The Road Linds Travels

It’s that time of year again. You know – the one where convenience stores sell out of chocolate adorned with red ribbon and plush teddy bears. The same one where commercials and online advertisements shove American capitalism into our faces with every click and scroll. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not entirely cynical about the fourteenth of February, AKA Valentine’s Day. I’m just of the firm belief that love should be celebrated on the daily. Hence, I’m sharing my customized itinerary from socal to the central coast and back. The following can be celebrated any day of the year!

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I mean, I don’t know about you, but I’d rather sit across from my lover amidst candlelight on a day when the masses aren’t surrounding us. I’d appreciate an intimate dinner date where others’ conversations aren’t infiltrating our overpriced prix-fixe dinner. Not everyone wants to know about your dog’s doo-doo habits, Cheryl. Am I right? With that being said, let’s get into this fun wine-filled itinerary for your next SoCal to central coast adventure, perfect for your love day getaway!

SOCAL TO CENTRAL COAST

Depart accordingly to make it to the first stop on this socal to central coast trip. Pence Vineyards opens at 10am (despite what their website and Google may say). Most of the area’s wineries open at 11am, so take advantage of that extra hour.

Make reservations in advance, and leave the furbabies at home. Indulge in a charcuterie board (the olive oil is estate grown and delicious) and ask for a tour of their members-only grounds. My guess is they’ll be happy to show you, especially if they think they’ll be gaining a new member in the process. Oh, and wear comfortable shoes!

PRO TIP: A trip to the central coast from Southern California can begin any day of the week. However, keep in mind that if you return on a Sunday or weekday evening (5-7pm), you should expect more traffic.

After Pence Vineyards, your pourer probably gave you the lay of the land, working up an appetite. Then, depending on the day of the week, have lunch at SY Kitchen (Friday – Sunday). The octopus and the wild mushroom pappardelle are a couple of my favorites, but you really can’t go wrong at SY Kitchen.

If you happen to be there on another day of the week, then El Rancho Marketplace in Solvang is an excellent alternative. Freshly prepared sushi and a full-service deli are just a couple of the options at this quaint market. Enjoy your grub outside at a picnic table. Once you’re finished with lunch, stop and feed the ostriches at OstrichLand USA.

LOS ALAMOS, CALIFORNIA

Los Alamos is a short twenty-five-minute drive from the Danish capital of America (Solvang). So if you haven’t booked a one or two-night stay at The Victorian Mansion, affectionately known as “The Vick,” I encourage you to do so now.

The six theme suites within were made by over 200 experienced craftsmen, artisans, and artists over the course of about ten years. The muralist worked on them for over two years, averaging more than forty hours per week. You’ll find hidden restrooms, spiral staircases, a 750-pound cannon coffee table, an Egyptian sarcophagus, a 1500-pound solid stone door, swinging sea lanterns, and a 1956 Cadillac convertible, among other oddities. Indulge in extras like an en-suite couple’s massage and bubbly for two.

Reserve dinner for two at Pico (Wednesday – Sunday). Your stomachs and the foodie in all of us will thank you. The menu at Pico constantly changes based on what local farmers and ranchers have to offer. Everything is delicious. The restaurant doubles as a wine shop with lots of cute knick-knacks to take back with you.

ONWARD TO PASO ROBLES, CA

Have you ever dreamt of soaking in a private mineral tub while wine tasting outside in a vineyard after a full-body massage? No? Just me. That’s okay. Or, maybe you didn’t know it was possible? Well, it is, and it’s fabulous!

The River Oaks Hot Springs Spa in Paso Robles has services and packages to suit your desires, including a chocolate lover’s package! What’s a socal to central coast adventure without a bit of R&R, am I right?

After a morning of relaxation, make your way to Castoro Cellars for a lovely wine tasting from some of the coolest people around. Greg is our favorite. If he’s your pourer, you’ll understand why. Aside from awesome people, you’ll be met with some awesome views and awesome wine, as well.

Take your time, kick back, and enjoy. Reservations aren’t typically necessary during the slower months of January and February, but it’s also wise to call ahead anyway.

PRO TIP: Be sure to drink lots of water if you opt for massages at River Oaks Hot Springs Spa. Substances, like toxins, are released as the massage therapist manipulates your muscles. Following a massage, drinking water aids in the body’s removal of any accumulated substances that were released during the massage.

El Paso de Robles, AKA Paso Robles, or “Pass of the Oaks,” is home to hundreds of wineries. If Castoro (beaver in Italian) doesn’t satiate your thirst for the beverage of the Gods, then take your pick. If you need a little help narrowing things down, here’s a short list of some of my personal favorites:

• • TOP
  • Le Cuvier
  • J. Lohr
  • Aaron Wines
  • Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery

CENTRAL COAST TOWN OF CAMBRIA

If your Paso Robles pit stop has you driving highway 46 west toward the coastal town of Cambria at sunset, all the better! Truthfully, highway 46 is glorious during all hours of daylight. But we all know how golden hour presents that extra special something. So look out for the handful of pullouts on the opposite side of the highway, and pull over carefully. This stretch is windy and steep. In fact, I highly recommend waiting to stop at one of these pullouts on the drive back.

From the Bluebird Inn to the Rigdon House to Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach, there is certainly no shortage of accommodations in this charming area. For a more budget-friendly option, opt for the Quality Inn about ten minutes north in the town of San Simeon.

A PERFECT DAY IN CAMBRIA, CALIFORNIA

Once you’re all settled in, your perfect day looks a little something like this:

• • Wake up early and grab breakfast at your hotel or Lily’s Coffeehouse: Their Mexican mochas are delicious.
  • Trek the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve: Enjoy the plethora of elephant seals.
  • Do a wine tasting at Cayucos Cellars on Main Street: Their syrah is two thumbs up!
  • Head to Robin’s for lunch: Grab a cup of their salmon bisque – *finger-kissing* good
  • Walk Main Street and peruse the mom-and-pop shops before returning to your hotel to rest and freshen up.
  • Catch the sunset via Moonstone Beach Boardwalk.
  • Grab a decadent dinner at Sea Chest Oyster Bar: Cash only, and you can expect a wait. The oysters are fresh and huge! Buon Appetito!

Get a good night’s rest, and begin another day of adventure in the morning! Below are a few honorable mentions of things to do and places to go on your socal to central coast excursion:

• • Moonstone Cellars
  • Madeline’s Restaurant
  • Harmony Cellars in the town of Harmony – about 6 miles south of Cambria
  • Sensorio by Bruce Munro: This spectacular light display in Paso Robles really deserves its own blog.