The Road Less Traveled: Highway 246 A 26-mile tour through the Santa Ynez Valley Story and photos by Bennett Barthelemy
Spring invites wanderlust. Its warmer, longer days and the color bursts of blooming wildflowers make one want to head out and find new adventures. A spin across the Santa Ynez Valley on Highway 246 is a delightful cure. I chose this 26-mile stretch of highway because of the stellar eateries, historic architecture, a flourishing art scene, wineries, lavender farms, cultural explorations, and even hungry ostriches. I headed north on Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County, and a left turn began this sojourn. With my back to the rugged San Rafael Wilderness — the Valley’s eastern terminus — I go west on SR246. The route more or less follows the natural geographical line of the valley that is also home to the Santa Ynez River.
The terminus of Highway 246, where it becomes Armour Ranch Road at the eastern edge of the Santa Ynez Valley
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Spring 2022
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