Winter brings with it gorgeous sunsets, plenty of green grass, snow on the mountains and the beginnings of our annual wildflowers. Photo by Wolcott Schley
By Teona Tone Schley

If you are driving to the Santa Ynez Valley from Santa Barbara over the San Marcos Pass (Highway 154) you will pass three interesting places to visit, two of which have accommodations where you might also want to stay for a night or two. These are all part of a vibrant “Santa Ynez Mountain Community” that is both separate from and an integral part of the wider Santa Ynez Valley Community.

Paradise Store
www.paradisestoresb.com
When Mark Presley, who is at least 6’3” tall and sports a full beard and long hair drawn back in a ponytail, retired from 27 years of teaching preschool, he knew he was ready to try running a business of his own. But what kind? That was decided when Mark and his long time girlfriend Priscilla Susman learned that the Paradise Store was for sale. They bought it and went into business together in March of 2008.
  Priscilla, who is tall and blonde, still works as an engineer, inspector and project manager in the construction business, but she hopes at some point to work full-time at the store with Mark. She’s there on weekends, holidays, vacations and whenever else she can She loves it as much as Mark does.
  Paradise Store is located at 1 Paradise Road, just one-quarter mile from Highway 154 and visiting it is like taking a step back in time. The main part of the store was built about 80 years ago, and it was enlarged in the mid-1950s. The wooden front porch was added about 15 years ago. It has been a store for all of that time, and a grill for many years, serving sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, some of the best chili you’ve ever tasted and a number of other selections.
  On the weekends the store features barbecued tri-tip and live music. Most days you will also find a musician or two or three “jamming” on the porch or in the upgraded and expanded patio area next to the store which is large enough to host informal events, weddings or other get-togethers. It’s usually packed with people on the weekend, enjoying both the food and the music.
  Presley (no relation of Elvis) and Susman described the store’s varied clientele. “There are the people who live up here in cabins along the river and stop by for basic groceries like milk, bread, eggs, or sometimes just to talk or to play music–a lot of them are musicians, artists, or writers–some would call them dropouts from the sixties or seventies.
  Then there are the campers, who buy beer, firewood, flashlight batteries and maybe sandwiches or chili because they don’t want to cook. Next come the motorcycle riders who stop by for the tri-tip on the weekends and hamburgers or chili during the week. Finally, there is the group that comes here to listen to the music on the weekends, especially the jazz. We’re getting more and more of the jazz lovers, and some of them love the barbecue, too, while others want veggie burgers or vegetarian sandwiches and maybe a bottle of specialty water instead of beer. So, we have to stock our store and our grill for at least four different groups of people, which makes running this business really fun and interesting.”
  It also makes stopping there interesting. Sometimes my husband and I stop for a snack, or just to see what is going on. There is one very talented musician who plays classical music on a keyboard whom we especially like to listen to. Also, as a writer I am an unabashed “people watcher,” and I’m never disappointed with the variety I see at the Paradise Store.
  It’s always a fun and refreshing place to visit, and I’m not just referring to the crisp mountain air. Be sure to stop by to see for yourself–and mention their ad in this magazine for a free soda!

Rancho Oso Guest Ranch
www.rancho-oso.com
The next in our trio is Rancho Oso Guest Ranch, which you reach by continuing right on Paradise Road for about five miles to the Rancho Oso sign on the right, then one more mile along their entrance road. It’s a bit of a drive, but we think you’ll agree it’s worth it—our family loves this place. Your children will enjoy the old fashioned barnyard with its goats, pigs and chickens.
  The rustic mountain setting makes you feel as though you’re far from civilization.
  If you’re adventurous, you can go on a guided horseback ride along the beautiful trails, some of which cross the Santa Ynez River and go for miles into the Los Padres National Forest. You can also hike or stroll along these trails, enjoying the birds, wildflowers and other wildlife, as well as panoramic views of mountains and valleys.
You can arrange to spend a night in a “covered wagon” or cozy cabin—you can bring your own horses, too! (Just call ahead to reserve a corral.) In addition, RV and tent camping is welcomed. Overnight visitors can use the pools, Jacuzzi and other facilities, and there are many of other activities.
  On Saturdays you can watch herd dog and horse training demonstrations.  Riding lessons are also available on Saturdays after the demos are finished.
 

Cachuma Lake
www.sbparks.com
Returning to Highway 154, continue a few miles further to Beautiful Cachuma Lake on the right side of the road. This is the gem of the Santa Barbara County Parks system. Campsites are available year-round, on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also a few yurts and cabins available by reservation, so you don’t even need to bring a tent. You can also just get a day pass to hike the trails around the lake, visit the nature center, rent a boat or launch your own, or take the famous wildlife cruise or a nature hike guided by a park naturalist.

Conner Coast and Country Hometown Realty
www.ConnerCoastandCountry.com
Now turn right on Meadowvale. Just one block down this street on your left is an L-shaped building in front of which you will see the Conner Coast and Country Century 21 Hometown Realty sign. Realtor Jay A. Conner knows the Santa Ynez Valley like the back of his hand. He had over 15 years of experience as a senior engineering project manager for PG&E in this area before his retirement. He also has over 30 years of experience in planning and project management for residential, agricultural and commercial properties. He is therefore especially helpful in dealing with complex projects involving issues such as road easements, wells and utility design for estates, equine properties or vineyards.
  Jay is a friendly, outgoing type of person who makes you feel at home in his office. He is always expanding his knowledge, and is currently completing his GRI (Graduate REALTOR® Institute) designation, the nation’s #1 real estate designation, which is held by only 19% of REALTORS® If you have fallen in love with this area and want to purchase a home or property, Jay is the person to help you. Or, if you live here and want to sell your home or business, or if you want to purchase an additional property, Jay can help you, too.

  Next, turn left onto Sagunto, which is the main street through town.

Santa Barbara County Vintner’s Association
www.sbcountywines.com
One of the first things you will see on your right is a row of buildings labeled “Old Town Santa Ynez.” There, among several businesses, three restaurants and a bar is the office of the Santa Barbara County Vintner’s Association. For information about the Vintner’s Festival in April, check their website above.

The Vineyard House Restaurant
www.thevineyardhouse.com
As you drive west up a little hill, you will see on your right The Vineyard House Restaurant, at the front of the Victorian Gardens. You can park in front and walk up to the restaurant, or you can pull into the parking lot to its left. Currently they’re offering Early Bird Dinners 6 nights a week (they’re closed Tuesdays). With the beautiful views and garden setting, you might want to eat on the deck, where you can enjoy a glass of locally produced wine; they carry an extensive selection of local vintages, including Clos Pepe, Daniel Gehrs, Brander, Sunstone, Fiddlehead and Babcock.

These handsome mules appeared in a national Carriage conference that took place in Santa Ynez, sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum.
Photo by Wolcott Schley

SYV Historical Society Museum
Parks-Janeway Carriage House
www.santaynezmuseum.org
Just a block further west is the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House, located at the corner of Faraday Street. It was founded in 1961 by a group of Valley residents dedicated to preserving the rich local history of the Santa Ynez Valley region. The Historical Museum includes eight fascinating rooms of history and memorabilia beginning with the Chumash Indian heritage and continuing through the Mission era to the early twentieth-century ranching days. The museum houses more than 8,000 objects.
  Of special interest is a model train diorama depicting the arrival of the Pacific Coast Railway into early Los Olivos. This 1/48 scale model working train exhibit is complete with scenic

countryside, a trestle bridge, the station house and the vintage 1886 historical Mattei’s Hotel.
  The Museum hosts a number of exhibitions during the year. Saturday, February 20, is the opening day for “Valley Spaces, Valley Places.” The Museum is collaborating with the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School fine art classes for a mixed media art show in the museum’s Valley Room. Each student will display artwork that reflects what he/she likes best about living in the Santa Ynez Valley.  The opening day festivities include refreshments and a special performance by the high school band. This exhibit will run through March 14.
  The Spring exhibit, “Wish You Were Here;  Historic Postcards of the Valley,” has its opening on Saturday, March 21. Postcards of Santa Ynez Valley scenes, historic places, landmarks and people will be artfully displayed in an exhibit that chronicles Valley history.  This exhibit runs through June 20.
  The Museum also features history related educational talks throughout the year.  Check their website www.santaynezmuseum.org for dates and times. Regular museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.  For more information call 805-688-7889 or visit www.syvm.org.  

Brent & Jeff’s Flooring
Exiting the museum, walk west for half a block to find Brent and Jeff’s Flooring, owned and operated by Brent and Chris McClurg. Brent and Chris have built a solid reputation for the quality of the materials they use and the expertise of their installation. They have the largest showroom in the Valley, approximately 3,000 square feet, as well as the largest collection of carpet, wood, vinyl, laminates, tile and cork flooring, including eco-friendly and green products. They also have the staff to install it professionally and quickly. Be sure to ask for their seasonal specials. Chris is especially helpful in picking out colors and types of flooring, as well as other suggestions for how to put things together. Brent grew up in the Valley and he has been in the flooring business for over 28 years. He and Chris have been married and living in the Valley for over 30 years.
  On December 20, 2008 Brent and Chris welcomed their newest granddaughter, Campbell Lyn McClurg. The McClurg’s son Jeff and his wife Jenny are the proud parents. Brent and Chris are shown in their ad with all six of their grandchildren, although they both look so young that people often think that they are the parents! In the back right, Chris is holding the newest baby and on the left, Brent is holding seven-month-old Levi Snow, son of their daughter Sarah and her husband Tye Snow and brother to 2-year-old Abby Snow, standing in front holding hands with her cousin, 1-year-old Ryder McClurg, brother to five-year-old twins Canyon and Cash, who are holding a roll of very fashionable leopard print carpet. These three boys are sons of Josh and Angela McClurg. Quite a crew!

The Red Barn Steakhouse
Further along Sagunto Street, across the corner at Edison Street is a place enjoyed by visitors and locals. The Red Barn Steakhouse is owned by longtime Valley residents Bobby and Chris Gregg, who purchased it in 2001, completely renovating the kitchen and dining room, but keeping the western ambiance.
One of the best changes they’ve made is hiring Chef Kevin Zandonatti. Bobby notes that Kevin keeps the kitchen hopping and always seems to be available to meet any need.  One old timer was heard muttering, “Even the dern hamburgers taste better!” We heartily agree, and we think you will, too. Our family eats there very often and some of our favorites are their salad specials for lunch and their filet mignon or parmesan-encrusted halibut for dinner. They also have delicious fresh fruit pies and cakes for dessert.
  You can arrange for a large-group lunch or dinner by calling ahead, and they can fax you a menu so you can even order ahead. Sometimes our family has ordered out dinners, which always
arrive hot and delicious.
  Come in and join the fun during the Red Barn’s “Happy Hour” on Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 5 to 7 p.m., when they offer free hors d’oeuvres and half-price cocktails. My special favorite is their delicious dessert selection, including freshly baked pies and a scrumptious chocolate brownie sundae.

Dos Carlitos Restaurant and Tequila Bar
www.doscarlitosrestaurant.com
Just across the street is another excellent restaurant, featuring gourmet Mexican and Latin cuisine and some of the best tequila and Margaritas we’ve ever tasted. Owner/manager Carlos Lopez-Hollis told us, “Dos Carlitos was conceived from my long-standing desire to bring the Santa Ynez Valley the bold flavors and lively ambiance from my family’s two restaurants, Carlitos Café y Cantina in Santa Barbara and Cava Restaurant & Bar in Montecito.” He’s done it well–Dos Carlitos celebrated it first anniversary on January 21st. 
  After graduating college, Carlos spent several years managing Cava for his family to get the experience he needed to start Dos Carlitos. Some of the staff he worked with there came with him to open the new restaurant. “Everything runs more smoothly and efficiently if you’re working with professionals you’ve already had experience with and whom you know will put emphasis on excellence and customer service,” Carlos explained. 
  Our family has eaten at Dos Carlitos several times and has been very pleased with both the service and the meals.  
  Many of Dos Carlitos offerings are prepared on their open fire grill, which imparts a smoky essence to the food’s flavor, including their salsa. The tequila bar offers an array of premium, 100% Blue Agave tequilas, to drink straight with a slice of lime or in one of their generous Margaritas.
  I’m not much of a drinker myself, and could rarely finish a margarita without getting a headache. But I ordered one at Dos Carlitos and it was the best I’ve ever tasted, so I drank it all, and–no headache! The reason, Carlos told me, is because they use 100% Blue Agave Tequila: the difference is the quality.
  At Dos Carlitos you can eat inside in their beautiful and well-appointed dining room, or outside on their patio.  On weekends, they are now featuring live, Mexican music on the patio in the evenings, weather permitting.

Star Drug Company
Now cross over Edison Street to Madera Street, then walk half a block to Star Drug Company, the only independent pharmacy in the Santa Ynez Valley. Owner/pharmacist Steve Reden worked many years in the Santa Ynez Valley before opening his own store in the millennium year 2000. Steve and his employees greet you with smiles as you enter the clean, cheerful building that radiates health and happiness. In addition to filling prescriptions, the store offers a wide selection of over-the-counter medications, sundries, cards, gifts, gift-wrap and candy. If you need anything special, they will be happy to order it for you.

Star Drugs is more than a drug store. It's a
copying place, a shipping center, an office
supply store and a gift shop.
Photo by Kaileigh Johnson

  Star Drug Company is also an authorized shipping center for UPS and Fed Ex—and if you don’t have the time or the skills to package the items you want sent, they offer excellent packing services. And they offer both photocopying and faxing services.
  All of these things were sorely needed in Santa Ynez, and we’re glad Star Drugs is filling so many needs at once. If you need to have your physician’s office call in a prescription, or if you have any other questions, their number is (805) 688-6898.

Forever Posh
www.foreverposh.com
As you exit Star Drugs, turn right and walk a few steps past a cute little house and you will see the sign for Forever Posh, set back from the street, with room for parking in front.
  This is one of the most popular boutiques in Santa Ynez—owner Cherise Osha and her husband Arthur designed and built the charming building that houses it. Inside, you will find an astonishing array of gorgeous items, all personally chosen by Cherise. She is especially proud to have many exclusive items to the Valley, including the gorgeous “What is in your heart” line of jewelry.
  “Charm” now has a whole new meaning, due to the amazing “Trollbeads” that Forever Posh features. Originating in Denmark and developed over the past 30 years, Trollbeads are created by internationally renowned jewelry designers. They are made from the highest quality raw materials, including sterling silver, 18-carat gold, Italian Murano glass, natural pearls and precious stones. Each bead is a treasure to behold and every bead has its own history. There are many irresistible models to choose from, including different symbols, flowers and animals.
  In addition, Cherise has an assortment of women’s fine accessories, gifts and apparel by some of the hottest designers. She has wonderful handbags, comfy loungewear, great tops and cute designer sweat outfits! She is exclusive in the Valley with the exquisite Jay Strongwater picture frames and collector boxes. And Forever Posh carries the beautiful Heather Moore jewelry, hand-made to order in 14 kt gold and sterling silver. You can create your own, one-of-a-kind piece with the assistance of Forever Posh owner Cherise, or one of her capable staff.
  Forever Posh also has an adorable bridal section featuring cute gift items by “Classy Brides,” as well as the “MOR” collection of soaps, lotions and candles. You can be sure of one thing: If you find it at Forever Posh, it is beautiful and special. And remember, Forever Posh always carries a large selection of your favorite Italian Nomination Charms.

Roundup Market, Deli & Cafe
When you exit Forever Posh, go through the quaint walkway at the left side of the building right in front of you. You will end up on Numancia Street, where you should turn right and walk to the corner. There you will find the newest gathering place for all of the cowgirls and cowboys in the Valley.
  Roundup Market is much more than just a market: It is a place to gather for some of the best western food in the Santa Ynez Valley. Owners John and Kim Barlogio have a vision of creating an old-fashioned type of market and deli where local and visiting families, including young children, can stop by to pick up a jug of milk or linger to have breakfast, lunch or dinner from the full-service deli and café, which they have dubbed “The Corral.”
  John’s mother, JoAnn Branquinho, who came out of retirement to cook for Roundup, prepares much of the food. We are certainly glad she did! She’s a fantastic cook, and has come to be known by customers affectionately as “Grandma Joe.” What people talk about most are the barbecue steak sandwiches with her to-die-for-delicious salsa. But there are also the breakfast burritos, burgers and fish tacos, as well as mouth-watering cowboy beans, sandwiches, salads and homemade candy. This is also, to our knowledge, the only place in the Valley to buy homemade beef jerky, which they call “Gourmet Cowboy Top Sirloin Beef Jerky.” And is it good!
   Roundup’s barbecues are already a big hit and they sometimes even have live “Country Western Music” played by local musicians. They also now have a license to serve beer and wine in “The Corral” and on the porch. What more could you ask for?
  
El Rancho Market
www.elranchomarket.com
Now you can get back into your car to visit El Rancho Market, on Highway 246, just west of the intersection with Refugio Road. This family-owned store carries the best fresh produce, meat, cheeses and breads, all in one. If you can’t find something you want, talk to Alfred Holtzeu, the son of the store’s founder. He will order it for you.
  El Rancho is renowned in the Valley for the largest deli, stocked with mouth-watering hot and cold items to tempt the most finicky gourmet.  This is a great place to pick up sandwiches for a picnic. They have a wonderful salad bar, from which you can make a fresh salad to go, and fresh sushi. Their wine selection is also one of the best in the Valley, and they have wine experts on staff who can answer all your questions.
  El Rancho also has a coffeehouse, “The Coffee Spot,” on the right side of the building where you can get that latte or mocha with a pastry. And if you’re really hungry, the store serves breakfast burritos and more from 7am on.
   You can enjoy a wide assortment of coffees, teas, ice blendeds and smoothies, as well as pastries and other baked goods on any day at just about any time. But Saturday mornings are going to be extra special this summer, with live music by local musicians in front of the store near the tables where you can sit and enjoy your breakfast, snack and coffee or any of El Rancho’s other beverages.