by Teona Tone Schley

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.
  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 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.
  Just walking around the lake, you can observe both resident and migratory birds, some of which raise their young near 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.
  A group of amateur astronomers from Santa Barbara also hold special “Star Nights” on some Saturday evenings. They present a slide show about which stars, planets and constellations are visible at this time of year, followed by a chance to see them through telescopes provided by some of the volunteers.
  These evenings are free to the public, both campers and the general public (although the latter have to pay an $8 fee for a “day use” permit to enter the park).
  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.

Dramatic shafts of light break through rain clouds over a Santa Ynez pasture. Photo by Wolcott Schley

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 2010 Spring Vintner’s Festival, April 16 to 19, at River Park, just outside Lompoc. For more information see their ad and story in our “Wine Tasting Rooms of Santa Ynez Valley” or 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.  With the beautiful view and garden setting, you might decide to eat your lunch or dinner on their outside deck. On Wednesday evenings, beginning mid-June, the Vineyard House will once again feature “Jazz on the Deck,” weather permitting. This has been a big hit over the past few summers.
  If you love historic houses like I do, you will  want to go inside. The main part of the restaurant is located in the old Andersen house, which is at least 100 years old by now. 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.
  We have always found the Vineyard House staff to be friendly and cheerful, and their menu includes everything from salads to steaks to seafood to pasta. We particularly like their freshly baked and still warm mini-loaves of whole wheat bread that are served to the table ready for you to slice and spread with butter.
  “We want to provide a wide selection of food to satisfy all types of appetites,” said Jim.  And they certainly do.
  Currently Vineyard House is offering Early Bird Dinners from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday (closed Tuesday). Whether you come for lunch or dinner, we suggest that you enjoy a glass of locally produced wine with your meal. They carry an extensive selection of local vintages, including Clos Pepe, Daniel Gehrs, Brander, Sunstone, Fiddlehead and Babcock.
 
SYV Historical Museum and 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. The Spring exhibit, “Valley Views . . .Historic Postcards of the Valley,” opened March 21 and will run through June 20. Postcards of Santa Ynez Valley scenes, historic places, landmarks and people are artfully displayed in an exhibit that chronicles Valley history during the time span between 1900 and 1970. 
  The exhibit will also chronicle the history of the Stereo Optican and the View Master. A variety of tourist memorabilia that tell the story of places in the Valley will be on display, along with an array of early postcard albums, a popular way of displaying postcard collections in the early 1900s.
  At the same time the museum is hosting an exhibit called “Layers” by noted local photographer Kam Jacoby. Kam has spent much of the past two years pouring over images housed in the SYV Historical Museum’s archives. When he finds an interesting historic image that includes people and recognizable locations, he re-photographs the original locations and then puts old and new together. In many cases he depicts a time lapse of 100 years or more.
  On Saturday, May 8, the museum will hold its annual Valley Garden Tour, “Beyond the Garden Gate.” This is an exclusive spring tour of  four to five private ranch landscapes and gardens, followed by a wine and appetizer reception in the museum courtyard. Open to the public, tickets are $30. This is a very popular event, and tickets are limited, so call or come by the museum soon to reserve your space.
  On Saturday, June 12 the museum will participate in the annual “Santa Ynez Day” celebration with living history displays, music and more.
  That evening it will hold its third annual “Spaghetti Western Night,” which includes a hearty spaghetti dinner, drinks and dancing to a live band in the museum’s beautiful courtyard. This is a fun family event.
  The Museum also features history related educational talks throughout the year.  Check their website above 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.santaynezmuseum.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.
Brent and Chris have both always been interested in doing all they can to take good care of our environment. And since their three children have presented them with six grandchildren in about as many years, they have become even more conscious of the need to offer people eco-friendly and green products. In addition to flooring, they also offer eco-friendly and child safe cleaning products for carpets, hardwood floors, laminates and tile. We have used these products and they are absolutely wonderful.
  We have also had both carpeting and vinyl installed by Brent and Jeff’s and we can personally recommend their products, their expert installation and their cheerful, personalized service. They make an extra effort to be responsive to your personal needs that you can only find in a small town business that has roots in the community. They are neighbors to everyone in the Valley. When you know you might see your customers at the Post Office, in the grocery store or even at church, you are much more likely to want to make sure that they are satisfied. That’s one of the advantages of shopping locally.

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 4 to 6 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 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 little house and you will see the sign for Forever Posh, a cute little cottage, set back from the street, with room for parking in front.
  Forever Posh has been in business for over eight years now and is still a shop unique to the Santa Ynez Valley. It has something at just about every price range, so if you are looking for just a little something or for that very special something you can find it there. This charming, eclectic boutique won Best Gift Shop 2009 by the readers of one of the Valley’s local newspapers. It has been recently remodeled, and inside you will find a gorgeous array of items, in both clothing and accessories. My daughter and I both love to shop there.
  Owner Cherise Osha is especially proud to have many items that are exclusive to the Valley. The prestigious line, Links of London, is one of them–fabulous bracelets and necklaces with sterling silver, or 18-carat gold charms to choose from. Another fun jewelry line out of Denmark called Trollbeads is made from the highest quality raw materials including sterling silver, 18-carat gold, Italian glass, natural pearls and semi-precious stones. You create and design your own bracelet or necklace with either of these lines of jewelry!
  The beautiful classic custom designed Heather Moore monogrammed jewelry is also very popular. This jewelry is handmade with vintage turn-of-the-century tools and includes precious metals of sterling silver and a rainbow of 14-carat and 18-carat golds: yellow, white, green and rose. View the in-store styles and let Forever Posh help you create your own personalized charm heirlooms. They are truly beautiful!
  Forever Posh carries many designer handbags from Isabella Fiore to Christian Audgier and even the affordable yet trendy and fun Big Buddha bags! The store has always carried the exquisite artwork pieces by the highly acclaimed Artist Jay Strongwater.   New to the store is the classic metal work designs by Michael Aram. Aram’s work reflects humanity through the directness of the handmade process, as each piece is made using age old traditional techniques.
  You are sure to find something special and unique at Forever Posh!

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 Grandma Joe’s 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. I am personally partial to her beans, which are the best I’ve ever tasted.
  They also have homemade beef jerky, which they call “Gourmet Cowboy Top Sirloin Beef Jerky.” And is it good!

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.
   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 have a wonderful salad bar, from which you can make a fresh salad to go, and they have fresh sushi made daily.
  Their wine selection is one of the best in the Valley, and features hard to find wines and spirits. Look for their Wine Director, David Cane, who can answer all your questions and will assist with wine and food pairings.
  Don’t miss the exclusive El Rancho wines, made by some of the Central Coast’s best award-winning winemakers. Their newest addition is a tasting bar, and on Saturdays, from noon or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. you can taste a selection of wines from this area and around the world.
  El Rancho has a coffeehouse, “The Coffee Spot,” where you can get that latte or mocha with a pastry.  You can enjoy a wide assortment of coffees, teas, ice blendeds and smoothies, as well as fresh baked pastries and other baked goods. Saturday mornings are going to be extra special at El Rancho 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 fine quality deli or
bakery goodies.