Tour of Santa Ynez
A Taste Of The Old West
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 two interesting places to visit, where you might also want to stay for a night or two.

Rancho Oso Guest Ranch
www.rancho-oso.com
The first of these is Rancho Oso Guest Ranch, which you reach by turning right on Paradise Road, driving 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. Then there’s the tame black steer named Opossum that may eventually be trained to pull a cart.
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.

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. You can observe both resident and migratory birds, some of which raise their young around the lake. The most magnificent of these is the American Bald Eagle, but you can also see osprey, red tailed hawks, kites and kestrels. Some of the other birds are scrub jays, California quail and various ducks and other waterfowl. For more information or reservations, visit their website or call (805) 686-5050.

Continuing on into the Santa Ynez Valley proper, visitors should definitely take the time to savor the Western ambiance of the little town of Santa Ynez, which takes pride in its long history and western tradition, going back to its founding in the 1880s. Santa Ynez is located on the north side of Highway 246, about a mile west of the intersection with Highway 154. Turn right on Meadowvale, then left onto Sagunto, which is the main street through town.

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. Note the beautiful views and the garden setting and you might decide to eat on the outside deck.
  If you love historic houses as much as I do, you will want to go inside. The main part of the restaurant is located in the old Andersen house, which is nearly 100 years old. It has been beautifully restored and renovated inside and out. The restaurant’s owners, Jim and Debbie Sobell, love the house’s historic ambience and beautiful setting, but most of all they love the restaurant business. Jim once described the secret to their success as constantly striving to create happy customers and a happy staff.
  From the people we’ve talked to, the Sobells are succeeding on both counts. Their staff is friendly and cheerful, and their menu includes everything from steaks to salads to seafood to pasta. They also have a wide selection of Santa Ynez Valley wines and other beverages. “We want to offer a wide selection of food to satisfy all types of appetites,” said Jim.
  J im also does several events each year to benefit the “Livestrong” Lance Armstrong Foundation, which funds cancer-cure research and provides assistance to cancer patients. Jim’s next event will be his Second Annual “Gourmet Challenge” on Saturday, September 6th, which is modeled after the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s “Livestrong Challenge.” You can choose to either walk or run a 5K or 10K scenic route, or to ride your bicycle on some of the same roads that the Discovery Team and Lance trained on in either a half metric (30 miles) or full metric (62 miles) route. All walks, runs or rides will begin and end at the Santa Ynez Park. Afterwards, enjoy a gourmet four-course luncheon, other refreshments and live music. The entry fee for all participants is $50, in addition to which you must raise a minimum of $100 in donations, which can be turned in at registration on September 6th. Children under 16 may walk, run or ride for just $50, with no additional fundraising if accompanied by an adult over 18. This event is limited to the first 100 paid entries. For entry forms or more information, call Jim at 805-350-0284.

SYV Historical Society Museum
Parks-Janeway Carriage House
www.syvm.org
Just a block further west is one of the main attractions in the Valley–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, and prides itself on being an educational and cultural center for the people of this area.
  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. It delights children of all ages.
  From July 1 through November 1, the museum’s Valley Room will feature a special stagecoach exhibit entitled “Rolling Through the West.” This exhibit will trace the origins of the stagecoach, its routes and influence on the West. Photos and memorabilia from the museum collection will be on exhibit.
  On July 26, the museum will hold its annual “Valley Pioneer Jamboree Dinner and Auction” fundraiser. The Ted Chamberlin family will be honored at this event. The evening will begin with cocktails and live entertainment in the museum courtyard, then guests will dine in the Parks-Janeway Carriage House surrounded by the stagecoaches of yesteryear. Then the entertaining auction will feature custom saddles, trips to vacation destinations, dinners and wine, among other items. One year, a two-seat, historical outhouse was auctioned off to a bidder who collects and restores outhouses. Call the museum for reservations for this fun event.
  Especially interesting is the Parks-Janeway Carriage House, which contains the largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles and accessories west of the Mississippi. In September the museum will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the carriage house with talks and special programs, as well as a large celebration in mid-September.
Regular museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.  For more information about any of the above events or exhibits, 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 so 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 material for blinds that will match and other suggestions for how to put things together.
  Brent and Chris are shown in their ad with their five grandchildren (although Brent and Chris both look so young that people often think that they are the parents!) Brent is holding one-year-old Ryder Rue McClurg, the son of Josh and Angela McClurg, and brother to four-year-old twins Canyon and Cash, shown here flanking their cousin Abby Christine Snow, who celebrated her second birthday in June. Chris is holding Abby’s brand new brother, Levi Show, who is just a few weeks old. Abby and Levi’s proud parents are Brent and Chris’s daughter Sarah and her husband Tye Snow. You will sometimes see all of these youngsters at the store. Congratulations to everyone in this busy family!

The Roasted Bean Coffee Shop
Head half a block west towards Sagunto and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee will entice you into one of the most popular hangouts in town, the Roasted Bean. Besides coffee, lattes and teas of every stripe, the Roasted Bean offers reasonably priced snacks and bakery items. 
  This is a great place to relax, both weekdays and weekends, when live entertainment is an extra draw. And if you are traveling or walking with your dog, there’s a handy water dish for it near the outside tables, where you can sit and watch the action along the street—you might see a local resident or two ride their horses up to the post office.
Special note: They also sell their coffee beans, either freshly ground or ready for your home grinder. Our family’s favorite is their Kona bean, which we grind ourselves for special occasions, such as when we have dinner guests or relatives visiting from out of town. A bag or two of their beans also make great gifts!

The Red Barn Steakhouse
Just across Edison Street is another place where many of the locals show up on a regular basis. The Red Barn Steakhouse is owned by longtime Valley residents Bobby and Chris Gregg, who purchased it in 2001 and completely renovated the kitchen and dining room, while still keeping the western ambiance. One of the best changes they’ve made is hiring Chef Kevin Zandonatti, formerly of Zaca Creek Restaurant. 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. 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. Or come in and join the fun during their new “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 a variety of freshly baked pies and a chocolate brownie sundae that is a feast all by itself.

Star Drug Company
Now continue east on Madera Street 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. From the beginning, it was clear that a need existed here for a hometown pharmacy, owned and operated by someone who knows the customers by name and treats them with courtesy and respect. Steve and his employees greet you with smiles as you enter the clean, cheerful building that radiates feelings of health and happiness.
  In addition to filling prescriptions, the store offers a complete selection of over-the-counter medications, sundries, cards (including the distinctive Papyrus line), gift-wrap and candy. If you need anything special, they will be happy to order it for you. 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 item(s) 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, the 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 away 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 also exclusive in the Valley with the exquisite Jay Strongwater picture frames and collector boxes. Forever Posh also has an adorable bridal section featuring cute gift items by “Classy Brides,” as well as Lady Primrose Royal Bathing and Skin Luxuries, and even tiaras. 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.

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 is the place to purchase the best fresh produce, meat, cheeses and breads, all in one friendly, family-owned store. If you can’t find something you want, ask to talk to Alfred Holtzeu, the son of the store’s founder. He will order it for you and it will be there the next time you return.
     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.  They also have a wonderful salad bar, from which you can make a delicious, fresh salad to go for just yourself or for your whole family. Their wine selection is also one of the best in the Valley.
  Now El Rancho also has a coffeehouse, called “The Coffee Spot,” which has its own entrance on the right side of the building. They feature a wide assortment of coffees, teas, ice blendeds and smoothies, as well as pastries and other baked goods. This is a great place for a pick-me-up, either before or after shopping.

 Summerset Farm
www.flowersbysirgregory.com
The newest attraction in Santa Ynez is a vegetable, berry and flower stand at the corner of Highway 154 and Edison/Baseline, where the stop signs are on the highway.
Summer is their big season, with a berry maze, where you or your children can pick your own berries. Or you can buy an assortment of berries already picked and boxed for you. They also have a wide selection of greens, vegetables and flowers. Soon it will be time for corn on the cob! (That’s my favorite, and their corn is the best!) Now is the perfect time for families with young children to come to Summerset to see the plants growing that will produce more summer fruits, flowers and vegetables. We suggest you bring your children back periodically to watch the progress. So many children now days have little or no idea where their food comes from or how much work it takes to produce it. Here they can even see some of the tractors and other equipment that are used to till the fields, plant the seeds and keep the soil in good condition, as well as the equipment needed to water the growing plants. In addition to all of this, the flower stand can provide bouquets or arrangements for any of your summer events. Visit the website above for more information, or call 805-682-7800 to order flower arrangements ahead of time.