Last week Jeff and I packed our car
for a road trip up to the
Central Coast
to celebrate our
32nd Anniversary!
We used to make the drive up the coast regularly
when our daughter attended college in San Luis Obispo
and
we haven't been back in the 5 years since she graduated!
so it was so good to revisit some spots
and
find some charming new spots!
Our first stop is always the iconic
in beautiful Santa Barbara.
We always stop here for breakfast
to enjoy the truly spectacular views!
This historic hideaway has been around since the 1930's
The Spanish Style Colonial architecture
is grand and embracing ...
but it the lush landscaping and property
that gets my heart racing.
Being a gardener myself
I so appreciate all that goes into the immaculately maintained
outdoor spaces!
Every where you look
stunning beauty!
Our next stop driving north up the coast was
Los Alamos.
Built in the late 1800's
the once sleepy Western town
is the new cool place to be on a weekend!
Now a relatively new wine tasting getaway
it has recently gotten much press
especially since the chic reopening of the 1950's
two years ago!
is perched up on a gorgeous view spot
this 33 guest room motel
has been completely redone inside and out!
We stopped by mid week
so it was quiet
and found out their
Norman's Restaurant
(named after Bates himself)
didn't open until 3:00 for Happy Hour,
But we were so taken with this sweet motel
we looked into staying there Friday night
on our way back to SoCal.
We found out just how Popular the area has become recently.
There is now a two night weekend minimum
which will set you back over about $1,100.
Who knew!!
During the week the rates are closer to $200.
But, alas most of the town doesn't open until Thursday.
The Union Hotel and 1880 Saloon
are some of the oldest in town.
We had a lovely lunch in a converted gas station.
Los Alamos has become a wine tasting destination
with tasting rooms in town
and
even a whole wine trail running out from the town.
There is even a newly converted motel on the tiny main street.
Our destination for a couple of nights was
Avila Beach
were we always stay at the
Avila Beach Lighthouse Suites.
To be honest the rooms are dated
but the second floor views
can't be beat!
Our room had a panoramic view of the beach!
After we checked in and changed for dinner
it was off to the Avila Pier for dinner.
This open frame at the end of the pier
always a favorite spot for accessory fashion shots!
Talk about a room with a gorgeous view to wake up to!
The second view deck is definitely the best part of the
Avila Lighthouse Suites.
A morning beach walk was the perfect way to start
our Anniversary Day!
With the whole day ahead of us we ventured off to
the nearby town of
San Luis Obispo.
Our first stop heading into town
the iconic
Madonna Inn.
In town we poked around a couple of vintage shops
like
Satellite of Love.
The delightful Ruby Rose.
The lovely Junk Girls.
We lunched at NoVo
in the historic part of SLO
Eating out on the deck
with a view of the creek is always our favorite.
We had a bit of magic happen while we were in downtown.
We ran into my favorite rodeo rider, Gracely Speth form Montana.
We met her this summer back home at our local rodeo!
She is attending SLO and rides on the University rodeo team!
Then it was back to Avila Beach for sunset cocktails on the pier.
Which means of course a stop at my favorite open frame!
For dinner we walked from our hotel to the charming
French Bistro
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy
as you style your life
