Visit Santa Maria
By Teona Tone Schley

Many of our Valley residents visit Santa Maria to shop
for items not available locally.

  The city of Santa Maria is a pleasant 30 minute drive north of the Santa Ynez Valley following Highway 101 or a bit longer by following the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. The rolling hills alternate between oak studded cattle pastures, lush vineyards and fields of strawberries. You will find some stands where you can purchase baskets or flats to take home. We try to pick some up whenever we go to Santa Maria.
   For more information about the many fun and cultural activities available in Santa Maria, contact the Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau at 614 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454. You can also reach them by phone at (805) 925-2403, toll free at (800) 331-3779, or visit their website at www.santamaria.com.
   Many of our Valley residents also visit Santa Maria to shop for items not available locally. Berchtold Equipment at 1410 West Betteravia has been in business since 1910—a total of 93 years—and supplies many Valley residents with tractors, bush hogs, mowers and other equipment needed for farming or simply maintaining their property. Berchtold’s friendly staff will help you find the right machine for your needs, or arrange maintenance, repairs or parts for the machinery you already own. They also have a large selection of rental equipment. They feature Kubota, New Holland Ag and Construction, Bobcat, Morooka and Buhler tractors. They also stock Bush Hog, Gearmore, Solex, Vrisimo, Woods Implements and Perfect Mowers.
   Mention that you read about them in the Santa Ynez Valley Guest Magazine and receive 10% off on Winter Fix Parts and Labor. They can be reached by calling (805) 922-7905 or toll free at (800) 549-3673.