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A Guide of Places to Go and Things to See in the Beautiful Santa Ynez Valley and the Connecting Lompoc Valley |
ART
GALLERIES
• Cypress Gallery. Featuring original works by Central Coast artists, including Vicki Anderson, Dee Sudbury and Shirley Wallace. 119 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc, (805) 737-1129.
• Details Boutique & Art Gallery. Combining art and style with original works by local artists in the midst of a very stylish boutique. 2920 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441. 805- 686-5529.
• Designs in Gold. Fine platinum, gold, silver, and custom designed jewelry, combining unique artistry and traditional jewelry 485 Alisal Road Unit 120, Solvang. 805-693-8700.
• Elverhøj Museum of History and Art. Devoted to the history of Solvang and the colorful heritage of Denmark. Features a fine art gallery of changing exhibits. 1624 Elverhøj Way, Solvang. Open Wednesday through Sunday. 805-686-1211.
• Gallery Los Olivos. Over 40 regional artists exhibit in the Gallery. 2920 Grand Avenue/P.O. Box 911, Los Olivos, CA 93441.805- 688-7517.
•Judith Hale Galleries. Large collection of quality Western and traditional art, Sculpture Garden, exquisite jewelry. 2890 Grand Ave.,805-688-1222.
• Pavlov Art Gallery. Offering a beautiful and vivid selection of fine art, ranging from impressionistic to contemporary, Pavlov features both renowned European artworks and work from local artists. 1608 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. (805) 686-1080.
• Sansone Studio Gallery. Enamel on copper; unique starscapes, brilliant colors. Original works on display at studio gallery, 2948 Nojoqui Ave. #8, Los Olivos. (805) 693-9769.
• Solvang Antique Center. Quality 18th and 19th century furniture, decorative accessories, estate jewelry and fine art are showcased with one of the finest collections of clocks and music boxes in the world. (805) 688-6222
•Wildling Art Museum. 2928 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos. Founded by wildlife artist Patti Jacquemain, this art museum focuses on nature and wildlife. Gift Shop. 805-688-1082.
•Young’s Custom Frames and Art Gallery. 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. 805-688-9745.
• Z Folio Gallery. 1685 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. Specializes in Czech art glass, hand made designer jewelry from the United States, Spain and Australia. (805) 693-8480
•Zaca Creek Art Gallery. 91 Second St. Unit C, Buellton, Specializing in water-based media. Santa Ynez Valley artists, plein air landscapes and seascapes of the area. (805) 688-2270. |
BIRD WATCHING, HIKING and CAMPING
Santa Ynez Valley is a birder’s delight, with hawks and harriers, phoebes and finches, and the sassy yellow-billed magpie.
• Los Padres National Forest offers a myriad of adventures for backpackers and hikers. For information: (805) 968-6640.
•Cachuma Lake, located south of Santa Ynez Valley and north of Santa Barbara off Hwy 154 offers the Cachuma Lake Nature Cruise is a two hour narrated tour with a naturalist. See waterfowl, osprey, various hawks, bald eagles & a vast array of other birds and wildlife. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. For reservations, 805-688-5050 (weekdays) and 805-686-5055 (weekends).
• Jalama Beach County Park. 98 County maintained campsites, each with a picnic table, BBQ and hot showers. All sites overlook the ocean or beachfront. First-come, first serve basis. Reservations: (805) 934-6211, recorded info: (805) 736-6316.
• Nojoqui Falls County Park in Solvang: Large selection of birds including yellow-billed magpies, woodpeckers, owls, titmice, blue grosbeaks, blue jays found in large old oak trees and elsewhere. Hike to the famous Nojoqui Falls, which flows thru winter and spring. Day use from 8am to sunset.S. B. County Parks(805) 934-6123.
•Wildling Art Museum. 2928 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos. The Wildling offers a series of guided bird watching hikes in local areas–call for dates. (805) 688-1082. |
CALIFORNIA
MISSIONS
• Old Mission Santa Inés. Gem of the California missions. Founded in 1804, it is the 19th of the California Missions. Many original paintings and decorations on the walls.Gardens and gift shop with books, souvenirs, and devotional items. Also available: 4th grade Mission study packs. 8 a.m. Mass every day, plus Sunday services. Closed Christmas & New Year’s Day.805-688-4815.
• La Purisima Mission. Founded in 1787, it is the 11th of the California Missions. Today it is a state park. Ten of the original buildings have been restored. 805-733-3713.
DESTINATION FARMS
• Alpacas de Los Olivos. Breeding, training, sales, and gift shop. 2786 Corral de Quati Road in Los Olivos. 688-5746 or www.whyalpacas.com.
• Andre Organic Lavender. Top quality lavender products and gifts featuring the 100% essential lavender oil distilled on the farm. Santa Rosa Rd (1/4 mi down from 101 off-ramp). 805-350-0593.
• Chaotic Exotics Orchid Ranch. A tropical paradise of exotic flora.Over 1000 varieties of orchids, dozens of bromeliads, and an assortment of ferns. Located at 5375 Campbell Road off of Hwy 246 toward Lompoc.
805-736-0040.
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Padre Serra statue at the Mission Santa Inés
Photo by Maria
Bland Hoke |
• Clairmont Farms. Estate grown lavender on a family farm. Fresh, dried, essential oils, personal care products, buds, bundles, and pet products.Free admittance-open from 10am to 6pm. Great picnic site. 2480 Roblar Avenue, Los Olivos. 805-688-7505.
•Quacken Farms. Family fun farm with pumpkin patch, pony rides, tractor rides, a produce stand and more. Pick your pumpkin and have some fun, too. 2921 Ontiveros, Los Olivos.805-688-3613.
•Rancho Olivos. Estate-grown olive oil tasting and sales, Fri - Sun, 12 -3 p.m. 805-686-9653.
• Summerset Farms. An old-fashioned country farm stand, with fresh fruits and vegetables in season, and gorgeous fresh flowers. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9 - 6.Baseline and Edison off Hwy 154 in Santa Ynez.805-682-7800.
GOLF
• River Course at the Alisal. 150 Alisal Road, Solvang. Located in the heart of Solvang, with a beautiful view of the Santa Ynez Mountain range. Fine restaurant on the premises, pro shop, 18 hole course. 805-688-6042.
• Rancho San Marcos Golf Course. Located on Hwy 154 between Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara. 805-683-6334.
• Zaca Creek Golf Course. 223 Shadow Mountain Drive, Buellton.805-688-2575.
HORSES
• Bella Cavalli Equestrian Center. 50 acre ranch–Professional equestrian facility specializing in Reining, Dressage, Jumping and English disciplines. 959 E. Hwy 246, Buellton. 805-688-284.
• Rancho de la Florecita breeds and sells the “glide ride” horses – Peruvian Pasos. In addition to wonderful dispositions, these horses have a “broken, four-beat pace”, a lateral gait. Visitors are welcome by appointment. 805-688-1447.
• Rancho Oso. Trail ride your own or gentle rental horses over the scenic trails on Rancho Oso and in nearby Los Padres National Park. Stay in a covered wagon or cabin, or bring your own tent. Historic ranch has much to offer for the whole family. 805-683-5110.
LODGING GUIDE
• Buellton Windmill Days Inn. Site of the Oscar Nominated Movie SIDEWAYS. 114 East Hwy 246, Buellton. From $99-$129.
805-688-8448 or 1-800-946-3466.
• Hadsten House. Inn, Spa & Wine Tasting. Classic French furnishings, deluxe Continental breakfast; features Solvang’s only heated indoor pool. 805-688-3210.
• King Frederik Inn. 44 quaint rooms, next to Solvang Theaterfest. Golf, Theater & Wine Packages Available. AAA & AARP discounts. 805-688-5515 or 800-549-9955.
• Mirabelle Inn and Restaurant. Ten romantic guest rooms, featuring antiques, fireplaces, some Jacuzzi tubs, cable TV, DVD/VCR, and superior amenities. Full breakfast, wine and afternoon refreshments served daily. Inn can be reserved for weddings and other celebrations. Packages, spa treatments, winery tours and guest chef dinners available. 409 First Street in Solvang.805-688-1703.
• Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn. Rooms include microwave, refrigerator & continental breakfast. Heated pool & spa, 9-hole putting green. AAA & AARP discounts. 51 E. Hwy 246, Buellton. 805-688-3216 or 800-PEA-SOUP.
• Quality Inn. Newly remodeled rooms, free high-speed Internet, elaborate continental breakfast featuring Belgian waffles. AAA approved, pets welcome. 630 Ave. of Flags, Buellton. 805-688-0022 or 800-616-0246.
• Santa Ynez Valley Marriott. 149 rooms with 27 suites. Pool & tennis courts; spa & massage therapy; 12,000 sq. ft. convention facility. Restaurant and Starbucks located in lobby. 555 McMurray Road, Buellton. 805-688-1000 or 1-800-638-8882.
• Solvang Inn & Cottages. Old world tradition in the heart of Solvang. From economy to suite, with Continental Breakfast.1518 Mission, Solvang.805-4702. |
MUSEUMS
• Elverhøj Museum of History and Art. Devoted to the history of Solvang and the colorful heritage of Denmark. Features a fine art gallery of changing exhibits. 1624 Elverhøj Way, Solvang. Open Wednesday through Sunday. 805-686-1211.
• Hans Christian Andersen Museum. 1680 Mission Drive, Solvang, upstairs in the Book Loft. Featuring exhibits, photographs, souvenirs, and a large selection of HCA books for sale. Visitors always welcome between 10am and 5pm daily. Group tours are also available by appointment. 805-688-6010.
• Lompoc Museum. Housed within a historic Carnegie Library building; permanent exhibits include an extensive collection of Chumash Indian artifacts and Native California baskets. 200 South “H” Street.805-736-3888.
• Old Mission Santa Inés. Gem of the California missions. Founded in 1804, it is the 19th of the California Missions. Many original paintings and decorations on the walls. Gardens, old mission cemetery, and gift shop with books, souvenirs, and devotional items. 8 a.m. Mass every day, plus Sunday services. Closed Christmas & New Year’s Day.805-688-4815. |
Green pasture grasses have began springing up everywhere in the Santa Ynez Valley after much needed rain showers over the months of December and January. Happy livestock enjoy munching on the tender new shoots. Wildflowers are also now starting to poke thru the newly moist and warm soil.
SYV Guest File Photo |
• SYV Historical Museum & Carriage House. Carriages, wagons, farm machinery & vehicles, vintage clothing, and Indian artifacts. Corner of Sagunto and Faraday Sts in Santa Ynez. Wed - Sun 12 noon to 4 pm. 805-688-7889.
• Vintage Motorcycle Museum. 320 Alisal Rd, Solvang. 80+ vintage motorcycles on display in 4,500 square foot showroom. Just about every type of motorcycle ever made, from 1904 to the 1990’s. Open Sat-Sun 11-5 or by app’t.805-686-9522.
• Wilding Art Museum. 2928 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos. Features art of America’s wilderness. Exhibitions are ongoing. Special events include classes, lectures and hikes. 805-688-1082.
PARK AND PICNIC AREAS
Flying Flags RV Park. RV resort. Grassy pull-thru sites, 50 amp service, WIFI, cable TV, tent sites, laundry facilities, heated pool, two hot tubs, camp store, free casino 180 Ave of the Flags, Buellton. 805-688-3716 Toll Free 1-877-783-5247.
• Hans Christian Andersen Park, located off of Atterdag Road, in the outskirts of Solvang. Picnic areas, tennis courts, playground, BBQ grills, group areas.
• Nojoqui Falls Park. Day park near Solvang. 15 minute hike to a waterfall. A trickle in the summer, it grows to a torrent during the winter rains. Group picnic area, children’s playground, volleyball court. From Solvang, follow Alisal Road south to the park. 8:00 am to Sunset. Reservations: 805-934-6211.
• Oak Park/Oak Valley Field. Located at 401 Sycamore Drive in Buellton (corner Second St). Picnic tables, BBQ facilities, children’s playground. Sports teams scheduling: call Kyle at 688-7529.
• PAWS Park in Buellton. Off-leash dog park designed to provide a safe, fenced in area for your dog owners and their furry friends. 568 Dawn Drive, Buellton.
• River View Park. Home to Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden. Group picnic areas, trails. Located at the base of Sycamore Drive in Buellton. Views of Santa Rita Hills. 805-688-7474.
• Ryon Memorial Park. Facilities include group BBQ facility, children’s playground, elevated stage. Hosts Flower Festival and other events. West Ocean at “O” Street, Lompoc. 805-875-8100.
• Santa Ynez Park. Playground equipment, volleyball court and picnic areas. Kitchen/utility building available for rent. Located off Hwy 246 just west of Santa Ynez. Access via Numancia or Cuesta Streets. 8:00 AM to Sunset. 805-934-6211.
• Solvang Park. In the center of Solvang on Mission Drive at First Street. Stage with live music, picnic area, public rest rooms.
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RESTAURANT
GUIDE
• Antonio’s Pizza & Pasta. Pizza, pasta, calzones, sandwiches and salads, dine in/take out; Free Delivery. 280 E. Hwy 246 Buellton.805-688-0028.
• China Panda. Excellent Chinese food; Lunch, Dinner, Dine in or to go. Open 7 days, 272 E Hwy 246, Buellton. 688-1291.
• Corner House Coffee. Fresh brewed Peets coffee and teas; sandwiches, salads, ice cream. 2902 San Marcos, Los Olivos.805-688-1722.
• Dos Carlitos. Authentic Mexican and Latin cuisine, indoor or patio dining, open fire grill, home-made tortillas and 100% Blue Agave Margaritas. Open 7 days. 3544 Sagunto, Santa Ynez.
805-688-0033.
• El Rancho Marketplace. Breakfasts, gourmet lunch boxes, wine and cheese baskets, gourmet pizza delivery, full service deli., sushi trays. 2886 Mission Drive, Solvang. 805-688-4300.
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Scene on Alisal Road in Solvang at dusk.
Photo by Maria Bland-Hoke |
• Ingeborg’s Chocolates. Solvang’s only old-fashioned ice cream parlor and soda fountain.Hand-made Danish chocolates. 679 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang. 805-688-5612.
• Jalama Beach Cafe. Healthy American cuisine serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, deserts, fine wines, draft & imported beers. Wine Tasting Dinners. 400 E. Ocean Ave, Pacific Coast Hwy1, Lompoc . (805) 735-8205
• Mirabelle Inn & Restaurant. Classic European elegance, opened by Santa Barbara culinary legend Brigitte Guehr. Intimate gourmet dining, romantic, French country style decor. Open for dinner Thurs. - Sun. 401 First Street, Solvang. 805-688-1703
• Olsen’s Danish Bakery and Coffee Shop. Danish pastries and breads. 1529 Mission Drive, Solvang. 805-688-6314.
• Paradise Store. Country store & grill, BBQ & ice-cold beer. Live music. Paradise Road (off 154). 805-967-3254.
• Penelope’s Teas & Gifts. Lunch, high tea, cream tea, sweets and gifts. 105 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. 805-736-1122.
• Red Barn Steakhouse. One of the oldest Santa Ynez restaurants. Best steak in the Valley. Specialties include Mesquite Grilled Steak and Seafood. 3539 Sagunto Street, SY. 805-688-4142.
• Red Viking Restaurant. Specializing in Danish and American cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, dinner; smorgasbord, sandwiches, beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily 8am-8pm. 1684 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. 805-688-6610.
• Roasted Bean. Popular coffeeshop frequented by locals. Gourmet coffees, lattes, teas, blendeds, smoothies, pastries, bagels and more.Italian shaved-ice desserts. Dog friendly. 3558 Sagunto St. Santa Ynez.805-688-7194.
• Roundup Market. Western style market & deli, with great BBQ Steak Sandwiches, breakfast burritos, fresh-ground gourmet coffee, fresh donuts & home-made pie. 1000 Edison, Santa Ynez. 805-688-4442.
• Sunrise Coffee House. Fresh locally roasted coffee, espresso, mochas, lattes and chais. Fresh muffins and pastries baked in-house. 234 E. Hwy 246, Buellton. 805-688-3694.
• Santa Ynez Valley Coffee Company. Breakfast from 6 am weekdays, 6:30 Sunday. Lunch from 11 am to 4 pm, open to 6 pm. Great sandwiches, salads. 606 Alamo Pintado Rd. 805-688-3543.
• Sissy’s Uptown Café. Lunch and Dinner; exceptional food-high praise from online reviewers Yelp and Chowhound.Legendary homestyle desserts. Huge selection of wines, including locally made. Wine by the glass.Wine & gift store. Catering. 112 South I Street, Lompoc.805-735-4877.
• Solvang Restaurant. Danish and American style breakfast and lunch. 1672 Copenhagen, Solvang.805-688-4645.
• Starting Gate Restaurant. Steak, seafood. In the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, Buellton, 555 McMurray Road. 805-688-1000.
• Trattoria Grappolo. Country regional food: Veal Scallopini, Risotto, home made Tortellini, Cioppino and Pizza in a fun atmosphere. Catering & Take-out.3687 Sagunto, Santa Ynez.
805-688-6899
• Viking Garden. Family restaurant, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week. Two patios for outdoor dining, indoor seating also. In Copenhagen Square, Solvang. 688-1250.
• Vineyard House. Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch served in a casual, elegant Victorian setting. Gorgeous views, ideal for romantic dinner. Closed Tuesdays. 3631 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez. 805-688-2886. |
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