Details Art & Apparel
One of the shops you won’t want to miss is Details, a women’s apparel boutique that is also an art gallery. What a wonderful combination: Designer outfits that are definitely “Wearable Art” and beautiful California impressionist art. The store features oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel works by C. Wood, Carol Millican, Linda Hanly and Dee Sudbury.
As soon as you enter this store, you can tell that Carol Wood and co-owner Barbara Bochte both really care about the quality of their wares and the satisfaction of their customers. They feature many quality-clothing lines; their exciting fall fashions are already arriving, and their summer selection is divine. They also carry a selection of hats, as well as unique accessories. This is the perfect place to find apparel that will bring joy to your heart.
Carol and Barbara have been in business since 1996, and their success has a lot to do with their personal attention to every detail of the clothing and art they offer (hence the name “Details”). Drop by to see their new selections—in both clothing and artwork!
Judith Hale Galleries & Sculpture Garden
www.judithhalegalleries.com
Now walk to the southeast corner of Grand and Alamo Pintado Avenues, where you will find the Judith Hale Gallery and Sculpture Garden. You will enjoy the eclectic mix of Western and traditional artwork representing over 75 nationally known and regionally recognized artists. Diverse groupings and themes include both representational and impressionistic paintings, as well as bronze and stone sculpture, woodcarvings, leatherwork and jewelry.
Don’t forget to visit the exciting sculpture garden behind the gallery. You can sit and soak up a bit of sunshine in this quiet retreat, or wander along the pathways admiring the often-whimsical outdoor sculptures. For more information and samples of the art, pay a visit to their wonderful website.
Judith Hale’s featured artist for this issue is Jean Requa Llubin. Born in California, she grew up in American Samoa and Juneau, Alaska, where she developed a passion for wildlife and the beauty of nature. “I was so fortunate to enjoy a childhood in such wonderfully exotic and inspiring places.” The long-lasting influences of these far-away lands are at the heart of her artistic spirit.
Invaluable study with Luke Frazier, Matt Smith and Scott Christensen provided the fundamentals in painting and inspiration that laid the ground work for her impressions of nature and the wild landscapes. Awards and honor followed, from the Scottsdale Artists’ School, plein air festivals and regional and national juried shows.
After nomination into membership at the Salmagundi Club, Jean enjoyed exhibiting in New York City. “Success in New York was exciting and gratifying in a city not known for traditional, representational art and particularly Western Scenes.” But her heart finds expression in the West. Jean’s work, created with painterly realism, is a reflection of her interpretation of the subject, from scenes of rodeo or ranch life to the western landscape and wildlife art – her vision, set down for others to share.
Sotheby’s International Realty
www.SYVSIR.com
On the northwest corner of the intersection of Grand and Alamo Pintado Avenues, you will see one of the newest offices of Sotheby’s International Realty in the Valley. It was formerly one of the local offices of Pitts & Bachman Realtors, which were acquired by Sotheby’s. Stuart Siegal, President and CEO of Sotheby’s, showed his approval of the acquisition when he said “Pitts and Bachman is a highly respected real estate brokerage firm with more than four decades of experience . . . they are ideally suited to our organization and will be a tremendous complement to our existing offices.” There are 15 agents to serve you in this office.
Just two buildings further west on Alamo Pintado Avenue, you will find Sotheby’s original Los Olivos office, with its friendly staff of 10 agents. The agents in both offices are from the Valley, and they have all of the latest technology at their fingertips to represent your property, or to locate just the right home or ranch for you.
Stop in and greet them—and while you’re there, check out the homes and land they are currently offering. Maybe you’ll find your dream home or property.
Driving Tour
At this point, you’ve seen most of what there is to see walking around Los Olivos, unless you want to stay and follow our walking tour of tasting rooms. Otherwise, it’s time to get back into your car and visit some other local attractions.
Alpacas de Los Olivos
www.whyalpacas.com
This is a private alpaca ranch, which is open to the public on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or call 688-5746 for a special appointment. To get there drive south on Grand Avenue four blocks from the flagpole to Park Street. Turn left on Park, then left on Corral de Quati. Finally, turn right down a land and continue until you see the alpaca farm on your right. It is well worth your effort to see these adorable, smaller cousins of llamas and camels.
Owner Elizabeth Warynick invites the public to the annual “Share the Shearing” event, scheduled this year on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alpacas are sheared every year, much like sheep, and they are much cooler and happier in warm weather that way. Their soft, fluffy coat regrows by the time cool weather comes again. There’s a $5 fee, but it’s applicable to items in the gift store, and kids under 12 are free.
It is well worth the effort to see these adorable, smaller cousins of llamas and camels. Be sure to visit the rustic gift shop, stocked with items made from alpaca fibers. You can get sweaters, vests, ponchos, and children’s coats, even dresses, made from the silky soft Alpaca wool. It is warmer than sheep’s wool and less irritating to the skin-–perfect for allergic types.
They will be closed to the public from June through September, except for sales of alpacas by appointment. For more information, visit their website or call 805-688-5746.
Alamo Pintado Equine Center
www.platinumperformance.com
The Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center on Santa Barbara Avenue near Los Olivos, is renowned for founder Dr. Doug Herthel’s revolutionary treatments of equine lameness and other disorders. Some of Herthel’s procedures are now being used in human medicine. Herthel also developed a nutritional supplement called Platinum Performance to help horses recovering from injuries or illness. He came up with a supplement to significantly decrease horses’ recovery times and to greatly benefit their overall health.
The owners and trainers of some of these horses were so impressed that they asked Herthel to develop a version of the supplement for human consumption, which he did. In addition, he developed a tasty Omega-3 Nutrition Bar, which is now also available in a “Sunflower Chocolate Chip” flavor, as well ad “Blueberry Crisp.” The supplement and the bars have been used by Olympic athletes and can be purchased either from their web site or locally at Star Drugs or El Rancho Market in Santa Ynez, and the Vitamin and Herb Store in Buellton.
Clairmont Farms
www.clairmontfarms.com
Do you love lavender? Then you’ll want to visit beautiful Clairmont Farms at 2480 Roblar in Los Olivos. This family owned and operated working lavender farm is open seven days a week. Clairmont Farms has 5 acres of lavender, as well as 175-year-old olive trees planted by the Catholic padres. They are part of the grove that gave “Los Olivos” its name.
Visitors are welcome to observe the process of distilling lavender. The farm’s essential oil distillery, which is operated daily, is open to the public. Meryl, Glenn and Sean are happy to explain the process of how it works and how the almost magical oil is made.
Many lavender products are available at the farm, and more are constantly added. Lavender has natural antibacterial properties, and the lavender products for pets can help with skin problems and fleas. Come see the natural beauty, breathe the scented air, and take a break from the fast lane. Check out their website for more information.
The Porch @ Los Olivos Grocery
www.losolivosgrocery.com
When you leave Clairmont Farms, turn right on Roblar to Highway 154, then go left a short distance to the next left-hand turn lane, turn here and make an immediate right into the Los Olivos Grocery parking lot. Directly in front of the store you’ll see The Porch. Owners Richard and Lauren Cundiff have created an incredible gourmet market in this historic building. With over 25 years in the food business, they are dedicated to the beauty, taste and quality of food.
Located on the porch of the wonderful Los Olivos Grocery, The Porch serves a range of food, from great Kobe burgers to gourmet entrees. A rustic elegant spot, where you can buy the perfect wine in the Grocery to drink with your meal. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5:00 to 9 p.m. Here you will find casual dining at its best, prepared with care by chef Brett Stephen. Families are encouraged to dine here together, and there is a special “Children’s Menu.” One of the reasons the Cundiffs opened this restaurant was because it was so expensive for families to eat out in our Valley, “We wanted to provide an affordable alternative,”says Rich Cundiff.
One of the best things about the Porch is that with its association with the market, adult diners can choose from over 350 wines at retail prices, plus a small corkage fee. Now that’s a real deal! So consider spending an evening on The Porch enjoying great food and a great wine with it.
Family School
www.family school.com
This truly unique day school for children three years old through fifth grade is located on a portion of the Midland School property, with easy access from Figueroa Mountain Road.
The school was started in 1975 by a group of Valley parents who believed that a low student/teacher ratio, and an intimate, supportive setting would allow children to help each other and teachers would have time to give each child individual attention. They felt that academic learning was important, but so was developing creativity, exploring nature and working together with each other to achieve mutual goals.
Environmental consciousness is fostered; students and teachers together plant seeds, watch them grow, water them, pull weeds and add compost to the soil if needed. When the vegetables are ready, the students work together to prepare them for everyone to eat.
This year, with a grant from BP, the staff and students built a solar green house out of reclaimed earth, sand and straw or what we call “Cob” under the tutelage of Master Cob builder Betty Seaman and Teacher Sandy Hanes. Last year they built a Cob playhouse and the year before a cob bench in a covered outdoor patio and garden.
Over the years, Family School’s students have shown again and again the wisdom of this philosophy, as they have gone on to great success in middle school, high school and college.
|
