Photo of Grass Mountain by Sally Isaacson

Rancho Oso Guest Ranch
www.rancho-oso.com
  Our first stop is Rancho Oso Guest Ranch, which you reach by turning right on Paradise Road and driving through some beautiful upland terrain 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.

Golden meadows and green hillsides begin appearing after the winter and spring rains.

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 a $10 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.

Old Adobe Traders
www.oldadobetraders.com
  Almost directly across the street from the Vineyard House, at 3630 Sagunto, Suite A1, is the new location for Old Adobe Traders. Oldtimers in this area (defined as anyone who has lived here five years or more) will remember this wonderful resource at its previous location, 3640 Sagunto.
  As before, the gallery will continue to offer something for everyone, from the casual vacationer to the sophisticated collector. Whether you are looking for gifts under $20, authentic collectibles in the thousands, or simply desire original designs in distinctive rugs or bedspreads, you can be assured of a variety to choose from.
  Old Adobe Traders has always specialized in both traditional and contemporary Native American jewelry, as well as Navajo weavings, kachinas, pottery, baskets, and more.
Since Merlin Carlson, the owner, is an approachable and highly esteemed appraiser for both museums and private collections, and his associates are also extremely knowledgeable, a visit to his store is always a rewarding learning experience.
  And if you have a question, and can’t make it over there right away, just give him a call on his cell phone: (928) 221-3959.

SYV Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House
www.santaynezmuseum.org
  Now continue west on Sagunto to Faraday Street. Right on the corner, you will find the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House.
The museum 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. On January 10, the Museum will host a presentation entitled “Ranching on the Gaviota Coast.”  John McCarty, a long time Gaviota rancher and current manager of the Hollister Ranch Cooperative Grass Fed Beef program, will discuss the history of the Hollister Ranch and explain the importance of preserving traditional ranching practices in the 21st Century. The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation at 7 p.m.
  To keep abreast of other museum activities throughout the year, or to purchase tickets to the various events, be sure to check their web site, or call 805-688-7889. Regular museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Scenes of pick-up trucks filled with hay bales driving down back-country roads are often seen throughout the year.

 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 has been in the flooring business for over 28 years. He and Chris have been married and living in the Valley for 35  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 that has been enjoyed by both visitors and locals for over 50 years. 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. My special favorites are fresh fruit pies and cakes that are hand-made especially for the Red Barn. They also have a scrumptious chocolate brownie sundae.
  You can arrange for a large-group lunch or dinner by calling ahead. They’ll 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.

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 the tequila they use really is of the highest quality.
  At Dos Carlitos you can eat inside in their beautiful and well-appointed dining room, or outside on their patio.  Come for Happy Hour, from 4 to 6 p.m. seven days a week, with $5 premium Agave Margaritas and complimentary appetizers at the bar. On weekends, they feature live Mexican music on the patio in the evenings, weather permitting.

Star Drug Company
  Now cross over Edison Street to Madera Street, then go half a block to Star Drugs, 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.

Quite often snow-capped mountains peek through the clouds as winter starts turning to spring in Santa Ynez Valley.

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 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 ten years now and is still a shop unique to the Santa Ynez Valley. It has something in 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. One of these is Links of London, a prestigious line of fabulous bracelets and necklaces which offers many choices in sterling silver and 18-carat gold charms.
  Trollbeads, a fun Danish jewelry line,  uses the highest quality raw materials including sterling silver, 18-carat gold, Italian glass, natural pearls and semi-precious stones. The best part is that you can 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!

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 its deli, stocked with mouth-watering hot and cold items sure to tempt the most finicky gourmet.  They have a wonderful salad bar, and fresh sushi made daily.

  They also have an extensive selection of gourmet coffees and baked goods. What’s more, you can even take a coffee break at The Coffee Spot, situated right at the front of the store.
   For more about their wines and their wine tasting room, see their article in our Tasting Rooms of the Santa Ynez Valley.