Loved the report! I agree Santa Barbara is such a gorgeous place. You made me want to go back and hit all the places you mentioned!
I’m sorry you didn’t like Toma and got sick. It and Loquita are my two favorite restaurants. El Encanto has one of the best views.
You got lucky and had some of the best weather of the year. I’m glad you found a few items to purchase. It’s always fun to shop on a trip.
@mom60, it could have just been our lasagne… The overall feel of Toma was warm and friendly and it was quite full, even on a Sunday night. So obviously, it is a very popular place. You live in a very special town!
Did you go to Gainey Winery in Santa Ynez? My favorite!
@Madison85 , yep, that was our first stop!! Loved it! We went to Gainey, Roblar, Fess Parker and one more that is only 3-4 months old, very modern looking inside.
Thanks! We thought about doing a trip to Santa Barbara a few years ago and didn’t go. I’ll be back to this thread for reference if we get there someday.
If we go, we’d consider doing a VRBO … if somebody knows a good Santa Barbara area neighborhood for that, please post.
@conmama - Santa Barbara is a favorite place of ours also. October is a great time to visit coastal California.
I’m sorry I hadn’t paid attention to this thread before, as I would have sent you a little further north of SB, to this amazing art installation…https://www.sensoriopaso.com/
Still thrilled you had a wonderful time!
“80 degrees in Santa Barbara, is not the 80 degrees of the midwest!”
Can someone explain this?
Yes, it’s the humidity. When we were in CA last weekend it was 75 degrees with 49% humidity. Very fresh. Warm in the sun, almost hot when walking, (that’s me, DH never once felt too warm). but chilly in the shade.
Came home and it was 75 degrees this week with 68% humidity. Felt so much warmer, absolutely no chill whatsoever in the shade. Very different feel to the skin and when breathing.
It’s exactly this explanation above that makes it so hard to pack for different locations. It’s not about the temperature. You have to factor in the humidity, wind direction and speed, and differential between low and high temp for the day.
@JustaMom I recently saw something on that exhibit. I’m going to be up in Cambria for a few nights later this month and I am wondering if it’s worth the drive. I haven’t driven that route over the mountains in years and I can’t recall if it’s an easy drive or not and if it’s a drive I want to take back over to the coast in the dark.
If we go do you have any dinner recommendations? Or tips on how to best enjoy the art exhibition?
@mom60 - we live down the coast from Cambria, so drive hwy 46 on occasion. It’s not too bad. DS18 was driving it somewhat regularly over the summer (gf is over in that area). Be careful with the left turn off hwy 1 (from Cambria) on the way over to Paso - depending on the time of day, a bit of patience might be required. ?
@mom60 , we stopped in Cambria overnight several years ago to visit the Hearst Castle. We stopped on to have lunch at Sebastian’s General Store for lunch (across from the castle). It has great sandwiches and a wine bar. Very picturesque to sit out and eat, I’m sure you’ve been there, yet if not it’s worth stopping by.
@mom60 - I haven’t been yet so I am not much help, unfortunately. I just know I’m going in December, and the plans are to stay the night north of Santa Barbara.
@conmama we ate there last year for the first time. It was a beautiful sunny day and we split a burger and had a couple of glasses of wine. If it’s sunny this year we will go again.
@JustaMom I am trying to say yes more so I think I’ll book tickets. @TdoesCollege thanks for the road report. We try to go to Cambria in October to get away for a few days and I’ve not crossed that road. We come from the south so take 101 to Hwy 1.
@JustaMom I went to Sonserio on Sunday night. I loved it, my H thought it was nice but said he prefers nature more. I told him to view it as art. I wish it had been larger. It reminded me of the tulips in Amsterdam. The place is a well run operation. They were very strict about what people could bring in. They wouldn’t let the woman behind me bring in an empty water bottle. They were letting people bring in a unopened sealed water bottle.
We made the drive over from Cambria @TdoesCollege before dark and on the way back the road was pretty empty and the drive not difficult. I was expecting it to be more like the San Marcos Pass on Hwy 154. We walked around the grass square area of Paso Robles and I was impressed with how nice it was.
@conmama Sebastians the hamburger sandwich shop has closed. The winery moved across the street and is Much larger. Nice indoor seating and beautiful outdoor area overlooking San Simeon beach. They have a food truck now but it was closed when we were there.
@mom60 , thanks for letting me know that so I don’t steer others that way! Good to know the winery is still there. More important than the sandwiches!