2017 Santa Maria Valley Visitor's Guide

Santa Maria Valley 2017 VISITORS’ GUIDE

www.santamariavalley.com

Let’s Get together.

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/santamariaca RESERVATIONS WORLDWIDE www.radisson.com 800-333-3333

SANTA MARIA1

Let Us Show You Around Welcome to the Santa Maria Valley .................................................. 4 A Region on The Rise .......................................................................... 5 Getting the Most From the Coast ...................................................... 6 Quick Stops if You’re Passing Through .............................................. 8 The West’s Best Barbecue ................................................................ 10 The “Insider’s” Wine Country ............................................................ 14 Visit Our Award Winning Wines & Artisan Brews ........................ 16 Santa Maria Strawberries - A Sweet Sensation .............................. 18 The Dunes: A Walk Through Hollywood History ............................ 19 The Great Outdoors........................................................................... 20 A Valley Rich in History..................................................................... 21 Distinctive Events Venues ................................................................ 22 Kick Up Your Feet and Stay a While ................................................ 23 Arts & Cultural Experience .............................................................. 24 Fun for The Family ............................................................................ 25 2017 Annual Events Calendar.......................................................... 26

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor and Convention Bureau is your best resource for information on where to stay, things to do, where to eat, where to meet and more!

Published by Golden Gate Media Group, Copyrighted © 2017. Design by KPS3. Reproduction of any material Printed or Transmitted Electronically from this publication is strictly forbidden without written permission from the publisher.

The information was gathered and carefully compiled to insure maximum accuracy, Publisher cannot guarantee the correctness of all information furnished them, nor the complete absence of errors or omissions, hence, no responsibil-

ity for the same can be, nor is, assumed. For Advertising Sales information please call David Carrillo at 909.224.8167.

2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

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3

Welcome to The Santa Maria Valley Here in northern Santa Barbara County on California’s Central Coast, you will discover a valley like no other, with its own unique blend of local flavor, genuine hospitality and natural beauty.

This is the Santa Maria Valley, where you can savor world-famous Santa Maria Style Barbecue along with locally grown Pinot Noirs. Where you can seek the solitude of the spectacular beachfront Guadalupe-Nipomo dunes or attend a festive performance at one of our acclaimed local theaters. And where local ranching traditions insist that visitors be treated like family.

Best of all, the Santa Maria Valley is where you can get the most from the Central Coast, enjoying access to everything without breaking the bank.

We look forward to sharing our abundance with you.

Jennifer Harrison Director Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitor & Convention Bureau (800) 331-3779 www.santamariavalley.com 2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

Santa Maria Valley – A Region on The Rise The Santa Maria Valley may be steeped in rich history and local tradition, but it is also a region on the rise and is today regarded as one of the West Coast’s emerging visitor destinations.

Indeed, here in the rural northern reaches of California’s famed Santa Barbara County, the word is getting out about this “other” coastal region that offers a distinctive combination of small-town hospitality and world-class flavor.

“There has been a real surge of interest in the Santa Maria Valley in recent years—as a place to visit, to live and to do business,” says Glenn Morris, president and CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. “The momentum here is palpable.”

rooms, craft beer outlets and restaurants, adding excitement to a region known for offering fresh local flavors.

• The unearthing of remarkable Egyptian “artifacts” from Cecil B. DeMille’s Ten Commandments movie set, which are now on display at the Dunes Center.

The Santa Maria Valley is also surrounded by numerous notable Central Coast neighbors, such as Solvang and Santa Barbara to the south, and Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo to the north.

What stands out about Santa Maria Valley,

however, is its unique mix of assets and attractions. Like other neighboring regions, the valley offers an abundance of fine wine and food—but with the added twist of boasting its own regional culinary tradition in Santa Maria Style Barbecue. Many nearby places offer picturesque beaches, but the ones here are wide open and uncrowded. This is a place where farming and agriculture set the tone, but also where business and manufacturing find a welcoming climate. “ The Santa Maria Valley is different, and that’s what makes it attractive,” Morris says. “It is friendly and affordable, and most important, it is becoming more dynamic by the day.”

Here are just some of the diverse highlights to transpire in the Santa Maria Valley over the past 10 years: • The expansion of the Santa Maria Valley American Viticultural Area, allowing for even more fine wines to originate from this acclaimed winegrowing region.

• The creation of Los Flores Ranch Park, offering more than 1,700 acres of trails for walking, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.

• The construction of the new state-of-theart Santa Maria Public Library, which is now regarded as one of California’s finest.

• The opening of numerous wine tasting

Make the Dunes Center your first stop on your exploration of the Central Coast.

Visit dunescenter.org for more information about the museum, events, and points of interest.

The Guadalupe–Nipomo Dunes Center 1065 Guadalupe Street Guadalupe, CA 93434 805-343-2455

dunescenter.org 5

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Paso Robles Cambria

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SF

LA 101

227

Get the Most from the Coast.

Santa Maria Valley is the perfect homebase for those looking to enjoy California’s Central Coast. You’ll find us nestled amongst rolling rows of produce and the foothills of Santa Barbara Wine Country—enjoying the cool ocean breeze that rolls in from the coast. Our wide variety of affordable and convenient lodging options makes it easy to access beautiful beaches by day and indulge in our iconic barbecue by night—all without draining your savings account.

2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

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Getting to Santa Maria Santa Maria is conveniently located between California’s major cities situated in the heart of California’s Central Coast in northern Santa Barbara County. Santa Maria offers affordable lodging options within reach of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the scenic wine country to the east. Santa Maria sits along Highway 101 about 170 miles north of Los Angeles, 63 miles north of Santa Barbara and 270 miles south of San Francisco. Iconic Highway 1 borders to the west of the valley, and Interstate 5 is located 110 miles to the east via Highway 58.

to Los Angeles aboard Mokulele Airlines.

Allegiant Airlines offers flights several times a week to Las Vegas.

AMTRAK

Offers daily service into Guadalupe from the Pacific Surfliner train. Amtrak Thruway is accessible in Santa Maria daily.

(800) 872-7245

Budget Car & Truck Renyal 1730 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 922-2158

SERVICES The full-service Santa Maria Airport (SMX) is close to city

conveniences. Daily connections are available

Provides customers with quality transportation services to and from Los Angeles International Airport, charter transportation, and day trips, call (805) 964-7759

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

Located 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.

Santa Barbara Airbus

The Breeze Bus

Weekday commuter bus serves Santa Maria, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Buellton, Los Alamos, Solvang and Lompoc.

(800) 417-2137

Gold Coast Limousines

Offers Lincoln Town Cars (black sedans) which seat 1-3, along with six- and ten-passenger limousines, nine-passenger vans or 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 Chumash Casino

Offers a comprehensive shuttle schedule with pick up locations from Los Angeles County up to San Luis Obispo County.

(877) 642-7748

Motorcycle Rentals

Traveling to Santa Maria without your HarleyDavidson? 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

7

Quick Stops if You’re Passing Through THE BERRY STOP

ONE

Savor famed Santa Maria strawberries at The Berry Stop located at the corner of Stowell Road and Highway 101. (facebook.com/TheBerry-Stop-5522462381409281)

TWO

H I S TO R I C S A N TA M A R I A I N N

Traipse the beautiful grounds of the Historic Santa Maria Inn and view a guestbook signed by Hollywood legends, and stay for lunch if you’re hungry. (santamariainn.com)

THREE

SANTA MARIA VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM

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. (smvdiscoverymuseum.org)

The Berry Stop

Strawberries Blueberries Raspberries Open Monday to Sunday 10-6 weather permitting (805) 714-6933

Corner of Stowell and Hwy 101 Santa Maria California 2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

FOUR

COSTA DE ORO WINERY & MARKETPL ACE

Try award-winning Santa Maria Valley wines and produce at the Costa de Oro Winery & Marketplace. (cdowinery.com)

FIVE

BOOMERS

Play at Boomers! Santa Maria with mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats & arcade games. (boomersparks.com/santamaria).

Rancho Maria

years of disc o v er y

see

Golf Club

Family owned for 45 years.

Nestled in the foothills overlooking the Santa Maria Valley.

18 Hole Championship Golf Course

come what’s

705 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, CA 93454 805-928-8414 Open Tues - Sat 10-5 & Sun 12-4

www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org

No Parallel fairways and scenic views.

Great practice facilities and Restaurant.

1950 Highway 1, Santa Maria, CA, 93455 805-937-2019 | ranchomariagolf.com 9

The West’s Best Barbecue

Santa Maria Style Barbecue is a regional culinary tradition with a reputation as the West’s best barbecue. Made with native Santa Maria Valley ingredients and based on local methods dating back to the 1800s, Santa Maria Style Barbecue can today be enjoyed at restaurants, markets and streetside grills all around the Central Coast.

Santa Maria Style

Savor It Online

Visit the Official Santa Maria Style Barbecue Blog at www.santamariavalleybbq.com. This regularly updated resource features how-to videos, recipes and tips, as well as information on purveyors and restaurants that specialize in Santa Maria Style Barbecue.

Santa Maria Style Barbecue originated in the 19th century, when valley rancheros would host celebratory feasts featuring beef cooked over earthen pits filled with hot coals of indigenous red oak wood. This method later moved aboveground with the creation of “Santa Maria Grills,” which can be found all over the valley in local parks and backyards.

Here, nearly every occasion and festivity involves grilling “Santa Maria Style!”

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 valley. The meat is rolled in a homegrown mixture of salt, pepper and garlic salt just prior to cooking.

In the 1970s, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce went so far as to trademark the official Santa Maria Style Barbecue menu, which not only includes the oak-grilled meat, but also slow-cooked pinquito beans (a small pink bean grown exclusively in the area), fresh salsa, grilled French bread, and tossed green salad made from local greens.

Santa Maria Style Barbecue has also been featured on the Food Network, Cooking

Dining

1880 Union Saloon 362 Bell Street, Los Alamos (805)344-2744

Bob's Well Bread Channel, USA Today and many more. Come taste for yourself and discover why Sunset Magazine declared Santa Maria “The West’s Best BBQ Town.”

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. Still hungry?

550 Bell St., Los Alamos (805)344-3000 www.bobswellbread.com

California Hot Dog Company Waller Park, Waller Ln.. Santa Maria (805) 260-0429

Ca' Del Grevino Café & Wine Bar 400 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt (805) 937-6400 www.grevino.com

Carniceria El Matador, Inc. 101 N. Depot, #B, Santa Maria (805)928-8576

Cielito Lindo Restaurant 1130 E. Clark Ave., #160, Orcutt (805) 938-7958 2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

SANTA MARIA STYLE BBQ

If you only do one thing when you visit Santa Maria, try

The roots of Santa Maria Style Barbeque extend back to the mid 1800s, when vast ranches unfolded across the foothills of the Santa Maria Valley. Ranchers would host Spanish-style barbeques each spring using indigenous ingredients. In the early 1900s, the “style” of the local barbeque was further refined by local social clubs, as well as the many European ranchers who settled in the area.

Traditional Santa Maria Style Barbeque begins with top-block sirloin or tri-tip – a cut discovered in the Santa Maria Valley.

The beef is seasoned with a special garlic, salt and pepper mixture, then grilled over coals of red oak, native to the region.

The meat is accompanied by pinquito beans – small pink beans that are indigenous to the valley – as well as bread, salsa and dessert often featuring fresh, locally-grown strawberries.

Take it home with you or send a card package

SUSIE Q’s BRAND FOODS The next best thing to dining here in the Santa Maria Valley is to enjoy our local flavors in the convenience and comfort of your own home.

Founded in 1981 by Susan Righetti, Susie Q Brand is the original maker of authentic, artfully-crafted Santa Maria style products.

Try authentic Santa Maria Style cooking at

FAR WESTERN TAVERN 300 East Clark Ave Old Town Orcutt, CA 93455 (805) 937-2211

For more than five decades spanning three generations of family ownership, the Far Western Tavern has been driven by a timeless appreciation for regional cuisine and an inherited commitment to hospitality.

Established in 1958 by local ranchers Clarence and Rosalie Minetti along with Rosalie’s cousin Richard Maretti, the Far Western Tavern quickly became a hometown favorite, attracting locals and visitors alike with its legendary fare and welcoming hospitality.

Since those early days, the Far Western Tavern has outlasted countless culinary trends, remaining true to its original style while keeping pace with contemporary tastes.

Over the decades, the Far Western Tavern has developed a loyal following as well as numerous accolades. Sunset Magazine named it one of the West’s best barbecue restaurants. When Bobby Flay came to the area for his Food Network show, he chose the Minetti family to show viewers how to prepare Santa Maria Style Barbecue. The Far Western Tavern and the Minetti family were showcased in an episode of Man, Fire, Food on the Cooking Channel.

Even as they’ve grown, “Susie Q’s” is still a local, family-run business. Today her children, and even grandchildren, help them share their family recipes, including delicious Santa Maria style salsas, locally grown pinquito beans, and red oak chips for grilling everything you need to create an authentic Santa Maria style barbeque in your own home!

View menus and make reservations at

Find a store or shop online at

FarWesternTavern.com

SusieQBrand.com

11

Crumbles Café & Bake Shop

1635 South Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 925-0860

Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria 230 E. Betteravia, Santa Maria (805) 346-1777

Decker’s

381 Town Center East, Santa Maria (805) 346-6066

Garden Room

Old Town Market

Gina’s Piece of Cake

Olive Garden

801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 928-7777 www.santamariainn.com

SM Town Center, Santa Maria (805) 922-7866 www.ginaspieceofcake.com

Hitching Post

3325 Point Sal, Casmalia (805) 937-6151 www.hitchingpost1.com

Jack’s Restaurant

156 S. Broadway, Ste. C, Orcutt (805) 937-1871 www.jacksoldtownorcutt.com

1565 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 925-1730 www.deltaco.com

Denny’s Restaurant

1019 E. Main St., Santa Maria (805) 922-3153 dennys.com

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

2212 S. Bradley Rd, Santa Maria (805) 925-6600

Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream

168 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt (805) 614-7645 www.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

Far Western Tavern

300 Clark Ave, Orcutt (805) 937-2211 www.farwesterntavern.com

2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

1210 S. Bradley, Santa Maria (805) 922-8809 www.olivegarden.com

Happy Dayz Classic Diner & Car Hop Panera Bread

603 E. Main St., Santa Maria (805) 925-5556

Del Taco

405 E. Clark Ave, Orcutt (805) 937-5619 www.oldtownmarket.net

Jade’s Filipino Food

2025 S. Broadway, Ste. B, Santa Maria (805) 287-9442 facebook.com/Jades-FilipinoFood-825622874140644

540 E. Betteravia, Santa Maria (805) 349-9800 www.panerabread.com

Pappy’s Restaurant

1275 E. Betteravia Rd. Santa Maria (805) 922-3553

Patricio’s Pizza

156-E S. Broadway, Orcutt (805) 937-8976 www.patriciospizza.com

Pepper Garcia’s

3301 Terminal Dr, Santa Maria (805) 928-4088

Jersey Mike’s Subs

2358 S. Bradley Rd., Santa Maria (805) 347-0097 www.jerseymikes.com

Kentucky Fried Kitchen 2207 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 925-8382 www.kfc.com

Klondike Pizza

2059 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 348-3667 www.klondikepizza.com

Maya Restaurant

110 S. Lincoln Ste 106, Santa Maria (805) 925-2841

Moxie Café

1317 W. McCoy Ln, Santa Maria (805) 361-5060 www.MoxieCafe.com

Niya Restaurant

205 E. Clark Ave, Orcutt (805) 332-3065 www.niyarestaurant.com

Pizza Hut

1130 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt (805) 621-5570 www.pizzahut.com

Portabella at the Holiday Inn

2100 N. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 928-6000 www.holidayinn.com

Rancho Bowl Restaurant

128 E. Donovan Rd, Santa Maria (805) 925-2405 www.ranchobowl.com

Ricky’s House of Pizza 4869 S. Bradley, Orcutt (805) 938-1126 www.rickyshouseofpizza.com

Rooney’s Irish Pub 241 S. Broadway, Orcutt (805) 934-3777 www.rooneysirishpub.net

The Pantry on Park

726 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 739-8895

Santa Maria Burgers

510 E. Main St, Santa Maria (805) 623-5468 www.tortilleriamexico.com

Santa Maria Jetty

135 E. Foster, Santa Maria (805) 937-5144

Valle Fresh

380 Bell St, Los Alamos (805) 344-1900 facebook.com/babisbeeremporium

Semplice

196 Town Center E, Santa Maria (805) 922-2922

714 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 925-5862

Spencer’s Market

3580 Orcutt Rd, Santa Maria (805) 937-3702 www.spencersfreshmarkets.com

Starry Sky Coffee

801 S. Bradley Rd. (Student Ctr), Santa Maria (805) 348-3120 (805) starryskycoffee.com

Straw Hat Pizza

1822 N. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 347-1942 www.strawhatpizza.com

Subway

4854 S. Bradley, Santa Maria (805) 938-9976 www.subway.com

Sugar Daisy Bake Shop

Santa Maria (858) 761-2824 www.sugardaisybakeshop.com

Sula Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar 510 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 928-5510 facebook.com/SulaMedKitchen

Taqueria Carmelita

809 N. Broadway, Ste. F, Santa Maria (805) 260-6189

Thai Hut

101 N. Depot St, #E, Santa Maria (805) 323-3193 tortilleriamexico.com

Tortilleria Mexico #5

1785 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 928-0811

Shaw’s

Tortilleria Mexico #4

Vaqueras Restaurant Tortilleria Mexico #1

1537 S. Broadway #B, Santa Maria (805) 922-1021 www.tortilleriamexico.com

Tortilleria Mexico #2

230 E. Betteravia Rd., #F, Santa Maria (805) 739-2821 www.tortilleriamexico.com

1555 S. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 361-0667 facebook.com/vaquerasInc-279533175445637/

Vintner’s Grill at the Radisson

(805) 3455 Skyway, Santa Maria (805) 928-8000 www.radisson.com

Tortilleria Mexico #3 (Drive-thru) Woody’s Butcher Block 1003 N. Broadway, Santa Maria (805) 314-2018 www.tortilleriamexico.com

700 E. Main St, Ste 104, Santa Maria (805) 354-0213 www.woodysbutcherblock.com

Why more than 11,000 students a semester choose Allan Hancock College • Hancock was selected again as one of the

• In 2016, our students achieved the highest

top community colleges in the nation (Aspen Institute 2011/2014/2016).

transfer acceptance rate to Cal Poly, SLO for the 15th consecutive year.

• The Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) provides the only residential training theatre program of its kind in the nation, and Hancock is one of three California community colleges to operate a fullybonded winery.

• The college offers 208 degrees and certificates to students ranging from registered veterinary technician to viticulture/enology, as well as sports medicine and culinary arts.

• In 2015-16, more than $30 million in grants, scholarships, and loans was awarded to Allan Hancock College students.

• In 2016, Hancock was ranked third most-affordable community college in the state and 12th in the nation by AffordableColleges.com

• Sixteen associate degrees for transfer are offered with guaranteed acceptance into the CSU system.

www.hancockcollege.edu (805) 922-6966

120 E. Foster, Santa Maria (805) 934-0911

13

The "Insider's” Wine Country Insider’s Secret Hailed as an “insider’s secret” by one leading wine critic, the Santa Maria Valley has quietly emerged as one of California’s leading region’s for world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other cool-climate grape varieties—all of which can be enjoyed at local tasting rooms along the Santa Maria Valley Wine Trail.

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.

One of the Santa Maria Valley’s biggest claims to wine fame is the fact that it was featured prominently in the hit movie Sideways along with other neighboring Santa Barbara County regions. In the movie, the lead character, Miles, comes to the area precisely because of its renown for producing remarkable Pinot Noir.

But it’s not just fictional movie characters who are smitten with the Santa Maria Valley. As wine authority Steve Heimoff declared, “The Santa Maria Valley may well have the highest overall quality of grapes and wines of any appellation in California.”

Hit The Wine Trail

Part of the charm of the Santa Maria Valley is that it is a relatively uncrowded and intimate wine region, with winery tasting rooms tucked along picturesque country roads. From longtime favorites like Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard and Winery’s famed wine caves and 2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

the Historic Santa Maria Inn’s Wine Cellar and Martini Bar, to Presqu’ile Winery’s state-of-theart facility and Ca’ Del Grevino Café & Wine

Bar’s farm fresh offerings, there is much to be discovered. See page 16.

15

Visit Our Award Winning Wines & Artisan Brews Wine Tasting

Ca’ Del GreVino Vineyard

CORE Winery

Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estates

www.grevino.com 2510 E. Clark Avenue Santa Maria, CA (805) 621-5889

(805) 318-8600

Cambria Winery & Vineyard

Costa De Oro Winery

Cnagy Wines

Cottonwood Canyon Winery

www.biennacidoestate.com 2963 Grand Avenue, Ste. B, Los Olivos, CA

www.cambriawines.com 5475 Chardonnay Lane Santa Maria, CA (805) 937-8091

www.nagywines.com 145 S. Gray Street, Ste. 103, Orcutt, CA (805) 286-7228

Casa Dumetz Wines Ca’ Del Grevino Cafe’ & Wine Bar www.grevino.com 400 E. Clark Avenue Orcutt, CA (805) 937-6400

www.casadumetzwines.com 388 Bell Street Los Alamos, CA (805) 344-1900

www.corewine.com 105 W. Clark Avenue Orcutt, CA (805) 937-1600

www.cdowinery.com 1331 S. Nicholson Avenue Santa Maria, CA (805) 922-1468

www.cottonwoodcanyon.com 3940 Dominion Road Santa Maria, CA (805) 937-8463

Foxen Vineyard, Inc.

www.foxenvineyard.com 7200 & 7600 Foxen Canyon Road Santa Maria, CA (805) 937-4251

J. Wilkes

www.jwilkes.com 2963 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA (805) 318-6680

Come visit us at the

Grevino Café and Tasting Room Enjoy our Estate Wines from Santa Maria Valley while tasting our special Menu offered throughout the week!

2 for 1 Tasting with this Ad

400 East Clark Avenue, Old Orcutt (805) 937-6400 2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards www.llwine.com 1645 Copenhagen Drive Solvang, CA (805) 686-9336

Lucia’s Wine Co., Inc. www.lucias-wine-co.com (805) 878-8952

Nielson by Byron www.byronwines.com (805) 938-7365

Old Town Market

www.oldtownmarket.net 405 E. Clark Avenue, Orcutt, CA (805) 937-5619

Presqu’ile Winery

www.presquilewine.com 5391 Presquile Drive, Santa Maria, CA (805) 937-8110

Rancho Sisquoc Winery

www.ranchosisquoc 6600 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, CA (805) 934-4332

Rooney’s Irish Pub

www.rooneysirishpub.net 241 S Broadway Street, Ste. 101, Santa Maria, CA (805) 934-3777

Riverbench Vineyard & Winery www.riverbench.com 6020 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, CA (805) 937-8340

BEERS

Babi’s Beer Emporium www.casadumetzwines.com 388 Bell Street, Los Alamos, CA (805) 344-1900

Old Town Market

www.oldtownmarket.net 405 E. Clark Avenue, Orcutt, CA (805) 937-5619

17

Santa Maria Strawberries – A Sweet Sensation While wine grapes are perhaps the Santa Maria Valley’s most glamorous crop, strawberries are surely a close second. Indeed, our local strawberries are savored around the nation and world for their juicy plumpness and sweet flavors.

Strawberries are also the top-grossing local crop, which is really saying something because the Santa Maria Valley is one of California’s notable agricultural regions, producing everything from broccoli to lettuce, spinach to

pinquito beans.

The secret to the Santa Maria Valley’s strawberry magic is found in the region’s mild year-round climate and cooling Pacific breezes, as well as its fertile valley floor soils. These conditions combine to create an optimal environment for growing world-class strawberries.

More than 10 strawberry varieties are grown locally. 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 technologies that allow them to produce larger crops and better berries.

While Santa Maria Valley strawberries are exported to grocery stores near and far, there is nothing like enjoying them fresh out of the field. Desserts made from local strawberries are also considered an essential conclusion to a Santa Maria Style Barbecue meal.

Get Them Fresh

Fresh strawberries are abundant at local grocers and farmer’s markets. For a sure bet, stop by Darensberries, a roadside strawberry stand located on the corner of East Betteravia and Nicholson Avenue, generally open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit DarensBerries.com for information

The Ultimate Berry Bash

Are you mad for strawberries? Then you will not want to miss the ultimate berry bash here in the Santa Maria Valley every April. Indeed, the annual Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival at the Santa Maria Fairpark features strawberry varietal sampling, strawberry desserts, educational exhibits and old-fashioned carnival entertainment. Visit SantaMariaFairpark.com for information.

Best Western Plus Big America Centrally located in Santa Maria!

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The Dunes: A Walk Through Hollywood History On the surface, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex is a uniquely beautiful stretch of coastline marked by towering mountains of sand. But underneath it all is something even more astonishing: the lost “City of The Pharaoh” movie set from Cecil B. DeMille’s famous 1923 silent epic “The Ten Commandments.”

is one of the most ecologically significant and largest intact coastal dune ecosystems on earth. Wildflower viewing, whale watching and nature photography are just a few of the activities that await visitors to this one-of-akind beachfront sanctuary

Visit The Dunes Center

The educational Dunes Center (www. dunescenter.org) lies west of Santa Maria in the small town of Guadalupe along scenic Highway 1. Exhibits at The Dunes Center highlight 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.

Getting to The Dunes

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 Dunes Preserve.

Nearby Oso Flaco Lake Road leads to a convenient parking area, from where visitors can take a 30-minute stroll along a boardwalk through the dunes and to the beach. And those feeling even more adventurous can hike across the dunes into the heart of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge.

Santa Maria has 27 beautiful City parks varying in size from cozy neighborhood parks to the sprawling 1,778 acres of Los Flores Ranch Park.

Los Flores Ranch Park offers a place for hiking, biking, and *horseback riding in a beautiful outdoor environment.

It was here in these dunes that DeMille staged what was at the time one of Hollywood’s most massive undertakings, building an entire fabricated ancient city that was later abandoned and covered by the shifting sands.

In recent years, numerous “Egyptian artifacts” have been unearthed from the dunes, including massive sphinx heads that are now on display at the nearby Dunes Center.

Other movies filmed among the dunes include Disney’s “Pirates of The Caribbean”; “Hidalgo”; “The Son of the Sheik,” starring Rudolph Valentino; “Morocco,” starring Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich; and “The Last Outpost,” starring Cary Grant.

Today, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex

LOCATION & hours 6271 DOMINION ROAD

From Santa Maria, head south on Highway 101.

Exit at Clark Ave. and turn left. Turn right on Dominion Rd. FALL/WINTER HOURS

SPRING/SUMMER HOURS

(Standard Time Schedule)

(Daylight Saving Time Schedule)

Thurs.-Sun. **9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Thurs.-Sun. **8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

*Equestrians must call ahead for access to the Equestrian Entrance at (805) 938-7618 during operating hours. **Last entry into the park is one hour before closing.

Dogs are allowed with a leash.

For general information visit www.cityofsantamaria.org.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/losfloresranch 19

The Great Outdoors Here in the Santa Maria Valley, our mild year-round weather, wide-open spaces and diverse coastal ecosystem combine to offer virtually unlimited outdoor adventures, from birdwatching to beach walking, golfing to bicycling.

Here are some favorite local options for a family getaway to the great outdoors in the Santa Maria Valley:

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.

16 miles of winding roads and tree-lined avenues. Lastly, Santa Maria Mesa Road offers yet another charming ride through rural Santa Maria Valley. Visit www.cityofsantamaria.org for more information and directions.

Also consider the family-friendly Preisker Park with horseshoe pits, disc golf and playgrounds in north Santa Maria; the peaceful boardwalk of coastal Oso Flaco Lake; and the remote beauty of Point Sal State Beach.

Incredible (and Affordable!) Golf

Stunning Open Spaces

Equestrians, birders, mountain bikers and hikers alike find room to roam at Los Flores Ranch, a local parkland 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.

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 panoramic mountain views.

Local rates are highly affordable by today’s standards. Add in our mild 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 SantaMariaValley.com for local golf deals and packages.

Wine Country Cycling

The famed Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is a haven for cyclists who seek wide-open backroads and stunning vineyard views, along with ample wine tasting opportunities. Tepusquet Road is another phenomenal cycling trail, offering

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Birding Bonanza

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.” 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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A Valley Rich in History The 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.

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 Oil was discovered in the Santa Maria Valley CCB: Corporateoperations logos and manufacturing are on the rise. in 1904 near what is now Orcutt.

When Blue:gusher, cmykthey 88-77-0-0Tourism / no PMS match has also become an economic force exploratory crews struck a huge Gray: cmyk 52-43-41-0 / nopeople PMS match as more discover the local flavors, lovingly nicknamed it “Old Maud, ” and for the abundant recreation and natural splendors of next 80 years, the oil industry flourished. the area.

Type version: In 1928, Captain Hancock established a flying While the Santa Maria Valley always looks to its school that would grow into a major primary future, it forever remains proud of its past. pilot training activity during World War II. Pilot graduates 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 In the beautiful Santa Maria Valley and used to support a four-year course of instruction towards an Aeronautics Degree. In MODEL HOMES OPEN DAILY 10AM – 5PM (805) 925-1300 & (805) 332-3068 1954 the Santa Maria Junior College, now G. Allan Hancock Community College, purchased .comoriginal version: 40 acres of the airport site. Some 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

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21

Distinctive Event Venues Santa Maria Valley is embraced as a premier destination for a wide range of gatherings, meetings and sporting events. The region’s affordability, excellent venues, mild weather, friendliness and proximity to many Central Coast attractions makes it particularly appealing.

Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Santa Maria Valley is ideal for organizations hosting attendees who are traveling from different parts of California. The drive time averages about three to four hours from both Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Group venues in Santa Maria Valley span everything from hotel conference rooms to ranch settings, wineries, museums, golf courses, country clubs and the local fairgrounds. One example is the historic 1880 Union Hotel and Saloon, an original Wells Fargo stagecoach stop located in the hamlet of Los Alamos, about 15 minutes south of Santa Maria. This distinctive spot specializes in private events and includes a restaurant and saloon.

Meeting planners seeking innovative activities for their groups are also in luck here. Parties and team-building exercises based around wine tasting, cooking classes, fine art painting, yoga 2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

classes or rock climbing at the local gym are just a few of the local options.

For sporting events, Santa Maria’s Hagerman Sports Complex is considered the crown jewel of the region’s recreational amenities. Here, visitors find four multipurpose fields used for softball, baseball, youth soccer and more. A restaurant, meeting room and ample parking are also available.

Santa Maria’s Paul Nelson Aquatic Center;

Central Coast Sports Arena; Atkinson Community Center; and Orcutt Community Park are other excellent nearby options for hosting sports events including golf, tennis, swimming, basketball, bowling, cycling, lawn bowling, archery and roller hockey.

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.

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Kick up Your Feet and Stay a While Santa Maria Valley is a destination that welcomes. One that feeds its visitors well, that shows them there are still places in California that value people over price. One that opens its doors (and its arms) to all who enter. One that only cares about comfy, tasty and fair.

Title

Phone

Address

Website

www.bigamerica.com

Breakfast

Dining

Event Facilities

RV / Bus Parking

Pets

SANTA MARIA ACCOMMODATIONS

Best Western Big America

(805) 922-5200

1725 N. Broadway Santa Maria 93454

Buckboard Motor Lodge

(805) 925-8681

1620 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

Candlewood Suites

(805) 928-4155

2079 N. Roemer Ct. Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.candlewoodsuites.com

Colonial Motel

(805) 925-8601

1866 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.colonial-motel-santa-maria

Days Inn

(805) 925-2551

839 E. Main St. Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.daysinn.com

DeVille Motel

(805) 925-5995

719 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93456

Economy Inn

(805) 928-1924

607 N. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.edgewater-inn.com

Fairfield Inn & Suites

(805) 925-8500

2061 N. Roemer Ct. Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.fairďŹ eldinnsantamaria.com

Historic Santa Maria Inn

(805) 928-7777

801 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.santamariainn.com

Holiday Inn & Suites

(805) 928-6000

2100 N. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.holidayinn.com/santamariaca

Holiday Motel

(805) 925-2497

605 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.holidaymotelsantamaria.com

Motel 6 North

(805) 928-8111

2040 N. Preisker Lane Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.motel6.com

Motel 6 South

(805) 922-4505

1007 E. Main St. Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.motel6.com

Palms Motor Motel

(805) 925-6562

221 W. Main St. Santa Maria, CA 93458

Quality Inn & Suites

(805) 922-5891

210 South Nicholson Ave. Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.qualityinn.com

Radisson Hotel Santa Maria

(805) 928-8000

3455 Skyway Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93455

www.radisson.com/santamariaca

Solaire Inn & Suites

(805) 614-7062

1995 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.solaireinnandsuites.com

Town & Country Inn

(805) 925-2556

2250 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.townandcountryinnsm.com

Travelodge Inn & Suites

(805) 922-2123

1514 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.travelodge.com

Villa Motel

(805) 925-8734

1204 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

Western Motel

(805) 922-0421

1309 N. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454

www.westernmotelsantamaria.com

ACCOMMODATIONS NORTH OF SANTA MARIA

Edgewater Inn & Suites

(805) 773-4811

280 Wadsworth Pismo Beach, CA 93449

www.edgewater-inn.com

Oxford Suites

(805) 773-3773

651 Five Cities Dr. Pismo Beach, CA 93449

www.oxfordsuitespismobeach.com

SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel

(805) 773-4608

2241 Price St. Pismo Beach, CA 93449

www.seacrestpismo.com

1201 North H Street Lompoc, CA 93436

dos@hgilompoc.com

ACCOMMODATIONS SOUTH OF SANTA MARIA

Hilton Garden Inn - Lompoc

Opening Spring 2017

23

Arts & Cultural Experiences The Santa Maria Valley is home to an abundance of performing arts and cultural experiences for the entire family. Actors from across America perform at Santa Maria’s nationally acclaimed Pacific Conservatory Theatre (www.pcpa.org), 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.

The Santa Maria Civic Theatre (www.smct.org), known as “the little theatre 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.

Sawdust-covered floors and folksy piano tunes greet guests at the Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville (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.

Honoring Santa Maria’s steeped aviation history, the Santa Maria Museum of Flight (www.smmof.org) 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.

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 2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

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.

Children love the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum (www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org), 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.

Live animals and other curiosities regularly make their way to the Natural History Museum of Santa Maria (www.naturalhistorysantamaria. com). 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.

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 (www.santamariahistory.com) has been in the news. The museum possesses a treasure trove of photographs, artifacts and memorabilia related to everything from old-time 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.

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.

The Historic Santa Maria Inn (www. santamariainn.com) is an attraction in itself.

Established in 1917, it still retains its classic turn-of-the-century 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.

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.

La Purisima Mission Historic State Park (www. lapurisimamission.org) 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.

Fun for The Family Rancho Bowl

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

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

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.

Santa Barbara County Parks

of-the-art entertainment. Amenities: reserved seating available, wheelchair accessible, listening devices, game room, party room, stadium seating and digital projection.

100 Town Center East, Santa Maria (844) 462-7342.

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

Hi-Way Drive In

Load your family up in the car and enjoy a blast from the past at the Hi-Way Drive In movie theater. Watch a double feature from the comfort of your car! Snack bar on the premises. Call to hear a recording of what’s playing. 3170 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria (805) 937-3515

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

Edwards Santa Maria

10 Movie Theater, enjoy late runs and second runs at this venue. 1521 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria (844) 462-7342.

Edwards Santa Maria Stadium 14 & RPX

Paul Nelson Aquatic Center

The aquatic center offers an Olympic-size competition pool, as well as a recreational pool with a fan-shaped zero-depth entryway. The 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.

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

Skateboard Park – Fletcher Park

This three-acre park offers a playground, covered picnic area with two barbecue pits and seating for small parties, 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.

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.

Located at the Santa Maria Town Center, Santa Maria’s newest movie experience features state25

2017 Annual Events Calendar JANUARY 19 - March 5 The Foreigner

The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499

18

28 – 30

St. Louis de Montfort Church http://kofc11137.com/car-show/ (805) 878-1739

Santa Maria Fairpark www.santamariafairpark.com (805) 925-8824

Saint Patrick’s Day Car Show

Strawberry Festival

27 - June 11

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court

FEBRUARY 16 – March 5

The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499

You Can’t Take It With You

PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313

10 – 26

MAY 5 – 21

Civic Theatre www.smct.org (805) 922-4442

Santa Maria Civic Theatre www.smct.org (805) 922-4442

Humble Boy

MARCH 9 - 26

The Whipping Man

PCPA Theaterfest, Severson Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313

9 - April 23

When Butter Churns to Gold The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499

17 – 18

Reader’s Theatre: In The Mood, Part 2 Santa Maria Civic Theatre www.smct.org (805) 922-4442

2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

Steel Magnolias

APRIL 20 – May 14

Lend Me A Tenor (The Musical) PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313

22

Vintners’ Festival

Santa Barbara County Vintners Association www.sbvintnersweekend.com (805) 688-0881

23

Family Kite Festival

Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org (805) 928-8414

26 – 28

Cruisin’ Nationals

West Coast Kustoms Car Club www.westcoastkustoms.com (951) 488-0413

JUNE 1–4

Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade Santa Maria Elks Recreation, Inc. www.elksrec.com (805) 925-4125

15 - September 16 The Karaoke Kid

The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499

12 – 16

Santa Barbara County Fair Santa Maria Fairpark www.santamariafairpark.com (805) 925-8824

23

Obon Festival

Veteran’s Memorial Cultural Building www.guadalupebuddhistchurch.org/index.htm (805) 837-9027

13 - September 17 The Tavern

The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499

24

Elks Car Show

Elks Lodge #1538 www.santamariaelks.com (805) 922-1538

JULY 1–3

Jr. Grand Prix Tennis Tournament Central Coast Tennis www.CentralCoastTennis.net (805) 937-3222

6 – 23

Lend Me A Tenor (The Musical)

PCPA Theaterfest, Solvang Festival Theater www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313

15

Bent Axles Car Show & BBQ Bent Axles Car Club www.bentaxles.net (805) 937-2247

15

AUGUST 16 – 19

Tailwinds Bike Club of Santa Maria www.tailwindsofsantamariabc.org (909) 240-7093

PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313

19 – 22

18 – 19

PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313

(Classic Truck Show) Historic Santa Maria Inn www.Pickupslimited.com

The Windmill Century Bike Ride

Newsies The Musical

Twelfth Night

North/South Run

(951) 237-1570

27

SEPTEMBER 2–4

OCTOBER 6

Central Coast Tennis www.centralcoasttennis.net (805) 937-3222

Monarch Dunes Golf Course www.dunescenter.org (805) 343-2455

Santa Maria Open Tennis Tournament

Coreopsis Golf Tournament

9

6–9

Santa Maria Ford A’s Club www.santamariamodelaclub.com (805) 598-8133

Santa Barbara County Vintners Association www.celebrationofharvest.com (805) 688-0881

All Ford Car Show & Swap Meet

15 – October 1

Celebration of Harvest Weekend

7

Autumn Arts Grapes & Grains Festival

August Wilson’s FENCES PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313

Santa Maria Recreation & Parks Dept. www.cityofsantamaria.org (805) 925-0951, ext. 2260

15 – 16

29

Cruzin’ for Life www.cruzinforlife.net (805) 937-8008

Veteran’s Memorial Cultural Building www.cityofsantamaria.org (805) 925-0951 ext. 2349

Cruzin’ For Life Car Show & Cruise

15 – Oct. 1

NOVEMBER 16 - December 31

August Wilson’s FENCES

PCPA Theaterfest, Marian Theatre www.pcpa.org (805) 922-8313

21 - November 12

Dia De Los Muertos

Holiday Extravaganza

The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499

DECEMBER 2

Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria www.smparadeoflights.org (805) 680-0071

9

Orcutt Annual Christmas Parade

Old Town Orcutt Revitalization Association www.oldtownorcutt.org (805) 937-4252

Additional Information

Information on these events and more can be found at: www.SantaMariaValley.com

The Phantom of the Melodrama The Great American Melodrama www.americanmelodrama.com (805) 489-2499

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Los Alamos Old Days

Los Alamos, CA www.losalamosvalleyolddays.com (805) 344-1144

A free travel resource, that recommends “Local Treasures” to

Wine, Dine, Explore and More on the California Central Coast.

Go to

Keys2TheCoast.com

Let the adventures begin!

2017 SANTA MARIA VISTORS GUIDE

SANTA MARIA PUBLIC AIRPORT DISTRICT