Tank of Gas Travels

Inspiration a la "Julie & Julia"

When I'm not out exploring the Central Coast, I am parked on the couch in front of my television and DVD player watching movies.  After watching Julie & Julia last night, I woke up this morning with new inspiration.  No, I'm not going to start cooking, much to my husband's relief, I'm sure.  In the movie, Julie Powell set out to prepare over 500 recipes from Julia Child's book in the course of a year and blog about her experiences on a daily basis. 

Daily trips and posts are unrealistic for a travel blog but I am setting a new goal: One trip (and one new post) per week.  Unfortunately, I don't have a local traveler from the past for inspiration like Julie Powell had with Julia Child.  So, here is where you come in.  Send me your favorite Central Coast locations to visit.  You can use the Facebook comment or comment here on this blog by clicking the link below.  I will visit as many of your favorite spots, and mine - one per week - and write about them here. 

Like Julie Powell when she first began her blog, I wonder if anyone is out there reading this blog (other than my husband).  So, let me know you're out there by sharing your ideas. 

Bon appetit.   Ah.  Um.  I guess I need my own sign off . . . .

Wine Festival Weekend

The time of year has arrived for another Paso Robles Wine Festival.  For details on the 28th annual event, see http://www.pasowine.com/events/winefestival.php   If you are headed to the tasting in the park this Saturday or looking for another weekend event, here are some of our favorite wineries:

Clautiere Vineyards:  http://www.clautiere.com

Justin:  http://www.justinwine.com

L'Aventure:  http://www.aventurewine.com

Linne Calodo:  http://www.linnecalodo.com

Tablas Creek Vineyard:  http://www.tablascreek.com

Vina Robles:  http://www.vinarobles.com

Whalebone Winery:  http://www.whalebonevineyard.com

Post your favorites by using the "comments" link below.  Enjoy your weekend but do not forget your designated driver. 

 

Casa del Herrero - a local treasure

For anyone interested in gardens, architecture, or antiques, a day trip to Santa Barbara should include a visit to Casa del Herrero, House of the Blacksmith. Named a National Historic Landmark in 2009, Casa del Herrero is an undiscovered, 11 acre gem amidst the multi-million dollar homes in residential Montecito.  Largely untouched since the 1930's, this well-preserved Spanish Colonial Revival estate was originally home to George and Carrie Steedman.  (www.casadelherrero.com)

Perhaps more impressive than the three-bedroom, two-story home designed by famed Santa Barbara architect, George Washington Smith, are the surrounding gardens, the creation of three landscape architects, Ralph Stevens, Lockwood De Forest and Francis Underhill.  The pride of Carrie Steedman and daughter Medora Bass, both prize-winning Garden Club of America members, the gardens are now maintained by dedicated Casa del Herrero Foundation staff and volunteers.