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When I got out of my jeep in the parking lot at the Rooster Creek Tavern in Arroyo Grande there where a bunch of well… Roosters running around the parking lot.
Read MoreFrom Montecito Village Travel CALICA, MEXICO At Imanta Resort you can begin your day with a private yoga lesson held in the Observatorio. Featuring 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush Sierra de Vallejo jungle, you will surely be inspired and restored. You can relax on the beach or for the more adventurous,…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi Monterey is less than one hour south of Santa Cruz and four hours North of Santa Barbara. Keys 2 the Coast highly recommends that everyone visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is one of the top things to do in Monterey and it will be a memorable experience for all ages.…
Read MoreOne of the best drives on the California Central Coast is through Big Sur. Deep gorges, cut through rugged mountains and pine forests that extend to the edge of sandy beaches. Cascading waterfalls, plunging into the sea below, are a glorious sight to see. California’s Central Coast is beyond compare in natural beauty. The area…
Read MoreBy Gaby Mendoza Hapy Bistro in Pismo Beach is a Keys 2 the Coast favorite place to wine, dine and explore on the California Central Coast. Many people might walk or drive by the restaurant, without realizing what a gem of a dining experience that exists in the strip mall at 821 Oak Park Blvd.,…
Read MoreChances are if you’ve arrived at an airport in most major cities throughout the United States, you’ll find a Radisson Hotel. Santa Maria is no exception. The Radisson in Santa Maria is situated on the Santa Maria Airport’s airfield. This makes the Radisson ideal for the recreational flyer but perhaps especially for the corporate flyer.…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi The California Central Coast offers some of the best views and hiking trails on the Pacific coastline and Pirate’s Cove is one of those places. More and more visitors are becoming aware of this nature lover’s paradise, in San Luis Obispo County. Wedged between Pismo Beach and Avila Beach, Pirate’s Cove is…
Read MoreBy Gaby Mendoza So many culturally different restaurants are popping up on the Central Coast and all of them aspire to become some of the best restaurants in the area. A lovely, Mediterranean style restaurant, definitely qualifies to be in that category. The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant and Café, is making a name for itself in…
Read MoreIs your passport valid? Now that’s a question that peaks interest. I believe that life is good, but it gets better with perspective from a 30,000-foot view from an airplane window, on the way to paradise. For sanity sake, we all need to get up and away on occasion, to clear our heads and…
Read MoreBy Gaby Mendoza Who would have thought that one of the California Spanish missions along the coast would be the perfect place to spend a warm sunny day? La Purisima is a big beautiful mission. Perfect for picnics and exploring. As soon as you pull into the parking lot expect to be confused as…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi Doug Jenzen, the Executive Director of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, received a call from community leader Susan Righetti, to share her plan to donate the Historic Far Western Tavern building. The building will become the home of the new Dunes Center. This call was the catalyst to rolling out the plans for…
Read MoreA new gem for beer drinkers and socialites on the Central Coast has popped up, in the quiet town of Nipomo, on the southern part of San Luis Obispo County. And not just any part of Nipomo, it is located in Olde Towne Nipomo, which is how the Old Town Brew got its name. Old…
Read MoreOcean Vistas, Wine, and Special Sauce, Oh My! Lompoc is one of the Central Coast’s forgotten cities. Many of the locals know it as a place to go wine tasting and skydiving, but little do people know that it’s one of the best places to watch a sunset, hike trails along the coast and is…
Read MoreLooking for a great place to go for Sunday Brunch? The Historic Santa Maria Inn has been a place to stay and dine that has hosted the rich and famous for 100 years. To celebrate 100 great years, there is now a new Century Room featuring a fabulous Sunday Brunch. Let me tell you. It…
Read MoreSt. Patrick’s Day in Dublin From Montecito Village Travel In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all week long. Enjoy a weekend of festivities, including parades, live entertainment, street performers, food vendors, musicians, live marching bands and of course, a lot of Guinness. In Dublin, there will be no shortage of fake orange beards and…
Read MoreThe Radisson Hotel, at 3455 Skyway Drive, is conveniently located adjacent to the Santa Maria Public Airport. It is one of the best places to stay in the Santa Maria Valley. The hotel is recently renovated, spacious and the service insures a great experience. As soon as you enter the Radisson, you’ll see a huge…
Read MoreDon’t Miss it! March 30th to September 28th, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Town Center West – Don’t miss out on the fun at Downtown Friday’s in Santa Maria! This year promises to be the best ever. Click here for upcoming information on “Friday Nights“. Check us on Facebook! Downtown Fridays operate in the Fallas…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi My lot in life is to seek and discover the best places to wine, dine, explore and more for Keys2theCoast. The Santa Maria Valley is definitely a Keys2theCoast favorite. Have you ever walked into a place and immediately thought “Ohhh, I’m so glad I came here?” Riverbench is that kind of place.…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi Olio Nuevo Ranch in Paso Robles is one of the finest tasting room and olive groves to visit, especially if you would like to learn the proper way to “taste” olive oil. Many find it interesting to know that there is a right and wrong way to do an olive oil tasting…
Read MoreBy Cindy Rynning- Guest Blogger Paso Robles was named Wine Region of the Year in 2013 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, yet more than a few wine lovers aren’t familiar with the area or its wines. Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles and about 40 minutes east of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find this bucolic town along…
Read MoreBy Cindy Rynning- Guest Blogger One of my favorite endeavors is to discover a wine that’s new to me. Whether it’s from an off-the-beaten-track region, a winery of which I’m not familiar, or a varietal that I haven’t fully explored, the first taste is always an adventure. And recently, I had more than a few memorable…
Read MoreGuest Blogger-Cindy Rynning Thirty miles west of Paso Robles, on the Central Coast of California, lies the charming resort town of Cambria where ocean sunsets, eclectic shops, terrific restaurants, and comfortable inns are waiting for you. Prior to this summer’s Wine Blogger’s Conference in Santa Barbara, I spent two days in Cambria with my daughter, Stephanie, who is a resident. My…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi The Santa Maria Valley is surrounded by wildflower-covered mountains, in the heart of the California Central Coast. There is no better place to get away, any day of the week. Santa Maria is a family-friendly city, with everything you need, for a fun-filled vacation destination. Santa Maria and neighboring Old Orcutt…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi There is an adorable tasting room, named Alapay Cellars, that is well worth the stop. It’s located at 415 1st Street, Avila Beach, Ca., and they offer up excellent wine, late harvests and an atmosphere that is totally appropriate for the beach. After entering the uniquely rounded building, located literally on the corner…
Read MoreBy Gaby Mendoza Have you visited Morro Bay lately? If not, get ready for an adventure. It’s a magical place, where you can find sweet spots not only outdoors, but indoors, as well. First and foremost, Morro Rock is a spectacular site and the bay is gorgeous. Seagulls caw in the distances and seals bark…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi Keys 2 the Coast has discovered another hidden gem to visit on the California Central Coast. The type of place that thrills you to see that we have protected, preserves and let us see nature at its finest? Visiting Oso Flaco Lake State Park in San Luis Obispo County is a must;…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi Did you know the little town of Guadalupe, nestled in the western Santa Maria Valley has a native garden? This adorable little patch of California natives will give you a new-found interest in Botany. With its informational message board containing the “Plant of the Month” every month, and plant labels attached to…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi It all starts and stops with great food… and Atascadero is a great place to spend a casual day from breakfast to burgers. Start your day with a lovely breakfast at The Country Touch Café. This family-owned and operated restaurant is located right off of El Camino Real and is run by…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi Tucked away in the cradle of the Santa Ynez Valley, where the rich and famous boast second homes, hundreds of miles away from the Los Angeles rat race, is a true gem on the Central Coast. Sunstone Winery, located at 125 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, is a short 35-minute drive from Santa Barbara.…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi Where on the California Central Coast is the best place to hike, bike or take a stroll in the beautiful San Luis Obispo County? The well-known and well-traveled Bob Jones Trail is most certainly a contender. The Bob Jones is paved and it takes you on a visually delightful journey from the…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi San Antonio Winery majestically sits right off Highway 46 East, at 2610 Buena Vista Rd., in Paso Robles. This family-owned winery, spanning four generations, was established in 1917 and opened in Paso Robles in 2010. After 100 years in business, the experience shows. San Antonio Winery offers a wide variety of brands, the…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi We all have reasons that require an occasional escape from the requirements of everyday life. It’s amazing how just a couple of days away from work, home and sometimes our kids, can restore a person’s energy and put a more positive spin on life in general. Not to mention the importance of…
Read MoreAs a longtime resident of Santa Barbara County, with geographical proximity to delightfully charming towns scattered throughout the Central Coast, I confess to being spoiled. A good friend’s birthday recently took me to the Napa Valley, where we enjoyed the breathtaking countryside, delicious food, sinful pastries and great wine. For those unfamiliar with Napa, allow…
Read MorePacific Coast Highway, CA Hwy 1, runs right through downtown Guadalupe, CA in Santa Barbara County. The downtown area makes you feel like you’re going back in time. Guadalupe was established in 1840 and incorporated on August 3, 1946. The small city is home to only 7100 residents. It is a well-known destination for fantastic…
Read MoreChristmas time at the Madonna Inn Resort and Spa is magical. Entering this lovely resort is like stepping onto a movie set, specifically designed to immerse guests in the holiday spirit. Year round, the Madonna Inn is a delightful place to wine, dine and explore. The imagination that went into the design of each private…
Read MoreDid you know that according to California Craft Brewers Association, more than 850 craft breweries call California home? The good thing is that right here in Santa Maria, some of the best can be experienced. Keys 2 the Coast is always on the lookout for great places to explore. We found great breweries right here…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi One of the most charming areas on the California Central Coast is the little Danish town of Solvang. Located roughly two hours north of Los Angeles, and 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, situated in the heart of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang is home to some of the world’s most…
Read MoreDescribed as the last best place on earth, or the last best stretch of undeveloped coastline in California, or the world’s safest beach, one thing all can agree on, is there are few small beach towns, on either coast, as quaint as the town of Carpinteria. This little jewel in California’s crown, is only four…
Read MoreThey say great things come in small packages and the Carhartt Tasting Room. Located at 2990A Grand Ave., in Los Olivos, is the smallest tasting room that most of us have ever seen. Los Olivos, in the Santa Ynez Valley, is home to over 50 tasting rooms, within a two square block area. It is…
Read MoreMontecito’s CAVA Restaurant and Bar are famous for a large tequila selection, specialty drinks, chips and “as fresh as it gets” guacamole. Cava is located at 1212 Coast Village Road in Montecito and has been a local’s favorite spot to enjoy Mexican food, since 1997. Have you ever tried a Mexican Burro? It’s very similar…
Read MoreAre you hungry for Mexican food? If you are in the San Luis Obispo area and hope to find a great place for good old, authentic Mexican dishes…. try Pepe Delgado’s Mexican Food and Cantina at 1601 Monterey Street. It is a fun place to go for lunch, brunch or dinner. The restaurant is old…
Read MoreGlamping or camping in the great outdoors is the perfect way to strengthen relationships or simply enjoy solitude and nature. Santa Margarita KOA Campgrounds is a beautiful 70-acre campsite, that is built into the side of a mountain. The location is ideal and has accommodations to suit every taste. Bring your tent, RV, rent a YURT…
Read MorePismo Beach has no shortage of great restaurants and another has been added to the list. Dining at Mattie’s Bar & Eatery, at 558 Price Street in Pismo Beach, has locals and tourists raving about the distinct and delectable dishes prepared by Chef Rebecca. Madeline Moore, “Mattie” the owner, and her longtime friend Rebecca have…
Read MoreNipomo Grande Orchids and Concierge Nursery, in Nipomo, is a flower lover’s Garden of Eden. Award-winning orchids grace the nursery in all sizes and varieties. Orchids are the star of the show, but as you peruse the grounds and weave through the various displays, you will see numerous varieties of fuchsia, palms, succulents, geraniums, passion…
Read MoreI recently stopped at a new coffee shop in Orcutt and was treated to not only a heartwarming, and inspirational story, but a quintessential American success story. Before I go onto just how fabulous the coffee is, allow me to take a quick detour. Once upon a time on the small island of Cuba, a…
Read MoreThe Spoon Trade Restaurant at 295 West Grand Avenue in Grover Beach, at the corner of North 3rd, is a great place to eat, that is a stone’s throw from Grover Beach. Owners Chef Jacob and his wife Brooke Town opened the restaurant on August 14, 2015. The two of them manage, work and run the kitchen. And…
Read MoreWhat’s cool In Northern Santa Barbara County? That would-be TNT’s Yogurt, Smoothies & More located at 1102 E. Clark Avenue, at the corner of CLARK and Bradley in Orcutt California. Are you ready for fall? Have you ever tasted pumpkin spice yogurt? If you haven’t, you’re missing out. It is a burst of delicious sweet…
Read MoreIf you are looking for a day trip that is unlike any other, head to Guadalupe, California. Guadalupe is a city of roughly 7,500 people, 10 miles east of Santa Maria in Northern Santa Barbara County. Guadalupe is known as the “Gateway to the Dunes, ” and this town is the opposite of a big…
Read MoreWhen was the last time that you went out to dinner with friends and were thoroughly impressed? I can attest to the fact that The Bear and Star restaurant, which is located in Los Olivos, inside of Fess Parkers Wine Country Inn and Spa, has set the bar. It was remarkable in numerous ways. When you…
Read MoreKeys 2 the Coast is constantly searching for the best places to wine, dine and explore on the California Coast and we have officially declared that Lovers Point State Marine Reserve, in Monterey Bay, is one of the most scenic spots in all of California. It is truly a top ten travel destination that must be…
Read MoreA Keys 2 the Coast favorite is Rancho Sisquoc Winery at 6601 Foxen Canyon Road in Santa Maria. Known for 40 years of crafting small batches of delicious, superior wines, in a setting that is unforgettable, are two of the many reasons that make this winery and tasting room a destination for wine and nature…
Read MoreIf you’re looking for a two or three-day getaway, to enjoy great wine, food and natural beauty, head to Santa Maria’s Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. The Trail includes13 distinctive wineries, each with unique stories to be told. A Keys 2 the Coast favorite is Rancho Sisquoc Winery. Located at 6601 Foxen Canyon Road in Santa…
Read MoreTake an East Clark Avenue excursion into charming Old Town Orcutt and visit some of the best places to wine and dine in Santa Barbara County. For those who enjoy the finer things in life, visiting California’s Central Coast is truly an adventure. For the past 15 years, my family and friends have had a…
Read MoreJoe and Jeanine Mistretta, along with their daughter Morgan Aanerud, have created a delightfully tempting escape in Templeton, that exudes Italian family charm. The Lago Giuseppe Winery is nestled amongst ancient oak trees, with the sounds of flowing water adding to the tranquility of this new wine country resort, located at 45 Green Valley…
Read MoreLife is great. Especially when you wake up in the morning and know that there’s no place that you’d rather be. As founder of Keys2theCoast, the challenge is to consistently look for the best places to wine, dine, explore and more on the California Central Coast. Yes, I know… I have a tough job. Don’t…
Read MoreLiving on the Central Coast and working for Keys 2 the Coast, finding the best places to wine, dine, explore and more is a gift. Yesterday, I discovered the most delicious, aged red wines at Cottonwood Canyon Winery. It is truly an impressive facility, located at the northern edge of the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail…
Read MoreA dear friend invited me to join her on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to visit the Olio Nuevo Ranch in Paso Robles. She promised that, by the end of the day, I would know the proper way to “taste” and select olive oil. I’ve been to more than my share of wine tastings, but I…
Read MoreLiving on the Central Coast often poses difficult questions. The most common one for me — simply because the options are endless — is “what am I going to do today?” The primary things that help me narrow down my decision are the time of year and the weather. I always look forward to the…
Read MoreIt’s impossible to not be spoiled by the wonderment of California’s Central Coast. From Santa Barbara to Paso Robles to Monterey, Keys2theCoast.com is devoted to featuring the best places to wine, dine and explore. If you haven’t been to Cambria lately, you simply must visit this delightful little seaside village in San Luis Obispo County.…
Read MoreThe astonishing beauty begins long before you enter the southern gates to Yosemite National Park. As far as vacation spots go…I think that this heavenly place, is one where you will agree, is all about the drive and the destination. Winding roads cut through sky-high pine trees that domino the landscape. Snow blankets the vast…
Read MoreI love good food and recently found a new place that will be a regular stop when I travel between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, located in Buellton California, was recently remodeled and let me tell you…It is impressive. The Santa Ynez Valley is 31 miles North of Santa…
Read MoreWinding roads to Bass Lake are a nature lover’s eye candy. The drive alone can calm the most active mind, passing lush foothills with a dusting of snow and studded with boulders, old barns, oak and pine trees. I’ve been to Bass Lake many times and the beauty never escapes me. If I had…
Read MoreWhile visiting the Netherlands my friends and I went to a place called the “Exit Game.” This was an escape room game facility that was more fun than I could have ever imagined. It was a super-challenging, team building, brain-straining, blast. After arriving home from my trip to Europe and sharing my favorite experiences with…
Read MoreGrover Beach couple introduces escape room opportunities for Central Coast thrill seekers! A company called Competitours contacted me over the summer with an invitation to an incredible adventure: a sight-doing tour, not a sightseeing one. According to the Competitours website, the trips attract people who “enjoy the thrill of the unknown, who are eager to…
Read MoreOne of my favorite movies is Rain Man. The movie features two Hollywood mega-stars in dueling leads. Raymond Babbitt, one of two main characters, played by Dustin Hoffman, is a middle-aged, institutionalized autistic man with a scorching case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ray is an idiot savant who can add with the accuracy of a calculator.…
Read MoreIt doesn’t get any stickier or more colorful than the famous Bubblegum Alley, located at 733 ½ Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, California. The alley is smack dab in the middle of beautiful, downtown San Luis Obispo and has become a unique, to say the least…. tourist attraction. The alley walls are literally covered with…
Read MoreEnjoy a delightful day of being rubbed, scrubbed and pampered, but save room for a delicious dining experience at Adelina’s Bistro. Have you been to Nipomo lately? My job is exploring the Central Coast, and sometimes I’m blown away by the places I find. On a recent visit to Nipomo, in San Luis Obispo County…
Read MoreCatalina Island, from offshore, appears magical. As you look past the paddleboards, sailboats, and yachts, you see 54 miles of pristine coastline and an island that has the charm of a bygone era. On the East side, you’ll see stunning white villas with tile roofs, reminiscent of Greece, gracing the hillside. Looking a bit further…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi Paso Robles is home to over 300 wineries and tasting rooms. Over the last few years, we have seen the wine industry take off to the point that I see it as a modern-day gold rush. Everyone wants to get in on the action. Fortunately, the wine business has also sprouted numerous…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi San Luis Obispo has no shortage of great restaurants. In the Historical Rail Road District in San Luis Obispo, near the train station, is an incredible Italian eatery named Café Roma. Located less than two minutes from the downtown section of the city, Café Roma is a local favorite that delights the…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi Exploring the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum was a journey through the life and Presidency of our 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan. Reagan served as our president from 1981 through 1989 and has previously served as Governor of California from 1967 through 1975. This historical gem is located at 40 Presidential Drive…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi There’s something for everyone amid the laid-back atmosphere of a classic California beach community. It can be reinvigorating to step away from the busy-ness of life long enough to enjoy the unlimited treasures that are around every corner of every city on the Central Coast. Many of us, even those of us…
Read MoreBy Donna Polizzi There’s no place like the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort! I’ve had the privilege of staying at many beautiful hotels and resorts around the world, but let me tell you, the Alisal is beyond compare. I had no idea that this amazing place was less than an hour from my home. It…
Read MoreBy now I think we can all agree that the Central Coast is stunning – rolling hills, endless ocean views, gorgeous valleys reminiscent of the Mediterranean. What better way to experience this beauty than by vacationing IN the most striking parts of it? A quick Google search can show any traveler the list of hotels in the area.
Read MoreVisiting the Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden in Paso Robles was a fantastic experience. The entry gates were exquisite and ornate iron. Just beyond the gates, grew colorful, lush, ripe grapes that begged to be photographed. As soon as I stepped out of the car, the uniqueness of this place enchanted me.
Read MoreStax Wine Bar in beautiful Morro Bay is a cut above the rest. Whereas most wine clubs offer the same wines year after unoriginal year, Stax features over one hundred wines from local and international sources. They hunt high and low for the best from California and elsewhere. As if that wasn’t enough, they offer food and weekly specials.
Read MoreYou may not know that right here in Santa Barbara County is a beautiful, out-of-the-way park with a breathtaking, seasonal waterfall. Just a few miles south of Buellton
Read MoreIt’s been 2 hours- are we there yet? YES! It’s only 2-hours from the Santa Maria Public Airport to Portland Oregon. Living on the central coast of California is truly magnificent. The coastline and mountains are gorgeous and the weather stays pretty much the same year-round. As glorious as this is, variety is necessary, so…
Read MoreAn Extraordinary New Cruise Experience Enchanted Princess℠ officially joined the Princess® fleet on September 30, 2020. Discover venues, both new and re-imagined, more al fresco dining options than ever, and exclusive MedallionClass™ experiences. Enchanted Princess℠ shares the spectacular style and luxury of their fleet and introduces new attractions all her own. Get ready for exquisite, one-of-a-kind dining…
Read MoreGet your day started with some fresh air and a little exploring. Head to the northwest area of Vegas and take a hike at Red Rock National Conservancy. The trail is a one-way, 13-mile loop through a national conservation land area, and it is absolutely stunning. Whether you hike or drive, the entire time, you’re…
Read MoreUnited Airline sets course to destinations not served by any other North American carrier in Amman, Jordan; Azores, Portugal; Bergen, Norway; Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Tenerife, Spain United today announced the largest transatlantic expansion in its history, including 10 new flights and five new, vogue destinations – Amman, Jordan; Bergen, Norway; Azores, Portugal; Palma…
Read MoreClick here to get all the info you need on this upcoming AMA Waterways Cruise!
Read MoreDid you know that there is an aquarium here in our very own Avila Beach? The Central Coast Aquarium (CCA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to cultivate community by fostering ocean stewardship through hands-on education and conservation actions. We are located right next to the pirate park, and the beach, at 50 San…
Read MoreA Weekend Getaway to Mesa, Arizona Santa Maria Airport now flies directly to Mesa, Arizona. Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and is a hotspot for families, foodies, and those interested in Native American history and culture. Visit Mesa Grande Cultural Park Around 2,000 years ago, the Native American’s, now known as the Hohokam,…
Read MoreHave you been to Los Cabos? The flight time is 2 hours and 20 minutes from LAX to Cabo San Lucas, and the drive from the airport to the Viceroy is only 20 minutes. Trust me. That is where you’ll want to stay. White sand and waves are a stone’s throw from your room The…
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