Did You Know the McMuffin Man?

In 2008, Santa Barbara said goodbye to one of its most beloved residents, Herb Peterson, inventor of the Egg McMuffin. Originally a Chicago ad man working on the McDonald's account (where he came up with the Ronald McDonald character), Peterson and his family moved to Santa Barbara in 1968 when Ray Kroc gave him the chance to become a franchisee. Peterson eventually owned six local franchises and was the first to hire women.

The eggs benedict fan spent much of 1971 working on a new food product, and when he heard Ray Kroc was spending Christmas at his nearby Santa Ynez ranch, he invited him to taste his creation. Although Kroc has just finished lunch, he inhaled two of Peterson's molded-egg creations, and before long, they were in every McDonald's across the nation. Peterson died at age 89 after a robust life, which included tremendous support of local charities and the donation of an elephant to the Santa Barbara Zoo.

La Super-Rica Taqueria

622 N. Milpas Street (corner of Alphonse Street)
Santa Barbara , California 93103
Tel: (805) 963 4940

Super-Rica is one of Santa Barbara's most cherished spots, even though it's more local and less of the tourist side of town, it is basically just a white taco stand with turquoise trim, a walk-up window, a tent-covered dining area, and white plastic chairs.

It was a favorite of Julia Child, who spent her last years in Santa Barbara.

Handmade tortillas form the basis of the menu, which includes tacos, taquitos, chilaquiles, tamales, and a variety of sopes. The food is fresh, made right in front of you, and so good that loyal Super-Rica fans will drive up from Los Angeles just for tacos and the tamal de verduras, a vegetarian tamale made of chayote, cheese, corn, zucchini, potato, chile strips, and tomato with a cream sauce.

There's always a daily special, such as chile poblano stuffed with cheese and beef, chicken, or pork.

Open Thursdays through Tuesdays 11 am to 9 pm.

The Four Seasons Biltmore

1260 Channel Drive
Montecito, California 93108
Tel: (888) 424 5866
Tel: (805) 969 2261

In privileged Montecito, this exclusive Spanish colonial–style 207-room resort is more than a beachfront Four Seasons—it's been a glamorous Santa Barbara institution since opening as the Biltmore in 1927.

A place where Greta Garbo, Errol Flynn, Lana Turner, Bing Crosby, and other Golden Age movie stars once played croquet on the front lawn, the hotel is now a gathering spot for locals (the Sunday brunch, oceanfront dining, and bar with live entertainment are big draws) and the resort of choice for visitors who want Santa Barbara's toniest beach getaway.

Sweeping archways, heavy carved entry doors, colorful imported Spanish tile, and carved woodwork are renovated features of the original hacienda, but modern amenities abound, too, including a 10,000-square-foot spa.

Only a sprawling green lawn and a road separate the hotel from Butterfly Beach. Revamped rooms feature Mission-style antiques, local art, more Spanish tile, decorative ironwork, rain showers and deep soaking tubs, 42-inch plasma-screen TVs with surround sound, DVD players, and broadband Internet.

A botanical guide to the 44 exotic and rare plants in the resort's 22 acres of tropical and subtropical gardens is available at the concierge desk. Guests are also allowed access to the private Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club next door.

Standard Room rates run between $575.00 and $645.00 per night with the Ty Warner Cottage going for as much as $4,600.00 per night.


This resort is currently owned by Ty Warner, the CEO of Ty Industries, famous for making Beanie Babies. He also owns other oceanfront property throughout Montecito and Santa Barbara.


CLICK HERE for a direct link to this hotel's website.

Epiphany Restaurant

21 W. Victoria Street
Santa Barbara , California 93101
Tel: (805) 564 7100

This low-lit restaurant in a 19th-century house feels a bit like a wine cellar, with its brick walls and archways. But its hidden nooks, fireplace room, private dining area, and patio cabanas also create the perfect venue for an intimate meal.

Formerly owned by Kevin Costner, the restaurant is now run by Michelle Mastrangelo, with chef Ron True, former chef of Gramercy Tavern in New York, cooking the cuisine du jour.

Try the Limo Ride, a $55 chef's tasting menu (six courses), or sample from the raw bar. Alternatively, order the free-range Uruguayan filet mignon or the carpaccio of beef on a bed of arugula with truffle vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan.

The lounge serves a bar menu until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Specialty drinks include a tiramisu martini (Godiva chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao, Frangelico) and a Cosmo-piphany, a variation on the cosmopolitan made with mango juice.

Open daily 5:30 to 10:30 pm.

Wine Tours

Sideways put Santa Barbara's pinot noir in the spotlight, but let's not forget the award-winning chardonnays and great cabernet. Wine country is only 30 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, with 80-plus wineries to choose from—unless you have a willing designated driver, take a tour.

Cloud Climbers' Back-Country Wine Tour has a terrific young staff and six-passenger open Jeep Wranglers that make vineyard-hopping fun and easy (805-646-3200; www.ccjeeps.com).

For the vine huggers out there, Sustainable Vine Wine Tours offers guided tours of organic and biodynamic wineries in a soybean-powered van (805-698-3911; www.sustainablevine.com).

Then there's Wine EdVentures, an educational safari of the Santa Ynez Valley in a plush van (805-965-9463; www.welovewines.com).

All pick you up in Santa Barbara and offer private tastings of six to eight vinos at a minimum of four different wineries each day, plus a gourmet picnic lunch. Don't have an entire day to devote to wine? You can always explore Santa Barbara's Urban Wine Trail on foot.

The self-guided tour leads you through eight wineries and tasting rooms conveniently located downtown. Key stops include Cellar 205 Winery & Marketplace, Santa Barbara Winery, Jaffurs Wine Cellars, and East Beach Wine Company. There's even a tasting room on Stearns Wharf.

Most wineries offer wine purchase drop-offs at local hotels as well as maps to guide you through your grape adventures.

Inn of The Spanish Garden

915 Garden Street
Santa Barbara , California 93101
Tel: (866) 564 4700 (toll-free)
Tel: (805) 564 4700

Hidden in a quiet residential neighborhood three blocks from State Street, this white adobe boutique hotel with a red-tile roof has a plain exterior that doesn't quite prepare you for what's inside—a charming fountain courtyard surrounded by 23 luxurious rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites with private balconies or garden patios.

Rooms have gas fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, Frette linens, deep soaking tubs, and Wi-Fi. Within the courtyard, there's a heated pool and sundeck for lounging during the day and a fire pit to warm up beside at night while having an evening cocktail.

Leave your car in the hotel's free underground parking and get around by foot, trolley, electric shuttle, or bicycle.

Room rates average $350.00 nightly.

CLICK HERE for a direct link to this beautiful hotel's website.

Bouchon Restaurant

Bouchon Restaurant

9 W. Victoria Street
Santa Barbara , California 93101
Tel: (805) 730 1160

One meaning of the French word bouchon is wine cork, so it's no surprise that you can sample 40 Central Coast varietals by the glass at this cozy downtown restaurant. Chef/owner Mitchell Sjerven pairs wines with dishes using produce from the local farmers' market, meat and poultry purchased from neighboring micro-ranches, and lots of freshly caught fish.

Offering a French-inspired take on California cuisine, Bouchon turns out starters such as pumpkin soup with chanterelle mushrooms and hearty entrées like venison loin with wild-chestnut puree and local organic arugula, or a bourbon- and maple-glazed duck served with a succotash of fava beans, apple-smoked bacon, and butternut squash, a menu favorite for nine years.

Ask for a table on the patio or by the glassed-in kitchen, where you can see everything.

Open nightly at 5:30 pm.

CLICK HERE for a glance at their menu

An abstract cubist rainbow greets passerby's along Cabrillo Blvd at the beach. Just across from the beautiful rotunda of Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort and a few steps from the hundreds of palm trees and Chase Palm Park, this "Chromatic Gate" was designed by the renowned artist Herbert Bayer in 1975, and was given to the city by his widow in 1991.

Like most public art, the sculpture has been provocative and criticized as not being "Spanish" enough for Santa Barbara, but the design actually derives from similar mysterious structures that Bayer saw in empty desert spaces in Morrocco, and thus has cultural roots as old as Moorish Spain.


Photo courtesy of Dan Heller Photography

S.B. International Orchid Show March 20 - 22

Often called the "American Riviera", Santa Barbara has an ideal climate for growing orchids. In fact Santa Barbara now produces more orchids then any other region in the country. Every year Santa Barbara hosts the international orchid show at the Earl Warren Showgrounds located at the intersection of the 101 freeway and Las Positas Road. This year, it takes place from March 20 - 22. Many orchid dealers are present at this show. Some local nurseries that are usually not open to the public exhibit their orchids and are open to the public for tours of their greenhouses.

You will be amazed to see the large number and variety of orchids displayed. People come from all over the world to see this great show and display their orchids. You will see many orchids in the main pavilion. Some are displayed by private growers, others are displayed by public growers. They are judged and then awarded prizes. Then in a smaller room many dealers sell many different varieties of orchids. The prices range from 10 to over 100 dollars, with most Orchids in the range of 15 to 45 dollars. Orchids were originally introduced to Santa Barbara around the early 1900's when wealthy industrialists came to enjoy the spa resorts. Many of these people fell in love with the climate (its not hard to do!) and they commissioned world class horticulturists to plant orchids in their elaborate gardens. Exotic orchids soon became popular and were heavily planted in the Montecito and Hope Ranch estates. After World War II, the oil baron Samuel Mosher spent $ 1.5 million on breeding orchids at his Dos Pueblos Orchid Company. His breeding grounds provided young plants for other growers who would often times pay up to tens of thousands of dollars for rare varieties. Today the prices have dramatically dropped due to the cloning of many orchids and various laboratory techniques. There are various Orchid growers that are present at the Orchid Show.

Santa Barbara History: Earthquake of 1925

The most destructive earthquake in Santa Barbara history, and the first destructive earthquake since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, occurred on June 29, 1925, converting much of the town to heaps of rubble. While the quake's epicenter was centered on an undetermined fault offshore, most of the damage came about due to two strong aftershocks which occurred onshore and five minutes apart. The intensity on the Modified Mercalli scale was determined to be 8.0 for the coast from Goleta, through Santa Barbara, and to Carpinteria.

The low death toll (13 or 14) is credited to its early hour, 6:23 a.m., before most people were in the streets at risk from falling masonry. A fire, which broke out after the earthquake, destroyed more of the town, but was contained by a company of U.S. Marines who had arrived immediately to help maintain order. The earthquake, coinciding with the movement for architectural reform, is credited with giving the town its unified Spanish character; during the rebuilding Hoffman and Chase pushed for new structures to be in a Spanish style. The most famous of these was the Spanish-Moorish style County Courthouse, completed in 1929, "the loveliest in the United States."

One of the only voices opposing the unification of architectural style was newspaper publisher and future Senator Thomas Storke, who later changed his mind, saying that his former opposition was due to his belief that such compulsion infringed on the constitutional rights of property owners. Storke in 1932 created the city's main newspaper for the next 74 years, the News-Press, by winning a libel suit against his rival Reginald Fernald, and absorbing that publisher's Morning Press into his Daily News.

Santa Barbara: Once Home to The Largest Movie Studio

Santa Barbara was the center of the U.S. silent film industry from 1910 to 1922, before anyone associated the name "Hollywood" with movies. The Flying A Studios, a division of the American Film Company, covered two city blocks centered at State and Mission Streets, and was at the time the largest movie studio in the world. It produced approximately 1,200 films during those twelve years, including the world's first indoor set and likely the first animated cartoon.

Only about 100 of those films are known to survive today. Many of the studio's films were westerns; Lon Chaney, Sr. and Victor Fleming were among the famous actors featured.

In 1911, before the Flying A had become the predominant studio in the area, there were 13 separate film companies in Santa Barbara. The local film era ended in 1922 when the studios moved south, needing the resources of a larger city.

Weather has Wreaked Havoc on Santa Barbara in The Past

In 1859, Santa Barbara recorded the highest temperature ever noted on the North American continent, 133 °F (56 °C), a record which was to stand until Death Valley topped it by one degree in 1913.

The U.S. Coast Survey wrote that birds dropped dead in midair, cattle died in the fields, and fruit dropped, scorched, from trees; the town's inhabitants fled to the safety of their adobe buildings, which insulated them from the freak superheated northwest simoon wind, an event which has not occurred since.

In the immediately following years, two other weather events had a significant effect on the course of development in Santa Barbara: catastrophic floods during the winter of 1861-62, during which the Goleta Slough, formerly open to deep-water vessels, completely silted up, becoming the marsh it remains to the present day; and the disastrous drought of 1863, which forever ended the Rancho era as the value of rangeland collapsed, cattle died or were sold off, and the large ranches were broken down and sold in smaller parcels, which brought on development.

Santa Barbara Mission

Mission Santa Barbara, also known as Santa Barbara Mission, is a Spanish Franciscan mission in Santa Barbara, California. It was founded December 4, 1786, the feast day of Saint Barbara, to evangelize the local Chumash tribe. The Mission grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and were consecrated by Father Fermín Lasuén, who had taken over the presidency of the California mission chain upon the death of Father Presidente Junípero Serra. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since the day of its founding.

Mission Santa Barbara's name comes from the legend of Saint Barbara, a girl who was supposedly beheaded by her father for following the Christian Faith. The early missionaries built three different chapels during the first few years, each larger than the previous one. It was only after the great Santa Barbara Earthquake on December 21, 1812, which destroyed the existing buildings, that the construction on the current Mission was begun. It was completed and then dedicated in 1820. The towers were considerably damaged in the June 29, 1925 earthquake, but were subsequently rebuilt in 1927. The appearance of the inside of the church has not been altered significantly since 1820.

Many elements of the Mission's extensive water treatment system, all built by Chumash Indians' labor (including aqueducts, two reservoirs, and a filter house) remain to this day, as does a grain mill; the larger reservoir, which was built in 1806 by the expedient of damming a canyon, has been incorporated into the City's water system. The original fountain and lavadero are also intact near the entrance to the Mission. A dam constructed in 1807 is situated in the current Santa Barbara Botanic Garden up "Mission Canyon." The Mission's tanning vats, pottery kiln, and guard house are all in ruins to this day.

In 1818, two Argentine ships under the command of the French privateer Hipólito Bouchard approached the coast and threatened the young town of Santa Barbara. The padres armed and trained 150 of the neophytes to prepare for attack. With their help, the Presidio soldiers confronted Bouchard, who sailed out of the harbor without attacking.

After the Mexican Congress passed An Act for the Secularization of the Missions of California on August 17, 1833 Father Presidente Narciso Durán transferred the missions' headquarters to Santa Barbara, thereby making Mission Santa Barbara the repository of some 3,000 original documents that had been scattered through the California missions. The Mission archive is the oldest library in the State of California that still remains in the hands of its founders, the Franciscans. Beginning with the writings of Hubert Howe Bancroft, the library has served as a center for historical study of the missions for more than a century.

n 1840, Alta California and Baja California were removed from the Diocese of Sonora to form the Diocese of Both Californias. Bishop Francisco Garcia Diego y Moreno, OFM, established his cathedral at Mission Santa Barbara, making the chapel the pro-cathedral of the diocese until 1849. Under Bishop Thaddeus Amat y Brusi, C.M., the chapel again served as a pro-cathedral, for the Diocese of Monterey and then the Diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles, from 1853–1876. It is for this reason that of all the California missions, only the chapel at Mission Santa Barbara has two matching bell towers. At that time, that particular architectural feature was restricted to a cathedral church.

When President Abraham Lincoln restored the missions to the Catholic church on March 18, 1865, the Mission's leader at the time, Friar José González Rubio, came into conflict with Bishop Amat over the matter of whether the Mission should be under the ownership of the Franciscan order rather than the diocese. Bishop Amat refused to give the deed for the Mission to the Franciscans, but in 1925, Bishop John J. Cantwell finally awarded the deed to them.

The Mission also has the oldest unbroken tradition of choral singing among the California Missions and, indeed, of any California institution. The weekly Catholic liturgy is serviced by two choirs, the California Mission Schola and the Cappella Barbara. The Mission archives contain one of the richest collections of colonial Franciscan music manuscripts known today, which remain closely-guarded. The original City of Santa Barbara developed between the Mission proper and the harbor, specifically near El Presidio Reál de Santa Bárbara (the "Royal Spanish Presidio"), about a mile southeast of the Mission. As the city grew, it extended throughout the coastal plain; a residential area now surrounds the Mission, although there are public parks and a few public buildings (such as the Museum of Natural History) in the area immediately adjacent to the site.

Mission Santa Barbara today continues to serve the community as a parish church. In addition to its use as a place of worship, it contains a gift shop, a museum, a Franciscan Friary, and a retreat house. The Mission grounds are a primary tourist attraction in Santa Barbara. The Mission itself is owned by the Franciscan Province of Santa Barbara, and the local parish rents the church from the Franciscans.

CLICK HERE for a direct link to the Mission's website.

Museum of Natural History

Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta del Sol Road
Santa Barbara, 93105
805-682-4711 (General Information)
805-682-4711 x405 (Observatory/Planetarium)
805-962-2526 (Sea Center)
www.sbnature.org

Santa Barbara isn't really that big of a town. The entire metropolitan area probably has around 200,000 people. So this Museum comes as a bit of a surprise. The size of the museum, the complexity of the collections and the beauty of the grounds all seem like the museum belongs somewhere much larger.

Exhibits feature mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, plant life and geology of the Pacific Coast and Channel Islands. Exhibits also include dioramas of prehistoric Native American life. There are many special activities held at the Museum so be sure to check their website often for upcoming event.

Outside on display is an actual skeleton of the world`s largest animal ever, the blue whale. This blue whale corpse washed ashore at Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1980. The skeleton is 72 feet long and weighs 6,000 pounds. When alive this whale weighed about 140,000 pounds. Blue whales can live to be 90 years of age. This one was about 25 when it died.

Particulars: Open daily 10am-5pm; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (3:00 p.m.), Christmas Day, New Years Day.

Admission: $10 adults; $7 teens/seniors; $6 children. Museum members and children under 2 are free. Free admission on the third Sunday of the month, except in June, July and August.

For information on public star parties and planetarium shows call 805-682-4711 ext. 405. For current events and programs call 805-682-4711

Directions: From the 101, take "Mission" exit. Drive to the end of "Mission" and turn left. Then turn right onto "Mission Canyon Road." Go past the Old Mission and then follow the brown signs to the Museum.

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara Zoo
500 Ninos Dr.
Admissions Information: 805-963-5695
General Visitor Information: 805-962-6310
(with recorded information)

www.santabarbarazoo.org

Open daily (except for Christmas)
10am-5pm. Tickets sold until 4pm.

Adults (13 - 59): $11.00
Children (2 - 12): $8.00
Seniors (60+): $8.00
Children under 2: FREE
Parking: $4.00

Consistently ranked as one of America's best small zoos, the Zoological Gardens are wonderful.

Among the over 600 animals you'll find elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, gibbons, sea lions, exotic birds and farm animals. There is a miniature train ride, children's playground, snack bar, and spacious picnic area.

The zoo is constantly in the process of making changes so there's always something new each visit.

Note: If the animals and the park don't amaze you, think of the amazing piece of land this zoo sits on. You're right next to the ocean and the giraffe's have the equivalent of a multi-million dollar condo!

Directions

From the South on U.S. 101 (Going North): Take the Hot Springs / Cabrillo Boulevard Exit (LEFT EXIT). Turn left on Cabrillo and continue to the first stop light. Turn right on Ninos Drive. The entrance is about 2 blocks on the right side. Note: If you miss your exit, you can use the Milpas Street exit and follow the directions below after going around the roundabout and LEFT on Milpas Street towards the beach.

From the North on U.S. 101 (Going South): Take the Milpas Street exit and go RIGHT on Milpas Street. Cross the railroad tracks, and turn left on Cabrillo Boulevard. Turn left at the first light, which is Ninos Drive. The entrance is on the right side across from the playing fields.

Strollers, Wagons & Wheelchairs

Strollers, Wagons & Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis:
single w/steering wheel - $5.00
double stroller - $8.00
wagons - $7.00
wheelchairs - $5.00

Admission & Parking Policies

The zoo does not allow skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, RV's, dogs or barbecues in the Zoo or the parking lot.

Ty Warner Sea Center

Ty Warner Sea Center
211 Stearns Wharf
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 962-2526

Hours:
Open daily 10am-5pm; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (3:00 p.m.), Christmas Day, New Years Day.

Admission:
Adults $8, Seniors (65 and over) $7, Teens 13-17 $7, Children 2-12 $5, Children under 2 free

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Ty Warner Sea Center is a fun, engaging, interactive marine education facility located on Stearns Wharf. Owned and operated by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the Ty Warner Sea Center fulfills the mission of the Museum to inspire a passion for the natural world.

Interactive exhibits, scientific discovery!

• Opportunities to work like scientists, sampling and testing ocean water, studying animal behavior, and examining microscopic marine life
• Live tidepool animal encounters
• A theater showcasing the wonders of the Santa Barbara Channel
• At the Ty Warner Sea Center, you will discover the fun science and the wonders of the natural world.
• Enter the two-story glass foyer and greet a 39-foot, life-size model of a California Gray whale and her calf.
• Crawl through a tunnel inside a 1,500 gallon surge tank to see the life of the ocean. Observe sea stars, urchins, limpets, and much more.
• Be an oceanographer for a day. Take ocean samples and view sea life close up through video magnifiers. Test your ocean samples to determine water quality.
• Learn about ongoing scientific research, get an update on marine mammal sightings, and sing along with whales and seals.

Directions:
Take the 101 to the Garden Street exit. Turn towards the ocean. Turn right Cabrillo Blvd. Turn left at State Street on to Stearns Wharf.

Paseo Nuevo Shopping Mall

Paseo Nuevo has a unique Spanish flavor to it. There are bougainvillea growing up the walls. It is an open air shopping area complete with palms and fountains. Tiled arches extend over the walkways. A great photo opportunity is from the second floor across from the movie theatre and Contemporary Arts Forum. There you will find colorful tiled steps, flowering potted plants, and a good view of Paseo Nuevo behind you with its arches and Spanish style architecture.

There is plenty of parking around, but usually there are lots of people so parking can be a bit of a challenge. There is a parking garage on the Chapala side of Paseo Nuevo. There is also parking lots on Figueroa, Canon Perdido, and Ortega. There is plenty of parking around, but usually there are lots of people so parking can be a bit of a challenge. There is a parking garage on the Chapala side of Paseo Nuevo. There is also parking lots on Figueroa, Canon Perdido, and Ortega. These lots are all within one or two blocks of Paseo Nuevo.

Paseo Nuevo is open Monday through Friday from 10AM until until 9PM. On Saturday they are open from 10AM until 8PM, and on Sunday from 11AM until 6PM. For a listing of all the stores, hours and additional information, please visit the website: www.sbmall.com

The Center Stage Theatre is also located within the Paseo Nuevo Shopping area. Phone: 963-0408
Please visit their website at: www.centerstagetheater.org

Vandenberg Air Force Base

Vandenberg Air Force Base: One other point of interest in the Lompoc area is Vandenberg Air Force Base. This is the home of the West Coast's military and space operations, including NASA. The base is open to the public for tours every Wednesday at 10am. On the tour you will see a missile site, a space launch area, Honda point and the Heritage Center. For more information about Vandenberg call PHONE NUMBER (805) 734-8232, ext. 63595. www.vandenberg.af.mil

Knapp's Castle

Knapp's Castle: On East Camino Cielo Road - just before you reach the ridge with the excellent views there is a small single track dirt trail that leads to Knapp's Castle. Knapp's Castle used to be a large stone mansion perched below the ridge overlooking the scenic Santa Ynez Valley. All that is left of this castle are several stone archways and part of the foundation. The views from here are excellent - be careful of the poison oak that grows in abundance in this vicinity. It is about a 10 minute walk to the castle from the paved road. There is a locked gate with the property owner's phone number painted in yellow hanging on a sign.

This gate is located right next to the main road with the trail situated right next to the gate. Walk down the trail and take the short road to your right - this will climb up to Knapp's Castle. If you do not turn off the trail and take the short road that leads up to Knapp's Castle you can continue down the ridge to the bottom of the Santa Ynez valley. This is a single track biking trail and is best for mountain biking, not walking. The trail is quite steep in places so be quite careful if you are biking this. If you do decide to bike down here you can either have someone meet you at the bottom with a car or you will have to bike all the way back up the ridge via Cold Springs paved road

Solvang

Solvang, means "Sunny Field", and is located about 45 miles north of Santa Barbara on highway 246 midway between Highway 101 and the San Marcos Pass (hwy 154). The temperature difference between Santa Barbara and Solvang can be quite dramatic. Solvang regularly gets down to freezing during the winter nights and there will be the occasional snow on the mountains east of town. Solvang is a quaint Danish town. When you drive down main street and some of the nearby streets you will see Danish windmills, old-world architecture, gas streetlights, and Scandinavian restaurants and hotels.

At night the town becomes a blaze of light as small lights decorate most of the buildings. There are over 300 small shops in town, most selling small collectibles, furnishings for the home, and antiques.

Solvang was founded in 1911 as a Danish American colony by Danish educators from the Midwest. These people were searching for a site to build a college. The college was eventually built but was demolished in 1970 to make way for a convalescent facility. Solvang has a Danish custom which involves celebrating the raising of the highest rafter on a new building. This celebration called rejsegilde is observed with most new construction in the area. You may notice a large number of artificial storks on the roof tops of many buildings. These storks are here because they are supposed to bring good luck to the occupants of the house.

The Solvang Theaterfest is a repertory theater presenting plays by the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts. The theatre contains 780 seats and holds performances from June through September.

The 19th of California's 21 missions is located in Solvang. This mission called Old Mission Santa Ines was finished in 1804 and remains one of the best preserved missions. Mission furnishings, artifacts from the early 19th century, and a colorful landscaped garden are open to the public.

Visit the Visitor's Guide website: www.solvangusa.com Solvang was featured along with Buellton and other parts of the Santa Ynez valley in the popular Oscar Award winning movie called Sideways.

Lake Cachuma

Lake Cachuma: If you continue on highway 154 you will come to Cachuma Lake. This is a large human made lake which offers great fishing. The lake is stocked with approximately 150,000 rainbow trout annually. Tent and RV camping are offered. Also check out the popular Yurts for accommodations near the lakefront. Boating is a popular activity here, there are rentals available. Because it is the source of Santa Barbara's drinking water, swimming is not allowed.

Regularly scheduled naturalist hikes are given. Some of the wildlife in the area are bears, deer, wild pigs, and other small animals. The American Bald eagle is a year round resident of the area. The park naturalists conduct a two hour "Eagle Cruise" from November through February, while wildlife cruises are conducted throughout the year.

In the wintertime the tallest of the Santa Ynez mountains which tower above Lake Cachuma in the east, are often covered with snow. On a crisp clear winter day this is a beautiful site.

For more information about activities associated with Cachuma Lake call PHONE NUMBER (805) 568-2460 or for up to date fishing information call the Cachuma Fish watch at PHONE NUMBER (805) 688-7724.

For additional information about Lake Cachuma visit: www.sbparks.com/DOCS/Cachuma.html

Skate Park

The Skate Park is worth visiting to watch skateboarders show off their "stuff"! This park was recently built and contains many jumps and difficult concrete terrain. It is located in the park near the Stearns Wharf entrance on Cabrillo Blvd. Concrete walls surround the skate park and provide a good resting place to watch the skate boarders.

Lobero Theatre

The Lobero Theatre, founded by José Lobero, is a historic building in Santa Barbara, California. It is at the corner of Anacapa and Canon Perdido Streets, less than a block away from the historic Presidio of Santa Barbara. Built in 1873 as an opera house, the theater was rebuilt to designs by architect George Washington Smith for the Community Arts Music Association in the early 1920s, and opened in August 1924, during a period in which civic groups in Santa Barbara were beginning to unify the town's architectural look around a Spanish Colonial style. The theatre continues to host arts and cultural events on 250 or more days per year.

Because of its live acoustics and relatively small size it is particularly suited to chamber music. The Music Academy of the West holds many of its summer concerts in the Lobero.

Moreton Bay Fig Tree

Moreton Bay Fig Tree is the largest tree of its kind in the nation. The tree is located near lower State Street near the railroad tracks. It is located at the intersection of Chapala street and the 101 freeway close to the Amtrak train station. This tree was planted in 1874 by a girl who was given the tree by sailors who brought it over from Australia. In 1877, it was transplanted to the girl's front yard. The span of the leaves from one end of the tree to the other is 160 feet and it provides over 21,000 square feet of shade. This is a huge tree. Some of the roots grow on the surface and they are a few feet tall. Recently a small iron fence has been constructed around this tree so you can no longer climb on the large roots and in the tree itself. This is good for the tree, but not as enjoyable for all the children!

This was a popular spot for the homeless to hang out in years past and they even tried to use "moreton bay fig tree" as a street address. With the renovation of the train station nearby, this tree doesn't seem to attract as many homeless people anymore. This area is about as bad as a Santa Barbara neighborhood gets. I say this 'tongue in cheek' because this really isn't that bad of a neighborhood - but when compared to most of Santa Barbara's neighborhoods, its not quite as "opulent"!

EVENTS/FESTIVALS/SHOWS

January

-Hang Gliding Festival on January 1st. Local pilots fly over ocean bluffs and demonstrate precision flying. PHONE NUMBER (805) 965-3733

-International Film Festival. Annual Event. Very popular. Premiers and screenings of U.S. and international films. Walk up and down State Street stopping at theatres showing the most popular films. Often high profile actors and actresses are honored for their film work. Workshops and seminars are also given by professionals. The Film Festival in 2009 honors: Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, and Clint Eastwood, Mickey Rourke, and Kristin Scott Thomas. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 963-0023 Website: www.sbfilmfestival.org

February

-All Breed Cat Show at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. Almost every breed of cats is represented. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 687-0766

-Amgen for several years now, the Amgen California Bicycle race has gone through Santa Barbara in late February. Check out: www.amgentourofcalifornia.com

March

-Whale Watching PHONE NUMBER: (805) 897-3187 This two-day festival will feature live entertainment, marine education stations, a children's carnival, food booths, and an arts & crafts show. Live music from several bands will keep festival goers tapping their feet and dancing as they stroll through the street feasting their eyes, ears, and taste buds on all the exhibitors. You won't want to miss out!! The Whale Festival coincides with the northern migration of the gray whale and promotes awareness of the 27 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) that have been sighted in the Santa Barbara Channel. More than 20 local and national nonprofit organizations will participate in the whale and marine education stations. This will provide festival attendees a wonderful opportunity to learn more about whales and the issues currently affecting them and the ocean. Marine organizations participating in this year's festival include the Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Center, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, Center for Marine Conservation, Ocean Futures Society, Pacific Cetacean Group, Aquarium of the Pacific, Alaska Whale Foundation, Environmental Defense Center, Whaleman Foundation, Santa Barbara Channel Keeper, Earth Island Institute, Community Environmental Council, Channel Islands National Park and others. For more information about the Whale Festival, Kick-Off Party, and Flag Sponsorship Program call 805.897.3187 or visit: www.sbwhalefestival.com

-International Orchid Show PHONE NUMBER: (805) 969-5746 For more information on orchids & current dates for this annual event, visit the official website here: www.sborchidshow.com

-Easter Egg Hunt. 50,000 different kinds of eggs are hidden in Alameda and MacKenzie parks and Franklin Elementary School for children ages 5 to 9 to find. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 564- 5495

April

-Chardonnay 5K and 10 mile runs. Starts at Leadbetter beach. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 564-5555

-Presidio Days is a three day event celebrating Santa Barbara's birthday and multi-ethnic heritage at the historical El Presidio de Santa Barbara. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 966-9719 Website: www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org

-Arts Festival. Food booths, carnival, food booths, free entertainment. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 735-8511.

-County Vintner's Festival. Sample wines from 30 county wineries plus food from the areas restaurants. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley. PHONE NUMBER for tickets: (805) 688 0881

-Santa Barbara Fair and Expo at Earl Warren Showgrounds. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 687-0766 Website: www.earlwarren.com

May

-I Madonnari Street Painting Festival. Over 200 local artists and children create their chalk paintings at the Old Mission courtyard. This is always a blast and we have attended many times. If the weather is nice and it usually is in May, people will come for a picnic and or just lay around on the main lawn in front of the Mission. Many of the artists are very talented and every year it is a shame their works disappear within a week or two. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 963-8654 | Website: www.imadonnarifestival.com

-Jewish Festival at Oak Park. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 968-1280 Website: www.sbjf.org

-Cinco De Mayo at the County Bowl. PHONE NUMBER (805) 965-8581 z Website: www.cincodemayosb.com

-Annual State Street Mile takes place between Islay and Ortega on State Street.

-Day of Music is the cities biggest one day music festival. More then 30 groups play from noon until midnight. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 962-3575

-Santa Barbara City College Jazz Festival is a competition from junior high through college levels. Concerts also given by world class jazz artists. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 965-0581

June

-Summer Solstice Parade. Music Festival in Alameda Park. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 965-3396 Website: www.solsticeparade.com

-Santa Barbara Writers Conference is a week long creative writing workshop. Afternoon and evening lectures by best selling authors at the Miramar Hotel. Many lectures and classes given throughout the year. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 684- 2250 Website: www.sbwc.org

-Lompoc Flower Festival (Approx 50 miles north of Santa B.) The Festival includes a downtown parade with floral floats, marching band and horses. Flower field tours are also given. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 735-8511 Website: www.flowerfestival.org

-Santa Barbara Irish Festival is held at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. For more details please call PHONE NUMBER: (805) 687-4343 or view latest dates here: www.santabarbarairishfestival.com

-Scandinavian Festival. At Oak Park. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 966- 5843

-Live Oak Music Festival is a three day concert and camping event held every year on Father’s Day weekend in the hills above Santa Barbara, California. 100% of Live Oak proceeds go to support a local public radio station. Visit: www.liveoakfest.org

-Beach Volleyball tournaments. Men's and women's divisions at East Beach. Admission: Free. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 965-0509

-Semana Nautica is a multi sports festival. Air, sea, land, and pool events are held throughout the city. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 564-2052 Website: www.semananautica.com

- The Santa Barbara Chamber Music Festival held their first music festival in 2003. Music director, Daniel Kepl, a local Santa Barbaran has gathered an outstanding roster of professional colleagues from throughout the United States (Seattle, Houston), and abroad (London). For more details and information, please visit their website at: www.sbchambermusicfest.com

July

-The 4th Independence Day. A holiday on State Street and an arts and crafts show at the Mission. Dave's recommendation for the best place to watch the fireworks is down by the harbor near Stearn's Wharf. The "show" usually starts around 9pm as it gets dark. (805) 965-3021" Website: www.spiritof76sb.org

-French Foods Festival at Oak Park. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 569-1636 Website: www.frenchfestival.com

-Beachside Festival. A weekend of live music and street performers. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 962-5424

-California Outrigger Championships. 25 California teams compete in one mile ocean sprints in 40 foot long outriggers. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 965-0509

-Thai Festival at Oak Park. PHONE NUMBER: 564-5419

-Dog Shows. Over 6000 dogs are represented. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 963-2986

-Horse and Flower Show at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 687-0766

-Greek Festival is at Oak Park. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 564-5419 (held at the end of July or early August depending on the year

August

-Old Spanish Days Fiesta is a city wide five days celebration of Santa Barbara's Spanish heritage. (805) 962-8101 www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org

-Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Wine Festival. (805) 682-4711

-Polo Tournament is the second most prestigious in the U.S. Held at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 684-8667 www.sbpolo.com

September

-Concours d'Elegance. Antique and classic car show. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 969-2667

-LPGA Golf Tournament at Sandpiper Golf Course and La

-Lawn Bowling Tournament is a 4 day all California event, the largest in the state. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 564-5419

-Mexican Independence Day at Oak Park. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 966-9036

-Danish Days are held in Solvang about 45 miles north of Santa Barbara just off of the 101 freeway. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 688-0701

October

-German Oktoberfest is held at Oak Park. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 967-6422

-Santa Barbara Jazz Festival is at Leadbetter Beach. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 962-0800 Website: www.meifestivals.com/sba.html

-Stearns Wharf Birthday Celebration for the oldest working pier on the California coast. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 564-5519

-California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria. This is a three day festival - started in 1984 and helps benefit local non-profit organizations and promote Carpinteria. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 684-5479 x 12. For more information including, dates, events, recipes, & much more - please visit their very informative website: www.avofest.com

-Festa Italiana at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 569-1536

-Santa Barbara Art Walk is held along Mission Creek. Over 100 artists are featured. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 682-4711 Website: www.sbartwalk.com

-Fiesta City Cat Club Show. Over 225 purebred cats compete for best of show. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 687-0766

November

-National Amateur Horse Show is a training show for future Olympic equestrians. Located at the Earl Warren Showgrounds PHONE NUMBER: (805) 687-0766

-Annual World Music Festival highlights music and dance from Africa, the Caribbean, and Spain. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 962-3575

December

-Holiday Parade - for more information call: (805) 962-2098 ext. 22

-Yuletide Boat Parade is held off of Stearn's Wharf. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 962-2826

-Una Pastorela is a recreation of a traditional Spanish/ Indian "shepherds play" in Presidio Chapel. PHONE NUMBER: (805) 966-9719

Sambo's Restuarant

Sambo's is a restaurant, formerly an American restaurant chain, started in 1957 by Sam Battistone and Newell Bohnett. Though the name was taken from portions of the names of its founders, the chain soon found itself associated with The Story of Little Black Sambo. Battistone and Bohnett capitalized on the coincidence by decorating the walls of the restaurants with scenes from the book, including a dark-skinned boy and tigers. By the early 1970s, the illustrations depicted a light-skinned boy wearing a jeweled Indian-style turban with the tigers. A kids club, Sambo's Tiger Tamers (later called the Tiger Club), promoted the chain's family image.

By 1979, Sambo's had 1,200 outlets in 47 U.S. states. However in the late seventies controversy over the chain's name drew protests and lawsuits in communities that viewed the term Sambo as a pejorative towards African-Americans, particularly in Northeast states. Several of the restaurants were opened as or renamed to "The Jolly Tiger" in locations where the local community passed resolutions forbidding the use of the original name or refused to grant the chain permits. In March 1981, in a further attempt to give the chain a new image the company again renamed some locations, this time to "No Place Like Sam's". By November 1981, the company filed for bankruptcy. Neither the name change nor bankrupty protection reversed the downward trend, and in 1982 all but the original Sambo's at 216 West Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara, California, closed their doors.

In its last days as a chain, Sambo's was sued by Dr Pepper for plagiarizing the latter's popular television commercial in a spot Sambo's ran to promote its new senior citizen discount program. Sambo's was also sued by non-white employees and applicants who were alleging discrimination in hiring and advancement.

Battistone's grandson, restaurateur Chad Stevens, owns the only remaining Sambo's. He expresses a desire to revive the chain.

Battistone is also the original owner of the New Orleans Jazz in the NBA. He later moved the team to Utah and sold it.

Wine Cask Restaurant

LOCATION: 813 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: (805) 966-9463 Located in the heart of Santa Barbara in historic El Paseo. Guests enter through a secluded garden courtyard in to a dramatic dining room complete with hand painted beamed ceilings and a baronial fireplace. It has been regarded for years as "the most beautiful dining room in Santa Barbara." Wine Cask's chefs use regional ingredients to fashion imaginative plates of bistro style cuisine. For lunch there are classic sandwiches, pastas, fish, meats and variety of interesting salads. Dinner features plenty of fresh fish entrees, meats, poultry, pastas and nightly specials. There are over 40 selected wines by the glass as well as a 65 page wine list. Private parties and special menus are available upon request.

• Category: Californian, Seafood
  
• Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-9pm
• Price: $20+
• Serving: Dinner
• Reservations: Yes, recommended

CLICK HERE for their website.

CLICK HERE for a recent LA Times Restaurant Review.

San Ysidro Ranch Named America's Best Hotel

The annual Forbes 400 list which ranks the best luxury hotels and resorts in the world has just named San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California, as "America's Best Hotel." The selection was made by a board of elite luxury travelers including Peter Greenberg, Todd English and Arianna Huffington, as well as top travel professionals like Matthew Upchurch of Virtuoso, Ltd. and Benson Cowan from Butterfield & Robinson.

Forbes Traveler emphasizes the elegance of the Ranch's 41 cottages which feature stone fireplaces, four-poster king-size beds draped in the finest European linens, and large bathrooms filled with votive candles and Acqua Di Parma products. The rooms are filled with carefully chosen antiques, original artwork and each opens onto a private patio complete with hot tub and rain shower. The 500 acre property includes lily ponds, "breathtaking" gardens, along with 17 miles of stunning hiking trails in the adjacent Santa Ynez Mountains.

Today a sandstone packing house built in 1889 accommodates the Stonehouse restaurant, where Chef John Trotta cooks with fruits, vegetables and herbs grown on the Ranch's grounds in his contemporary American cuisine. The more casual Plow and Angel, located downstairs, is a local favorite for its cozy ambience - and mac 'n' cheese.

The Ranch was purchased in 2000 by Ty Warner, who subsequently invested $150 million in an ambitious 3-year renovation. On receiving his "America's Best Hotel" award, Mr. Warner commented, "I recognized this property's unique design when I was a guest here more than 30 years ago and am so grateful to be a part of its magnificent history."

Warner is no stranger to Forbes List, having landed on their ranking of The World's Billionaires and The 400 Richest Americans for more than a decade.

In addition to the San Ysidro Ranch, Warner owns other one-of-a-kind luxury hotel properties including the Four Seasons Hotel New York, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, and Four Seasons Biltmore and Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club, both in Santa Barbara. Warner is also the Chairman, CEO and founder of Ty Inc., the largest manufacturer of plush toys in the world which includes Beanie Babies(TM) and TyGirlz(TM).

San Ysidro Ranch - A Brief History: The story of San Ysidro Ranch, named after San Ysidro the patron saint of Madrid, is intertwined with the history of Old California. Originally part of land titled in 1769 by the King of Spain, the Ranch served as a way station for Franciscan monks in the late 1700s, a working citrus ranch in the 1800s, and hosted its first guests in 1893. In the 1930s, Hollywood discovered the Ranch, transforming it into a hospitality haven for celebrities. Famous guests over the years range from Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby and Groucho Marx to Winston Churchill, Somerset Maugham and Sinclair Lewis. Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were married at the Ranch, John and Jacqueline Kennedy honeymooned there and John Huston completed the script for African Queen during a three-month stay.