The Wild West Coast
Welcoming cowpokes and buckaroos for 80 years
Welcoming cowpokes and buckaroos for 80 years
An hour north of Santa Barbara, family-owned Alisal Ranch opened its doors—and its hearts—to guests in 1946.
Written by David Nash
Photography by Talia Helvey
After its opening to the public in 1946, the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age—including Doris Day, Kirk Douglas, Ava Gardner, and Gregory Peck—booked stays there. Clark Gable married his fourth wife, British socialite Lady Sylvia Ashley, on the property three years later. And during an early visit, Walt Disney may have even found inspiration for his future family-friendly theme park. The place was ALISAL RANCH, just 36 miles north of Santa Barbara, in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley.
Families have always enjoyed the property’s amenities
The Ranch has epitomized the spirit of the American West for generations of visitors since it began welcoming guests 80 years ago. Since then, the 10,500-acre property has expanded from accommodations for 30 people—with several barns and some rodeo fields—to a city slicker’s off-the-grid paradise that includes a championship par-72, 18-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, a private lake, and trails for horseback riding that span more than 50 miles against a backdrop of golden hills and sycamore groves that cocoon the canyon floor.
a foldout of a 1947 brochure that showcases activities, events, and accoutrements
Purchased by Ann and Charles Pete Jackson Jr. in 1943, the property is still owned and operated by the family and, apart from its impressive roster of resort activities, continues to function as a working cattle ranch.
“Alisal is part of my DNA,” says third-generation owner and CEO Jim Jackson. “It’s where a large part of our family’s history is rooted and where we’ve been lucky enough to welcome generations of other families into our own.” Featuring 73 guest cottages and suites—each outfitted with authentic western flair and intentionally void of telephones and televisions—Alisal Ranch invites genuine connections to nature and offers the opportunity to slow down and unplug.
In celebration of its 80th anniversary this year, the ranch has conceived several limited-edition collaborations and experiences, including The 1946 Legacy Package, an ultra-exclusive, expertly curated two-night stay for six adults at the private Jackson House. Symbolically priced at $19,460, the getaway includes daily meals and libations, a candlelight dinner in the historic home’s library, a “Wild at Dusk: Birds & Bourbon” event complete with falconry and a whiskey tasting, a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Santa Ynez Valley, a group horseback ride, and plenty of signature mementos.
Rodeo at Alisal Ranch Rodeo Field.
“[This] has always been a place where generations come together to disconnect from the modern world and connect with the spirit of the American West,” general manager David Merklinger says. “This 80th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past but a tribute to the incredible community, the land, and the loyal guests who continue to shape our legacy every day.”
A new book celebrates the ranch’s history
Commemorating the place’s enduring history, which stretches back to the mid-19th century, there’s a new coffee-table book, Alisal Ranch: 175 Years of Ranch History ($75), celebrating the resort’s heritage, landscape, and lasting spirit. “Reaching 80 years is an incredible milestone, but at the end of the day, we’re still just trying to do what my parents wanted: protect this beautiful piece of the West and make sure everyone who visits feels like they’re part of the family,” Jackson says. 1054 Alisal Rd., Solvang, alisalranch.com
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Play It Again!
It was a grand night for singing when Audra McDonald took to the stage at the Music Academy of the West’s 2026 Music Note Gala on Friday, August 24.
The Music Academy of the West wraps its festival season and looks to the future
Written by Joan Tapper
Photography by David Mendoza III
It was a grand night for singing when Audra McDonald—winner of multiple Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards—took to the stage at the Music Academy of the West’s 2026 Music Note Gala on Friday, August 24. With her soaring soprano and charming personal asides, and backed by a jazzy trio that included her music director, Andy Einhorn, she wowed the audience with a playlist that ranged from “I Am What I Am,” “Summertime,” and “Make Someone Happy” to a heartfelt combo lullaby of “Children Will Listen” and “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught.” It was a joyful coda to a supremely successful 79th Summer Music Festival, which had ended a week earlier.
But the occasion also recognized the extraordinary generosity of Cheryl Goldberg, whose landmark $20 million gift for the Muse, MAW’s forthcoming downtown music education center, promises yearlong programming and ever more opportunities for talented youthful musicians. Goldberg, who made the donation in honor of her late husband, Mike, noted that she wanted to approach philanthopy in a new way: “Give big, make a big impact, and think outside the box,” she has said.
“Cheryl believed in the Muse before there was anything to see,” said Shauna Quill, president and CEO of MAW. “This is our chance to say thank you.”
It was also a chance for some 450 patrons to enjoy a delightfully breezy evening on the expansive polo field at the Bella Vista estate in Summerland, where the gala began with tastes of Royal Daurenki caviar from Petrossian, flutes of Champagne or signature cocktails, and passed hors d’oeuvres catered by Seasons. A scale model of the Muse’s innovative architecture—the work of architect Lawrence Scarpa of Brooks Scarpa Huber—offered a tantalizing glimpse of what will be performing spaces, rehearsal halls, and facilities for MAW’s Vocal Institute and its children’s Sing! program.
After the sit-down dinner, auctioneer Jim Nye conducted a spirited paddle raise that contributed to the record $1.2 million that the fundraiser brought in to support the festival’s scholarships, masterclasses, community tickets, and more.
As Audra McDonald ended her concert with the inspiring “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” accompanied by 10 members of Sing!, you couldn’t help but be assured that the fellows and teachers of the Music Academy will be scaling new heights, not only during next year’s 80th anniversary season but also for decades to come.
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Fashion Frontier
Lela Rose, with its blend of elegant dresses and western-inspired Ranch collections, seems tailor-made for Montecito
Western is certainly having a moment
Lela Rose’s new boutique designed with Studio DB combines ready-to-wear and Ranch collections with accessories and home design items.
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Photography by Sara Prince, Alexa Vitug
LELA ROSE, with its blend of elegant dresses and western-inspired Ranch collections, seems tailor-made for Montecito, but the designer’s new boutique at The Post is her first foray into California. Rose, who was raised in Texas and studied painting and sculpture in Colorado before landing at Parsons School of Design in New York, has an eye for color and embellishment in her ready-to-wear fashion.
Her new boutique, reflecting the West Coast’s indoor-outdoor architectural style, was designed in partnership with Studio DB and is decorated with her signature lasso motif. The space includes a dried-flower installation by Tedde Minogue of floral design studio Scenery and handmade metal birds in tribute to the region’s bird reserve—and avian motifs frequently turn up in the lush prints included in her collections. 1807 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, lelarose.com
Samantha Wennerstrom x Beek suede moccasin loafers, $350
beekshop.com
The Great joins Alisal Ranch with some exclusive apparel from their collection. thisisthegreat.com
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Earth Works
A Cole Sternberg installation launches Presqu’ile Winery as an art hub
A Cole Sternberg installation launches Presqu’ile Winery as an art hub
the artist and his wife, Kelsey Lee Offield
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Photography by Anya Mcinroy
“The landscape itself is part of Sternberg’s palette.”
A concrete bunker at PRESQU’ILE WINERY in the Santa Maria Valley merging built and natural environments holds conceptual artist Cole Sternberg’s new installation, along the high embankments. The show—a series of paintings by the Santa Ynez–based creative, whose ractice is centered around environmental forces and the effect of time—launches as part of a multiyear collaboration between Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND) and the Central Coast winery. The landscape itself is part of Sternberg’s palette: He buries canvases in soils and exposes them to the elements, highlighting nature’s power and the ephemerality of the work. 5391 Presquile Dr., Santa Maria, nomadicdivision.org
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Italy In The ‘Hood
Montecito’s Upper Village is becoming a foodie corridor again, as chef Luca Crestanelli of S.Y. Kitchen takes over the former Via Vai space. Crestanelli, a co-owner of ANCORA OSTERIA
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Nick Shamblott
“The intention for Ancora was to create a space that feels warm, collected, and timeless,” according to Jacob Gerhardt and Blair Moritz, the design duo behind the restaurant’s renewal. “Natural materials and an emphasis on craftsmanship form the foundation, while vintage lighting, art, and carefully chosen pieces bring a sense of history and character, as though the room has evolved organically over time.”
Montecito’s Upper Village is becoming a foodie corridor again, as chef Luca Crestanelli of S.Y. Kitchen takes over the former Via Vai space. Crestanelli, a co-owner of ANCORA OSTERIA, has imported his signature Roman-style pinsa for the opening menu, including a margherita and a blistered cherry-tomato pie, but expect heartier mains and formal dishes at this sit-down restaurant. Described as a sister spot to S.Y. Kitchen and Nella Kitchen in Los Olivos, Ancora includes thoughtful touches like small mains for kids—simple butter or pomodoro pasta—alongside bone-in ribeye and grilled pork chops with fennel. Seared yellowfin tuna and prosciutto with stracciatella round out the starters; a fresh pasta section is crowned by francobolli with short-rib ragú and ricotta salata. The wine list emphasizes both Italian producers and local growers from Santa Ynez Valley, continuing Chef Crestanelli’s hallmark of combining California products and Italian vintages. 1483 East Valley Rd., Montecito, ancoraosteria.com
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Moving Forward
Benjamin Millepied and Jennifer Smith celebrated their visionary new initiative with dinner and performances set at the oceanside estate
Benjamin Millepied and Jennifer Smith celebrated their visionary new initiative with dinner and performances set at the oceanside estate
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Photography by Lorrin Brubaker
Drone images by Zach Brown of Atlas Imagery
The sprawling grounds of Bellosguardo and the Pacific Ocean beyond were the setting for a gala launch of The Santa Barbara Fund for New Choreography founded by Benjamin Millepied and Jennifer Smith on Thursday, July 16. The celebratory dinner, cohosted by Belle Hahn, Cindy Robinson Mullen, Lily Hahn Shining, and Smith drew members of L.A. Dance Project, the artist collective cofounded by Millepied, and the region’s arts supporters to the historic estate. A program of open-air performances launched the initiative dedicated to commissioning new works, an artistic exchange with the coastal city and a forthcoming dance festival in Santa Barbara.
After cocktails on the estate’s veranda, guests gathered on the grand lawn to see excerpts from the Millepied-choreographed triptych Reflections, as well as portions of Resonance, a work created by a handful of choreographers as part of the Getty-organized PST ART collaboration, and Hymn to Freedom, also created by Millepied to the Oscar Peterson civil rights anthem. When Peter Forbes McDowell, LADP’s director of development, took the stage, he said the surroundings brought to mind a particular adjective: “The main word that I can think of is expansive. We have an expansive ocean, we have an expansive lawn, and we have an expansive dream for dance and for the arts.”
Millepied called Hymn to Freedom “a stunning piece of piano and jazz and very much reflective of how this place in California makes me feel.” But before dancers Robert Hoffer, Shu Kinouchi, Audrey Sides, and Hope Spears began the piece, Millepied himself was inspired to perform. “We were rehearsing this afternoon, and I guess I’ve danced over the years only for special occasions but I couldn’t help performing tonight. I really did stop dancing 17 years ago, though, so I’m more improvising a dance for you, for this event, for this incredible setting,” he said. To the strains of three of Bach’s Cello Suites played by SUUVI, he danced a solo. And the surprises kept coming. Over a dinner prepared by Miles Robbins, he announced that he would soon premiere a new ballet in Paris titled Summerland, inspired by his time living in Toro Canyon.
Smith called it “the most magnificent Montecito evening of dance, inspiration, friends, and food and an idea planted in 2017 that took root and grew into the most beautiful dream realized this evening at this spectacular site.” She and Millepied bonded over their shared love of Santa Barbara, first discovered during a conversation at a photo shoot, and began imagining how to bring more dance to the region. “We dreamed of one day having a festival and tonight the concept was seeded with this gala celebrating the new fund to create two brand-new dance pieces that will premiere next summer in Santa Barbara at a newly created weeklong international dance festival founded by Benjamin and me.” The evening benefited the new fund, and guest Connie Callen won the top auction prize, a dinner in Paris with the LADP cofounder. Smith said the initiative is well on its way to realizing the vision she and Millepied have nurtured over the years for the formation of the new dance showcase. “With LADP, plus other international, national, and local dance companies participating, it will be a very special festival celebrating art in all its forms. With dance comes music, visual storytelling, costumes weaving fashion, and also lighting and set design — all the disciplines together.”
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Green Power
It’s always a pleasure to visit Ganna Walska Lotusland, the world-renowned 37-acre nonprofit that has welcomed visitors for more than three decades.
Botanical Splendor is everywhere at Lotusland Celebrates 2026
Written by Joan Tapper
Photography by Steve Lucero/BFA.com
It’s always a pleasure to visit Ganna Walska Lotusland, the world-renowned 37-acre nonprofit that has welcomed visitors for more than three decades. But the garden is about more than mere enjoyment, and the sold-out fundraising gala on July 18—Lotusland Celebrates 2026: Botanical Splendor—showcased its enduring power to “inspire beauty, creativity, community, and promote environmental stewardship.” Special guest Martha Stewart and host Jane Lynch also underscored the creative legacy of Lotusland founder Ganna Walska during the glittering annual event, which provides philanthropic support for the horticultural collections.
Certainly the beauty and creativity were evident from the moment the 500 guests (many in garden-themed attire) set foot on the winding paths through Lotusland’s diverse environments—from the Japanese Garden, where Andrea Brook of Sonic Butterfly was playing an acoustic chromatic long-string harp strung over the water; down aloe-lined walks to the Water Garden, where a jazz trio provided an aural backdrop for the water lilies and lotus plants; and finally to the Great Lawn, where artful displays offered variations on the floral theme (next to the Botanical Bakery, with its elaborate cookies decorated with birds and flowers, Kathryn Hastings showed off her flowery wax seals). There was also a milliner’s garden of blooming headwear, an antique potting bench, and an in-progress painting by Kristi Johnson of one of Lotusland’s theater gnomes.
After cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a three-course alfresco dinner catered by Paula LeDuc, the heart of the program paid homage to the spirit of community and environmental stewardship, as television personality and avid gardener Martha Stewart spoke about the excellence and impact of Lotusland: “Approximately one-third of the living collections are threatened in their native habitats,” she said, “which makes these collections even more valuable because you can come and see them here, where they are protected, nurtured, reproduced, and cared for.”
A private tour of Stewart’s own garden, plus luncheon at her Cantitoe Corners estate, was a sought-after item during a spirited live auction. Among the other one-of-a-kind offerings were a stay at Chateau Troplong Mondot in Saint-Émilion, France; jewelry by David Webb; a custom-designed rose garden by Rose Story Farm founder Danielle Dall’Armi; and a private dinner at Lotusland with the chefs of Podere Le Ripi. Along with more than 40 additional online auction items that spanned travel, art, design, garden collections, and rare jewelry—plus a paddle raise that demonstrated the generosity of the guests—the gala raised more than $1.5 million to sustain Lotusland now and in the future.
“Gardens nourish more than landscapes,” CEO Rebecca Anderson said. “They nourish the soul. Lotusland offers a place for worship of the natural world, as well as a space for reflection, inspiration, wonder, and renewal. We are proud to share that gift with our community.”
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Generational Beauty
Bet on these summer beauty essentials
Written by Jessica Ritz
After years of operating her boutique in Summerland, fashion designer Heidi Merrick remains eager to nurture local connections. THE APOTHECARY AT HEIDI MERRICK “is a great way to bring people together and build community,” she says. Merrick is partnering with a wide circle of female entrepreneurs for her new venture, including Meredith Markworth-Pollack of Palma Colectiva and photographer and herbalist Blue Gabor of Creature Soleil. A stairwell leads to an apothecary shop, a treatment room, and a natural light–flooded “wellness atelier” intended for gatherings, ceremonies, and special events. The apothecary area is particularly special for Merrick, since antiques from her mother’s and mother-in-law’s collections double as displays for a curated selection of goods by small-batch makers like May Lindstrom Skin and Bodha. 2272 Lillie Ave., Summerland, heidimerrick.com
Get That Glow
“I can’t sell anything unless I believe in it,” Carolina Gramm says. Many may recognize the former model, interior designer, and longtime Ojai resident as one of the faces of Chanel No. 5 advertising campaigns from the 1980s, but she has spent much of her postfashion career far removed from atelier fittings and runways. In addition to running her eponymous boutique in the Ojai Arcade, Gramm (who was raised in Italy) channels her olive oil expertise into EXTRA VIRGIN SKIN, the company she founded with her husband, Jack Bunce. Years of research and development have yielded a product line centered on meticulously sourced, hydroxytyrosol-rich, California-grown olive oil as its foundational component. The offerings include a serum boosted with bakuchiol, day and night creams blended with high-polyphenol EVOO, edelweiss-enhanced body and face creams, and other organic goods that feel deliciously light yet richly nourishing. extravirginskincare.com
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The Water’s Fine
The RITZ-CARLTON BACARA is celebrating its 25th birthday with a multimillion-dollar renovation.
Encircling the oval cabana pool, these spacious poolside accommodations have room to host up to six people.
Written by Caitlin White
The RITZ-CARLTON BACARA is celebrating its 25th birthday with a multimillion-dollar renovation, including zero-edge saline pools outfitted with generous state-of-the-art cabanas. Pack your gear in a limited-edition hand-woven straw basket, a collaboration with Kilometre Paris ($582). 8301 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, 805-968-0100, ritzcarlton.com
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It Takes a Village
Taking its place in the old Peabody’s venue, MONTE’S from chef Daniel Kim is already primed to become the new darling of Montecito.
The cheerful sign on Coast Village Road
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Jack Dahlia
Taking its place in the old Peabody’s venue, MONTE’S from chef Daniel Kim is already primed to become the new darling of Montecito. Barely two months in, the restaurant has already been added to the Michelin Guide. Rooted in the regenerative agriculture of Rincon Hill Farm in Carpinteria (see page 120), nearly every ingredient on the menu is sourced from that property. This hyperlocal ethos is the guiding force behind Endwell Hospitality, the ownership group known for their lauded venue One White Street, a restaurant similarly anchored by Rigor Hill Farm in upstate New York. Here, at Endwell’s first Central Coast restaurant, patio tables and a separate dining room define the indoor-outdoor space, which is cozy yet refined.
The menu presents a trifecta of starters, shared plates, and mains, plus a selection of sides. Sourdough from Oat Bakery comes accompanied by cultured butter and Korean chives, which is woven into dishes like the Santa Rosa Island halibut crudo with a nori rice chip or prawn toast layered with kimchi and furikake. A spectacular main, the wild rice pork katsu, marries a Japanese staple with the farm’s own grain in the signature crispy crust. Order a glass of the Sta. Rita Hills Pence “PTG” Burgundian blend, a delicious chilled red, to pair with the pork or an equally showstopping Wagyu strip loin finished with black garlic A1 steak sauce. 1198 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-330-4590, montessb.com
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Location Is Everything
The Hollister Ranch beach shacks—crude structures of driftwood and salvaged materials—mark a bygone era in Santa Barbara surf history, when legendary waves broke along the Hollister family’s eight-mile coast.
A Hollister Ranch beach shack from the 1960s epitomizes the Southern California indoor-outdoor lifestyle, with a deck for sunbathing and the ocean just steps away.
Written by Joan Tapper
Photography by Jeff Kruthers
The HOLLISTER RANCH BEACH SHACKS, haphazard structures of driftwood and other salvaged materials, were hardly things of beauty, but they do represent a bygone era of Santa Barbara surf history that began with the legendary waves that broke along eight miles of shore on the 14,400 acres owned by the Hollister family. Initially, in the 1950s, a handful of local surfers kept knowledge of the place to themselves, but in the next decade, when word began to spread and out-of-towners arrived, landowner Clinton Hollister (so the story goes) made a deal with the fledgling Santa Barbara Surf Club—which had Renny Yater as president, a board of directors, and $25 dues—that members could have access if they kept vandals out.
By the ’60s, their shoreside huts had gone up, providing casual shelters for gear and overnights stays with easy access to renowned surf breaks like Razor Blades, Drake’s, and Cojo Point. Then, around 1970, as the ranch was developed into 100-acre private parcels, the shacks disappeared—destined to live on only in photographs and surfing lore.
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Friendly Flora
Drawing on her culinary background and community-minded perspective, Emma West Roldan—former chef and cofounder of Satellite—has opened her newest venture, BODEGA FLOWER GIRL.
Emma West Roldan in her new space in Sevilla Square
Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photography by Erren Franklin
Drawing on her culinary background and community-minded perspective, Emma West Roldan—former chef and cofounder of Satellite—has opened her newest venture, BODEGA FLOWER GIRL. The neighborhood market and mini eatery is a welcome addition to Sevilla Square, just off lower State Street.
Inside the airy corner space, customers will find products thoughtfully curated by Roldan herself—think local produce, prepared foods, beverages and imported wine, and unexpected items like Hot Wheels and playing cards. Along with house-made grab-and-go salads and bites, the small, vegetable-forward food program and seating for up to 10 add to the bodega’s local vibe. As the name suggests, shoppers can also pick up flowers. “Bodega Flower Girl was inspired by corner markets across the globe, but the name pays tribute to my love for flowers,” Roldan says. “Flowers aren’t reserved for a certain time or occasion. They’re something that anyone can enjoy year-round.”
Roldan takes an intentional approach to sourcing, selecting products that spark joy or foster a sense of belonging. “I want this to be a place of simple pleasures, whether that’s a toy or candy, a nourishing lunch, seeds to plant, or vegan cookie dough to bake later,” she says. “Most important is creating a space where everyone can feel seen and welcome—an inclusive place that celebrates local makers and farmers alongside diverse global goods.” 15 W. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara, bodegaflowergirl.com
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Mood for a Staycay
Picturesque souvenirs aren’t only for tourists—local photogs offer keepsakes of Santa Barbara spots
Picturesque souvenirs aren’t only for tourists—local photogs offer keepsakes of Santa Barbara spots
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Fresh Paint
Graphic designer and artist Peter Horjus has created a new charming group of vintage-inspired local beach images.
Graphic designer and artist Peter Horjus has created a new charming group of vintage-inspired local beach images, available as hand-signed fine art prints in three sizes. 11 W. Figueroa St., Santa Barbara, peterhorjus.com
Hand-signed fine art prints are available in three sizes: 16" x 20" ($325), 24" x 36" ($725), and 36" x 48" ($975).
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Ones to Watch in Carpinteria and Summerland
Explore must-visit spots in Carpinteria and Summerland, from The Lillie’s needlepoint and mahjong clubhouse to Atelier Sunhouse, Coyote’s Market, Montecito Gourmet, and Arnie’s Rooftop Bar, each bringing fresh style, flavor, and community to the coast.
Must-dos in our favorite seaside towns
In our digital age, Lacey Petersen is focused on engaging two growing, decidedly analog subcultures. THE LILLIE debuted late this spring in Summerland as a haven for her fellow needlepoint enthusiasts and avid mahjong players. Beginning with the inventory of Ann Winn’s shuttered Village Needlepoint of Montecito, Petersen expanded her vision in the former Juniper boutique building on Lillie Avenue to create a niche arts-and-gaming clubhouse. The back area holds two mahjong tables, and an outdoor patio is also ready for play; the upstairs Airbnb unit hosts special events for gamers, crafters, and visiting needlepoint artists. Original mahjong furniture of Petersen’s own design (handmade in Texas) is present both for use and for sale, along with upholstered pieces by interior designer Sierra Muller. Petersen is excited to support local artists by commissioning original, regionally inspired needlepoint canvas designs. “Needlepont and mahjong are two very different things,” she says. “But they share the same goal of being calming—and offering community and peaceful fun.” 2474 Lillie Ave., Summerland, thelillie.com. J.R.
Sommerhus, at Atelier Sunhouse in Carpinteria, is open for the summer.
ATELIER SUNHOUSE, a creative studio and consultancy based in Carpinteria, also has a a seasonal shop that serves as a showroom for the firm’s services. The current showcase, Sommerhus, “is inspired by the Danish culture and tradition of retreating to summer cottages on the seaside and in the forest, where time moves slow and homes are furnished with simple, beautiful things, meant to last for generations,” says cofounder Julie Pointer Adams. “Sommerhus features heirloom goods for easy summer living, moving at the speed of nature.” ateliersunhouse.com. S.R.
Earth-toned symbols frame the doorway of COYOTE’S MARKET, an unassuming new grocery from husband-and-wife team (and Santa Barbara natives) Peter and Caroline Hernandez. The images, designed by Eloi Studio, signal a return to an older way of thinking: The market’s ethos is based on what can be caught, raised, and farmed in and around the Central Coast. The shop prioritizes locally raised meat, including from the Hernandez family ranch; wild-caught, sustainable seafood; and chic pantry items from neighboring artisans. Motley Crew sausages from Buellton stock the freezer, and filet mignon from cattle on the Kiani Preserve in Santa Ynez is frequently on hand. Strawberries from Frecker Farms in Carpinteria glow at the bottom of a refrigerated unit, while pottery from Wilder Ceramics in Ojai and Keymer Studio in Santa Barbara grace the wooden shelves. Need a bottle of wine for a balmy evening? You’ll find Camins 2 Dreams Grüner Veltliner, from one of the region’s acclaimed female winemakers, chilling next to a bulk tank of Luretik’s Meyer lemon field-blend olive oil. Pick up a loaf of bread, and your evening is complete. 4549-A Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, coyotesmarket.com. C.W.
Helmed by Patrick Braid since 2016, MONTECITO GOURMET by Village Cheese and Wine has been a local favorite for decades. Following the historic Thomas Fire and debris flow, the café kept hungry fire and rescue crews fueled free of charge during recovery efforts and became a hub for residents. (The logo now features the lantern from the Old Historic Montecito Firehouse.) The newly refreshed space has an expanded evening menu in addition to wine, cheese, and deli sandwiches. Whether you’re grabbing a breakfast sandwich and coffee to go or tucking in for oysters and an affogato, the spirit of the place remains unchanged. montecitogourmet.com. C.B.M
Signature drinks meld herbal influences with high-end spirits at Arnie’s Rooftop Bar.
Restaurateur Arnie Sturham has joined the crowd at Linden Square. His sky-high spot, ARNIE’S ROOFTOP BAR, is the perfect perch. As the name suggests, the outdoor space serves only libations. But guests are welcome to bring up any nosh from the Square’s excellent vendors, including a slice from the Bettina spin-off Tina’s Pizza, smash burgers and Belgian fries from Third Window, and tacos and burritos from Corazon Cocina Sur. The eclectic cocktail menu, led by Trina Vysniauskas-Armitage, features old-school classics with new-school twists, like a lemon drop lightened with lavender bitters, a ginger mule spiked with pineapple, and a paloma dosed with rosemary-infused syrup. Most mixed drinks can sub in Lyre’s offerings for an nonalcoholic option, while seasonally draft beers plus local wines by the bottle or the glass round out the focused menu. Plenty of succulents and greenery bring texture and brightness to the space, which also boasts a fireplace for happy hours that linger past sundown. 778 Linden Ave., Carpinteria,arniesrooftopbar.com. C.W.
Photography by Sara Prince, Natalie Thomson, Julie Pointer Adams
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American Nights
Local fans of bronc riding, roping, and steer wrestling got a treat on June 20–21, when riders on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit came to compete in the seventh Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo
Old Santa Ynez Days makes rodeo dreams come true
Local fans of bronc riding, roping, and steer wrestling got a treat on June 20–21, when riders on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit came to compete in the seventh Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo, organized and run by the nonprofit SYV Western Heritage Foundation (syvwhf.org). The proceeds support half a dozen Valley youth organizations that range from the high school agriculture department and a therapeutic riding program to the Elks children’s Christmas fund and Santa Maria’s Golden Circle of Champions.
“We started it for the community,” says Kevin Murphy, president of both the foundation and the rodeo, which he cofounded with director Ralph Lausten in 2018. “It’s now one of the fastest-growing rodeos,” he adds, “number six or seven in prize money—$112,000 this year.” The PRCA-sanctioned competition, which also includes events in barrel racing, women’s breakaway, and bull riding, allows professionals to amass points for the National Finals Rodeo, held in December in Las Vegas.
Part of Old Santa Ynez Days festivities, the rodeo takes place at the Santa Ynez Chumash San Carlos Property, which is undeveloped land most of the time. “We build everything from scratch every year,” Murphy says. “It’s a little city, with grandstands, arena, VIP tent, and vendors for food and drink.” Sponsors for 2026 included Rio Vista Chevrolet, 805 Beer, Ranchero Whiskey, and Skechers, among others.
“We’re ground zero here for the vaquero way of life,” Murphy says, adding that as more people move to the Valley with no Western ties, “it’s important to keep that relationship [to the West] growing in the area. The rodeo is a way of knowing that two days a year we can celebrate the Western way of living.”
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Star Bar
The Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch is definitely a chic insider’s drinking establishment, but it’s hardly a secret.
The Speakeasy at SYR
Say the word “speakeasy” and undoubtedly what comes to mind is a secret, chic, insider’s drinking establishment. Well, The Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch is definitely a chic insider’s drinking establishment, but it’s hardly a secret. The elegant jazz-infused hideaway, tucked beneath the hostelry’s Stonehouse Restaurant, has just been named one of the world’s best hotel bars in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 list of Hotel Star Bars. That makes it one of just five in the United States with that honor, and a member of an exclusive 37 destinations worldwide representing the finest in cocktail culture. Scores were based on the beverage program and presentation, as well as the ability to provide seamless, luxurious service, an exceptional guest experience, and a unique ambiance.
“This distinction reflects the passion and creativity of our beverage team,” says Ian Williams, general manager of the Ranch, “while reinforcing the legacy of excellence that has made the Ranch an enduring icon of luxury hospitality.”
Under a beamed ceiling, leather couches and animal-print seating underscore the intimate atmosphere of the place, while the art deco–style menu of cocktails and nibbles pays homage to iconic speakeasy libations. Among the notable offerings here are a rare Glenturret 50-year-old Highland single malt in a Lalique black crystal decanter, the Macallan M Trio, and the Balvenie DCS Chapter Four Series. Patrons who crave a bit of theater can order the interactive absinthe service, which includes a traditional tableside fountain.
New for summer are inventive cocktails that include a ceremonial-grade Matcha Mar-Tea-Ni and an elevated martini service. Of course, if someone prefers to forgo a cocktail and order a glass of wine or Champagne, they can probably find something to their taste in San Ysidro Ranch’s 16,000-bottle wine cellar, which earned the hotel a Wine Spectator Grand Award.
Photography by Kris Zacharias
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Raise a Glass and a Mallet
Folded Hills Winery celebrated Santa Barbara polo season with its sixth annual Folded Hills Polo Classic in the Santa Ynez Valley
Folded Hills’ annual Polo Classic
Summer is polo season in Santa Barbara, and Folded Hills Winery helped usher it in with the sixth annual Folded Hills Polo Classic on Saturday, June 13, held on their own field in the Santa Ynez Valley. Some 300 members and guests sipped a number of new wine releases, including the acclaimed 2024 Roper Syrah, and watched players drawn from the Santa Barbara Polo Club battle it out for the day’s honors.
“These are ad hoc teams,” says Kim Busch, who owns the winery with her husband, lifelong polo aficionado Andy, “and often children of the club players join in.” This year the field included their son Will, number two on the winery’s team; Jesse Bray, a top-rated American 7-goal player; and Carter Thicke, son of Santa Barbara Magazine executive editor Gina Tolleson.
“We do different events here, and this is a perfect fit,” Busch says. Among the festivities were tailgate contests, she adds, “and our executive chef served mini sliders, asiago potatos, and bruschetta with tomatoes from the ranch. People love to come and watch these great equine athletes and riders. There’s a magical feel to sitting on the sidelines and hearing the thundering hooves up and down the field.”
When the final score was posted, Folded Hills Blue had tied Folded Hills White. Of course, with a glass of Folded Hills wine in hand, the spectators themselves could feel like winners.
Photography by Emmanuelle Pickett
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Feel at Home
The six contactless accommodations at The Rincon Rooms are part of a larger complex that houses 24 residences, plus a forthcoming dining concept on the ground floor.
The Rincon Rooms beckon
Thoughtful layouts and oversize furniture lend each space a residential feel.
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Meg Sandu
Traditional boutique hotels in Carpinteria are still few and far between, but a new guesthouse hidden in plain sight opens this summer with bespoke decor and keyless entry. The six contactless accommodations at THE RINCON ROOMS are part of a larger complex that houses 24 residences, plus a forthcoming dining concept on the ground floor. Residential-style rooms, which translate to a quieter, more comfortable sojourn, are part of a growing trend in hospitality, and these offerings fit neatly into a new category of short-term stay.
“There are influences from traditional English interiors and old California guesthouses but softened and made more relaxed for the beach setting,” says designer Amanda Masters, who envisions the furnishings and artwork throughout as being “collected rather than decorated.” Expect custom California-focused pieces, nods to the local polo scene, and tchotchkes that reflect the laidback local surf culture. Sferra linens, Salt & Stone amenities, and Nespresso coffee stations are part of the setup in every room, some of which are dog-friendly, while others come with a spacious balcony or deep soaking tub. 4745 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, rinconrooms.com
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Art Stars
Fifty years is a worthy milestone, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB)—founded in 1976 by artists for artists—is marking the occasion with the presentation of its 2026 Annual Art Awards on July 12.
Wheel of Foot in Mouth No. 3 (Song of Sappho) by Kathryn Andrews
Written by Joan Tapper
Fifty years is a worthy milestone, and the MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART SANTA BARBARA (MCASB)—founded in 1976 by artists for artists—is marking the occasion with the presentation of its 2026 Annual Art Awards on July 12. That event not only raises crucial operating funds for the nonprofit institution, says Frederick Janka, president of the board of trustees, but also “is celebrating the past, present, and future of the museum and our impact on art history.” This year’s honorees for artistic excellence are Kathryn Andrews, Sanford Biggers, Tonia Calderon, and Mark Swanson, while Hamza Walker is being feted for his curatorial excellence and arts leadership. For the established artists like Biggers and Swanson, “MCASB offered early and critical support with solo exhibitions and their first publications,” Janka says, adding that both have gone on to open major midcareer shows. Looking forward, MCASB will collaborate with Andrews on public programs in the future and is also committed to a solo exhibition for emerging talent Calderon. 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, mcasantabarbara.org
