I know. I’m a tease. I’ve been posting pictures on Twitter of little snippets of my most recent jaunt to this most lovely of Southern California towns. But I’ve decided to gloat in full pano-vision right here on my blog 😉 Oh come on. You know you like it. You keep coming back for more.
What does YOUR treadmill look like? Santa Barbara, California
Well, I do the same thing with Santa Barbara. Liking it and coming back, that is. Many things I do are repeat delights; such as taking a walk along Hendry’s beach – officially named Arroyo Burro – and sometimes hoofing it up the 200+ steps up the bluffs for a little extra dinner-earning exertion.
“Santa Barbara is a paradise. Disneyland is a paradise. The U.S. is a paradise. Paradise is just paradise. Mournful, monotonous, and superficial though it may be, it is paradise. There is no other.” Jean Baudrillard
This month, I was graced with one of the hands-down top ten most magnificent California sunsets I’ve ever witnessed..and I’m a native! The other memorable ones have involved and been enhanced by firestorms, unusually copious amounts of smog, or volcanic activity across the Pacific, launching particulate matter into the atmosphere that captured a reflected light…oh you don’t want to hear this scientific blather. Let’s get on with the photos, shall we? Luckily, I had my pocket camera with me and snapped some proof to share with you and get your score.
This happy romping pup plunked himself smack dab in the beam of my sunset shot, so I clicked. I like the result! For those of you with canine companions, this particular beach IS dog friendly and they are even permitted to frolic off leash. The beach is flanked by the Pacific ocean on one side and a steep, dramatic bluff on the other, so it’s wonderfully safe and contained.
The color palette of a sunset changes so quickly, from warm golden tones to cool purples and blue brushstrokes.
Purple sunset at Hendry's beach, Santa Barbara, California
Strolling State Street is a must. You pretty much can’t avoid it when you visit here and I wouldn’t know why you’d want to…unless the plethora of fine and informal dining establishments wafting aromatic temptations is too much of a dietary dilemma :} This fine example below is from one of my all-time favorite eateries on State Street, Tupelo Junction, serving some of the most authentic southern style cuisine this side of the Mississippi.
Tupelo Junction's Fried Chicken Salad with cornbread chunks, pumpkin seeds and cranberries. Decadent!
And then there’s the Santa Barbara style architecture. They have evolved their own style and I could dedicate an entire post just to the architectural delights. For now, enjoy a few common sights..
Meridian Studios building, Santa Barbara
There is an uninhibited mixing of styles and elements of tile, stucco and landscaping that makes strolling through Santa Barbara like a visit to an outdoor museum.
Santa Barbara Style - a bold and beautiful mix
So, are you starting to see why Santa Barbara is a favorite domestic travel destination for me? Thought so 😉 For those already familiar with it, what are your must-see/must-dos here? For those whose interest is piqued, what else would you like me to cover? (I’m thinking of the zoo next – it’s an awesome, intimate coastal-view zoo..) Thanks, as ever, for traveling with me!
For more Santa Barbara bliss, see also: Santa Barbara: Like Visiting an Old Friend
All photos by G. Stark
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
As always, great post Gina! My personal favorite Santa Barbara activity is the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (http://www.sbbg.org/index.cfm?). It's actually a huge park with many distinct environments and ecosystems, showcasing all California native species. It shows the best of California's beauty before human intervention. Pet-friendly, kid-friendly, great place for a picnic, educational, and above all, stunning–especially in mid- to late-April when the showiest wildflower display is happening.
Hi Rodney and thank you so muuchly for your awesome suggestion! As I mentioned before, I've been to Lotus Land and I shall return the favor of your tip by encouraging you to visit there one day. I shall indeed try to time my visit to the Botanical Gardens around the optimal time for the wildflowers! And of course, I will report back :)) (Maybe I'll need to bring my fancy camera with me.) Speaking of spring blooms, do you get any of the famous Lemon Lillies blossoming at the creek behind the Inn? Your bees would love them! Thanks again for your suuperness in general xoxo G
I've never seen any Lemon Lillies along the creek, but we did try to grow them at the Inn (www.strawberrycreekinn.com) at one point, with little success. During the Lemon Lily Festival someone came by to ask if they could scout along the creek for a planting location, so maybe we'll see some this spring.
I shall keep my fingers crossed! If you get any, we'll have to trumpet the announcement! I was enchanted by them when I went on one of the guided hikes last year! Perhaps I could entice you up that there mountain to enjoy them ;-}} It's quite the treat to see big bold yellow lillies in the midst of forest bracken! Be well, dear friend! *huugs* G
Pffft : )
lol dare I ask you to elaborate? 😛 G
Nope. It's a tease. -Just like the funny way you write. You make me do involuntary …sounds(you asked!) kinda' the opposite of a gasp or : o plus : ) equals pffft!
Not sure that's a good thing 😉 but I'm happy you come to visit and read and share your thoughts…and sounds! 🙂 Cheers! G
Now I want that darn salad from Tupalo Junction – am I going to have to take a mini vaycay up to SB? *sigh* looks like it. Gorgeousness on the photos – Kepp up the musings and ponderings…
XO
Thanks ever so muuchly! I'll take that vaycay with ya! :)) SistaG
Absolutely Gorgeous! The sunsets are stunning and filled with another of my Fav things….doggies! Tee-Hee The article is, as Always…."Great and thought provoking"! I enjoyed this piece very much my #BonfireSistah! And was even scoping out places along that beautiful beach to rendezvous; to toast some marshmallows!! lol :))) I am awed by the beauty of the architecture too Gina! You've made SB, a place to dream of going; for me! :))))
Thanks Tweetie!
Thank you so much for visiting Santa Barbara with me and sharing an effusive love of sunsets, beaches (bonfires!) and doggies! 🙂 When you come to California, you MUST let me show this lovely town – and introduce you to its gastronomic delights! Wait 'till you see the famous courthouse building 🙂 I plan on touring that one again with a better camera to attempt to capture its grandeur. Thank you, as ever, for reading and your comments. XO! G
Gina, your photos are spectacular! I never seem to photograph anything but food. Just posted yesterday about Santa Barbara–afternoon tea at Four Seasons Biltmore.
Thank you so muuch, Jean! I see you were recently in SB as well…I love the Biltmore. I think the sights and culinary offerings are enough to keep one happily occupied for decades!
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