Full Moon Rising
A historic family farm ushers a fresh take on life.
In restoring the farm buildings, Leanne Schlinger brought back the original forest green and white color palette.
A historic family farm ushers a fresh take on life
Written by Jennifer Blaise Kramer | Photographs: Lauren Maeve Photography
Leanne Schlinger, who owned and operated Santa Ynez Vacation Rentals for 15 years, has moved from managing multiple properties to focusing on just one. When her mother passed away two years ago, she inherited the 10-acre family farm in Santa Ynez Valley with its pre-stagecoach-era roots and immeasurable sentimental value. While grieving—and pregnant—Schlinger spent months restoring the place, honoring its heritage with historic paint colors while modernizing the outbuildings from cottages to chicken coops. Between planting crops and raising animals, she is bringing Full Moon Farms to life. “At first I didn’t even know where the key to the tractor was!” she says, adding that it’s been a learning curve from day one. “I had to YouTube how to use a John Deere.”
Aside from a couple of zaps by the electric fence and a few equine escapees (all safely returned), the farm has quickly become a respite for her family and visitors seeking a dose of country life. Locals buy fresh eggs and produce, guests attend intimate gatherings on everything from wreath making to crafting elderberry syrup, and shoppers frequent the online mercantile for locally made sustainable goods. In the future Schlinger envisions more collaborations and children’s programming, but for now the farm is home—a place to raise her budding family and bring the simple joys and lessons of farm life to others. “There’s always something to do or look after. Once you paint the last fence post, it’s time to start over again,” she says. “It’s a bit like going back in time.” FULLMOONFARMS.COM.
Beyond the Blogs
What happens when two bloggers become good friends? A collaboration, of course.
A Wrel Living table set with Good Kind Work plates, Rough Linen napkins, and other made-in-California homewares.
Written by Jennifer Blaise Kramer
What happens when two bloggers become good friends? A collaboration, of course. WREL LIVING is the brainchild of Samantha Wennerstrom and Alicia Lund, named after their children (Willow, Rex, Elin, and Lila). “We’ve been friends for over 10 years, living parallel lives, blogging, getting married, having kids,” Wennerstrom says. “The last couple years we’ve enjoyed our time at home making things extra special, swapping recipe and tabletop ideas.” In launching an online shop, they’ve curated “favorite finds,” while tapping into their network of makers and brands to collaborate on one-of-a-kind pieces. The California-inspired capsule collection of lifestyle goods include pitchers, bud vases, dinnerware, and more dreamy items that represent their entertaining aesthetic and friendship. Adds Wennerstrom: “It’s all about bringing friends and family around the table.” WRELLIVING.COM.
Faded Glory
Award-winning photographer Mike Eliason turns his eclectic journalistic eye on all corners of the county…
A timeworn sign at a drive-in movie theater in Lompoc evokes cinematic images as fleeting as the puffy clouds in the blue valley sky.
Photography by Mike Eliason
Award-winning photographer Mike Eliason turns his eclectic journalistic eye on all corners of the county in Santa Barbara and Beyond: The Photography of Mike Eliason ($40, Beach Ball Books). A native of Carpinteria known for everything from sports images to feature photos, Eliason includes the offbeat and exotic along with the iconic shots of land- and seascapes, the natural world, architecture, and people, while also serving as public information officer for the SB Country Fire Department. Available December 1 at local bookstores and at SHORELINEPUBLISHING.COM.
Whoa, Alli!
Alli Addison, of the lifestyle brand Milton Menasco, rounds up her top picks for fall with western flair and a dash of cowgirl spirit.
Alli Addison, of the lifestyle brand Milton Menasco, rounds up her top picks for fall with western flair and a dash of cowgirl spirit
Addison is the great-niece of late American artist Milton Menasco.
Written by Gina Tolleson | Photography by Alli, Elizabeth Hay
ONE TO WATCH
WHO Alli Addison, 37, mother of two, designer, equestrian, and the face behind the Instagram brand @miltonmenasco.
WHAT “Milton Menasco was established in 2019 as a lifestyle brand to honor the work of my great uncle and the ranching lifestyle of my ancestors—but brought up to date. The result? An inclusive and unique collection of art, wearables, and goods for the modern-day horse girl and horse boy.”
WEAR “Fall on the coast has me yearning for vintage knits, rustic denims, a neutral palette of creams, tans, rust, and black, with added sterling embellishments. I’m looking for feminine accents combined with masculine scale, celestial details, and subtle western nods. This, of course, extends into the home, with intoxicating fragrances, sensory experiences, well-curated coffee-table books, and a range of artworks that create a relaxed, simple, yet elegant space.”
LOOK FOR “This fall I am launching a new collaborative mini capsule with Tenlea Hunter that’s overflowing with space-cowboy, horse-girl energy that will leave you wanting to shoot for the stars and lasso the moon. Our exclusive Starry Night felt hats in black and bone were crafted for us by our friends at Stetson, and it feels like the beginning of something truly epic.”
APPLE DOESNT FALL FAR “My family has lived in the area for seven generations, in Santa Barbara and on the Mexican land grant known as Rancho Nipomo, living a life rooted in ranching, farming, and trade. Simply riding the horses in the same hills as my great-great-great-grandparents, driving between Santa Ynez and Los Alamos—which served as my family’s trade route—or walking the steps of the Old Mission gives me a sense of place that is hard to describe. While my father’s side of the family is tied to this community historically, my mother’s side of the family has its own story: My great-granduncle was the famous equestrian artist Milton Menasco. His classical equestrian elements—particularly an exacting eye for both the confirmation and disposition of the horse—all became heavy influencers of my own personal style and passions.”
UPCYCLE 101 “Vintage goods with equestrian and western flair will always be a mainstay at Milton Menasco, as we believe in sustainable, locally sourced, ecofriendly, and handmade goods. And we certainly believe in second chances. Even for garments! With many items 40, 50, even 70-plus years old, the condition is typical of their age, but their story continues with a new generation of horse lovers.”
PICO, 805-344-1122, in Los Alamos is our go-to date night restaurant choice. I recommend the subtly spicy Lost Almost margarita.
Also in Los Alamos, SISTERS GIFTS AND HOME, 805-720-1110, @sistersgiftsandhome, has some of the best local equestrian and western antiques and collectibles in the valley.
Absolutely requisite for any local horse folk, JEDLICKA’S, 805-688-2626, in Los Olivos encompasses the best of both worlds, with everything needed for the western or English rider.
FAVOUR, 805-693-8998, in Santa Ynez can do no wrong when it comes to contemporary women’s wear in the valley.
Heading East
Where to stay and play in Palm Springs
Views of the 65-foot saltwater pool at The Colony Club.
Where to stay and play in Palm Springs
The desert beckons as autumn in Palm Springs promises warm days and cooler nights. Special events highlight the signature style and sports of the area, including Modernism Week’s Fall Preview (October 14-17) and the BNP Paribas Open (October 4-17). Of course, you can always simply laze at the pool.
Hotelier, design guru, and Montecito resident Steve Hermann has completely renovated the venerable Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows into a stylish 57-room getaway with bold patterns and a fresh new look. Built by Purple Gang member Al Wertheimer in the 1930s, the hotel was a longtime favorite of L.A. celebs. Today it’s a luxe adults-only oasis with lush gardens, an inviting spa, and the sleek Colony Club restaurant. Says Hermann, “We looked to old Hollywood as well as the French and Italian Riviera of the 1930s and ’40s for inspiration.”
“We looked to old Hollywood as well as the French and Italian Riviera of the 1930s and ’40s for inspiration.”
Morocco meets the Mediterranean at the Korakia Pensione. Behind the wooden doors of the grand Moorish entrance are two historic villas with bungalows, rooms, studios, and suites arrayed around two pools and each individually appointed with antiques and handcrafted furnishings. What could be more relaxing than breakfast in the courtyard, afternoon tea in the art-filled library, massages in the indoor-outdoor spa lounge, and vintage movies under the stars. Add sound baths, yoga sessions, and a meditation practices for a truly serene stay.
With just 11 adults-only accommodations, Dive Palm Springs offers the intimacy of a boutique resort with the retro aesthetic of the 1960s French Riviera. Each room has its own vivid color theme, while the image of Lulu (the hotel’s neon diving girl artwork) unites it all. Enjoy an aperitif in the Peacock Lounge, where the curated playlist features music by Françoise Hardy and other Gallic notables. C’est si bon.
Desert to-dos
Toast to the artistic vision of Cecil Beaton—legendary British photographer and designer—at Bar Cecil where chef Gabe Woo’s sybaritic menu includes The Fifty Dollar Martini.
At Soukie Modern, founded by “rug addict” Taib Lotfi, you’ll find not only vintage Moroccan floor coverings but also unique bags, kimonos and caftans, candles, pillows, and poufs.
Kick up your heels at Pappy + Harriet’s, the historic BBQ restaurant, bar, and music venue in nearby Pioneertown where Modest Mouse takes the stage on September 24.
Hit the Road
The tastiest food trucks, trailers, and carts to track
The tastiest food trucks, trailers, and carts to track
Written by Anush J. Benliyan
Fess Parker Winery recently introduced the MOBILE BUBBLE SHACK, a moveable version of its charming Bubble Shack in Los Olivos. The converted 1969 Fireball trailer serves up Fesstivity sparkling wines—Sta. Rita Hills blanc de blancs, brut rosés, and blanc de noirs—by the glass or bottle on the grounds of the winery on Saturdays and Sundays. Los Alamos farmer Carla Malloy stocks her mobile ELDER FLAT FARM stand with organic produce like artichokes, heirloom tomatoes, swiss chard, pomegranates, and melons, as well as gorgeous blooms (including edible flowers), fresh eggs, and Sideyard Shrubs. Check her Instagram to know when she’ll be parked at Bell’s next. Malia Christensen and Makena McGinley are the sisters behind the adorable vintage mobile bars you might have spotted around Santa Barbara and the Central Coast. THE PETITE FLEET of transformed trailers and mail cars are perfect for parties, pouring delectable libations—wine, bubbly, beer, and handcrafted cocktails—and nonalcoholic beverages like lavender lemonade kombucha. For your next java fix, stop by the pint-size NEIGHBORS COFFEE CART, parked in front of Global Eye and Four Brothers Wine in Los Olivos. The electric mini coffee truck focuses on Central Coast roasters like Dart Coffee Co. and Dune Coffee Roasters. Chef Clark Staub’s new FULL OF LIFE FLATBREADS truck—a refurbished 1952 Chevy cab-over—offers a mobile version of the beloved Los Alamos eatery, firing up fresh artisanal breads and flatbreads loaded with locally sourced ingredients like whole-milk mozzarella, roasted mushrooms, and caramelized onions. Also available for “field bakes” for private events, the Full of Life truck will be cooking up a storm this fall, with a schedule of ticketed dinners, including “In the Heart of Harmony,” Table & Vine Supper Club’s family-style meal in the tiny town of Harmony (September 30), and an Outstanding in the Field dinner with Lompoc’s Ampelos Cellars (November 1). And don’t miss Nicholas Priedite’s moveable feast behind Bell’s in Los Alamos at his eponymous PRIEDITE BARBECUE pop-up. The budding pit master is celebrated for his modern take on old-school brisket, ribs, house-made ranchero sausage, and pulled pork, all of which he smokes over local oak.
Photographs by Elder Flat Farm, Collin Dewell; the petite fleet, Lacie Hansen, Neighbors Coffee Cart, Sara Prince; Priedite, @troxphotos (John Troxell).
Car Crazy!
The Montecito Motor Classic returns on October 10 with a fleet of rare and unique vehicles.
The Montecito Motor Classic returns on October 10 with a fleet of rare and unique vehicles.
“I love cars,” says Dolores Morelli Johnson, founder of the Montecito Motor Classic. Her absolute favorite—a rare white 1963 Rolls Royce—will be on display on October 10 at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, along with a cherry red 1967 Mustang, a 1956 Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupe, a “Rita Hayworth” concept car, and some 150 other jaw-dropping examples of automobile artistry. Entrants’ fees go to support the Santa Barbara Police Activities League (SBPAL) and the 911 At Ease International foundation, while visitors attend free. Start your engines!
Written by Joan Tapper
Once Upon a Time
A sleeping beauty awakens
A sleeping beauty awakens
The Falls; The Inn’s oak-shaded suite entrances
Buellton’s ZACA CREEK, which slumbered for nearly two decades, has reawakened as a romantically reimagined mini-resort with THE TAVERN and THE INN. The former, an on-site restaurant and bar helmed by executive chef and James Beard House alum Cullen Campbell, is anchored by fresh organic ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen—menu musts include barbecued Winfield Farm Mangalitsa pork collar; Sunrise Farms whole lettuce salad with Scribe Verjus dressing; and ahi crudo with basil, cara cara oranges, and peanuts—and a bar program that highlights bourbons, ryes, and regional tequilas and mezcals. Meanwhile, The Inn at Zaca Creek is perfect for pampered overnighters or property buyouts. Six individualized guest suites, accessed through hand-carved alder-wood doors with contactless key-code entry, boast rustic stonework, majestic bath areas with rainfall showers and deep soaker tubs, and curated lighting that focuses on ornamental headboards and accent pieces. Inn and private event guests receive exclusive use of The Falls, where cascading waterfalls and a sparkling, cabana-lined bio-lagoon invite luxurious wine-country lounging. 1297 Jonata Park Rd., Buellton, 805-688-2412, ZACA-CREEK.COM. A.F.S.
Photographs: Facade, Danielle Honea Photography; Interior and Escargot, Michelle Ramirez Photography; bar and bio-lagoon, Lena Britt Photography.
Take a Bow
What’s next for Santa Barbara’s celebrated winemaker Greg Brewer
What’s next for Santa Barbara’s celebrated winemaker Greg Brewer
Written by Gabe Saglie | Photography by Jeremy Ball
Winemaker Greg Brewer believes his latest honor— “Winemaker of the Year,” bestowed by Wine Enthusiast Magazine—belongs to the entire Santa Barbara wine community. “Through my entire career, everything I’ve learned, my inspiration, the nurturing, all the dynamics—they’re all from Santa Barbara,” he says. “I am this place.” Notably, his win marks the first nod for a county vintner in the award’s 21-year history.
Brewer pours a glass of 2015 Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
The 51-year-old Brewer, who gained fame as Melville’s winemaker for almost 20 years, though 2015, launched the celebrated Brewer-Clifton label in 1996 with then-business partner Steve Clifton; he sold it to Jackson Family Wines in 2017 but stayed on as winemaker. He also makes acid-driven Chardonnays for the Diatom brand and cool-climate Syrahs for Ex Post Facto. A 120-acre Sta. Rita Hills vineyard dubbed Perilune, whose development he’s spearheading, will begin producing its first Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vintages this year.
Music to Our Ears
The epic return of live music
Los Lobos
The epic return of live music
Written by Josef Woodard
Santa Barbara’s historically vibrant live music calendar is a healthy multiheaded beast that is finally emerging from an extended, frustrating hibernation period. As pandemic restrictions and fears lift (be sure to still check your local venue for the latest updates), venues and touring schedules are reopening this autumn, not a moment too soon for music-hungry hordes of varied tastes and ages.
Typically, the SANTA BARBARA BOWL season runs from April through October, but the cherished amphitheater, which went dark in 2020 and half of this season, is packing in a dense program in just two months. A few of the notable evenings: John Legend (9/16), My Morning Jacket (9/23), Foreigner Orchestral (10/2), Van Morrison (10/3), Wilco (10/20), Willie Nelson & Family (10/21), Phish (10/26), and Glass Animals (10/27 and 28).
The Santa Barbara Bowl - Photo: AArthurFisher.com
The historic LOBERO THEATRE’s fall slate, still subject to change and expansion, includes The Wallflowers (9/8), a two-night stand from great American band Los Lobos (10/7 and 8), and savory, celebrated jazz artists (Pat Metheny Side-Eye, 9/29, and veteran Montecitan Charles Lloyd, 10/16) in this famously jazz-friendly room.
UCSB ARTS & LECTURES, a bold, multifaceted player in the local cultural-musical scene, hosted last season’s robust virtual season. Now they go public, in real time and space. One of the many upcoming offerings, at press time: The Wood Brothers at the Granada (10/12).
CAMA (Community Arts Music Association), connecting Santa Barbara to the international classical music world for 100-plus years, won’t launch its current season until January but is presenting mandolinist Avi Avital with Les Violons du Roy, at the Lobero this fall (10/19).
Two classical music organizations bravely made their way through the last season’s challenges, with SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY's masked orchestra concerts in the Granada Theater and OPERA SANTA BARBARA's game “drive-in” opera productions. They’re back, with live audiences invited. The Symphony presents Kismet, joined by State Street Ballet (10/23 and 24) and a program called “Royal Fireworks,” with guest conductor Nicholas McGegan (11/13 and 14). Opera Santa Barbara offers a premiere in the Granada, the mariachi operetta Cruzar la Cara de la Luna (10/1 and 3) and a double-header of Puccini’s Il Tabarro and De Falla’s El amor brujo (10/29 and 31), in the Lobero.
Glass Animals
CAMERATA PACIFICA kept its chamber music audience engaged for more than a year with YouTube concerts from its archives. The group kicks off this season’s in-person events in the Music Academy’s Hahn Hall (10/8), with a second program (11/19).
SOhO, long Santa Barbara’s premiere showcase club, was shuttered for 15 months. It returns to live action in September. Its calendar includes Venice (9/12), Willie Watson (9/19), cover band Grateful Shred (10/26), and top-drawer acoustic guitarist sets via the Santa Barbara Acoustic Music Association—Luca Stricagnoli (10/17) and Laurence Juber (10/24).
Willy Nelson photograph by Pamela Springsteen
See the story in our digital edition
Seaside Debut
To kick off Santa Barbara Magazine’s summer issue and newly redesigned look, guests gathered at the Rosewood Miramar Beach’s private residence for croquet and canapés. With decor and design from Bon Fortune Events and a cheerful rose and rosé cart courtesy of Rose Story Farm and Margerum Wine, friends of the magazine sipped and mingled under the palms at Miramar’s luxe slice of paradise. J.B.K.