street Inn 1212 Garden St. 805-545-9802 Holiday Inn Express-SLO 1800 Monterey St. 805-544-8600 La Cuesta Inn 2074 Monterey St. 805-543-2777 Peach Tree Inn 2001 Monterey St. 805-543-3170 Petit Soleil Bed & Breakfast 1473 Monterey St. 805-676-1588 Rodeway Inn 1001 Olive St. 805-544-0400 San Luis Creek Lodge 1941 Monterey St. 805-541-1122 or 800-593-0333 Sands Inn & Suites 1930 Monterey St. 805-544-0500 or 800-441-4657
Grover Beach
Holiday Inn Express 775 North Oak Park Blvd. 805-481-4448 Sea View Inn 150 North 5th St. 805-473-1433
Baywood Park
Back Bay Inn 1391 Second St. 805-528-1233
Nipomo
Cambria
Best Western Fireside Inn 6700 Moonstone Beach Dr. 805-927-8661 Blue Bird Inn 1880 Main St. 805-927-4634 Blue Dolphin Inn 6470 Moonstone Beach Dr. 805-927-3300 or 800-222-9157 Cambria Pines Lodge 2905 Burton Dr. 805-927-4200 Cambria Shores Inn 6276 Moonstone Beach Dr. 805-927-8644 Captains Cove Inn 6454 Moonstone Beach Dr. 805-927-8581, 800-781-2683 Creekside Inn 2618 Main St. 805-927-4021 Fog Catcher Inn 6400 Moonstone Beach Dr. 805-927-1400 Little Sur Inn 6190 Moonstone Beach Dr. 866-478-7466 Moonstone Landing 6240 Moonstone Beach Dr. 800-830-4540
Morro Bay
Anderson Inn 897 Embarcadero 805-772-3434 or 888-950-3434 Best Western El Rancho 2460 Main St 805-772-2212 Best Western San Marcos inn 250 Pacific St. 805-772-2248 Best Western Tradewinds 225 Beach St. 805-772-7376 Blue Sail Inn 851 Market Ave. 805-772-2766 or 888-337-0707 El Morro Masterpiece Motel 1206 Main St. 805-772-5633 or 800-527-6782 Embarcadero Inn 456 Embarcadero 805-772-2700 Fireside Inn 730 Morro Ave. 805-772-2244 or 800-444-0562 Holland Inn Motel 2630 Main St. 805-772-2650 Inn at Morro Bay 60 State Park Rd 805-772-5651, 800-321-9566
Kaleidescope Inn & Gardens 130 E Dana 805-929-5444 or 866-504-5444
Oceano
Pacific Plaza Resort Hotel 444 Pier Ave. 805-473-6989
Paso Robles
Courtyard By Marriott Paso Robles 120 South Vine St. 805-239-9700 Best Western Black Oak Motor Lodge 1135 24th St 805-238-4740 Budget Inn 2745 Spring St. 805-239-3030 Chanticleer Vineyard B&B 805-226-0600 Dunning Vineyards Guest Villa 1953 Niderer Road 805-238-4763 Hampton Inn & Suites 212 Alexa Ct. 805-226-9988 High Ridge Manor 5458 High Ridge Rd. 805-226-2002 Holiday Inn Express & Suites 2455 Riverside Ave 805-238-6500, 877-449-7276
Templeton
Honey Oak House 2602 Templeton Rd. 805-434-5091
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Calendar of Events see more at slovisitorsguide.com

All August Templeton Concerts in the Park, Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm West of Main St. between 5th & 6th. 805-434-4900. All August Grover Beach Sizzlin Summer Concert Series. Sunday nights, 3pm - 6:30pm. Free. Held in conjunction with the farmers market. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave. August 5 & 19 Paso Robles Concerts in the downtown park. Friday nights. 5:30 to 7:30pm. Free. 805-238-3988. August 12, 19, 26 & September 2 San Luis Obispo Concerts in the Plaza at the Mission. Friday nights. Free. 5:30pm-7:30pm. 805-541-0286. August 14- 21 Paso Robles. The National Stock Horse Association will honor the vaquero tradition as they host their 6th annual Snaffle Bit Futurity and Worlds Richest Stock Horse Competition at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles. (800) 511-5157. August 19 Paso Robles Pre-Olive Festival Social Mixer. Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. Olive tasting, wine tasting, and more. 6:00pm-8:00pm. $25. Call Main Street for more info 805-238-4103. August 19 Atascadero. Hot El Camino Nite. El Camino Real. 6:30pm8:30pm. Free. 805-462-8490. August 20 Atascadero Lake Park. Annual Mid State Cruizers Car Show . 10am-4pm. Free. 805-462-8490. August 20 Paso Robles. Olive Festival at the Downtown City Park. 10am-5pm. Free. 805-238-4103. August 21 & September 4,18 Arroyo Grande Summer Concert Series at Rotary Bandstand in the Old Village on Nelson St. Sundays 1pm. Bring your lawn chairs, snacks, beverages ... then sit back and enjoy the music. 805-473-2250. August 22 Los Osos. Guided Walk through the Elfin Forest 9:30am11:30am. North end of 15th St. off of Santa Ysabel. 805-528-0392. June 8 August 31 Templeton Concerts in the Park, Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm West of Main St. between 5th & 6th. 805-434-4900. August 27 Paso Robles. Vina Robles Winery. British Invasion- A Tribute to the 60s British Rock and Roll. 5:30pm, carshow at 6pm, concert at 7pm. 1960s attire encouraged. Lawn seating. 805-227-4812. August 27 Paso Robles Niner Wine Estates. Meet the artist, sample the wines, enjoy a fantastic cheese display and view the sculptures of Kevin Bohner, all for the price of tasting! 805-239-2233. August 27 Paso Robles. Old Fashioned Threshing Bee. Vintage tractors and farm equipment will be on display as well as an early day gas engine shoe. Free apple cider and honey tasting, a hay maze and hay stack for the kids, farm animals and smoked baby back ribs. 5000 Highway 46 West. Free. 805-238-3799. August 27 & 28 Grover Beach. 18th Annual Stone Soup Music Faire at Ramona Garden Park. 993 Ramona Ave. Entertainment, food, drink and craft booths. Includes a 5K and 10K Dune Fun Run. 10am. Free. 805-489-9091. August 28 Paso Robles. Wedding Expo at Eberle Winery. Meet the professionals behind your wedding service needs and tour the winery vineyards and caves. 3810 Highway 46 East. Free. 805-238-9607. All September Grover Beach. Sizzlin Summer Concert Series. Sunday nights, 3pm - 6:30pm. Free. Held in conjunction with the farmers market. Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Ave. All September and October Cambria. Hearst Castle Evening Tours. On most Friday and Saturday evenings. The Living History Program emphasizes the bygone lifestyle of this great estate. $36 for adults and $18 for youth ages 6 through 17. (800) 444-4445. September 2-4 Paso Robles. Labor Day Car Show Kick Off Labor Day Weekend with a Cruise downtown Friday night from 6pm8pm. Come to the beautiful downtown Paso Robles City Park where car enthusiasts will show off their shiny rides with a Classic Car Show featuring cars from 1979 and earlier from 9am-4pm. Enjoy cars, vendors, raffle prizes, and more! Sunday Poker Run 11am. September 3 Cambria Pinedorado Days with parade on Main Street; Annual Art Show on Sat. 12pm-5pm, Sun. 10am-5pm, Mon. 10am-4pm at Vets Hall; Pinedorado Grounds on Main Street with music, concessions, game booths, barbecue, beer & wine. 805-927-3624 September 3-5 Cayucos Peddlers Faire. Take a stroll along the many vendors selling antiques, homemade products, flea market items, clothing, jewelry, and more. Bring an appetite. Cayucos Creek Lot, between Hardie Park and Ocean Ave. September 3-5 Morro Bay Art in the Park. Vendors come from all over the state to display their wide variety of arts and crafts in the City Park. Morro Bay Art Association. 805-772-2504. September 4 Templeton. Castoro Cellars. Free outdoor concert series. 1315 N. Bethel Road. (888) DAM-FINE. September 4, October 2 and November 6 Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves Park, Corner of Shell Beach Rd. & Cliff Ave., Shell Beach. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 70 artists and craftsmen. Live music, hands-on childrens activities, fresh flowers and plants, BBQ. 805-704-8128. September 10 Paso Robles. Airport Day 2011- Aviation Expo. 9am3:30pm. Aviation demos, food, raffles and much more, 4912 Wing Way. 805-441-3633. September 10-11 I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival, San Luis Obispo. An Italian tradition of street painting for 400 years. Artists of all ages are invited. Free. 10am-6pm at Mission Plaza. September 11 9/11 Memorial Event & Art Show, Free. Grover Beach, Ramona Garden Park 993 Ramona Ave. Art show 10am, memorial ceremony 5:30pm. September 14 Taste of San Luis, Downtown SLOs gourmet dining event! Elegant attire. Table seating, music, and dancing. The Taste of SLO will include more then 60 local restaurant and beverage vendors! 6 pm Mission Plaza 805-541-0286. September 16 Cracked Crab of Pismo Beach. Please join us for our first Crab Feast on the panoramic deck at Eberle Winery! Chef Mike McGourty to create amazing menus to showcase crab and other delicious seafood with fresh seasonal ingredients. Tickets (805)238-9607. September 16 & 17 Paso Robles. Cigar Conference West- Crush and Roll. Celebration of premium cigars, premium wine and the good life. In addition to sampling cigars and wines, attendees will learn the finer points of both from expert vintners and cigar manufacturers. www.crushandrollwest.com September 16 & 17 Paso Robles Indian Summer Night at Niner Wine Estates. A night under the stars enjoy several short films from this years SLO Film Festival. Wine sampling, small bites, raffles and much more! 805-239-2233. September 17 Los Osos Guided Walk through the Elfin Forest 9:30 am. North end of 15th St. off of Santa Ysabel. 805-528-0392. September 17 Paso Robles Taste of Downtown & Art de Tiza at the Downtown City Park. Come taste food samplings from the many local restaurants. Tickets 805-238-4103. September 17 Paso Robles. Pre-Pioneer Day BBQ and Dance. Paso Robles Event Center. 6pm. Tickets 805-550-1078. September 17 Paso Robles Taste of Downtown & Art de Tiza at the Downtown City Park. Come taste food samplings from the many local restaurants. Tickets 805-238-4103. September 17 Morro Bay Avocado & Margarita Festival. Sample guacamole till you see green! Quench your thirst with margaritas by Margarita Man. 714 Embarcadero. Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce. 805-772-4467. September 18 San Luis Obispo. Central Coast Book & Author Festival at Mission Plaza 10am-4pm, 805-744-7662. September 18-19 Cayucos 32nd Annual Central Coast Woodcarvers Show at Vets Hall. 10am-4pm. 805-927-3951. September 23 & 24 Arroyo Grande 73rd Annual Harvest festival & parade. Old fashioned family fun. Fri. 5-9pm, Saturday parade begins at 10 at Halcyon & Grand straight into the village, where the festival continues until 5pm. 805-473-2250 September 24 & 25 San Luis Obispo Jazz Festival. September 29- October 2 San Luis Obispo Sunsets Savor the Central Coast celebrates the beauty and bounty of the coastal region in an incredible 4-day experience. The event showcases area winemakers, chefs, and artisanal food producers. Dont miss the Winemaker Dinner at Mission Plaza on Oct. 1 at 6pm September 24 & October 29 San Luis Blues Concerts at SLO Veterans Hall. All October Art on the Beach, Avila Beach Promenade. October 1 Oktoberfest in Cambria at Vets Hall 1000 Main St. 12pm. This annual party offers German food, beverages, music, dancing and singing. 805-927-3065. October 1 & 2 Harbor Festival in Morro Bay. Centered around the main fishing pier and waterfront area. Wine and seafood, arts and crafts and a wide variety of live entertainment. Morro Bay Harbor Festival. 805-772-4467. October 8 Paso Robles Pioneer Day Parade on Spring Street. Starts at 10am. Free bean feed in the City Park at noon. October 8-9 Cambria Historical Society sponsors the Harvest Festival. 11am-4pm. Corner of Burton Drive and Center St. just off Main. October 9 San Luis Obispo to Pismo Beach. City to the Sea Half-Marathon & 5K Walk/Run Join in, or cheer on, the runners and joggers in a half marathon (13.1 miles). Concert and free buffet for race participants. October 6-10 Central Coast Railroad Festival a variety of family friendly events and activities will take place at various venues and railroad locations to please both the casual train buff and the avid rail fan. 805-773-4173. October 15 Atascadero Colony Days at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero. Pancake breakfast at 7am, parade at 10 am. Vendors, entertainment, dancing at the historic Tent City of 1914 all day long. 805-462-0177. October 15-16 Pismo Beach. Annual Clam Festival. A parade on Saturday morning kicks off this annual event. Followed by a clam dig, music and food. Famous Clam Chowder Cook-off. October 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 San Luis Obispo 13th Annual Open Studios Art Tour. Countywide Encore Weekend for visitors and artists to come together from all over the state and explore the diverse talents local artists. 805-544-9251. October 16 Cayucos Antiques & Collectibles Street Sale. Two blocks off Ocean Ave. 7am-4pm. October 16 SLO CultureFest. Cultural outdoor family event with ethnic foods and performances. Noon-5pm. Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo. 805-756-1405. October 21-23 Paso Robles Harvest Wine Weekend. Three days combine events at over 100 wineries. Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. 805-239-8463. October 23 Paso Robles Golden Oak Festival at the City Park. 9am-3pm. Arts, crafts, antiques, music, cars and food. Admission is free. 805-238-4103. October 27-30 Pismo Beach. Jubilee By The Sea Jazz Festival. New Orleans-style jazz, big band performances, dancing, food and beverages are available. 805-481-7840. October 28 Grover Beach. Carved pumpkin contest and Halloween activities, free. 5pm-7:30pm. Ramona Garden Park 993 Ramona Ave. October 29 Pismo Beach. Pumpkins on the Pier. 10am-1pm. Trick or Treat from 12pm-2pm in downtown businesses. If it rains, the event will be held at the Shell Beach Veterans Memorial Building, 230 Leeward Street. Costume contest starts at 12:30pm. 805-773-7063. All November Art on the Beach, Avila Beach Promenade. November 4-6 SLO County. Annual Harvest Celebration Weekend. Events at many participating wineries and restaurants around San Luis Obispo. Grand Tasting in Avila Beach 1:00pm 5pm. Call the San Luis Obispo Vintners Association. 805-541-5868. November 5 Cayucos 20th Annual Car Show Ocean Ave. BBQ 9am4pm, downtown Cayucos. Cars, music, Beer Garden. 805-995-3809. November 5 & 6 Cambria Craft Fair. 9 am-5pm. Vets Hall Parking Lot, 1000 Main Street. Free. November TBA Cayucos Wine & Food Festival. 4-8pm, Vets Hall, 5pm. November 10-13 Paso Robles Paderewski Festival. Concerts of solo piano and chamber music, celebrations of local young musicians, an exhibit of Paderewski memorabilia and lectures by experts for the composers 150th birthday. 805-237-2620. November 13 Paso Robles Elegant Evening downtown. 805-238-4103.
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FALL 2011

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* Golf balls into our Chardonnay Driving Range of course
1266 N. Bethel Road, Templeton, CA 93465 ph: 805-434-0319 www.veriscellars.com
Drive from the Tee box into Paso Robles most scenic vineyard, complete with distance markers. Bring your own clubs or choose from our full range of drivers.
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Paso Robles 805-226-0500 Grover Beach 805-474-8500

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81st Annual Paso Robles

Featuring Over 70 Antique Tractors & Wagons

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176 153 0 9 37 49 24 29 42 54 70 86 160 187

167 144 9 0 29 39 16 21 34 46 61 78 151 178

139 116 37 29 0 12 23 26 28 40 44 60 122 161

151 128 49 39 12 0 20 17 16 28 32 48 110 149

176 139 24 16 23 20 0 6 19 31 34 50 124 151

179 157 29 21 41 17 6 0 13 25 29 45 119 146

167 144 42 34 28 16 19 13 0 13 16 33 95 133

179 156 54 46 40 28 31 25 13 0 4 20 93 121

182 159 70 61 44 32 34 29 16 4 0 17 90 118

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272 250 160 151 122 110 124 119 95 93 90 76 0 27

Lake San Antonio

To Monterey & San Francisco

To Fresno & Bakers eld

W.R. HEARST STATE BEACH

Whale Rock Res.

Find a map of things to do and see!

Baywood Park Los

LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST

Santa Margarita Lake

31 Arroyo Grande 52 Atascadero 45 Cambria 43 Cayucos 41 Baywood Park 36 Morro Bay 62

MONTANA DE ORO STATE PARK

San Luis Obispo

Point San Luis Lighthouse

Grande Pismo Beach Grover Beach

11 San Luis Obispo

To Santa Barbara & Los

Canoe & kayak

Take a Food Tour

See monarch butterflys

Tour Point San Luis Lighthouse

Explore Lopez Lake

Tour Art Galleries

Tour Hearst Castle

Take a Guided Hunt

Visit a Goat Farm

Experience Pioneer Day

Play and learn at a museum

SLO Wine Country 19

Recommended Inns & Hotels 113

Calendar of Events 114

Taste local olive oil

Wine Tasting in North County

San Luis Obispo

created by experienced and skilled chef

NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE

Paso Robles 805.237.0600

San Luis Obispo 805.545.8000