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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Santa Ynez Valley
Road Trip
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By Matthew
Martz |
Set among
the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains to the south and the
San Rafael Mountains to the north, the Santa Ynez Valley
consists of six unique and diverse communities that make
up the Santa Barbara wine county.
Although widely recognized for its more than 75 world-class
wineries and tasting rooms that dot the rolling hillsides,
visitors can also enjoy browsing the areas distinctive
art galleries, clothing boutiques and antique stores,
while enjoying mouth-watering meals-from gourmet wine-country
cuisine to Danish specialties.
The area also features a casino, several one-of-a kind
museums and fascinating historical landmarks such as
the 1804 Old Mission Santa Ines that provide a glimpse
into the area's rich multi-cultural heritage.
Families will also discover plenty of outdoor activities,
including apple and berry picking, bicycling, hiking,
and fishing in nearby Cachuma Lake and Nojoqui Falls
Park.
The gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley is the town Buellton
just off US Highway 101 and State Highway 46, the main
artery into the Valley.
Visitors will find everything from full-service
hotels to inns, a variety of shops, service stations and
dining locations, including the world-famous Pea Soup
Andersen's Restaurant established in 1924. Grab a bowl
of split pea soup and then venture upstairs to discover
more about the area in the Buellton Historical Society
History Room located on the second floor.
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Santa Ynez Valley |
Once you've filled up on fuel and food,
heading east on 246 into the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley
you will cross paths with one of the areas more unique
attractions, Ostrich Land. A place where you can not only
view , but feed ostriches and emu. There is also a little
shop that you can purchase ostrich products, such as eggs,
meat, feathers and jerky.
Next stop, Solvang.
Named as one of the "Top 5 US Domestic Destinations
with International Flair," Solvang transports it
quests across the Atlantic to northern Europe, while staying
firmly planted in the center of California.
This one-of-a-kind city sprang to life in 1911 when daring
Danish-Americans from the Midwest crossed the great plains
to establish a settlement in the golden state of California
near the historic Old Mission Santa Ines. In an effort
to preserve their Scandinavian culture, they built an
entire town dedicated to their heritage, and today it
is visited by over 2 million travelers a year.
From its flower-lined streets to Danish folk school and
church, visitors will enjoy more than 150 unique shops
and art galleries, including authentic bakeries, restaurants,
and over a dozen wine tasting rooms alongside 14 hotels
and inns.
Continuing eastward and situated at the intersection
of State Highways 154 and 246, is the town of Santa Ynez.
The locals here are proud of their western heritage and
it's easy to see, passing by the towns turn-of-the-20th-century
buildings that include a historic saloon, a variety of
restaurants--counting a steakhouse--a luxury inn and a
delightful bed and breakfast.
A great place to soak in the history of this area is
at the Santa Ynez Historical Society. This little museum
houses a small but fascinating collection of exhibits
from the Chumash period through early 20th century ranching
days, and features a Native American Room, Pioneer Room
and West Room. Exhibits illustrate what it was like on
the on the old ranches in Santa Ynez Valley before wineries
and casinos.
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Solvang Santa Ynez Valley |
Ostrich Land Santa Ynez Valley |
Located a short drive from downtown Santa
Ynez is the Chumash Casino Resort offering year-round
Vegas style gaming, accommodations and live entertainment.
However, for a more unique activity, and alternative to
the standard limo or van tour of the local wineries,
Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours will take you
on a spectacular ride aboard your own Specialized Sport
road bike, winding your way past vineyards and gently
sloping hills that 7-time Tour de France winner, Lance
Armstrong begins his training season.
Tours are designed for couples and individuals
of all levels of ability, and after stopping at a few
wineries for tastings, you'll finish your day with a gourmet
picnic lunch in the country.
With so much to do in the Santa Ynez Valley,
most travelers find that one day is just not enough.
But with plenty of comfortable accommodations and several
campgrounds including Cachuma Lake Recreation Area RV Park,
there is no reason for not turning your day trip into an
overnight "staycaction", allowing more time to
explore the nearby rural towns of Ballard, Los Olivos
and Los Alamos, with their antique malls, historic train
depots, quaint shops, cafes and national landmarks.
Santa Ynez is a three to four drive from
anywhere in southern California and creates a beautiful
background for your next memorable vacation.
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Lake
Cachuma is a popular Santa Barbara
County destination for camping and fishing. |
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| Solvang
Gardens
Quaint 24 room Boutique Inn at walking distance
to shopsand restaurants. |
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Solvang
Danish capital of America. Voted one of 10 most
beautiful American Small Towns. |
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