CELEBRATING CALIFORNIA
Time for a road trip in the sunshine
The sun is shining. The rain is gone. And spring is here. Time to rejoice with a getaway along the beautiful Central Coast. Whether it’s a day trip or an extended drive, the region’s exquisite cuisine, fine wines and glorious views are reason to celebrate.
Ventura
Pop up the coast an hour north for lunch at the Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant in Ventura Harbor Village. They’re known for their clam chowder. If you overnight, consider the Wyndham Garden Ventura Pierpont Inn, a craftsman-style landmark since 1910.
Santa Barbara
Enjoy good times at the Deep Sea Tasting Room on Stearns Wharf. Indulge in sophisticated wine and food pairings at the acclaimed Wine Cask Restaurant. Or sample the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich at the Finch & Fork corner grill inside the Kimpton Canary Hotel.
Santa Ynez Valley
Award-winning wine country is 40 minutes from Santa Barbara along picturesque rural roads. Print out the wine map from the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Assn. website to experience some of the 120 wineries. The French country-style Santa Ynez Inn features 20 luxurious guest rooms, daily gourmet breakfast and nightly happy hours with wines, hors d’oeuvres and desserts.
Morro Bay
Toast to the majesty of Morro Rock and the flourishing sea otters at the Morro Bay Wine Seller (perhaps stay for the live entertainment), and the Chateau Margene tasting room for award-winning estate In the morning, enjoy the legendary dishes at Dorn’s Original Breakers Café, the breakfast go-to since 1942.
Cambria
In four hours you can be savoring beach views at the Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill, known for its Sunday brunch. And keep an eye out for gray and humpback whales throughout spring. Cambria is on the Whale Trail of the California Highway 1 Discovery Route, where whales are visible from shore.