The SB Post

Santa Barbara Launches Culture 101 Exploring the Area’s Vast Art and Culture Scene

Posted On: Friday, May 4, 2012 12:31 PM

The headline on the new Santa Barbara Culture 101 website reads, "Our Culture Is Driven by Passion. Pick Yours." I can't think of a more apt invitation for this new and exciting campaign, which highlights the best of art and culture in the Santa Barbara South Coast. Perhaps more widely known for its incredible wine country, inviting outdoor recreation and ocean-meets-evergreen landscape, Santa Barbara's culture scene will quickly work its way up your favorites list, running deep with both history and opportunity. Definitely take a moment to explore and, as the website entices, pick your passion:

Attractions - Choose from a variety of don't-miss-this area attractions, from the Santa Barbara Zoo to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, which was a Royal favorite during Will and Kate's stateside visit.

 

Architecture and History - Or should I say, where architecture meets history. Santa Barbara's colorful Native American and Spanish influences can be seen in every arch and angle of the area's iconic style, including the famous Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Old Mission Santa Barbara, appropriately coined, "The Queen of the Missions."

 

Cultural Organizations - Santa Barbara's dedication to art and culture goes well beyond personal experience. The coastal town harbors many cultural organizations that are as passionate about celebrating and promoting culture as they are about experiencing it. 

Events and Festivals - The beauty of living in an area that offers mild-to-perfect temperatures year-round and over 300 days of sunshine per year is that gatherings and celebrations are made easy and Santa Barbara doesn't disappoint. The events and festivals lineup is not just an extension of the art and culture scene, it's a pillar of it.

Photo courtesy of Patricia Clarke/Summer Solstice Celebration 

Museums and Galleries - If you could spend the entire day wandering the halls of history and aisles of art, Santa Barbara is the place for you. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is considered one of the best in the region. Families will love the live exhibits at the Ty Warner Sea Center and art aficionados won't be bored wandering the acclaimed galleries.

 
Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Parks and Gardens - You don't have to go far to find a park or garden near you in Santa Barbara. From free-form English-style spreads to the more manicured and eclectic expanse at the nationally haled Lotusland, your afternoon surrounded by lush greenery, Monarch butterflies and roses in bloom awaits.

 

Performing Arts and Theatres - As the sun sets on Santa Barbara, the performances heat up. From the historic stages of the Granada and Arlington Theatres to the perfect pitches of Opera Santa Barbara and one of the best open-air concert venues in the country-the Santa Barbara Bowl-you'll be entertained and enthralled by SB's live performances.

 

Culture 101 can be both a quick introduction to Santa Barbara's best, and an extended journey of inspiration that touches upon all 101 pieces of the art and culture mosaic that makes up Santa Barbara's passionate cultural pursuit. And the best part-it's all right here, just off California's Highway 101.

Lower Your CARbon Footprint in Santa Barbara – Go Car-free!

Posted On: Wednesday, Apr 18, 2012 10:04 AM

With Earth Day Festival ramping up this weekend, April 21st and 22nd, we're celebrating the last week of Ecotopia-our ode to Santa Barbara's vast eco-offerings and every-day Earth-friendly culture. This week, our focus is on going car-free, which is really easy to do here in SB. From the downtown train station to public transit and water and land tours, it's easy to see Santa Barbara and lower your carbon footprint at the same time.

Our Top 10 recommended ways to go car-free in SB are:
1. Go by rail!
Skip the parts of your trip where you spend two hours at the airport or get stuck in traffic and instead, book a weekend getaway by train. If you're on the West Coast, Amtrak makes this easy. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers five trains a day coming into Santa Barbara from the south. Amtrak is currently offering 20 percent off travel to/from Santa Barbara County stations on Amtrak Pacific Surfliner® and San Joaquins®.

2. See it on a Segway
Give the feet a rest and hop on a segway instead. These small, multi-terrain vehicles are a great way to see the city with an expert guide, who can fill you in on Santa Barbara's secrets.

 

3. To the Beach by Bike
Santa Barbara is known for being bike and pedestrian-friendly with its downtown open-air malls, bike lanes and paths and public transportation equipped with bike racks. Rent a beach cruiser and head to SB's sandy shores, or head out for a road ride on the winding back roads of Montecito or Goleta. More of an off-road type? Santa Barbara's surrounding hills and mountains are full of buffed out single-track and mountain bike trails for every ability level.

4. Explore in a Sea Kayak
From the rugged coastal terrain of Channel Islands National Park to the calm waters of Santa Barbara's harbors and bays, touring in a sea kayak is a great eco-friendly way to get up-close and personal with the area's marine life. Local tour operators can guide your experience and help you spot finned friends, such as dolphins and whales. Or, rent your own and go for a relaxing paddle in a nearby bay.

 

5. Cruise the Cabrillo Bikeway
This wide, smooth bikeway hugs the Santa Barbara South Coast for a couple of beautiful, beach-riding miles. It's the perfect path for a family outing. Stop at Stearns Wharf along the way for some shopping and a quick bite before pedaling, walking or skating your way down the road.

6. Walk the Urban Wine Trail
No need to head for the hills to taste the best of Santa Barbara County wines. Area wineries bring the tasting to you with the Urban Wine Trail-a series of approximately 15 tasting rooms all within blocks of each other, downtown and the beach. 

7. Hail a Water Taxi
Cruise from one end of Santa Barbara Harbor to the other in a Lil' Toot water taxi for some authentic ocean-side culture and a car-free way to get from Point A to Point Sea. Taxi captains also offer up a good dose of history and maritime fun facts during your tour of the Harbor.

 

8. Opt for Public Transit
Santa Barbara's public transportation is vast, affordable and frequent. Commuter bus routes run north and south along the coast, while the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) provides reliable, safe, comfortable transportation throughout Santa Barbara County. Regular one-way fares are $1.75, while the two great downtown sightseeing options-the Seaside Shuttle and the Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle-are just $.25 one-way!

 

9. Take a Stroll
With its beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture, rich history, many parks and gardens and lively streets full of boutique shopping and a variety of dining options, an engaging Santa Barbara stroll can be as short as a single city block or go on for hours. Enjoy a self-guided Red Tile Walking Tour (complete with downloadable podcast), wander the trails that weave through a park near you, or load up on haute couture, the newest surf styles or artisan chocolates and olive oils doing some shopping Santa Barbara-style. 

10. Pile into a Pedicab
Consider it Santa Barbara's version of the minivan. The local bike paths and pedestrian-friendly zones make piling the family into a pedicab and going for an afternoon spin a total breeze!

Santa Barbara truly embraces a car-free culture. Whether you're enjoying the view of the Pacific from your Amtrak window seat or spinning through town on your beach cruiser, lowering your CARbon footprint is easy in SB.

Go Green during Your Trip to Santa Barbara with Some Sustainable Inspiration

Posted On: Thursday, Apr 5, 2012 10:13 AM

This was an exciting weekend in Santa Barbara. It felt like the first days of spring were upon us. I know; touting SB's 300+ days of sunshine a year and then bragging about the passages of spring seems a bit cruel, especially to all of our mountain town friends. We do love our year-round sunshine and eternally bright weather, but the blooms of spring truly do make it the best time of year to celebrate Santa Barbara's vast eco offerings. We've put together a few itineraries of the green variety, featuring some fun ideas on experiencing true Ecotopia in Santa Barbara.

Classic Santa Barbara
A large part of Santa Barbara's draw is its pedestrian-friendly downtown. It's easy to take in the area's most iconic sites without needing a car. And if you're feet get tired, there's never a shortage of nearby sunny patios and inviting restaurants where you can sit back and relax.

• Start out where State Street meets Cabrillo Boulevard at the famous dolphin fountain. A turn toward the beautiful blue Pacific will find you walking along Stearns Wharf. Browse local shops, enjoy fresh seafood, snap some pictures and, if you've got kids in tow, make sure to pay a visit to the hands-on Ty Warner Sea Center.
• Hop on the Lil Toot water taxi from the Wharf, which will ferry you across the harbor. Explore the Maritime Museum, rent a kayak or take your adventure completely seaside with a whale watching tour. 
• Once back on land, go for a stroll along Cabrillo Bikeway. Bike, surrey and segway rental outfitters are just steps from the Wharf.
• Play some beach volleyball, toss the Frisbee or go for a swim at East Beach.
• No visit to Santa Barbara is complete without a stroll along State Street. Galleries, shops, cafes, restaurants, spas and classic Spanish architecture beckon. Throw in some historical flavor with a visit to El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.
• Learn about the city's history by following the self-guided Red Tile Walking Tour, starting at the County Courthouse.
• Finally, head toward the hills to see Santa Barbara's most photographed landmark: Mission Santa Barbara.

All For Locavore
One of the many benefits of Santa Barbara's famous year-round warmth and sunshine is a bounty of produce to match. Local farmers, ranchers and artisans supply area eateries with tasty treasures that any foodie won't want to miss.

• Starting the morning off with a fresh-from-the-oven scone at Jeannine's American Bakery. Or give into a guilty pleasure and try one of the chocolate croissants from Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro, with both and uptown and downtown location.
• Take an education tour of Fairview Gardens Farm-one of Southern California's oldest organic farms, now preserved as an agricultural easement.
• If you're more of a seafood lover, Santa Barbara Harbor is a second home to many local fishermen, and it's where you can find them unloading their locally-harvested catch of the day.
• Hop on the Lil' Toot Water Taxi and head over to Stearns Wharf where you can sample fresh culinary cuisine at Santa Barbara Shellfish Co.
• Montecito Country Kitchen offers weekday lunchtime classes using local farmers' market produce to create enticing Mediterranean menus. Or spend your Saturday morning with Market Forays, which includes tours of local farmers' and fishermen's markets and specialty food shops, followed by hands-on cooking class.
• Top off your culinary journey with some of the area's best locally handcrafted wine and microbrews!

Great Outdoors
Eco-tourists love Santa Barbara. Fresh-air fun is never far when you're in this beachside town.

• Wake up with a stroll through the serene trails of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden with over 65 acres and 1,000 species of native plants.
• Visit the Coronado Butterfly Preserve just north of Goleta-home to native coastal sage scrub habitat, eucalyptus groves and numbers birds and wildlife. The best part? From November through March, you can see thousands of monarch butterflies in the early morning.
• Santa Barbara and the surrounding area offer a maze of hiking and biking trails. Los Padres National Forest is a favorite among mountain bikers and hikers alike with waterfalls, flowing creeks, hot springs and natural pools. 
• The adventure continues seaside with a Channel Islands Kayak excursion with Adventure Company of Santa Barbara or Channel Islands Outfitters. Channel Islands National Park & Marine Sanctuary is considered the "Galapagos of North America." 
• Round out your day with some time at Santa Claus Lane Beach to soak up the sun and ride the waves with locals. 

Family Fun Trek
Whether you want to learn more about the natural environment or are simply aiming to minimize your family's footprint during your travels, Santa Barbara is the perfect destination.

• Leave the car at home and start the day with a bike ride (rent your wheels at Wheel Fun Rentals) along the beachfront path beginning at Andree Clark Bird Refuge, a 32-acre expansive sanctuary that provides a home to a diverse bird population. 
• Little imaginations run wild at Santa Barbara's many parks. Take a spin on the classical carousel at Chase Palm Park or check out the Shipwreck Playground.
• The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is an engaging stop on the family tour. Explore exhibits, check out the planetarium or visit the sea center! 
• After that, head to Shoreline Park where kids can lose the shoes and feel the sand beneath their feet. 
• No family beach vacation is complete with a sandcastle, or two! Head to Leadbetter Beach just west of the Harbor for some prime family beach-time fun.
• The Santa Barbara Zoo is not to be missed. Wild animals wander the beautiful open spaces and guests get to enjoy animal and ocean views during their visit.
• Finally, for a taste of the Wild West, head over to the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Arts Museum on Castillo Street. This 11,000-square foot museum offers exhibits dating back more than 300 years.

But don't let us stop you there. Santa Barbara is a bountiful Ecotopia year-round. Visit us for updated event information, activity ideas and special offers for your favorite eco-friendly destination.

Santa Barbara Welcomes Boutique Hotel Indigo to the Funk Zone

Posted On: Wednesday, Feb 29, 2012 5:50 PM

Hotel Indigo's positioning statement is, "In the Heart of Art." It's true in both the new, boutique hotel's location in Santa Barbara's contemporary cultural center of the Funk Zone, as well as what one experiences upon entering this modern, thoughtful hotel. During a recent visit, I got to explore a bit further and learned that Hotel Indigo exceeds its promise of, "...blending historic splendor with the architectural sophistication of modern design and offers environmentally-friendly, artful lodging."

 

Conveniently located near downtown, the Amtrak station and Stearns Wharf, Hotel Indigo's 41 intimate guest rooms offer visitors the combined experience of an intimate hotel setting close to everything downtown has to offer. The lobby welcomes with clean lines, natural light, eco-friendly accents and, most importantly, friendly staff. Beyond that, the first thing I noticed was the exceptional and fresh art installations featured throughout the building. As part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, it was important that the property embrace the local aesthetic-in this case, art. The hotel houses the CAF Satellite @ Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara, curated by the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, which provides exhibitions of thought-provoking artworks and site-specific, commissioned installations by local artists. The featured pieces are incorporated throughout the property and will rotate yearly.

 

Rooms featured modern, warm color schemes. Of the 41 guest rooms, 13 offer private outdoor gardens and 14 have views of the Riviera and mountains or urban scenes dotted by palm trees. Additionally, guests can enjoy an art library, business center, boardroom that seats eight to ten comfortably, free WiFi and car free discounts. Hotel Indigo is also a pet-friendly property and utilizes many environmentally-friendly efforts.
In time, a restaurant and bar are expected to open within the property, only adding to Hotel Indigo's unique charm and hospitality. If you're looking for a hip, inviting, boutique hotel with a fresh perspective, Hotel Indigo is sure to please.

 

Looking for Endless Summer this Spring Break? Head to Santa Barbara

Posted On: Friday, Feb 24, 2012 10:51 AM

It's easy to fall into that endless summer groove in Santa Barbara, and I'm not just talking about the consistent 70-degree late winter temps and sunny skies--although the mild climes certainly don't hurt. More than the weather, I'm referring to those classic feelings of summer; action-packed days spent in the ocean or nearby mountains followed by lingering evenings downtown where patio seating and good service are par for the course. Those five-star memories you simply don't want to end, so you stretch them out as long as possible. Maybe you follow up your Santa Ynez wine tour with some live music at the Granada Theatre or perhaps you complement a day exploring the Channel Islands with an evening of fresh farm-to-table coastal cuisine while you take in views of a harbor sunset. Whatever your mid-summer night's dream, Santa Barbara most likely has it, ready and waiting for you, this spring. Here are some ideas and imagery to get you inspired for this year's spring break, Santa Barbara-style. 

 

Photo: J. Sinclair 

1. Pick the perfect place to stay: Whether it's road tripping with your tent in tow, cozying up at a local B&B or retreating to a full-service luxury resort, you and your budget will be comfortable at one of Santa Barbara's many hotel and hideaway options.

2. Line up the activities: They say it takes a lifetime to experience all of Santa Barbara and maybe they're right, but be it spontaneous decision making or diligent pre-planning, you'll want to pack in as much as possible during your time here. Choose from a wide variety of outdoor recreation, family-friendly activity, arts and cultural events, guided tours or visit one of the area's many pristine beaches and parks.

 

Photo: J. Sinclair 

3. Enjoy a festival or event: Spring means celebration in Santa Barbara. From celebrating Earth Day in its home town to tasting the best of the area's viticulture during the Vintners Festival, it's a prime time to coincide your travel with a local fête.

 

Photo: J. Sinclair 

4. Wine and Dine: And we don't mean in the traditional grab-a-bite-and-a-brew sort of way. There's a reason the most famous movie about wine ever made was made here. Just as Miles and Jack showed us in Sideways, Santa Barbara wineries are as inviting in flavor and quality as they are in vintner personality. Couple your favorite chardonnay or pinot with a plate of locavore gastronomy. With the access to locally-sourced, fresh produce, seafood and quality meats year-round, Santa Barbara's culinary scene is not to miss.

 

5. Get the insider scoop: In addition to free travel guides to both help you plan your trip as well as make the most of it while you're here, there are many other resources you can access that will provide you with the local insight, news, events and information to ensure your Santa Barbara getaway is all-time. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ or view the new Santa Barbara video short series, sure to put you in that mid-summer mindset.

Cold Springs Tavern: Making the Most of a Santa Barbara Sunday

Posted On: Tuesday, Feb 21, 2012 12:45 PM

 

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who would argue the relaxing benefits of a three-day weekend. Although many traveled for the 72-hour break, I opted to stick around and enjoy a little Santa Barbara staycation. It was time well spent, filled with trail runs in the gorgeous surrounding hills, beautiful sunsets along the PCH, a little bit of surf and some sun soaking, but perhaps the highlight was a visit to Cold Springs Tavern on Sunday afternoon.

 

For those who don't know it, this historic spot is located about eight miles northeast of Santa Barbara just off of Highway 154. Cold Springs has a long-standing history-beginning as a stagecoach stop in 1886-and has operated as a restaurant/tavern continuously since 1941. The saloon-style ambiance offers guests a glimpse into the past with many of the original structures still standing, a wood-burning fire roaring within the bar most days and log cabins and buildings covered in moss and vine from over 100 years of providing food and shelter to many a visitor looking for a hot meal, a cold drink and a great time.

 

Every Sunday afternoon, Cold Springs gives guests one more reason to stop in: the famous tri-tip steak sandwiches and live music. The Sunday scene at Cold Springs is a classic one, a fun mix of all ages and walks of life. From bikers to celebrities to families finishing up the weekend, everyone is there to enjoy the unique setting, filled with live music from local folk, bluegrass and rock bands, and savory steak sandwiches. For $9, enjoy a hearty (and I mean really hearty) tri-tip sandwich, served up fresh from the grill with the option of condiments at the sauce table. Leave the nice weekend wear at home and opt for clothes that can take the occasional barbeque sauce stain and smoky-air smell-all well worth a weekend end at one of the area's classic stops.

A Long-Weekend Itinerary for Santa Barbara and the South Coast

Posted On: Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 2:54 PM

Perhaps the only thing better than a weekend is a three-day weekend. One extra day for that full-system reboot. Another 24 hours to wind down before you gear up for the week ahead (bonus: now a short week at that!). When it comes to three days of workless bliss, we can't think of a better place to spend them than in Santa Barbara and along the South Coast of central California. If you're visiting from out of the area, make sure to take advantage of a local hotel or hideaway special offer. Of course, there's never quite enough time to fit in everything The American Riviera® has to offer, so we wanted to give you a little something to get you on your way; a roadmap to making the most of your long-weekend. Enjoy!

Day 1 - Friday Evening: Assuming you can say hasta la vista to the office when the clock strikes 5:00, we recommend starting the weekend with a happy hour. Santa Barbara offers a variety of nightlife, whether it be sipping a glass of wine from one of the renowned area wineries, enjoying some locally crafted microbrew or toying with a tasty cocktail from one of SB's talented mixologists, your Friday night happy hour is sure to roll into a happy evening.

 

Day 2 - Saturday: Head to the Santa Barbara Downtown Farmers Market on the corner of Santa Barbara and Cota Streets. The year-round, sunny coastal climate nurtures a variety of fresh farm-stand produce. Local farmers, bakers and artisans offer row upon row of delicious, locally-sourced treats-the perfect way to start your SB day. After that, it's time for a little fun in the sun! Santa Barbara's outdoor recreation opportunities are endless. Whether you're looking to do some stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, sea kayaking or play a round of golf, The American Riviera® won't disappoint. Plan for at least a half-day of outdoor recreation while you're here! All of that activity is sure to leave you craving some of the best of California coastal cuisine. Choose your flavor at one of the many area restaurants, cafes, food trucks or fish'n chips shops! Once re-energized, check out Santa Barbara's calendar of events, where you'll find today's offerings of theatre performances, life music, museum exhibits and more.

 

Day 3 - Sunday: After grabbing a breakfast bite, it's time to do some different exploring: the varietal kind. California's Central Coast is home to myriad wineries, which are known to produce exceptional wines in a variety of categories. Paul Giamatti got the Oscar nod, but it was arguably the beautiful backroad scenery and mom-and-pop wineries that stole the show in Sideways, which is reason aplenty to take a self-guided tour of the movie's wine destinations. Lompoc's Wine Ghetto region was recently the subject of an enthusiastic Los Angeles Times article touting both the potency of the area's grapes and its winemaking talent. And of course, you can always choose to ditch the car and take off on foot, exploring the Urban Wine Trail-tasting rooms for local wineries all within blocks of each other in downtown Santa Barbara. Should your tasting take you beyond the county line, it's worth heading to Cold Springs Tavern-an 1860s stagecoach stop located on highway 154 on the San Marcos Pass about 20 minutes outside of Santa Barbara. Sunday afternoons feature live folk and bluegrass music and fresh-grilled tri-tip steak sandwiches. If you find yourself in the Santa Ynez area, stop into the Danish community of Solvang for some authentic European flavor.

 

Day 4 - Monday: Your final day of the weekend doesn't mean you need to put on the brakes. Instead, we recommend hopping in the car and going for a coastal drive, visiting the quaint coastal communities that make up the gorgeous South Coast. From Santa Barbara, head north to Goleta for some more outdoor adventure, including fishing, surfing, wildlife spotting and hiking. Hop in the car and head back down the beautiful coastal Highway 101 to Carpinteria, a classic, small beach town rife with beautiful beaches, boutique shops and yummy cafés, many of which offer dishes featuring the area's famous avocados. Should time permit, we suggest finishing off the day with a cruise through Summerland for a stroll along Lillie Avenue where you're sure to find unique antiques. Finally, finish the day with a delicious meal at one of Montecito's many savory restaurants.

As the sun sets on your long weekend, relax, reflect and reboot for the week ahead. As many will tell you, there are few places that will reenergize just as much as relax you as the South Coast.

Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone: A Storied Locale with Contemporary Flavor

Posted On: Wednesday, Feb 15, 2012 1:39 PM

You've probably driven by the Funk Zone-or maybe even through it-not knowing you were in the midst of one of Santa Barbara's newest revitalizations. On a recent Friday, I ventured down to the district to take advantage of two things: a gorgeous 70-degree January afternoon and the traditional gyros served at Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant only on, you guessed it, Fridays. (Sidenote: I'm particular to the favorite Greek dish, but this quaint fine foods market is worth hitting up Monday through Saturday for a fresh sandwich, boxed lunch or assortment of unique wines and cheeses.) What I saw was not a scene the name would imply, but instead, the furthest thing from it. Local artists created masterpieces of public art. Others wandered into local wineries, such as Kunin and Municipal Winemakers, for an afternoon tasting on a warm winter day. People chatted on storefront steps as they soaked up the sun. It was obvious that the Funk Zone is fast becoming one of SB's hot spots, even when not coupled with a seventy-degree day.

Located between the Pacific Ocean and the 101, the Funk Zone got its name years ago for being just that: a somewhat desolate section of downtown that had all but been forgotten. But in recent years, the area has undergone a slow but steady facelift, catering to Santa Barbara's roots with winemakers taking up shop, entrepreneurs opening new doors and longtime locals refurbishing the historic buildings, which now house an eclectic mix of stores, restaurants and other contemporary culture.

The area doesn't have a funk so much as it has a vibe. The New York Times thinks so, too. A recent NYT Travel feature highlights the new Funk Zone flavors-all of which offer a fun paradox of modern trade housed in historic architecture. Aged warehouses and forgotten scuba stores are now flush with winemakers, surfboard shapers, textile shops and inviting eateries. The article will get you excited to visit, but the vibrancy of the Funk Zone is what is sure to keep you coming back for some of Santa Barbara's truest colors.

Storm Watching in Santa Barbara

Posted On: Friday, Nov 11, 2011 10:55 AM

While Santa Barbara’s seasons may be more subtle than the snowy transition occurring in rest of the country, winter brings some impressive weather to our coastline. There’s nothing like hunkering down and watching a storm move across the Santa Barbara Channel, settle in over the Santa Ynez Mountains and soak the city in rejuvenating rain. We’re expecting a bit of weather today, and here are some great spots to watch the storm move in:

• Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar – head to the Harbor, grab a seat at the bar and order up a bowl of famous clam chowder. Protected and cozy in the wooden restaurant, savvy sailors and soggy locals gaze out at the bobbing sailboats and the wind-whipping wrath of a storm as it churns the normally calm West Beach waters. 
• Cold Spring Tavern – this historic stagecoach stop has been a place for travelers to hunker down for more than 100 years. Low ceilings, a brightly glowing fireplace and comfort food that must have been invented on a rainy day (their specialty is to-die-for chili), makes for a perfect place to wait out the storm.
• The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach – jutting out over the sand and facing west, directly into the storm path, The Boathouse gives diners a front-row seat to the Pacific Ocean’s turbulent show. Just down the beach, surfers jockey for position at The Pit, and dog owners brave the wind for one more walk before the weather settles in.  
• Montecito Café - located in the Montecito Inn, this charming jewel-box café has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out to the posh Coast Village Road. Order a hot bowl of pasta, and watch Range Rovers rally through puddles and tony residents wrangle with their rain gear.

Viva La Fiesta!
A Local's Guide to Santa Barbara's Party of the Season

Posted On: Thursday, Jul 14, 2011 2:23 PM  - 1 Comment

The name says it all; Old Spanish Days Fiesta is Santa Barbara’s party of the summer with five days feting our eclectic heritage with food, drink, music, dance, rodeo and more. Wednesday evening through Sunday (Aug. 3 – 7, 2011), thousands of revelers will take to the paseos, plazas and parks to taste authentic specialties, listen to traditional music, watch Spirit of Fiesta dancers and celebrate Santa Barbara’s mix of Spanish, Mexican Native American and early Californian flavors. Read on to uncover some of the weekend’s highlights and pick up few locals’ secrets to experience the best of Fiesta!

• Pack a picnic for Fiesta Pequeña. The official kick-off to the weekend’s festivities, dancers step to traditional songs of Fiesta on the steps of Old Mission Santa Barbara (celebrating its 225th anniversary this year!). Families and friends gather on the Rose Garden lawn to watch the spectacle as the sun goes down.
  Local’s Secret: avoid the parking snarl, and ride a bike, walk or catch the MTD Line 22 bus to the Old Mission. It’s an even better idea if you add a few margaritas to the mix!
  
  
• Taste your way through all the Mercados! There are three Mexican markets set up around town, and each has unique specialties that should not be missed. El Mercado de la Guerra is in downtown Santa Barbara and is the epicenter for State Street’s merry mayhem. El Mercado Del Norte, by Mackenzie Park on upper State Street, has fun for the whole family with rides and attractions for the kids and the Crazy Horse Cantina for adult refreshments. On Sunday, the weekly Cabrillo Boulevard Arts & Crafts Show transforms into another Mercado with artisans from across California displaying their works. 
  Local’s Secret: Make your way to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (227 N. Nopal Street) where an unaffiliated Mercado is stocked with some of the best Mexican food you’ll find in Santa Barbara.
  
  
• Join the generations. Fiesta’s centerpiece event takes the stage on Saturday night at Las Noches de Ronda (“Nights of Gaiety”). Santa Barbarans of all ages gather at the Sunken Gardens to watch a variety show of music, singing and fiery Flamanco dancing, and all backdropped by the architecturally stunning Santa Barbara Courthouse.
  Locals Secret: Before you head to the event, grab a cold beer at Casa de la Guerra where the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation sets up a beer garden in the birthplace of SB. It’s worth the small entrance fee to kick back a cold one while soaking in Santa Barbara’s history! 


• Arm yourself with plenty of “cascarones.” If it’s your first you Fiesta, you may be puzzled by the dots of paper covering the streets. You’ll soon find out when you receive a bracing crack on the noggin – they’re confetti-filled eggs! It’s best to take the “if-you-can’t-beat-‘em-join-‘em” stance and grab a few to grease your friends.
  Locals Secret: Do a hearty head shake before hitting the sack. While you can’t get rid of all the confetti that seems to find its way into every nook and cranny, a little proactive prevention lessens the pile of paper you’ll discover in your bed the next day. 

For the full rundown of Fiesta events, visit OldSpanishDays-Fiesta.org. And for more locals’ secrets, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.