A dramatic land of rolling hills, shifting light and affable communities, the Santa Ynez Valley breeds intense loyalty in its native sons and daughters. For winemaker Mike Carhartt, who spent his formative years roping cattle and riding horseback on his family’s Alamo Pintado ranch, the place represents not just a glorious spot on the map [...]
A thrift store that feels more like a kicky boutique, Atterdag Village Serendipity Shoppe welcomes browsers with creative displays of goodies, all tagged with wonderfully low prices. From vintage stoves and glassware to linens, jackets, old hats and new lotions, the eclectic inventory offers something for everyone. The shop’s manager, Karen Novack, ran an elegant [...]
A famously friendly region, the Santa Ynez Valley fosters communities that care and businesses with a heart. Honoring that model, the folks at Santa Ynez Paint offer quality products at competitive prices, deliver old-fashioned customer service and give back with gusto. Established nearly 30 years ago, Santa Ynez Paint is the only store in the Valley [...]
The Santa Ynez Valley got a taste of something different when Chef Petros Benekos opened his Greek restaurant in Los Olivos in June. The words “great” and “Petros” linked up and spread like wildfire. And for good reason. First, there was the stunning interior transformation of the Fess Parker Wine County Inn & Spa lobby [...]
On August 1, 2009, 36 large and 12 small dogs gathered to celebrate the opening of their very own off-leash park in the suburbs of Buellton. On hand with the canines and their people were a half dozen dedicated dog-lovers whose hard work and tenacity made PAWS Park a reality. After more than two years [...]
For 20 years, Solvang’s Richmond Productions has refined the art of marine videography, capturing breathtaking footage both above and below the surface of the world’s oceans. Though their company covers subjects as diverse as winemaking and air quality, owners Earl and Kay Richmond have committed their formidable energies to filming, sharing and preserving the wonders [...]
A banker turned farmer, Cheryl Wagner laughs that she still gardens green stuff, though her current crop offers a marked improvement in the fragrance department. As proprietor of Andre Organic Lavender, Wagner cultivates nine varieties of the pungent perennial for both culinary and topical purposes. “I worked with Rona Barrett when she had her lavender [...]
As the great granddaughter of one of Solvang’s founding fathers, Kimberly Skytt Storey intends to keep the family tree firmly planted in Santa Ynez Valley soil. She has always loved the area, but with the birth of her daughter, Sophia, now four, she appreciates her hometown even more. “I’m here forever,” Storey declares. “I don’t [...]
Chia — long valued by early Native Americans, the health benefits of Chia seeds have become mainstream news. This year, various magazine articles touted the benefits of Chia seeds: keep you full, excellent source of nutrients and inexpensive to boot. The only thing that came to my mind were Chia Pets. Little did I know [...]
One of the many joys of living in the Santa Ynez Valley is the drive home. Once I realize I’m back in sight of this beautiful place, a sense of calm always comes over me. A few months ago I noticed some new signage off the 101, close to the Nojoqui Park turnoff. “Classic Organic–FRESH [...]
