SANTA MARIA VALLEY
CALIFORNIA’S SWEET SPOT
Bet you didn’t know Santa Maria California is the largest city in Sana Barbara County…this factoid comes as a surprise to many people who automatically assume Santa Barbara to be the largest city in the county that shares its name. But in fact, it is Santa Maria that has emerged over the past decade as the tail that wags the proverbial dog. And besides being the largest city between Ventura and the Bay Area, the Santa Maria/Orcutt area combines with nearby Lompoc, Los Alamos, and Santa Ynez Valley to become one of the top areas in California for wine-tasting in the world.
In the Santa Maria Valley, there are 12 vineyards all of them open to the general public. Each and every one of these 12 properties boasts a uniqueness not only in terms of its aesthetics, but each property’s “vibe”. And needless to say each grape producers hand-crafted wines are quintessentially independently terrific. And Santa Maria isn’t only known for its assortment of fine varietals, but also world-famous for its “Santa Maria Style BBQ,” with some of the best tri-tip served up anywhere. The Old Orcutt area, located roughly 5 miles outside Santa Maria, is home to a variety of family-owned restaurants, wine bars, tasting rooms, spas, and also what is commonly believed to be one of the oldest bars in California. And you all of this with a classic old-town vibe.
Santa Maria is at its core a family-oriented city of 100+ thousand, however it also boasts options for sophistication. For patrons of the arts, for example, the PCPA theater company offers some of the most entertaining theater in California.But let’s not ignore one of the most simple of basic facts, Santa Maria is home to some of the most dynamic agricultural production and operations in the Western United States. From lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cilantro, and bell peppers, one crop that gets more than its fair share of attention are the strawberries…where each year thousands from around the state visit Santa Maria to attend its famous annual strawberry festival. Come for the wine, stay for of myriad of other fun and delicious reasons.
By Donna Polizzi I have been to countless Chinese Restaurants throughout the years. Many of them good. When it comes to authentic Chinese cuisine, the North China Restaurant, located at 113 N. Broadway, stands above the rest and is a Keys 2 the Coast favorite. Let’s just say it’s a good thing they have an…
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Chances 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.…
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By 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…
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Looking 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…
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The 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…
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Don’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…
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