A VISITOR GUIDE TO
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
www.santamaria.com
SANTA MARIA PUBLIC AIRPORT DISTRICT
Welcome to the
Radisson Hotel Santa Maria
Come for the golf….Stay for the wine! Located adjacent to the Santa Maria Airport and midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Radisson Hotel Santa Maria is the ideal destination for your business trip or leisure getaway. Hotel Features Newly renovated hotel 184 guest rooms including 11 suites Large heated pool and fitness room Atrium Bistro and Vintner’s Bar and Grill Meeting Facilities & Services The perfect location for conferences, training seminars and social events!
3455 Skyway Drive Santa Maria, CA 93455 805-928-8000 www.radisson.com/santamaria RESERVATIONS WORLDWIDE www.radisson.com 800-333-3333
SANTA MARIA
2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide • 1
Inside
SMVCC
Welcome to the Santa Maria Valley
3
A Valley Rich in History
4
MAP & Mileage
5
Quick Hits from the Highway
6
Best BBQ in the West
8
World-Class Wine Country
9
Award Winning Wines & Artisan Brews 10 Strawberries Rule The world
12
Digging For Sphinxes
13
Room to Roam
14
Arts & Culture
18
Having Fun in Santa Maria
22
See What Santa Maria is Up To
24
So Many Reasons to Stay Over
26
Savor A Bite In Santa Maria
28
Distinctive Event Venues
30
Happy to Help You Plan
31
Getting Here
32
PHOTO CREDITS Pg. 2 Mel Felix, Pg: 6 David Woodruff 2nd Pic , Luis Escobar 4th Pic, Pg: 7 Julius Reuter 1st pic, Katherine Belarmino 3rd Pic, David Woodruff 4th Pic, Pg. 8 Bill Ruiz 2nd Pic, Pg: 9 Kirk Irwin 1st pic, Luis Escobar 2nd Pic, Pg: 10 Mel Felix 2nd and 3rd Pic, Luis Escobar 6th Pic, Pg. 11 Presqu’ile 1st Pic, SMVCC 2nd Pic, Tres Hermanas 3rd Pic, Pg. 13 Dunes Center, Pg. 15 Luis Escobar 1st pic, SMVCC 2nd Pic, Pg. 16-17 Kirk Irwin, Pg. 18 Luis Escobar, Pg. 20 Katherine Belarmino, Pg. 25 G. Starowicz , Pg. 31 SMVCC,Pg 32 Gina Keough.
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Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce
Visitor & Convention Bureau
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau 614 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454 Phone: (800) 331-3779 Phone: (805) 925-2403 Fax: (805) 928-7559 info@santamaria.com www.santamariavisitor.com Facebook: Visit Santa Maria Valley Twitter: Visit Santa Maria PUBLISHED BY:
Golden Gate Media Group ADVERTISING SALES David Carrillo (909) 224-8167 Graphic Artists: Yuki Akechi Mark D Orozco II Guadalupe Rodriguez Editorial Mooncatcher Communications Gina Keough The information in this Visitors Guide was gathered and carefully compiled to insure maximum accuracy. Golden Gate Media Group cannot guarantee the correctness of all information furnished them, nor the complete absence of errors or omissions, hence, no responsibility for the same can be, nor is, assumed. Reproduction of any material Printed or Transmitted Electronically from this publication is strictly forbidden without written permission from the publisher. © 2016 Golden Gate Media Group, San Pedro, California 90732.
Welcome to the Santa Maria Valley
Where legendary local fare, stunning wines and small-town hospitality converge on
California’s Central Coast.
Sunset Magazine recently declared us “The West’s Best BBQ Town,” confirming Santa Maria Style Barbecue as one of the nation’s top regional barbecue styles. But our tasty attractions don’t end there. Incomparable Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays; world-famous strawberries; breathtaking coastal dunes; mild weather and one of California’s most seasoned theater scenes…It’s all here, and more. Take the unbeaten path and discover northern Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, where genuine people make their home in a distinctive land of food and wine. Glenn Morris President & Chief Executive Officer
Gina Keough Director Visitor & Convention Bureau
2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide • 3
A Valley Rich in History
T
he beginnings of Santa Maria Valley’s development date back to the adventurous era of Spanish land grants and ranchos. Before then, the sprawling terrain was solely home to the Chumash Indians who made their homes on the slopes of the surrounding hills in the shelter of the oaks and sycamores. After Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo arrived in the valley in 1542 and the Portola exploration party passed through in 1769, two sites were eventually chosen to the north and southwest for missions built by the Spanish church: Mission San Luis Obispo (1772) and La Purisima Concepcion (1787), both of which can be visited today. As the 19th century saw California gain statehood, the Santa Maria Valley blossomed as one of the most productive agricultural regions in the state. The area’s multi-ethnic population also grew as Swiss-Italian dairymen, and Filipino, Portuguese and Japanese farmers joined the already established English, Irish, Scottish and Mexican settlers. In 1837, Benjamin Foxen and his Chumash bride built a small adobe that still stands today near the San Ramon Chapel, which has been dedicated as County Landmark No. 1. The City of Santa Maria was incorporated in 1905 as the community hub of the Santa Maria Valley. The initial square mile of the town was donated by four of the Valley’s prominent settlers: Rudolph Cook, John Thornburg, Isaac Fesler and Isaac Miller, who farmed the land at the corners of Broadway and Main Streets. Oil was discovered in the Santa Maria Valley in 1904 near what is now Orcutt. When exploratory crews struck a huge gusher, they lovingly nicknamed it “Old Maud,” and for the next 80 years, the oil industry flourished. In 1928, Captain Hancock established a flying school that would grow into a major primary pilot training activity during World War II. Pilot graduates 4 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
from Hancock compiled an enviable record in World War II in all theaters of the war. After the war, the Hancock flight school was leased to the University of Southern California and used to support a four-year course of instruction towards an Aeronautics Degree. In 1954 the Santa Maria Junior College, now G. Allan Hancock Community College, purchased 40 acres of the airport site. Some original buildings from the airport are still in use as part of the college. The current Santa Maria airport, also named for Captain Hancock, was born from the necessity to train bomber pilots during World War II. The old air base became the present commercial airport, on
which the Santa Maria Valley Museum of Flight is now located. Today, the City of Santa Maria takes pride in its “business friendly” reputation. In addition to the established agriculture and retail mix, new industries such as aerospace, communications, high-tech research, energy production, military operations and manufacturing are on the rise. Tourism has also become an economic force as more people discover the local flavors, abundant recreation and natural splendors of the area. While the Santa Maria Valley always looks to its future, it forever remains proud of its past.
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Quick Hits from the Highway Not much time? Here are 10 favorite spots all within easy access of Highway 101 Enjoy Santa Maria Style Barbecue at The Far Western Tavern or at the Filipino Community Center Food Truck (weekends only at the Smart & Final on Broadway from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Whether you choose to enjoy a formal meal or just stop in to grab a tri-tip sandwich, you’ll be so glad you made the time to try our signature cuisine! (farwesterntavern.com).
Explore with your children at the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum a soaring 13,000-square-foot space of light and color where all ages interact, laugh and learn. Events are held weekly for kids of all ages and don’t miss the annual Kite Festival and SuperHero Fun Run. (www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org).
Savor famed Santa Maria strawberries at The Berry Stop located at the corner of Stowell Road and Highway 101. Available from spring through early fall, you can buy a basket, flat or ½ flat and enjoy our incredible berries right from your car as you travel along the freeway.
Traipse the grounds of the Historic Santa Maria Inn and view a guestbook signed by Hollywood legends. View the beautiful garden at this unique property, and then toast your good fortune in the Wine Cellar, where you will find an expansive array of Santa Barbara County vintages. (www.santamariainn.com).
Try award-winning Santa Maria Valley wines at the Costa de Oro Winery tasting room. Located right off Highway 101 at Stowell Road, you can enjoy live music in a great atmosphere during Friday Night Wine Downs, held year-round! (www.cdowinery.com).
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Birdwatch year-round at many Santa Maria Valley locales, including Los Flores Ranch Park, the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve and Oso Flaco Lake. Join us for the annual Christmas Bird Count! (www.lapurisimaaudubon.org).
Play at Boomers! Santa Maria with mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats and arcade games. Kids can test their skills on the rock climbing wall too! Everyone will enjoy the batting cages and the little ones can enjoy mini go-karts sized just for them. (www.boomersparks.com/santamaria).
Let poochie out! If you’re traveling with dogs, we’ve got two great dog parks – the Woof Pak Park at Waller Park and at the newly developed Orcutt Community Park off Clark Avenue. Walking trails, gated areas and more for you and your dog to enjoy, along with beautiful scenery and fresh air. www.countyofsb.org/parks.
Learn at the Natural History Museum of Santa Maria. Meet Santa Maria native animals, on display or in person. The first Saturday of every month, stop in to enjoy Live! At the Museum, where live animals are brought in for everyone to meet and learn about. Admission is free and donations are much appreciated. (www.naturalhistorysantamaria.com).
Watch nationally acclaimed shows at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre. Whether you prefer musicals, dramas, new works or the classics, you’ll find inspiring performances yearround, including two theatres in Santa Maria and under the stars in nearby Solvang. (www.pcpa.org).
2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide • 7
Best Barbecue in the West
S
anta Maria Style Barbecue is a way of life in Santa Maria Valley! Ask a local and they’ll likely tell you, “When I grew up everyone had a Santa Maria Style Barbecue grill of some sort in their backyard.” Indeed, in the Santa Maria Valley, almost every occasion involves grilling “Santa Maria Style.” The meal is such a regional flavor experience, that in the 1970s, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce actually trademarked the menu. Today Santa Maria is hailed as California’s Barbecue Capital, and it is celebrated far and wide by the likes of Chef Bob-
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by Flay, Sunset magazine, USA Today, Cooking Channel and others. This culinary heritage dates back to the mid-1800s, when local rancheros would host Spanish-style barbecues each spring for their vaqueros, or cowboys. From this tradition was born Santa Maria Style Barbecue, which is founded on local ingredients and methods, and which can be today enjoyed at numerous local restaurants. The signature cuts for Santa Maria Style Barbecue are top block sirloin and the triangular-shaped bottom sirloin known as “tri tip,” a cut that originated in the Santa Maria Valley. The meat is rolled in a mixture of salt, pepper and garlic salt just prior to cooking. The red oak—a species of oak native to the region—contributes to a hearty, smoky flavor. Once the meat is trimmed and sliced, the only condiment needed is fresh salsa. The traditional menu also includes French bread dipped in sweet melted butter, tossed green salad and slow-cooked pinquito beans, a small pink bean that is grown exclusively in the Santa Maria Valley. Call out, Enjoy it Here Numerous restaurants in the Santa Maria Valley specialize in Santa Maria Style Barbecue, including Shaw’s Steakhouse, the Far Western Tavern and The Hitching Post, all of which have been
owned by the same families for more than 50 years. You can also enjoy Santa Maria Style Barbecue foods to-go at local markets such as Woody’s Butcher Block and Old Town Market.
Visit the Official Santa Maria Style Barbecue Blog at www.santamariavalleybbq.com. The regularly updated blog features how-to videos, recipes and tips, as well as information on purveyors and restaurants that specialize in Santa Maria Style Barbecue. See complete restaurant listings on page 28-29
World-Class Wine Country
C
alled an “insider’s secret” by one leading wine critic, the Santa Maria Valley wine country, located in northern Santa Barbara County, has quietly emerged as one of California’s leading appellations for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other cool-climate varieties. The magic behind Santa Maria Valley wines is rooted in the region’s rare “transverse” geography, an east-to-west orientation that channels cool ocean air directly into the valley. The result is one of California’s longest growing seasons, which in turn ensures the development of complex, flavorful and exquisitely balanced grapes. Well-drained soils also contribute to exceptional fruit intensity and flavor concentration. Grapes were first planted in the area in the 1960s, but it was not until the 1970s that local wineries began to populate the valley and Santa Barbara County, leading to the region’s establishment as an American Viticultural Area in 1981. Of course, for visitors, part of the charm of the Santa Maria Valley is that it’s still a relatively uncrowded and intimate wine region, with winery tasting rooms tucked along picturesque country roads. Today, the area has a wide range of wine tasting rooms, wine bars, restaurants and wine shops. From longtime favorites like Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard and Winery’s famed wine caves and the Historic Santa Maria Inn’s Wine Cellar and Martini Bar, to Presqu’ile Winery’s state-of-the-art facili-
figmtnbrew.com) has opened a new taproom in Santa Maria. Don’t miss the scenic Foxen Canyon Wine Trail easily accessible from Highway 101 via the Stowell Road or Betteravia Road exits. This wine trail conveniently connects to the Santa Ynez Valley wine trail and other wineries in Northern Santa Barbara County. See complete winery listings and wine trail map on pages 10-11. ty and Ca’ Del Grevino Café & Wine Bar’s farm fresh offerings, there is much to be discovered. Craft Beer Making Waves in Santa Maria Valley Santa Maria Valley now sports its share of craft breweries, pubs and tasting rooms – all enjoying the growing population of “beer geeks” who are ever on the lookout for the latest in layered flavors and quality. The Santa Maria Brewing Company (www.santamariabrewingco.com) is expanding and on the move with tours and tasting available at its brewery in Santa Maria, while its Nipomo taproom offers lunch, dinner and live music. Shanty Irish Brewing Company (www. rooneysirishpub.net) is the in-house microbrew establishment at Rooney’s Irish Pub, a popular spot in Santa Maria’s Orcutt district. Orcutt is also home to Old Town Market (www.oldtownmarket.com), which boasts a wine, craft beer and microbrew section with unique and specialty import items. Meanwhile, Figueroa Mountain Brewery (www.
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Award Winning Wines & Artisan Brews
WiNe TasTiNg
Brucher & Golden Bear Winery www.brucherwinery.com (805) 347-8720 2115 S. Blosser Road, #118 Santa Maria, CA Byron Vineyard & Winery www.byronwines.com (805) 938-7365 2367 Alamo Pintado Avenue Los Olivos, CA
CORE Winery www.corewine.com (805) 937-1600 105 W. Clark Avenue Orcutt, CA Costa De Oro Winery www.cdowinery.com (805) 922-1468 1331 S. Nicholson Avenue Santa Maria, CA
Ca' Del Grevino Cafe' & Wine Bar www.grevino.com (805) 937-6400 400 E. Clark Avenue Orcutt, CA Ca' Del GreVino Vineyard www.grevino.com (805) 621-5889 2510 E. Clark Avenue Santa Maria, CA
Cottonwood Canyon Winery www.cottonwoodcanyon.com (805) 937-8463 3940 Dominion Road Santa Maria, CA
Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards www.llwine.com (805) 686-9336 1645 Copenhagen Drive Solvang, CA Lucia's Wine Co., Inc. www.lucias-wine-co.com (805) 332-3080 125 E. Clark Avenue Santa Maria, CA Martian Ranch & Vineyard www.martianvineyard.com (805) 344-1804 9110 Alisos Canyon Road Los Alamos, CA Nagy Wines www.nagywines.com (805) 286-7228 145 S. Gray Street, Ste. 103 Orcutt, CA
Cambria Winery & Vineyard www.cambriawines.com (805) 937-8091 5475 Chardonnay Lane Santa Maria, CA Casa Dumetz Wines/Babi's Beer Emporium www.casadumetzwines.com (805) 344-1900 388 Bell Street Los Alamos, CA
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Foxen Vineyard, Inc. www.foxenvineyard.com (805) 937-4251 7200 & 7600 Foxen Canyon Road Santa Maria, CA
Old Town Market www.oldtownmarket.net (805) 937-5619 405 E. Clark Avenue Orcutt, CA
The Wine Saloon in the 1880 Union Hotel www.unionhotelvictmansion.com (805) 344-2744 362 Bell Street Los Alamos, CA
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company http://www.figmtnbrew.com (805) 694-2252 560 E. Betteravia Road, Ste A Santa Maria, CA
Presqu'ile Winery www.presquilewine.com (805) 937-8110 5391 Presquile Drive Santa Maria, CA Tres Hermanas Vineyard & Winery www.treshermanaswinery.com (805) 937-8451 9660 Foxen Canyon Road Santa Maria, CA
Riverbench Vineyard & Winery www.riverbench.com (805) 937-8340 6020 Foxen Canyon Road Santa Maria, CA
Beer TasTiNg
Casa Dumetz Wines/Babi's Beer Emporium www.casadumetzwines.com (805) 344-1900 388 Bell Street Los Alamos, CA
William James Cellars www.williamjamescellars.com (805) 478-9412 130 N. Broadway, Suite A, Orcutt, CA
Old Town Market www.oldtownmarket.net (805) 937-5619 405 E. Clark Avenue Orcutt, CA Rooney’s Irish Pub www.rooneysirishpub.net (805) 934-3777 241 S Broadway Street, Ste. 101 Santa Maria, CA
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Strawberries Rule the World
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hile wine grapes are the Santa Maria Valley’s most glamorous crop, the agricultural crown in this diverse farming region belongs to strawberries, which remain the top-grossing crop in Santa Barbara County. Runners up include wine grapes, broccoli, cut flowers and head lettuce. Santa Maria Valley strawberries are renowned for their juicy, flavorful character. There is nothing like enjoying them fresh out of the field at local groceries, fruit stands, restaurants and farmers’ markets. The more than 10 strawberry varieties grown in the valley find their ultimate showcase each April during the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival at the Santa Maria Fairpark. This berry bash features strawberry varietal sampling, strawberry desserts, educational exhibits and old-fashioned carnival entertainment. Visit santamariafairpark. com Most of the Santa Maria Valley’s strawberry fields are replanted every year, a costly practice that produces a higher quality fruit and larger yields. Area farmers pride themselves on developing and utilizing new technology and techniques that allow them to produce larger crops and better berries, which are distributed nationally
and internationally. The region’s uniquely moderate coastal climate is a perfect match for this fragile berry, with warm winters and cool summers that support an extended growing season of up to 10 months per year.
Stop by Daren’s Berries, a roadside strawberry stand located on the corner of East Betteravia behind Pappy’s Restaurant, generally open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from mid-spring to early fall, www.darensberries.com. The Berry Stop located at the corner of Stowell Road and Highway 101 is another great berry resource. For a variety of locally grown produce and flowers visit Growing Grounds, a farmstand open on Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. on Lakeview Road. Santa Maria is also home to two Certified Farmers Markets. One is located at the Town Center West at the corner of Main and Broadway streets on Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the other happens in Orcutt on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (http://growinggroundsfarmsm. blogspot.com/), and Spencer’s Fresh Market (www.spencersfreshmarkets. com)
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Digging for Sphinxes
eads up! Has a whole different meaning in Santa Maria Valley’s Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, a national natural landmark. Indeed, The Dunes Center (www.dunescenter.org), an educational museum related to the landmark, displays sphinx heads (and bodies) that have been unearthed from the nearby beach dunes. These curiosities are Hollywood movie set remnants buried after movie director Cecil B. DeMille finished filming his 1923 silent film, “The Ten Commandments.” Many movies have been filmed in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, including the third installment of Disney’s “Pirates of The Caribbean”; 2004’s “Hidalgo”; 1997’s “G.I. Jane.”; “The Son of the Sheik,” starring Rudolph Valentino; “Morocco,” starring Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich; and “The Last Outpost,” starring Cary Grant. The Dunes Center lies west of Santa Maria in the small town of Guadalupe along scenic Highway 1. Here, visitors learn the story of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, which span 18 miles of shoreline with 1,400 individual species of flora and fauna, as well as numerous lagoons and lakes. The landmark’s awe-inspiring mountains of shifting sand comprise the larger of only two coastal dunes complexes in California. They also represent the highest beach dunes in the western United States. Exhibits at The Dunes Center highlight subjects such as the extraordinary biodiversity of the dunes; recovered
artifacts from DeMille’s City of the Pharaoh; and a short film on the history of the “Dunites”—an “eclectic group of freethinkers, artists, poets and mystics” who inhabited the dunes from the early 1900s to 1973. Another popular destination is the
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and Campgrounds located just to the north of the GuadalupeNipomo Dunes. It is the only state park in California where vehicles can be driven on the beach. (www.ohv.parks.ca.gov)
The three most popular dunes destinations are all easily accessible from the Dunes Center. Visitors wishing to drive straight to the oceanfront can take Main Street west into the heart of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. Nearby Oso Flaco Lake Road leads to a convenient parking area, from where
visitors can take a one mile stroll along a boardwalk through the dunes and to the beach. And those feeling even more adventurous can embark on an extensive hike across the dunes. Guided walks and hikes focused on varying themes are planned regularly.
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Room to Roam
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he Santa Maria Valley’s mild climate, wide-open spaces and diverse coastal ecosystem combine to offer virtually unlimited outdoor adventures, from birdwatching to beach walking, golfing to bicycling.
Stunning Open Space Equestrians, birders, mountain bikers and hikers are discovering Los Flores Ranch, a Santa Maria Valley park that offers 1,800 acres of open space and a range of stunning trails and vistas. Located eight miles south of Santa Maria on the east side of Highway 101 in the Solomon Hills, the park offers trails on existing dirt paths and paved roads that were originally created for oil and ranch operations. All equestrian and mountain biking routes are trail-based and low impact, and picnic areas are available to visitors. www.ci.santa-maria.ca.us/3083.shtml
Picturesque and Affordable Golf The golf courses of the Santa Maria Valley and adjacent areas are nearly as diverse as the local ecology, with everything from full-size public links to stunning resorts, beachfront fairways to greens with panoramic mountain views. Local rates are highly affordable by today’s standards. Add in the re14 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
gion’s amenable year-round weather and you have the makings of an unparalleled golfing experience. Several Santa Maria hotels offer special golf packages to make a visitor’s Santa Maria Valley golf experience all the more convenient and affordable. Visit www.santamariavisitor.com for local golf deals and packages.
Birding in the Valley The Santa Maria Valley is located in the heart of the Pacific Flyway, the path that migrating birds follow along the Pacific coastline of the United States and Mexico. According to one expert, “An energetic and persistent birder can identify well over 100 species of birds
in a single day around the Santa Maria Valley.” Birds endemic to the region include Ross’ Geese, Western Bluebirds, warblers, White Crowned Sparrows, Western Tanagers, yellow-billed magpies, egrets, chestnut-backed chickadees and others. Local vantages for excellent birdwatching include Waller Park, Preisker Park, Rancho Guadalupe Park, Pioneer Park, Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, Twitchell Reservoir, Point Sal and Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area. The Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau offers A Birder’s Guide to the Santa Maria Valley for $10, or visit lapurisimaaudubon.org.
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Foxen Vineyard 16 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
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Arts & Culture
T
he Santa Maria Valley is home to an abundance of performing arts and cultural experiences for the entire family.
Pacific Conservatory Theatre Actors from across America perform at Santa Maria’s nationally acclaimed Pacific Conservatory Theatre, which remains the only professional resident theater company on the Central Coast and stages the finest classic and contemporary live theater plays. Attendees enjoy three excellent venues: The 450-seat, thrust-stage Marian Theatre and the flexible-seating, studio-style Severson Theatre, both at Santa Maria’s Allan Hancock College Performing Arts Center, and the outdoor Festival Theater in nearby Solvang. PCPA distinguished alumni include Kathy Bates and Robin Williams. (www.pcpa.org).
Santa Maria Civic Theatre The Santa Maria Civic Theatre (www. smct.org), known as “the little theatre 18 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
off Broadway,” is the longest continuously running performance group of any community theater in the area between Ventura and Monterey, and is beloved for its range of comedy, drama and community outreach.
Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville Revue Sawdust-covered floors and folksy piano tunes greet guests at the Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville Revue (www.americanmelodrama. com) in nearby Oceano along scenic Highway 1. Known for its “boo and hiss” audience participation, this popular stop stages celebrated productions of great classic comedies, musicals and melodramas.
Santa Maria Museum of Flight Honoring Santa Maria’s steeped aviation history, the Santa Maria Museum of Flight invites visitors to wander through two hangars displaying a variety of planes, models, photos, memorabilia and exhibits from various
eras, including a restored F4 fighter jet that served in Vietnam and a 1929 Fleet biplane. (www.smmof.org)
Ninety-Nines Memorial Garden A newer park adjacent to the museum called the “Ninety-Nines Memorial Garden” celebrates women’s contributions to aviation. The museum also features several Hollywood movie props, including an H-1 Racer from The Aviator, a full-scale Wright glider from Winds of Kitty Hawk and an original wooden hangar from The Rocketeer. Each August the museum also hosts the popular “Thunder Over the Valley” air show.
Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum Children love the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum a soaring 13,000-square-foot space of light and color where children interact, laugh and learn. Here, whimsy and education collide by way of a “Mission to Mars” climbing wall; gardening station; tar pits
exploration center and other displays based on local agriculture, aerospace and environmental themes. (www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org).
Natural History Museum of Santa Maria Live animals and other curiosities regularly make their way to the Natural History Museum of Santa Maria.Here, a newly planted Native Garden includes an outdoor fossil dig area and nearby amphitheater. Monarch butterflies, beaver habitats, a bat barn and the Pacific Flyway are just some of the exhibits enjoyed by all ages. (www.naturalhistorysantamaria.com).
Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Since stumbling upon a cache of old Civil War letters in its basement, (including some written to and from President Abraham Lincoln!) the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum has been in the news. The museum possesses a treasure trove of photographs, artifacts and memorabilia related to everything from old-time
2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide • 19
local baseball leagues and dairy ranchers to Santa Maria Style Barbecue. The Santa Maria Valley’s Mission, Rancho and Pioneer periods are also covered here, as well as the Chumash Indian culture. (www.santamariahistory.com)
The Valley Art Gallery The Valley Art Gallery is a hub for artists and art lovers alike. The gallery specializes in everything from pottery, paintings and textiles to photography, jewelry and 3-D art. Here, vineyards, coastline, rolling hills and agriculture are just some of the local subjects depicted in a range of media by Central Coast artists, some of whom are nationally renowned. The gallery also maintains a satellite location of rotating exhibits at the Santa Maria Public Airport, where travelers waiting for a flight can enjoy scenes of the Central Coast and even purchase art as a souvenir. (http://thetowncentergallery.jigsy.com/)
Historic Santa Maria Inn The Historic Santa Maria Inn is an attraction in itself. Established in 1917, it still retains its classic turn-of-thecentury charm. Once a legendary hub for the Hollywood elite such as Charlie Chaplain, who would stay overnight enroute to Hearst Castle, the inn’s lobby still displays a guestbook that features famous signatures. The inn is also known for its cozy lounges including the Wine Cellar & Martini Bar and the Olde English Taproom. (www.santamariainn.com)
San Ramon Chapel Rolling vineyards and picturesque countryside are the setting for the San Ramon Chapel, a century-old church and cemetery where many of the area’s earliest settlers are at rest. Mass is celebrated still, every Sunday. The nearby Rancho Tinaquaic is the setting for Foxen Vineyard’s tasting room. English sea captain William Foxen purchased the rancho in 1837. He and his Spanish bride built an adobe on the property that remains today. 20 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
La Purisima Mission Historic State La Purisima Mission Historic State Park is the eleventh of the 21 Spanish missions established in what became California. The mission is located in Lompoc, about a 35-minute drive time from Santa Maria. Founded in 1787, it is the most completely reconstructed of all of the California missions. La Purisima takes visitors back to its 1820 heyday and features livestock and plants of that period including burros, four-horn “churro” sheep, horses, longhorn cattle, goats, swine, turkeys and geese. More than 37 rooms are restored and furnished while the 900 acres showcase the property’s original aqueduct, washing pools, pond and more than 12 miles of maintained hiking trails. Knowledgeable guides and “characters of the past” dressed as padres, soldiers and American Indians are frequently present on weekends. Other missions located nearby include Santa Barbara Mission, Santa Ines Mission, San Luis de Tolosa Mission and San Miguel Mission. (www.lapurisimamission.org)
2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide • 21
Having Fun in Santa Maria Boomers! Santa Maria Family entertainment featuring miniature golf, go-karts, video arcade and more! Event rooms are available for birthday parties and other festivities. 2250 N. Preisker Lane, Santa Maria (805) 928-4942 Central Coast Sports Arena This public skating rink is available for birthday parties and other events. Bring your family out to learn to skate or show off your best moves. 937 S. Thornburg Street, Santa Maria (805) 739-0920. Chuck E. Cheese Pizza parlor offering games, rides, activities and entertainment for kids of all ages. Space is available for birthday parties and other events. 2254 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria (805) 349-7071. Coldstone Creamery Ice Cream For more than 25 years Coldstone has served up the finest, freshest ice cream, cakes, smoothies and shakes using only the highest quality ingredients, and of course, their signature process of preparing your custom ice cream creation on a frozen granite stone. 4869 S. Bradley Road, Orcutt (805) 934-9545. Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab Don’t miss this authentic old fashioned ice cream parlor serving up original hand-crafted ice cream. They offer up classic ice cream flavors like their award winning Vanilla, as well as some crazy creations like “Elvis Special”, “Merlot-Raspberry Truffle” (made with real Central Coast wine – just a little) and the ever popular “Motor Oil” custom created for the Pismo Beach Car Show. Birthday party room and event catering services are available. 168 W. Clark Avenue, Old Orcutt (805) 614-7644. www.docburnsteins.com 22 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
Center East, Santa Maria (805) Edwards Santa Maria 332-3640 or (805) 354-0261. 10 Movie Theater Enjoy late runs and second runs at Hi-Way Drive In this venue. 1521 S. Bradley Road, Santa Load your family up in the car and Maria (844) 462-7342. enjoy a blast from the past at the Edwards Santa Maria Hi-Way Drive In movie theater. Watch Stadium 14 & RPX a double feature from the comfort of Located at the Santa Maria Town your car! Snack bar on the premises. Center, Santa Maria’s newest movie Call to hear a recording of what’s experience features state-of-the-art playing. 3170 Santa Maria Way, Santa entertainment. Amenities: reserved Maria (805) 937-3515 seating available, wheelchair accessible, listening devices, game Menchie’s room, party room, stadium seating If you are looking for a very family and digital projection. 100 Town friendly place to enjoy a snack, stop in Center East, Santa Maria (844) at Menchie’s, right off the 101 Freeway 462-7342. to enjoy a frozen yogurt. 2202 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria (805) 925-1255 Kickers Sports Arena Located in the Santa Maria Town Paul Nelson Aquatic Center Center Mall, this indoor soccer arena The aquatic center offers an is a great place to enjoy playing indoor Olympic-size competition pool, as soccer, futsal or futbol rapido with well as a recreational pool with a your family. Available for birthday fan-shaped zero-depth entryway. The parties and other events. 275 Town frog-shaped waterslide and water
umbrella play apparatuses are favorites for non-swimmers and children. Located at the Abel Maldonado Youth Center, this pool is the perfect atmosphere for pool parties. Open for recreational swim April-October. 600 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria (805) 925-0951, ext. 252.
Santa Barbara County Parks There are two county parks in Santa Maria that offer great playscapes for children and a wonderful space for your family to enjoy time together. Picnic tables and group seating/ barbecue areas are available at both sites. Visit www.countyofsb.org/parks. (805) 934-6146.
On Deck 2 Batting Cages Located in the Santa Maria Town Center, On Deck features indoor training for baseball and softball. Baseball speeds range from 35mph to 85mph. Slow/Fast Pitch softball speeds range from 25mph to 70 mph. All skill levels are welcome. Hitting and pitching instruction is available. 263 Town Center East, Santa Maria (805) 354-0870.
Skateboard Park – Fletcher Park This three-acre park offers a playground, covered picnic area with two barbecue pits and seating for small par-
ties, basketball court with a skate park nearby with ramps and a rock climbing apparatus. Learn more about other Santa Maria City Parks at www.cityofsantamaria.org. 2200 S. College Drive, Santa Maria (805) 925-0951, ext. 260.
The Pad Climbing Gym Get out of the car and get active at Santa Maria’s pad for climbing, yoga, weight room, kids’ fun and more! Part of SLO Op Climbing, LLC, a non-profit social club. 2399 A Street, Santa Maria (844) 254-6287.
One Way Board Shop The only indoor skate park on the Central Coast is located at the Santa Maria Town Center Mall. Open seven days a week, offering lessons, special events and more. 250 Town Center East, Santa Maria (805) 347-3323. Paintball at the Elks Unocal Event Center The Shack Paintball Field, a brand new paintball course located at the Santa Maria Elks-Unocal Event Center’s Gate 3, offers up the only legal paintball course in Santa Barbara County. 4040 S. Highway 101, Santa Maria (805) 737-9600 Rancho Bowl Featuring 32 newly remodeled lanes with couches and coffee tables, new LCD touch screen consoles with integrated cameras, 32 new LCD flat screen TVs, eight new 120-inch projector TVs and all new interactive bowling games and environments, Rancho Bowl is a family friendly atmosphere with fun for everyone. Birthday party rooms are available. Restaurant and lounge on the premises. 128 E. Donovan Road, Santa Maria (805) 925-2405.
The most extensive tile collection on the Central Coast 181 Tank Farm Rd. Ste. 140 San Luis Obispo
805.543.7600
2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide • 23
See What Santa Maria is Up To JANUARY 21 – MARCH 6 The 39 steps The great american Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499
29 – May 1
FEBRUARY 11 – March 6 The Pirates of Penzance PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313
12 – MARCH 6 relatively speaking Santa Maria Civic Theatre www.smct.org (805) 922-4442 MARCH 3 – 20 The glass Menagerie PCPA Theaterfest, Severson Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313
10 – April 24 a Dog’s Life The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499 12 Knights of Columbus Car show St. Louis de Montfort Church http://kofc11137.com/car-show/ (805) 878-1739
santa Maria elks rodeo & Parade Santa Maria Elks Recreation, Inc. www.elksrec.com (805) 925-4125 strawberry Festival Santa Maria Fairpark www.santamariafairpark.com (805) 925-8824
28 – June 12 across the river The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499 MAY 6 – 22 southern Hospitality Santa Maria Civic Theatre www.smct.org (805) 922-4442
27 – 29
APRIL 19 Family Kite Festival Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org (805) 928-8414
21 – May 8 richard iii PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313 23 Vintners’ Festival Santa Barbara County Vintners Association www.sbvintnersweekend.com (805) 688-0881
24 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
JUNE 2–5
16 – 26 The glass Menagerie PCPA Theaterfest, Solvang Festival Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313 16 – September 17 Under the Boarwalk The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499 22 – 25 shrek The Musical PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313 25 elks Car show Elks Lodge #1538 www.santamariaelks.com (805) 922-1538 30 – July 31 shrek the Musical PCPA Theaterfest, Solvang Festival Theater www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313
Cruisin’ Nationals West Coast Kustoms Car Club www.westcoastkustoms.com (951) 488-0413
JULY 13 – 17 santa Barbara County Fair Santa Maria Fairpark www.santamariafairpark.com (805) 925-8825
14 – September 18 a Witless rogue The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499
16 Bent axles Car show & BBQ Bent Axles Car Club www.bentaxles.net (805) 937-2247
9 – 25 Trying PCPa Theaterfest, severson Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313
16
10 all Ford Car show & swap Meet Santa Maria Ford A’s Club www.santamariamodelaclub.com (805) 598-8133
The Windmill Century Bike ride Tailwinds Bike Club of Santa Maria www.tailwindsofsantamariabc.org (909) 240-7093
21 – 30 sense and sensibility PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313 31 bon Festival Veteran's Memorial Cultural Building www.guadalupebuddhistchurch.org/ index.htm (805) 837-9027 AUGUST 5 – 21 sense and sensibility PCPA Theaterfest, Solvang Festival Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313
11 – 20 in The Heights PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313
16 – 17 Cruzin’ For Life Car show & Cruise Cruzin’ for Life www.cruzinforlife.net (805) 937-8008 22 – October 13 Trudy and the Beast The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499 23-25 Los alamos Old Days Los Alamos, CA www.losalamosvalleyolddays.com (805) 344-1144
OCTOBER 1
autumn arts Festival Santa Maria Recreation & Parks Dept. www.cityofsantamaria.org (805) 925-0951, ext. 260
7 Coreopsis golf Tournament Monarch Dunes Golf Course www.dunescenter.org (805) 343-2455 8 – 11 Celebration of Harvest Weekend Santa Barbara County Vintners Association. www.celebrationofharvest.com (805) 688-0881 30 Dia De Los Muertos Veteran's Memorial Cultural Building http://www.cityofsantamaria.org
Family owned for 45 years. Nestled in the foothills overlooking the Santa Maria Valley. 18 Hole Championship Golf Course
26 – Sept. 11 in The Heights PCPA Theaterfest, Solvang Festival Theater www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313 SEPTEMBER 2–4 santa Maria Open Tennis Tournament Central Coast Tennis www.centralcoasttennis.net (805) 937-3222
8 – 24 gidion’s Knot PCPA Theaterfest, Severson Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313
No Parallel fairways and scenic views. Great practice facilities and Restaurant.
1950 Highway 1, Santa Maria, CA, 93455 805-937-2019 | ranchomariagolf.com 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide • 25
So Many Reasons t0 Stay Over
Breakfast
Best Western Big America 1725 N. Broadway, Santa Maria 93454 (805) 922-5200 • 1-800-426-3213 • Fax: (805) 922-9865 www.bigamerica.com
Buckboard Motor Lodge 1620 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 925-8681 • Fax (805) 922-2960
Candlewood Suites 2079 N. Roemer Ct. Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 928-4155 • Fax: (805) 928-4154 www.candlewoodsuites.com
Days Inn 839 E. Main St, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 925-2551 • (800) 960-5211 • Fax (805) 349-0719 www.daysinn.com
Economy Inn 607 N. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 928-1924 • Fax (805) 349-7245
Edgewater Inn & Suites 280 Wadsworth, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 (805) 773-4811 • (888) 248-1354 • Fax (805) 773-5121 www.edgewater-inn.com 26 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
Dining
Event Facilities
RV/ Bus Parking
Pets
Breakfast
Dining
Event Facilities
RV/ Bus Parking
Pets
Fairfield Inn & Suites 2061 N. Roemer Ct. Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 925-8500 • FAX (805) 925-8055 www.fairfieldinnsantamaria.com
Historic Santa Maria Inn 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 928-7777 • 1-800-462-4276 • Fax: (805) 928-0418 www.santamariainn.com
Holiday Inn & Suites 2100 N. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 928-6000 • Fax: (805) 928-0356 www.holidayinn.com/santamariaca
Motel 6 South 1007 E. Main Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 922-4505 • Fax: (805) 928-4940 www.motel6.com
Oxford Suites 651 Five Cities Drive, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 (805) 773-3773 • Fax (805) 773-5177 www.oxfordsuitespismobeach.com
Quality Inn & Suites 210 South Nicholson Avenue, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 922-5891 • Fax: (805) 922-7821 www.qualityinn.com
Radisson Hotel Santa Maria 3455 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455 (805) 928-8000 • (866) 292-4676 • Fax: (805) 928-5251 www.radisson.com/santamariaca
SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel 2241 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 (805) 773-4608 • Fax (805) 773-4525 www.seacrestpismo.com
The 1880 Union Hotel 362 Bell Street, Los Alamos, CA 93440 (805) 344-2744 www.unionhotelvictmansion.com
Town & Country Inn 2250 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 925-2556 www.townandcountryinnsm.com
Travelodge Inn & Suites 1514 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 922-2123 • Fax: (805) 925-1523 www.travelodge.com
2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide • 27
Savor A Bite in Santa Maria
Hailed as California’s Barbecue Capital, the Santa Maria Valley offers an unparalleled regional flavor experience. Here, a variety of dining options, cafés, pubs, wine bars and bakeries abound, all surrounded by an abundance of locally grown produce and wines. 1880 Union Hotel 362 Bell St, Los Alamos (805) 344-2744 unionhotelvictmansion.com
Cielito Lindo Restaurant 1130 E. Clark Ave, #160, Orcutt (805) 938-7958 Cold Stone Creamery 4869 S. Bradley Rd, Orcutt (805) 934-9545 coldstonecreamery.com Craft Kitchen 380 Bell St, Los Alamos (805) 344-1900 facebook.com/babisbeeremporium Cugini’s Pizzeria & Trattoria 230 E. Betteravia, Santa Maria (805) 346-1777
Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream 168 W. Clark Ave, Orcutt (805) 614-7645 docburnsteins.com El Pueblito Restaurant 603 S. Blosser Rd, Santa Maria (805) 349-1088 El Toro Restaurant 1507 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 287-9591 El Toro Tortilleria II 1135 W. Main St, Santa Maria (805) 614-0027
Decker’s 381 Town Center W, Santa Maria (805) 346-6066
Far Western Tavern 300 Clark Ave, Orcutt (805) 937-2211 farwesterntavern.com
California Hot Dog Co. Waller Park, Waller Ln, Santa Maria (805) 260-0429
Del Taco 1565 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 925-1730 deltaco.com
Garden Room 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 928-7777 santamariainn.com
Ca’ Del Grevino Café & Wine Bar 400 E. Clark Ave, Orcutt (805) 937-6400 grevino.com
Denny’s Restaurant 1019 E. Main St, SM (805) 922-3153 dennys.com
Gina’s Piece of Cake SM Town Center, Santa Maria (805) 922-7866 ginaspieceofcake.com
Chuck E. Cheese 2254 S. Bradley Rd, Santa Maria (805) 614-6801 chuckecheese.com
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 2212 S. Bradley Ste D3, Santa Maria (805) 925-6600 dickeys.com
Happy Dayz Classic Diner & Car Hop 603 E. Main St, Santa Maria (805) 925-5556
Bob’s Well Bread 550 Bell St, Los Alamos (805) 344-3000 bobswellbread.com
28 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
Healthy But Good 1140 E. Clark #180, Orcutt (805) 937-6141 facebook.com/resolutionsnutrition
Niya Restaurant 205 E. Clark Ave, Orcutt (805) 332-3065 niyarestaurant.com
Healthy Habit Nutrition 540 E. Betteravia, Ste D, Santa Maria (805) 758-9247 facebook.com/healthyhabitwellness
Old Town Market 405 E. Clark Ave, Orcutt (805) 937-5619 oldtownmarket.net
Hitching Post 3325 Point Sal, Casmalia (805) 937-6151 hitchingpost1.com
Old Town Mexican Café 140 E. Clark Ave, Orcutt (805) 937-5000
Starry Sky Coffee 800 S. College (Student Ctr) Santa Maria (805) 348-3120 starryskycoffee.com
Olive Garden 1210 S. Bradley, Santa Maria (805) 922-8809 olivegarden.com
Straw Hat Pizza 1822 N. Broadway, Santa Maria (805)347-1942 strawhatpizza.com
Panera Bread 540 E. Betteravia, Santa Maria (805) 349-9800 panerabread.com
Subway 4854 S. Bradley, Santa Maria (805)938-9976 subway.com
Patricio’s Pizza 156-E S. Broadway, Orcutt (805) 937-8976 patriciospizza.com
Sula Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar 510 S. Broadway, SM (805) 928-5510 facebook.com/SulaMedKitchen
Jack’s Restaurant 156 S. Broadway, Ste C, Orcutt (805) 937-1871 jacksoldtownorcutt.com Jaffa Café 2530 S. Broadway, Ste A, Santa Maria (805) 354-7229 JaffaCafe.us Jamba Juice 530 E. Betteravia, Santa Maria (805) 922-3240 jambajuice.com Jersey Mike’s Subs 2358 S. Bradley Rd, Santa Maria (805) 347-0097 jerseymikes.com Kentucky Fried Kitchen 2207 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 925-8382 kfc.com Klondike Pizza 2059 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 348-3667 klondikepizza.com Lucia’s Wine Co. 125 E. Clark, Orcutt (805) 332-3080 Lucias-Wine-Co.com Maria’s Cre-Asian Diner 2255 S. Broadway, Ste 11, Santa Maria (805) 332-3175 Maya Restaurant 110 S. Lincoln Ste 106, Santa Maria (805) 925-2841 Moxie Café 1317 W. McCoy Ln, Santa Maria (805) 361-5060 MoxieCafe.com
Pepper Garcia’s 3301 Terminal Dr, Santa Maria (805) 928-4088 Portabella at the Holiday Inn 2100 N. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 928-6000 holidayinn.com Rancho Bowl Restaurant 128 E. Donovan Rd, Santa Maria (805) 925-2405 ranchobowl.com Ricky’s House of Pizza 4869 S. Bradley, Orcutt (805) 938-1126 rickyshouseofpizza.com Rooney’s Irish Pub 241 S. Broadway, Orcutt (805) 934-3777 rooneysirishpub.net Santa Maria Burgers 1785 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 928-0811 Santa Maria Jetty 135 E. Foster, Santa Maria (805) 937-5144 Semplice 196 Town Center E, Santa Maria (805) 922-2922
Shaw’s 714 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 925-5862 Spencer’s Market 3580 Orcutt Rd, Santa Maria (805) 937-3702 spencersfreshmarkets.com
Thai Hut 120 E. Foster, Santa Maria (805) 934-0911 Tortilleria Mexico #1 1537 S. Broadway #B, Santa Maria (805) 922-1021 tortilleriamexico.com Tortilleria Mexico #2 230 E. Betteravia Rd, #F, Santa Maria (805) 739-2821 tortilleriamexico.com Tortilleria Mexico #3 (Drive-thru) 1003 N. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 314-2018 tortilleriamexico.com Tortilleria Mexico #4 101 N. Depot St, #E, Santa Maria tortilleriamexico.com Tortilleria Mexico #5 510 E. Main St, Santa Maria (805) 623-5468 tortilleriamexico.com Vintner’s Grill at the Radisson 3455 Skyway, Santa Maria (805) 928-8000 radisson.com Woody’s Butcher Block 700 E. Main St, Ste 104, Santa Maria (805) 354-0213 woodysbutcherblock.com
2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide • 29
Distinctive Event Venues
T
he Santa Maria Valley is embraced as a premier destination for meeting, groups and sporting events because of its affordability, excellent venues, mild year-round weather, ease of access and friendliness. Santa Maria’s location at the midpoint between Los Angeles and San Francisco makes it the perfect halfway meeting point for organizations that have attendees coming from the north, south and the east. The drive time averages about three to four hours each way. Santa Maria offers a host of venues for meetings whether one seeks a
traditional setting, such as a conference space at one of our full-service hotels or seeks a distinctive location such as a winery, museum fairgrounds, country club or golf course. Planners can host a wine tasting, cooking class, yoga class, climbing gym or other activity to keep the meeting fun and interesting. For sporting events, the Hagerman Sports Complex—considered the crown jewel of the local sporting experienc features four multipurpose fields for softball, baseball, youth soccer and other sports, as well as a restaurant, meeting room and expansive parking facilities. The Paul Nelson Aquatic
Center, Central Coast Sports Arena, Atkinson Community Center and the Orcutt Community Park are among the numerous other local facilities that host sporting events. Golf, tennis, swimming, basketball, baseball, bowling, cycling, lawn bowling, archery and roller hockey are among the other sports that can be accommodated by local facilities. The Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau offers complimentary support services such as welcome bags, name badges, itineraries and more. Please contact us at (800) 331-3779.
George J. Majoué Supreme Council Insurance Field Agent CA. LIC# 0I66577
ph: 805.478.5200 fax: 877.395.2328
email: george.majoue@kofc.org
814 E. Louisa Terrace Santa Maria CA 93455-7441 30 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
Happy to Help You Plan The santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau is here to help you! We offer a variety of complimentary support services, as well as select monetary grant support. Our staff is always happy to brainstorm with you or provide leads and contacts to help with your planning. SITE SELECTION Our one-stop shop offers complimentary listings of hotels, meeting and event facilities, restaurants/caterers, attractions and entertainment. If you are interested in making site visits, we are available to assist you in setting that up, and provide maps for your convenience.
TRAVEL PLANNING We are happy to make suggestions on places to see while you are in town. If you would like a customized itinerary or sample itineraries to consider for your group, we are happy to share great ideas with you for a memorable trip to the Santa Maria Valley.
OFFICIAL WELCOME LETTER If you wish to present a formal letter of welcome from either our Visitor and Convention Bureau or the Mayor of Santa Maria, please send your request to us at least one month prior to your event.
RATES AND PRICING We’ll save you time and money by contacting local businesses for availability and pricing. There are over 1,200 hotel rooms in the city of Santa Maria! Meeting and event venues include banquet facilities at local full service hotels, unique venues at our fairgrounds, bowling alley, wineries, museums and parks. Additionally, because Santa Maria Valley enjoys such mild temperatures year-round, we have a robust offering of outdoor meeting spaces, should you prefer to host a walking meeting or just be outside for your event.Tell us what you are looking for, and we’ll make the best recommendations we can, for you.
banner during your event. Reserve the banner at least two weeks prior to your event.
REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE Arrangements can be made to have a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador help you during peak event hours. Make your request at least three weeks prior to your event.
WELCOME BAGS The Bureau provides complimentary welcome bags for your attendees that contain useful visitor information and small souvenir items. Please make your request at least one month prior to your event.
SPONSORSHIP Designed to provide marketing and advertising monies for event planners, the Visitor and Convention Burea’s Special Projects Grant program is open to our Chamber members as a sponsorship opportunity to work with us. If you are seeking sponsors for your event, we can help spread the word on your behalf. Call for information.
promotes what there is to see and do in Santa Maria. We will provide free promotion of your special event through the various event promotion channels available to us. Provide the details of your event including the title, date, time, cost, venue and description, and we’ll include you in our endeavors.
SANTA MARIA PRESENTATIONS Interested in having our VCB give a presentation to your attendees? We are happy to design a program to introduce everyone to the Santa Maria Valley, and the reasons you should host your event in our city. We can provide marketing materials and maps at these events as well. For more information, call (800) 3313779 ext. 814 or visit www.SantaMaria. com.
COMPLIMENTARY EVENT PROMOTION The Visitor and Convention Bureau
WELCOME BANNER We are happy to provide a welcome
2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide • 31
L
Getting Here
ocated in the heart of the Central Coast Wine Country, the Santa Maria Valley is free of the traffic congestion and big-city tensions of its neighbors to the north and south. Santa Maria is convenient to reach by both air and land. Approximately 200 miles north of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco, the city provides a pleasant respite at the crossroads of Highway 101, Highway 166 and scenic Highway 1. New to Santa Maria are Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at four locations to serve you. The full-service Santa Maria Airport (SMX) is close to city conveniences. Daily connections are available to San Francisco aboard United Airlines. Allegiant Airlines offers flights several times a week to Las Vegas.
AMTRAK
BUDGET CAR & TRUCK RENTAL 1730 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 922-2158
SANTA BARBARA AIRBUS Provides customers with quality transportation services to and from Los Angeles International Airport, charter transportation, and day trips, call (805) 964-7759
GOLD COAST LIMOUSINES
A GOLDEN TOUCH LIMO Is available for you no matter your destination or when you need to leave, they’ll take you there. Expect the finest vehicles and professional service from their staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the Central Coast of California and beyond. With no limit to how far they’ll travel, they’ll take you from Los Angeles to New York with the same exceptional quality of service in any of their luxury cars and limousines. 231 Pomeroy, Pismo Beach (805) 238-5466 32 • 2016 Santa Maria Visitor Guide
SANTA MARIA AREA TRANSIT (SMAT) Offers service within the City of Santa Maria and in Orcutt. Most SMAT routes connect at the Santa Maria Transit Center, 400 E. Boone Street, Santa Maria (805) 928-5624
TAXI Yellow Cab Company (805) 739-5454
THE CHUMASH CASINO
Offers Lincoln Town Cars (black sedans) which seat 1-3, along with six- and ten-passenger limousines, nine-passenger vans or a limo buses which seat up to 18 people. Ask about the 15- passenger Lincoln Navigator. Touring and Special Event Packages are available. (805) 937-5466
THE BREEzE BUS Offers daily service into Guadalupe from the Pacific Surfliner train. Amtrak Thruway is accessible in Santa Maria daily. (800) 872-7245
From going wine tasting, to weddings, business meetings, even something as simple as looking at Christmas Lights. 531 Vista Del Robles, Arroyo Grande (805) 489-5466
Weekday commuter bus serves Santa Maria, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Buellton, Los Alamos, Solvang and Lompoc. (800) 417-2137
MOTORCYCLE RENTALS Traveling to Santa Maria without your Harley-Davidson? Don’t miss the stunning scenery of the Central California coastline, the sweeping hills that distinguish our wine country or a spectacular cruise up picturesque Highway 1. 2022 Preisker Lane, Santa Maria (805) 928-3668
PISMO LIMO Will take care of all your transporting needs. Their great staff is professional, but loves to have fun! There is nothing like going to the beach and having a great time with friends and family.
Offers a comprehensive shuttle schedule with pick up locations from Los Angeles County up to San Luis Obispo County. (877) 642-7748
Garden Room Restaurant
English Tap Room
Open Daily From:
Open Daily From 11:00 am - Close
Sun - Thurs: 6:00 am - 2:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Happy Hour Mon - Friday 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Fri and Sat: 6:00 am - 2:00 pm & 5:00pm - 10:00 pm
Live Music Friday and Saturday Nights
Reservation: (805) 928-7777 801 South Broadway • Santa Maria, California, 93454 www.santamariainn.com Enjoy the quaint ambiance and our world class service during your stay...