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
Feast Your Eyes
A plethora of not-to-miss museum and gallery reopenings and shows
A plethora of not-to-miss museum and gallery reopenings and shows
Written by L.D. Porter
If you’re wandering downtown, be sure to stop by Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery (sullivangoss.com) to experience Organic, a dynamic group show by local artists whose work combines traditional craftmanship with natural materials. At Colette Cosentino Atelier + Gallery (colettecosentino.com) you can soak up the talents of its namesake owner, a decorative painter whose bespoke murals are coveted. Nearby, at the top of Paseo Nuevo mall, the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (mcasantabarbara.org) is ground zero for what’s happening now in the art world. Artist Shana Moulton’s The Invisible Seventh is the Mystic Column multimedia exhibition is on view until August. Closer to the beach, REH GraySpace Art (grayspaceart.com) in the Funk Zone celebrates summer with Accession, a group show of women abstractionists curated by MOAH Lancaster’s Andi Campognone. The Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College (gallery.sbcc.edu) is known for its innovative exhibitions. Although the space is shuttered during the summer, artist Muna Malik’s spectacular mirrored boat sculpture remains visible to campus-goers from the gallery’s outside terrace. Home to one of the most important architecture and design archives in North America, UC Santa Barbara’s Art, Design & Architecture Museum (museum.ucsb.edu) is a resource for students and the wider Santa Barbara community.
Summer exhibitions are viewable online; in-person programming will resume this fall. Starting in July, Westmont College’s Ridley-Tree Museum of Art (westmont.edu/museum) will be highlighting Towards a 21st Century Abstraction, the work of eight painters who push abstraction into new territory. Coast Village Road is paradise for art lovers. Visit Caldwell Snyder Gallery (caldwellsnyder.com), for artist Kenton Nelson’s show, A Day at the Beach. At Cassandria Blackmore Gallery (cassandriablackmore.com) you can meet the artist in person and enjoy her luminous shattered-glass paintings (known as verre églomisé) in a pristine white setting. A few steps farther, at Heather James Fine Art (heatherjames.com), a tempting blue-chip selection of artworks awaits. Feast your eyes on works by Monet, van Gogh, Calder, Frankenthaler, Warhol, and many more. While perusing Peregrine Galleries (peregrine.shop) and its offerings of vintage California plein-air paintings, you’ll be tempted to try on some fabulous vintage Chanel, Bakelite, Native American, early Taxco, and Georg Jensen jewelry. Montecito’s Upper Village is home to Stewart Fine Art (diane-stewart.squarespace.com), an inviting gallery full of summer offerings includes landscapes by early California artists who worked in Europe, alongside rare works by acclaimed artist Roger Kuntz (1926-1975) from his Goodyear blimp series, circa 1970. The Ojai Valley is a haven for art, and a great place to experience it is at Porch Gallery (porchgalleryojai.com), a converted historic home in downtown Ojai. A joint show, Molly Larkey and Brian Wills: Selected Works, pairs colorful work by two Los Angeles-based artists. Starting July 22 works on paper by artist John Millei will take center stage. Don’t miss canvas and paper (canvasandpaper.org), a serene nonprofit exhibition space where paintings from the early 20th century by French cubist Jean Metzinger are on view through July, followed by a group show of paintings by Milton Avery, Jean Lurçat, and Ángel Zárraga. Always on the cutting edge, Ojai’s Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation (carolynglasoebaileyfoundation.org) celebrates California-based Zapotec textile artist Porfirio Gutiérrez with a solo exhibition, Continuous Line, Linea Continua. Rare etchings by Dutch Master Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669) are on view this summer at the Elverhøj Museum (elverhoj.org) in Solvang, part of Legacy of Decency: Rembrandt, Jews & Danes, an exhibition combining the painter’s work with displays about the Danish resistance during World War II. Solvang’s Wilding Museum (wildingmuseum.org) is a dynamic arts destination whose summer exhibitions include Bio/Mass: Contemporary Meditations on Nature, featuring artists who create work in series.
Photographs by Sara Prince, Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, Liz Fish; Cassandria Blackmore, Sam Frost
Unveiling the Muse
Our community’s grande dame, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, is home to 27,000 artworks
Written by L.D. Porter
Our community’s grande dame, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, is home to 27,000 artworks, including classical antiquities, masterpieces of French impressionism, Latin American art, Asian art, and photography. A five-year renovation project—designed by Kupiec Architects PC and constructed by Diani Building Corp.—has transformed the original 1912 structure and its majestic Ludington Court (named for founding member and generous donor Wright S. Ludington) with newly refurbished gallery spaces and unseen, but important, improvements to preserve the museum’s impressive collection for future generations of art lovers. 1130 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-963-4364, . sbma.net.
SBMA rendering, Kupiec Architects PC.
Cardio, Coffee + Cocktails
Did we get your attention? If you’re like us, that would be a fitness fantasy (okay, during the last year it was mostly the latter), but for Nora Tobin—personal trainer, wellness spokesperson, and now luxury-rejuvenation-retreat headliner—this is a mantra for healthy longevity.
Nora Tobin’s Rejuvenation Retreats are hosted at five-star hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and private estates
Nora’s Naturals coffee is grown in the Finca Isabel mountain range and roasted in Montecito
Did we get your attention? If you’re like us, that would be a fitness fantasy (okay, during the last year it was mostly the latter), but for Nora Tobin—personal trainer, wellness spokesperson, and now luxury-rejuvenation-retreat headliner—this is a mantra for healthy longevity. Tobin, who can be found weekly on her IG live workouts (@noratobin) including yoga and meditation, has paired with The Ritz-Carlton for tony three- to five-day escape packages (from $1,800) that include an a.m. start with her namesake natural antioxidant-rich coffee and partnerships with Casa Dragones tequila for happy-hour stress-relief workshops. Client Kathy Freston, vegan advocate and New York Times best selling author, affirms Tobin’s unique appeal: “What I like most about her programs and overall style is that she’s not a drill sergeant. She gives you that big push cloaked in kindness.” noratobin.com. G.T.
Photographs: Beach, Kristen Jordan; Coffee, Kennedy Williams.
Ride bikes to Sweet Wheel Farms, 805-770-3677, sweetwheelfarms.com, in Summerland for farmer’s veggies, fresh salsa, and their unreal scones and zucchini muffins to take to Padaro Beach.
Grab picnic items from Pierre Lafond, 805-565-1504, montecitoshopping.com, for a stand-up paddle session at Butterfly Beach.
Sprint workout at East Beach then treat ourselves to ricotta pancakes at Jeannine’s Montecito, 805-969-0088, jeannines.com.
Tennis lessons with Jeff Thompson at Knowlwood Tennis Club, 805-969-0815, knowlwood.club.
Don’t Miss
Installation artist Bruce Munro has added to his fiber-optic Field of Light in Paso Robles
Installation artist Bruce Munro has added to his fiber-optic Field of Light in Paso Robles. Nestled into a hillside at the edge of the 15-acre site are 69 Light Towers, each made of 252 wine bottles (in homage to local vineyards), with filaments that turn the luminescent forms into colorfully mutable jewels. 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles, 805-226-4287, sensoriopaso.com. J.T.
AM to PM
As terrace hopping becomes Santa Barbara’s new favorite ritual, a noteworthy collection of cafés and cocktail bars are helping make transitioning from day to night a pleasure
As terrace hopping becomes Santa Barbara’s new favorite ritual, a noteworthy collection of cafés and cocktail bars are helping make transitioning from day to night a pleasure
Written by Ninette Paloma | Photographs by Blake Bronstad
In the eastside enclave known as the Haley Corridor, refreshing morning brews are dispensed from a keg at Low Pigeon (lowpigeon.com); their signature Dirty Bird Espresso blend makes for a smooth entry into the day. When the sun sets, the rustic and candlelit interior of The Mill comes to life, and in an unmarked corner of this hip warehouse space, Lab Social speakeasy (lab-social.business.site) beckons the adventurous. Let award-winning mixologist Sean Sepulveda shake up your evening with a Spanish Mule, made with 10-year-old brandy, a sangria-reduction syrup perfumed with citrus and apples, and a splash of ginger beer and chocolate bitters.
For Southern France vibes, head to the Funk Zone and order up a June Bug from Dart Coffee Co. (dartcoffeeco.com) before settling into their tranquil, garden terrace. The latte layered with Peruvian espresso, creamy oat milk, and a swirl of fragrant lavender syrup is the perfect accompaniment to a morning among the butterflies. Come nighttime, follow the pulsating sounds of mambo to Test Pilot (testpilotcocktails.com), where Cuban and Jamaican rums fortify cocktails using fresh fruit and house-made syrups. Try the Thai Iced Tiki with coconut, passion-fruit pearls, and a kick of Caribbean allspice.
In the Historic Theatre District nothing whispers oasis quite like the new outpost of Cajé Coffee Roasters (caje.coffee), where wicker loungers and a gurgling fountain lull the downtown crowd into Santa Barbara serenity. Order the Bella Rose—a matcha latte dream swirling with pomegranate-juice ice cubes, strawberry elderflower syrup, and a sprinkle of beet powder and rose petals—and watch the sun’s rays dance around the courtyard’s archways. When cocktail hour strikes, float down to La Paloma Cafe (lapalomasb.com), an iconic gathering place for Old Spanish Days revelers in the 1940s. Once led by three generations of women (and later the locals’ favorite Paradise Café), La Paloma has a new proprietor in Sherry Villanueva, who celebrates the history of this corner spot with innovative twists on regional classics. Sink into a chair on the cobblestoned terrace and order their namesake La Paloma—a refreshing grapefruit, tequila, and champagne dazzler served up by the pitcher until the moon rises over the Santa Ynez mountains.
The Great Outdoors
Adventures await on land and sea, by foot, on horseback, and more
A trail ride with Los Padres Outfitters may lead to Pacific panoramas
Adventures await on land and sea, by foot, on horseback, and more
Get your nature fix at the 9,000-acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area (countyofsb.org/parks/cachuma.sbc), where the daytime possibilities include boating and fishing, hiking, picnicking, lake cruises, and birdwatching. Or settle in for the night at a tent campsite, cabin, or yurt. Summer is prime humpback whale-watching season in the Santa Barbara channel, and a trip on the comfy Condor Express (condorexpress.com) is the way to see them, along with blue whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, otters, and a wealth of birds. Hiking trails (montecitotrailsfoundation.info) lace Santa Barbara County’s front and back country. Along with favorites like Inspiration Point, Nojoqui Falls, and the Hot Springs and Cold Spring canyons, there are countless routes of varying difficulty. Just outside Ojai, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area (casitaswater.org/recreation) welcomes campers, boaters and fishermen, hikers and bikers, picnickers, birdwatchers (there are more than 160 species of birds to watch), and disc golf aficionados.
There’s a café and park store, too. Horseback riding along the beach, a trail ride in the hills—Los Padres Outfitters (lospadresoutfitters.com) has you covered with veteran guides and years of experience. The company also can arrange ranch barbecues, special event excursions, and overnight pack trips. Beginning and experienced kayakers alike will find the perfect excursion at the Santa Barbara Adventure Company (sbadventureco.com). Harbor paddles, coastline jaunts, and sea cave explorations in Channel Islands National Park are all possibilities, along with surf and stand-up paddle board lessons. The natural landscape is the star at the 78-acre Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (sbbg.org), with more than 1,000 plants, trees, and flowers. Paths wind through sections of redwoods, woodlands, meadows, and desert plants; the sweeping coastal views are a bonus.
In January 2021 BCycle (bcycle.com) inaugurated an electric bike-share program in Santa Barbara, with 250 bikes and 500 docks on State Street and the East and West Sides, with more projected soon for the waterfront and beyond. Hop on for 30-minute stints or try monthly or annual memberships. Typically Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (sbpolo.com) games and tournaments are held on weekends from spring to the beginning of October and open to the public. This summer’s schedule, however, is subject to state and county health regulations. Contact the club for up-to-date information. The mantra at Santa Barbara Sailing Center (sbsail.com) is “get out onto the water.” That means kayaking and stand-up paddle board rentals, boat charters (including the Floater, which can power to the Channel Islands in 45 minutes), and dockside cuisine by Loquita followed by a sunset sail. You too can learn to fly through the air with the Santa Barbara Trapeze Company (flytrapezesantabarbara.com), which offers daily classes and workshops for both would-be and practiced aerialists, plus summer camp for kids in their new Plaza Vera Cruz location. J.T.
Photographs: Los Padres Outfitters, Lizard’s Mouth, and Mollusk: Sara Prince, Santa Barbara Trapeze Company, Sara Prince; Field of Light, Chris Hardy.
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Sun Shine
Shades of yellow make for brighter days ahead
Shades of yellow make for brighter days ahead
Model Stella Peters, photographed by Stuart Wieten at Santa Claus Beach, wears the Brigitte bikini by Solid & Striped. Surfboard by Davenport Surfboards.
1. Wink Face Bucket canvas tote, $168, Kule. 2. Business & Pleasure striped cotton beach towel, $69, Upstairs at Pierre Lafond. 3. Gradient square sunglasses, $405, Fendi. 4. 14-karat yellow gold and diamond happy face eternity bracelet, $10,000, Sydney Evan. 5. Lightweight canvas nylon jacket, $1,800, Gucci. 6. Natalie Martin silk maxi dress, $348, Wendy Foster. 7. Le bob Artichaut large brim bucket hat, $130. Jacquemus. 8. Sienna leather sandal, $430, Birkenstock. 9. Breitling Endurance Pro watch, $3,150, Bryant & Sons.
Photography by Stella Peters, Stuart Wieten
Ciao, Bella
It’s officially last call for all local So de Mel swimwear fans as our own Girl from Ipanema is trading our sunny beaches for chic Italian ones.
So De Mel’s tropical retreat on Coast Village Road.
It’s officially last call for all local So de Mel swimwear fans as our own Girl from Ipanema is trading our sunny beaches for chic Italian ones. After 30 years in Santa Barbara, Brazilian designer Sonia de Mello will be moving across the pond to continue her design career from the Italian Riviera. Her tropical showroom in Montecito will close end of July, but you can still find her sublime suits at Upstairs Pierre Lafond and Bonita Summerland. sodemel.com.
Photography - Blue Gabor,
Model - Charlotte Hodges
New Pastorals
Dior celebrates summer in Santa Barbara with its Dioriviera takeover at the Rosewood Miramar Beach
Dior celebrates summer in Santa Barbara with its Dioriviera takeover at the Rosewood Miramar Beach
Actor/dancer Melissa Barrera wears a Dior Dioriviera swimsuit, $880, and hat, price upon request. Dioriviera umbrella, price upon request.
Dioriviera deck chair, $1,200.
Summer essentials such as skateboards, visors, parasols, and fans—all covered in scenic Toile de Jouy motifs—highlight the Dioriviera takeover of two bungalows at the Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel in Montecito. The pop-up boutique, open through September 6, houses Maria Grazia Chiuri’s summer capsule of raspberry, black, or chartreuse women’s ready-to-wear; accessories; and D-Connect sneakers, espadrilles, and mules for the French fashion house. Dior’s elegant patterns, woven throughout the collection, elevate everyday objects and resort mainstays, even beach chairs, into instant heirlooms. There are also book totes and Lady D-Lite and Caro bags. The bold colors, an early nod to the house’s fall palette, enliven beach games and hammocks, plus a limited-edition customizable Vespa 946. 1759 S. Jameson Lane, Montecito, 805-900-8388, DIOR.COM.
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Dior: Photography by Emman Montalvan. Fashion Direction by Samantha Traina. Location: Bellosguardo Foundation, Santa Barbara. Hair by Clayton Hawkins at A-Frame Agency. Makeup by Lilly Keys at A-Frame Agency.
Family Fun
Los Olivos Lemons, the charming lemonade cart from God’s Country Provisions.
A curious ostrich at OstrichLand USA in Buellton
Must-try activities in and around town for kids of all ages
Santa Ynez’s Folded Hills Farmstead invites guests to feed their friendly animals (from goats and piglets to llamas) and grab some organic produce to take home. 2323 Old Coast Hwy, Gaviota, 805-694-8086, FOLDEDHILLS.COM.
OstrichLand USA is home to more than 100 ostriches and emus that roam the Solvang ranch. 610 E Hwy 246, Solvang, 805-686-9696, OSTRICHLANDUSA.COM.
For little equestrians, SB Party Ponies offers group and private horsemanship lessons at Modoc Riding Ring, as well as pony or miniature horse visits for parties. 805-335-0538, SBPARTYPONIES.COM.
Of course, there’s always the Santa Barbara Zoo—unique in its proximity to the ocean—with more than 500 animals housed across 30 acres. 500 Ninos Dr., Santa Barbara, 805-962-5339, SBZOO.ORG.
All net proceeds from The Elephant Project plushies benefit nonprofits that aid and protect the animal. THEELEPHANTPROJECT.COM.
Adventurers can rent an electric Moke car from Santa Barbara’s Wheel Fun Rentals or Solvang’s Moke Experience. 805-650-7770, WHEELFUNRENTALS.COM; 1510 Mission Dr., Solvang, 866-523-6653, MOKEXP.COM.
At Lighthouse Skate Shop, stock up on gear before hitting the half-pipe at Skater’s Point nearby. 16B Helena Ave., 805-770-3042, Santa Barbara, LIGHTHOUSESB.COM.
Head to A-Frame or Surf Happens in Carpinteria for private surf lessons or kids’ summer surf camp. 3785 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, 805-684-8803, AFRAMESURF.COM; 3825 Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, 805-966-3613, SURFHAPPENS.COM.
Don’t miss the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s summer exhibit of surfboards, paintings, and historic photos. 113 Harbor Way, Ste. 190, Santa Barbara, 805-962-8404, SBMM.ORG.
Lil’ Toot provides narrated boat rides between the S.B. Harbor and Stearns Wharf, as well as private birthday parties. 237 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, 805-465-6676, CELEBRATIONSANTABARBARA.COM.
Hit up the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and its Sea Center for a close-up look at the wonders of the ocean. 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, 805-682-4711; 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, 805-962-2526, SBNATURE.ORG.
Endless interactive exploration awaits at the MOXI science museum. 125 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-770-5000, MOXI.ORG.
When hunger strikes, hit up the Scoop Shop at Rosewood Miramar Beach for burgers and gelato. 1759 S. Jameson Ln., Montecito, 805-900-8388, ROSEWOODHOTELS.COM.
God’s Country Provisions’ donuts and small-batch lemonade from their Los Olivos Lemons stand always hit the spot. 252 E. Highway 246, Ste. C Buellton, 805-691-9222; 2902 San Marcos Ave. D, 805-691-9222, Los Olivos, GODSCOUNTRYPROVISIONS.COM.
And be sure to stop by the new Coco-Belle Cabana at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn to shop stylish summertime ensembles for the kids. 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-7788, @COCOBELLELOSOLIVOS.
Written by Anush J. Benliyan
Photographs by OstrichLand, Elephant Project, Folded Hills, and Moke cars, Sara Prince. SB Zoo, Sheri Horiszny. SB Party Ponies, Los Olivos Lemons, Lighthouse, and Coco-Belle, Sara Prince.