I Love Where I Live: Join Me at San Luis Obispo's Greek Festival!

• Posted On: May 16, 2012 9:23 AM
• Posted By: Laura Gurreau
• Related Subjects: Arts & Culture in SLO County, Fun with Kids in SLO County

I Love Where I Live: Join Me at San Luis Obispo's Greek Festival!

 

If you love delicious food, enjoy a rousing good time, and have a yen to experience different cultures, then this event is FOR YOU!

San Luis Obispo's Annual Greek Festival is a whirlwind of good times when the festival takes over the downtown Mission Plaza on the weekend of June 2nd & 3rd and presents the curious with two fun-filled days of authentic Greek culture - including fabulous food, music, and traditional folk-dancing. Have you been yearning to visit Greece, like me? Then head over to this festival and experience the friendliness of these folks, who put on this annual fundraiser for the local St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church.

If you're a foodie, this event is a "must do!" My head starts spinning with all the freshly prepared authentic Greek food I'm able to taste at this event. Just a preview of what you can enjoy includes:

• Moussaka - a lasagna-type casserole using eggplant
• Domades - seasoned beef wrapped in grape leaf
• Spanakopita - spinach, onion, herbs, feta all encased in golden phyllo
• Souvlaki - marinated, seasoned skewers of pork, slowly roasted over the BBQ
• Loukaniko - a special Greek sausage made with orange zest and red wine
• Gyros & Falafel Sandwiches
• Baklava - a nutty buttery phyllo pastry, served up hot just from the oven
• Galaktobouriko - the royalty of Greek desserts: a sweet custard filling with a hint of citrus and clove encased in a crisp phyllo, drenched with sweet syrup

Like I said this is just a preview of the many homemade, authentic Greek dishes you can enjoy. And, I particularly enjoy being able to confab with the folks selling the food, as it's often the same person who prepared it. Let's face it, who hasn't yearned for that perfect baklava or spanakopita recipe?

There's something about the Greek people's friendliness and willingness to share their culture that's infectious. Chances are they'll have you up dancing along with the best of them!

The festival takes place on Saturday, June 2nd from 11am - 7pm and Sunday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at San Luis Obispo's Downtown Mission Plaza.

So, go hungry and be sure to put on those dancing shoes.... 

Laura Gurreau
Central Coast Food Tours

San Luis Obispo County Celebrates National Tourism Week

• Posted On: May 10, 2012 2:19 PM
• Posted By: Brittany Garcia
• Related Subjects: Press Room

San Luis Obispo County Celebrates National Tourism Week

Tourism is San Luis Obispo County's Largest Revenue Generating Industry

Did you know: The SLOCVCB has been successfully positioning, branding and promoting San Luis Obispo County as a choice destination for regional, national, and global visitors for 28 years? Help us celebrate National Tourism Week, May 5 - 13, 2012.

Tourism is currently the number one industry in San Luis Obispo County with visitor spending totaling $1.1 billion in 2010. In addition, industry earnings generated by travel and tourism spending reached $390 million and industry employment generated by travel spending was just over $15.4 billion. This week recognizes the economic benefits tourism brings to San Luis Obispo County's local communities.

The SLOCVCB has been successfully positioning, branding and promoting San Luis Obispo County as a choice destination for regional, national, and global visitors for 28 years.

In partnership with Sunset Magazine the SLOCVCB will be presenting Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast, September 27 - 30, 2012. The annual food and wine event is expected to attract upwards of 9,000 visitors to the area. In 2011 the event boosted the local economy by $2.93 million, a 22% increase from the inaugural event in 2010.

"SAVOR is the type of event that falls in line with our mission to create an experience and market the county as a choice destination leveraging our key assets of food, wine and a lifestyle the traveler seeks," said Stacie Jacob, Executive Director of the SLOCVCB. "National Tourism Week celebrates the people who visit here, the workforce that provides service for them and the development created as a result. The goal is an economically viable industry supporting our community," stated Jacob.

On a national level, travel and tourism generated $1.9 trillion in economic output for the U.S. economy in 2011. The industry also represents one of America's largest employers, supporting 14.4 million jobs (including 7.5 million directly in the travel industry and 6.9 million in other industries). Direct spending by domestic and international travelers averaged $2.2 billion a day, $92.8 million an hour, $1.5 million a minute and $25,700 a second.

"Travel is a force that can drive our nation's economic recovery. It is one of the healthiest sectors of our economy in terms of job creation and hiring, employing one out of every nine Americans," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, the umbrella organization representing the U.S. travel industry.

Mid State Fair Concerts

• Posted On: May 9, 2012 12:03 PM
• Posted By: Tatum Barnes
• Related Subjects: Arts & Culture in SLO County, Fun with Kids in SLO County

California Mid State Fair

2012 Concerts 

  

The California Mid State Fair is quickly approaching on July 18-29. Get your concert tickets now before they sell out!

 

Eric Church w/ special guest TBD
Wednesday - July 18, 2012 @ 7:30pm
$40 - $50 - $60 - $85

Zac Brown Band
Thursday - July 19, 2012 @ 7:30pm
$55 - $70 - $80 - $105 (Tix on sale THU MAY 17 @ 10a)

Alabama w/ special guest TBD
Friday - July 20, 2012 @ 7:30pm
$50 - $65 - $75 - $100

The Fresh Beat Band
Sunday - July 22, 2012 @ 5:30p
$25 - $35 - $45

Kutless
Sunday - July 22, 2012 @ 6:30p & 8:30p
Free with admission

Big Time Rush with Cody Simpson
Monday - July 23, 2012 @ 7:30p
$25 - $35 - $45 - $60

Journey with Pat Benatar & Loverboy
Tuesday - July 24, 2012 @ 7:30p
$35 - $45 - $65 - $90

Brad Paisley with The Band Perry & Easton Corbin
Wednesday - July 25, 2012 @ 7:30p
$40 - $55 - $65 - $90

Earth, Wind & Fire w/ special guest TBD
Friday - July 27, 2012 @ 7:00p
$40-Reserved - $60-Golden Circle

National Train Day to be Celebrated at Three Stations in San Luis Obispo County

• Posted On: May 8, 2012 1:44 PM
• Posted By: Brittany Garcia
• Related Subjects: Fun with Kids in SLO County, Press Room

NationalTrainDay.com and the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau invite you to join the annual campaign to celebrate train travel across America. Three communities in San Luis Obispo County are participating in this national campaign scheduled for May 12. Train stations and other venues across the country will host activities and exhibits that highlight the past, present, and future of trains and travel. Amtrak will host their major events in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles with free live entertainment and activities for both children and adults: interactive and educational exhibits, model train displays and tours of Amtrak equipment, and notable private railroad cars - just to name a few!

Please join our local railway partners in Grover Beach, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles as they celebrate this exciting travel day! Start by sharing your journey at www.nationaltrainday.com/contests. Upload photos, share stories and be entered to win the Grand Prize - an all-expense paid Amtrak Vacations Rail package for two. Other prizes include two round trip tickets to any Amtrak location in the Unites States, a DSLR Camera with lenses, and a $500 mobile gift card!

May 12 - Central Coast Railroad Festival will sponsor a Family Train Excursion from Grover Beach to San Luis Obispo. The trip will include round trip tickets on the Midday Pacific Surfliner, Doc Burnstein's ice cream, fun railroad items for the kids, and a stop at the San Luis Obispo Amtrak station to enjoy special Train Day activities and displays. The activities and running model displays will be hosted by the San Luis Obispo Model Railroad Association and open to the public from 1-4pm.

May 12-13 - Central Coast Railroad Festival will sponsor Wine Rail Excursions on May 12-13. Trips will include complimentary wine tasting, light snacks, rail history, a ride down the Cuesta Grade to San Luis Obispo on Amtrak's Coast Starlight and return via private bus to Paso Robles. For more information on any of the Central Coast Railroad Festival's events, please contact Curtis Reinhardt at (805)773-4173 or director@ccrrf.com.

Join the "Car Free" movement with Grover Beach and sign up for a 20% discount on train rides to and from locations in San Luis Obispo County at www.slocarfree.com or celebrate with the city directly by attending the National Train Day celebration at Union Station in Los Angeles. Please contact Duke Sterling with the Grover Beach Chamber of Commerce for more details at (805)489-9091 or duke.sterling@live.com.

RSVP XVII: 'Garabatos' Transmedia Performance

• Posted On: May 8, 2012 11:32 AM
• Posted By: Brittany Garcia
• Related Subjects: Arts & Culture in SLO County

The Cal Poly Music Department student production ensemble RSVP will stage productions of "RSVP XVII: Garabatos" at 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, May 29 and 31, in the Performing Arts Center Pavilion.

This marks the 17th season of this diverse transmedia series celebrating electroacoustic diversity and compositional risk. Transmedia refers to storytelling in the digital age, weaving together separate plot threads by way of traditional and new media outlets.

Inspired by the rise of a Mexican immigrant mother as a comic book artist and her U.S.-born son's rise to pop-singer stardom, this year's story reflects the real-world passions and troubles of both in the mother's art. "Family, friendship, sacrifice, betrayal and salvation are the loom on which the rich tapestry of their lives unfold," said Antonio Barata, RSVP series producer.

"This year's show promises innovative staging, superheroes and villains, projections and engaging music in its continuing dedication to the science of wonder. This is not a traditional concert - it is an exploration in musical and theatrical imagination that transcends the boundaries of both arts," Barata said. "Though serious in its tenor, the show also weaves a delightful homage to comic book story lines, side plots, and a humorous updated version of the Greek chorus theatrical mechanism."

The music, lyrics, stage design, acting and singing combine the creative talent of students in Barata's sound design courses and introduction to music theory class, as well as talented students from across the university.

Tickets are $11 and are on sale at the Performing Arts Ticket Office from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. To order by phone, call SLO-ARTS 805-756-2787.

For more information:
Cal Poly Music Department
music@calpoly.edu, 805-756-2406

For additional information on San Luis Obispo County Events. 

 

Mother's Day Activities in SLO County

• Posted On: May 7, 2012 11:54 AM
• Posted By: Tatum Barnes
• Related Subjects: Arts & Culture in SLO County, Fun with Kids in SLO County, Wine & Dine in SLO County

Mother's Day Activities

in San Luis Obispo County

 

Victorian Tea at Point San Luis Lighthouse

Saturday, May 12th in Avila Beach

The Point San Luis Lighthouse Keeper's present the 2nd Annual Mother's Day Victorian Tea at the Lighthouse. Indulge your loved ones at the Lighthouse Keeper's signature event featuring; the music of harp player Midori Feldman, the vocal arts of the KMPR Quartet, the Lighthouse dressed to the nines in Victorian splendor, and a beautiful handcrafted keepsake corsage for Mom. Come and enjoy a beautiful afternoon at one of the most unique locations in SLO County!

Times: Trolley Departs 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Location: Point San Luis Lighthouse
Address: 1 Lighthouse Rd
Event City: Avila Beach
Phone: 805.540.5771
Parking: Wild Cherry Canyon
Low Admission: $25 for kids 12 and under
High Admission: $45 for adults
Visit Website

  

Mother's Day Luncheon and Wine Seminar at Adelaida Cellars

Sunday, May 13 in Paso Robles

Located at 2300 ft, the panoramic views from the hilltop bluff showcase the beauty of spring. It is the perfect backdrop to the Mother's Day menu created by Chef Jeffrey Scott with wine-country cuisine and pairings. Our Wine Educator, Tony Hermann will showcase three wine flights in celebration of Mom. Seating is limited and will sell out quickly!

Times: 11:00am-1:00pm
Location: Adelaida Cellars
Address: 5805 Adelaida Rd.
Event City: Paso Robles
Phone: 800.646.1232 ext 19
Parking: Available Onsite
Low Admission: $60 Club Members
High Admission: $75
Visit Website

  

Mother's Day Brunch and Tea at Eberle Winery

Sunday, May 13th in Paso Robles

Nothing tells Mom how much you love her more than a beautiful brunch overlooking the Eberle Estate vineyards. Join us on Sunday, May 13th, from 11am to 1pm and show Mom how much you care. Eberle is proud to welcome Chef Phil Lang from Bon Temps in San Luis Obispo. $35 per adult, $15 for children ages 6-12, children under 5 are free. Wine, juice, ice tea and coffee are included. For the complete menu, please visit www.eberlewinery.com. Or call 805-238-9607.

Times: 11:00am-1:00pm
Location: Eberle Winery
Address: 3810 Hwy 46 East
Event City: Paso Robles
Phone: 805.238.9607
Parking: Available Onsite
Low Admission: Free
High Admission: $35
Visit Website
  

  
Cookie Adventure at The Charles Paddock Zoo

Sunday, May 13th in Atascadero

This year one of our newest and sweetest events will be on Mother's Day, May 13, 2012. So, save your sweet tooth after your Mother's Day celebration and head over to the zoo for our 2nd Annual Cookie Adventure. There will be more than just animals at the zoo that day! Local cookie bakers will be at the zoo handing out samples of their scrumptious cookies to zoo visitors. To be a part of the fun, just purchase a Cookie Adventure Map for $1.00 per person. Take this map to our cookie bakers and you will learn about some of the unique animals at the zoo. You won't want to miss this savory adventure!

Times: 11:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Charles Paddock Zoo
Address: 9305 Pismo Ave.
Event City: Atascadero
Phone: 805.461.5080
Low Admission: $1

 

Lazy Locals Mother's Day (Free) Concert: Guy Budd & the Gypsy Souls

Sunday, May 13th in Templeton

Lazy Locals Mother's Day Concert - Guy Budd and the Gypsy Souls. FREE. Guy and his band will perform a free outdoor concert on Mother's Day, so bring your picnic, your Mom and a blanket or lawn chairs! It's a fun afternoon of music in the shade and the price is right. Castoro Cellars wine will be available for purchase - no outside alcohol please. Call our Tasting Room at 1.888.DAM.FINE for info.

Times: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Location: Castoro Cellars Tasting Room
Address: 1315 N. Bethel Rd
Event City: Templeton
Phone: 805.238.0725
Sponsor: Castoro Cellars
Parking: Free Onsite
High Admission: Free
Visit Website

 

Mother's Day Brunch at Robin's Restaurant

Sunday, May 13th in Cambria

Enjoy a delicious Mother's Day brunch in the heart of beautiful Cambria, CA. Let our friendly staff & lovely garden patio make it the perfect day for you and your special lady.

Times: 9:30am-3:00pm
Location: Robin's Restaurant
Address: 4095 Burton Dr
Event City: Cambria
Phone: 805.927.5007
Sponsor: Castoro Cellars
Parking: Available Onsite
Visit Website

  

Mother's Day Brunch at Luna Red

Sunday, May 13th in San Luis Obispo

Enjoy a beautiful creekside dining experience at our new location next to Mission Plaza. The brunch will include fresh baked breads & pastries, 2 mouth-watering courses, and your choice of brunch cocktail: mimosa, bloody mary, sangria. Fresh squeezed juice, coffee, and tea also available.

Times: 9:30am-3:00pm
Address: 1023 Chorro Street
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Phone: 805.540.5243
Parking: Metered Street or Structure
High Admission: $28
Visit Website
  

Mother's Day Concert at the Historic Jack House & Gardens

Sunday, May 13th in San Luis Obispo

Enjoy an afternoon of music by the QuieT Knights in the serene Jack House Gardens. Take a tour of the historic Victorian home and check out unique vintage purses. Tours are free to families with three generations present. All mothers attending receive a complimentary flower. Refreshment provided.

Times: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Location: Historic Jack House & Gardens
Address: 536 Marsh Street
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Phone: 781.7300
Low Admission: Concert Attendance Free
High Admission: $5/tour
Visit Website     


For additional information on San Luis Obispo County Events.

Free Summer Concerts in San Luis Obispo County

• Posted On: May 4, 2012 4:46 PM
• Posted By: Tatum Barnes
• Related Subjects: Arts & Culture in SLO County, Outdoor Fun

  2012 FREE Summer Concerts!

Can you believe SUMMER 2012 is just around the corner?! Plan ahead and fill your summer with wonderful music, family, and friends. San Luis Obispo County has wonderful live concerts nearly every day of the week throughout the county. So get out this summer and enjoy the beautiful weather, great enetertainment, and friendly people of San Luis Obispo County!

TUESDAY

Atascadero

Tuesdays in the Park
Jun. 19th - Jul. 31st, 2012
Recurring weekly on Tuesday
Bring the family and enjoy a fun filled evening throughout the summer at the Atascadero Lake Park. It's an opportunity to enjoy good food, and a free band concert featuring the Atascadero Community Band (7:00 - 8:00 p.m.). For further information call the Chamber office at 466-2044.

Address: Atascadero Lake Park
Event City: Atascadero
Phone: 805.466.2044
Parking: Free at Park

WEDNESDAY

  

Templeton

Concerts in the Park
Jun. 15th - Aug. 22th, 2012
Recurring weekly on Wednesday
Every Summer Wednesday, enjoy the pleasant evenings while listening to the best local bands. Bring your low-back chair (or blanket) and a picnic dinner and enjoy! Food and Drink available. No alchohol sold, but may bring own.

Times: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Templeton Park Gazebo
Event City: Templeton
Phone: 805.434.4900
Parking: Free on Site
Visit Website

THURSDAY

San Luis Obispo

Farmers' Market
Ongoing, recurring weekly on Thursday
Every Thursday evening, enjoy one of the largest, oldest and best Farmers' Markets in the state. Barbeque, fresh fruit and vegetables, live music and entertainment, cuddly "Downtown Brown" for the kids and much more. Most stores stay open late. Taste the best of the Central Coast! Not held on Thanksgiving Day.

Times: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Address: Downtown San Luis Obispo, Higuera St.
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Phone: 805.541.0286
Parking: Free on side streets
Visit Website

 

FRIDAY

Paso Robles

Concerts in the Park
Jun. 15th - Aug. 31st, 2012
Recurring weekly on Friday
Every Friday evening in summer, bring your folding chair & enjoy live music and refreshments in a beautiful park. Perfomed by local leading bands. Dance floor too! Food and refreshments available for purchase.

Times: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Downtown City Park
Event City: Paso Robles
Phone: 805.238.4103
Sponsor: Paso Robles Main Street Association
Parking: Free on Street
Visit Website

 

San Luis Obispo

Concerts in the Plaza
Jun. 1st - Aug. 31st, 2012
Recurring weekly on Friday
Concerts in the Plaza is THE premiere summer concert series on the Central Coast! Thousands of people flock to Downtown San Luis Obispo every Friday between June 10th - September 2nd for a free, two-hour concert from 5:30-7:30 p.m., in beautiful Mission Plaza.

The summer concert series features the best local musicians from Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Local restaurants and eateries provide snacks and food for hungry concert goers while Firestone Brewery and J. Lohr Winery supply beer and wine for purchase. Non-alcoholic beverages are provided as well.

Over 70 bands apply each year to fill the 13 week line-up and past participants include Central Coast favorites: Resination, Damon Castillo Band, Big Daddy's Blues Band, Zongo All-Stars, Cuesta Ridge and many more.

Times: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Address: Chorro St., Downtown SLO
Event City: San Luis Obispo
Phone: 805.543.0286
Parking: Street & Nearby Garages
Visit Website

 

Avila Beach

Fish & Farmers Market
Through Sep. 30th, 2011
Come experience one of the best and most unique Farmers Market you will find in California. It takes place in beautiful Avila Beach right on the downtown promenade. What other market do you know of with the majestic Pacific as the backdrop? You will find plenty of fresh fish, fresh local produce, great food from local restaurants, contests and Prizes, $1 VIP Parking, live music and dancing, and fun for everyone in your family.

Times: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Address: Avila Beach Promenade
Event City: Avila Beach
Visit Website

 

SATURDAY

 

Los Osos

"BAREFOOT" Concerts on the Green of Sea Pines Golf Resort
May. 19th - Jul. 28th, 2012
Recurring weekly on Saturday
Kick your shoes off and dance on the green to the sounds of some great local artists, every Saturday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm. The best part? It's FREE!! Featuring bands such as: Zongo, The Scarlet Furies, Damon Castillo, Cuesta Ridge, The Movers, Truth About Seafood, Dave Miller Band, Red Skunk Jipzees, Shival Experience, The Kicks and Cadillac Angels. We have a full service restaurant and bar on-site for your convenience. (We're sorry, but no outside food or beverage allowed) Questions, please call 805-528-5252 x.42

Times: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Sea Pines Golf Resort
Address: 1945 Solano St.
Event City: Los Osos
Phone: 805.528.5252 x426
Parking: Free on Site
Visit Website

 

Paso Robles

Saturday Live at Vina Robles
Ongoing, recurring every 2 weeks on Saturday
Every other Saturday: We invite you to come out and slow down from the week, sit back relax and enjoy live music by local artists; all while savoring award-winning Vina Robles wines. Complimentary, no RSVP required. Wine by the glass and wine tasting available. For more information about the artists, upcoming concerts and events, visit www.vinarobles.com. Saturday Live feat. Nataly Lola Sat May 5th, 2012

Times: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Vina Robles Hospitality Center
Address: 3700 Mill Rd., off Hwy 46E
Event City: Paso Robles
Phone: 805.227.4812
Parking: Free on Site
Visit Website

 

Atascadero

Summer Concerts In The Park
Jul. 7th - Aug. 11th, 2012
Recurring weekly on Saturday
Come out to enjoy the sounds of summer! Concerts are free for the community and you are encouraged to bring a blanket, low-back chair, and your family. A local catering company will be on-site at every concert with delicious food and beverage available for purchase.

Times: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand
Address: 9315 Pismo Ave.
Event City: Atascadero
Phone: 805.461.5000
Parking: Free on Site

SUNDAY

Grover Beach

Farmer's Market & Summer Concert
Jun. 3rd - Sep. 30th, 2012
Recurring weekly on Sunday
Check out the newest Farmers Market in SLO County! Every Sunday afternoon in summer, find fresh county fruits and vegetables, other food vendors and some craft vendors in a beautiful park. There will also be a free concert every Sunday at the same time. Beer, wine & food available, or you can bring your own. Bring  chair or blanket to sit on for the concert.

Times: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Ramona Garden Park Center - Grover Beach
Address: 993 Ramona
Event City: Grover Beach
Phone: 805.473.4580
Parking: Free on Street
Visit Website

 

Arroyo Grande

Village Summer Concerts
Jun. 10th - Sep. 9th, 2012
Recurring every 2 weeks on Sunday
Bring your picnic baskets, lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a variety of musical themes on alternating Sundays during the Summer. Food & ice cream available for purchase. Heritage Square Museums, village shops, restaurants and antique stores will be open - before, during and after the concert.

Times: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Downtown Bandstand / Heritage Square Park
Event City: Arroyo Grande
Phone: 805.473.2250
Low Admission: Free
Visit Website

Cambria

Robin's Restaurant Summer Nights in the Garden
Through Aug. 25th, 2012
Recurring weekly on Sunday
Come to Robin's Restaurant, in Cambria, and enjoy a delightful evening of food and wine at Summer Nights in the Garden. Featuring live musicians, locally sourced tapas, and wine flights. Every Sunday from June - August, 5 - 9 p.m.

Times: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Robin's Restaurant
Address: 4095 Burton Dr.
Event City: Cambria
Phone: 805.927.5007
Parking: Free on Site
Visit Website

For additional information on San Luis Obispo County Summer Concerts. 

 

Margarita Adventures Zipline Tours

• Posted On: May 4, 2012 3:54 PM
• Posted By: Brittany Garcia
• Related Subjects: Outdoor Fun

At Margarita Adventures, we offer a uniquely thrilling perspective on a true California landmark-the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.

Here, you will embark on four distinct ziplines spanning more than 3,000 total feet, starting with an epic valley crossing and finishing with forested vineyard views. Along the way, you will learn about Santa Margarita Ranch's sustainable winegrowing practices, remarkable natural features and unique history as part of California's famed Mission Trail. The tours conclude with a complimentary wine tasting at our affiliated Ancient Peaks Winery tasting room in Santa Margarita.

The first zipline, the Renegade, departs from a looming hillcrest and soars 1,300 feet across a grassy valley into an awaiting oak forest along a rugged flank of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The Woodlander travels 800 feet over the majestic canopies of native blue and white oak trees. Next, the Hilltopper emerges from the oaks and pines for a 500-foot thrill ride. Finally, the Archway descends 800 feet back into the forest and under a natural archway of companion oaks before emerging to a wide-open panorama of vineyards and mountains.

Santa Margarita Ranch is one of California's oldest continuously operated cattle ranches and has been producing award-winning wines for 10 years. The area occupied by Santa Margarita Ranch was home to indigenous peoples for more than 10,000 years. In the early 1770s, the ranch became part of California's Mission Trail, culminating with the formal recognition of Santa Margarita de Cortona as a sub-mission in 1787.

Sustainable ranching and viticultural practices on the ranch have fostered the restoration of native grasses and trees while nurturing the surrounding environment. The ranch's shifting elevations and soils promote a wide range of flora spanning perennial grasslands, blue oak woodlands, chamise chaparral, emergent wetlands and other plant communities. Frequent wildlife sightings include deer, wild turkeys, wild boar, foxes, hawks and falcons. Bears, bobcats, mountain lions, eagles and rattlesnakes also inhabit the land, but more inconspicuously.

At a spot called Oyster Ridge, a visible abundance of petrified oysters testifies to the land's origins as an uplifted sea bed. In total, the ranch spans five distinct soil types- ancient sea bed, sedimentary, shale, volcanic and granitic-that bring natural complexity and quality to the wines of Ancient Peaks, as you will discover at the end of your tour.

Join us today for a soaring taste of California history, nature, wine and adventure. Please call to book your reservation today (805) 438-3120.

Tickets: $99 per person
PROMO: $20 OFF Zipline rides booked on Thursday's and Friday's thru July 31st 2012, some limits may apply. Reservations available by phone (805) 438-3120
CODE: SLO20

22719 El Camino Real, Santa Margarita CA 93453
O: (805) 438-3120
www.margarita-adventures.com
contactus@margarita-adventures.com

For information on Outdoor Activities in San Luis Obispo County. 

I Love Where I Live: Enjoy Classic Concerts in Historical Venues!

• Posted On: May 3, 2012 5:12 PM
• Posted By: Laura Gurreau
• Related Subjects: Arts & Culture in SLO County

I Love Where I Live: Enjoy Classic Concerts in Historical Venues!

Starting on Sunday, May 27th, and concluding on Sunday, June 24th, you'll have and opportunity to enjoy music in one of our many historical venues in the city of San Luis Obispo. The 138 year old SLO County Band will perform at all three venues.

On Sunday, May 27th at 1 p.m. the band will be performing at King David's Masonic Lodge at 859 Marsh Street. The band will be joined by the SLO County Trumpet Alliance. And concluding the series, the lovely historic Jack House & Gardens, at 536 Marsh Street, will be hosting the final concert. "Sax on the Beach" a saxophone Quartet will be performing the opening set at 1 p.m.

A $10 donation is requested to support the County Band and historical venues.

Enjoy the great weather to get outside and enjoy these historical venues while listening to our historic city band.

Enjoy!

Laura Gurreau
Central Coast Food Tours

For additional information on Events in San Luis Obispo County.

Historical Vineyard & Winery Tour

• Posted On: May 3, 2012 4:49 PM
• Posted By: Brittany Garcia
• Related Subjects: Wine & Dine in SLO County

Enjoy an informative, insider tour guided by First Crush owner, Becky Zelinski and deluxe transportation from Breakaway Tours. You'll learn about the rich history of the Paso Robles wine industry while enjoying exclusive access to vineyards and wineries who are part of its past, present and future. Tours include transportation, tasting fees and a cheese pairing (or) lunch.

You'll start with the rare opportunity to walk the historical Dusi vineyards and enjoy a private tasting at the Dusi home with one of Paso Roble's rising stars, Janell Dusi. Next stop will take you to Rotta Winery located on the site of one of Paso Robles' oldest vineyards and winery and the last remaining "original" family-owned winery in San Luis Obispo County. You'll tour the head-trained, dry farmed vines with owner/winemaker Mike Giubinni and enjoy a private tasting in their winery.

The last stop will take you into the future of winemaking at Tables Creek Winery where yyu'll tour the vineyards where sheep and llama graze, see a grafting demonstration and tour the winery that was influential to the birth of the Rhones varietals in Paso Robles.

Tour Dates:
Friday May 18 @ 1 pm & Sunday, May 20 @ 2 pm
Small Group Tours - Space is limited
$139/pp - Includes transportation, tasting fees and lunch or cheese pairing.

For more information visit: www.firstcrushwinemaking.com or call (805) 434-2772.

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