Z Folio Gallery

Penguin Family Blue Turquoise – by Jan Machalek

Amidst the t-shirt, souvenir and trinket shops of Solvang lies a gem – Z Folio Gallery. Hand crafted jewelry and glass and wood art from around the world. The artistic displays are complemented nicely by the over-sized photographic prints which cover the walls. As soon as [...]

Sansone Studio Gallery

Joel Sansone in front of his "Stellarscape"

Vitreous enamel on copper is art. Who knew?

Long before Los Olivos turned into the wine tasting room mecca it is today, Joel and Pamela Sansone relocated from the Los Angeles area to turn their passion for art into a full time job. Today, their studio is [...]

The SYV Coffee House Bike Loop

This bike ride is may favorite loop through the Santa Ynez Valley. I have named it the SYV Coffee House Bike Loop simply because it passes by five of the best coffee houses in the Valley, any of which are a great meeting place to start your ride. I have chosen the Valley Grind as [...]

Brothers Restaurant at Mattei’s Tavern

Brothers Restaurant at Mattei's Tavern – Los Olivos

5/5/12 Update:

Sadly Brothers Restaurant at Mattei’s Tavern has closed. The old stage coach stop has become a ghost town.

The good news is the brothers have opened a new restaurant literally around the corner at the old Sides Hardware location (Patrick’s Side Street Cafe.) “Sides [...]

J. Woeste Home and Garden Treasures

Photo: J. Woeste – Los Olivos, CA

When you are ready for a change of pace from the tasting rooms of Los Olivos drop into J. Woeste and explore all the treasures for your home and garden. Plants, pottery, ceramics, bird houses, statuary, fountains, books, candles, signage, flowers….whether you are looking for a gift [...]

Clairmont Farms

Photo: Clairmont Farms Lavender – Los Olivos

Clairmont Farms is a delightful little place to visit on your way to or from Los Olivos.  Meryl and Glenn have been growing and processing Grosso lavender on their organic farm for the past 12 years and they welcome visitors to come and enjoy the beauty of [...]

Windhaven Glider Rides

Photo: Dad and Maria at Windhaven Glider Rides – Santa Ynez

If you want a completely unique experience while you are in the Santa Ynez Valley then make your way over to the Santa Ynez Airport, just off Highway 246, and check out Windhaven Glider Rides.  What better way to view the Valley than [...]

Maverick Saloon & Hayloft Grill

Photo: Maverick Saloon and Hayloft Grill – Santa Ynez

It’s Friday night in Santa Ynez and you have just finished dinner.  Now what?  Well, if you’re looking to party the Maverick Saloon is the place to go. With live entertainment, a huge dance floor and a hand shake from Ronny and a howdy from [...]

The Communities of the Santa Ynez Valley

The Santa Ynez Valley is approximately 35 miles north of Santa Barbara and rests between the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south and the San Rafael Mountains to the north.  The area is comprised of the communities of Santa Ynez, Solvang, Los Olivos, Ballard and Buellton and the total population is about 20,000.  A great [...]