OUR TIPS AND TRICKS TO A GREAT WEEKEND IN SANTA YNEZ
Day 1 BREAKFAST Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, started by a baker from Copenhagen, smells like the inside of your grandmother’s oven in the best way possible. The endless cases of Danish pastries are irresistible and if you’re having trouble deciding, the butter ring is a must. @mortensensbakery
SHOP Wildflower Boutique owner Amber Lease is exactly the kind of woman you’d want to hang out with: a savvy dream-seeking entrepreneur who is always up for chit-chatting over a glass of Pinot. Envisioned and operated by a self-proclaimed farm girl at heart, Wildflower Boutique’s style echoes all the things every Santa Barbara woman wishes to evoke—effortless aesthetic. Wildflower’s Los Olivos location is helmed by the sweetest sales associates and offers everything from children’s clothes, to your everyday jeans and boots, to timeless dresses. @wildflowerwomenboutique
PLAY Scenic is the word for the weekend and Folded Hills Ranch is a one-stop-shop. You’ll find yourself surrounded by supremely beautiful mountains, farm animals, wine, and fresh produce. With a soon-to-open tasting room built right on the farm, just steps from the most adorable ranch animals and a barn offering organic produce for sale, Folded Hills Ranch is a multifaceted, “come-asyou-are” experience. It’s family made from head-to-toe, and each wine is inspired by a piece of the family’s charming history. The philosophies at Folded Hills are “as little interference as possible” and wine as a way of life. I will absolutely drink to that! @foldedhills
DINNER Have you ever tasted heaven? Want to? SY Kitchen opened in 2013, and this Italian-inspired California farmhouse offers something close to perfection with its modern (and mouthwatering) Italianstyle dishes and farm-chic outdoor dining experience. SY Kitchen is A. Must. Go. @sykitchen
STAY Leave your accommodations to the experts—SY Vacation Rentals offers a selection of vacation rental properties combined with concierge services, providing guests with all the luxuries of a hotel in the comfort of a beautiful private home. But not just any home, an expansive ranch the Santa Ynez Valley, giving you the most authentic stay possible. @santaynezvr 82 | MAY/JUNE 2019
48 hours
in Santa Ynez
Day 2 BRUNCH In downtown Los Olivos, The Bear & Star is a haven of refined ranch cuisine. The name involves a play on the two home states of the restaurant’s founder, California and Texas. The weekend brunch menu offers jalapeño cheese grits, a-half rack of ribs and the restaurant’s signature ranch fries, all of which I encourage you to go and try for yourself. @thebearandstar
SHOP True Addiction is a cozy boutique filled with classy bohemian clothing and accessories from popular and local designers. The owners are soul sisters who were born and raised in Santa Ynez Valley and live and breathe fashion. Their chic selection makes me understand why shopping addictions exist. @trueaddictionboutique
WINE TASTING With a relaxed, welcoming vibe, excellent wine, and decor that is chic Manhattan townhouse meets country farm, Brick Barn Wine Estate stands out amongst the dozens of wineries in the Valley. Sit on their spacious patio and enjoy a glass (or two) of Pinot Noir accompanied by a cheeseboard and vineyard views. @brickbarnwineestate
DINNER For a change of pace in your dreamy ranch weekend, stop by Los Arroyos Solvang, a local’s favorite that never ever disappoints. It’s Mexican food done by a family for families. Los Arroyos commits to serving fresh, delicious, authentic ingredients in your favorite Mexican classics, from tamales to tacos. You won’t find better Mexican food at this price-point, and your whole family can feast in comfort in the vibrant atmosphere. @losarroyosrestaurant Written by Meghan Kelly
