March 6th, 2015 at 8:30 am
Photo courtesy of David P. Lewis / Shutterstock.com
Whether you’re fortunate enough to live in Santa Barbara or close enough to visit occasionally, the charming coastal city is a great place to decompress on a staycation. Besides the standard chain hotels and motels, the town offers a wide range of accommodations, from tucked-away B&Bs to grand beachfront resorts. Costs for an overnight stay are all over the map, but most places feature special packages regularly. Check their websites often for upcoming deals. Here are few spots around town to give you an idea of what’s available, from approximately lowest to highest on the price scale:
The Eagle Inn: This family-owned B&B hotel and casitas is reasonably priced and near the water. The marina and beach are three minutes away, and Stearns Wharf and State Street, Santa Barbara’s main shopping area, are a 10-minute walk. Some rooms have large whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and balconies, and all have cable TV with free movie channels, DVD player and free use of DVD library, high-speed Internet connectivity and air conditioning. The bridal suite has a fireplace and private patio.
(more…)
March 4th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
What:
Buy local arts, crafts, gourmet artisan foods, and specialty products during Santa Barbara’s Local Artisan Market. Established in January 2013, the market is still going strong and strives to bring consumers a variety of local healthy, specialty, and old-fashioned foods that celebrate the Santa Barbara lifestyle. This weekly event is brought to you by Local Artisans of Santa Barbara.
Where:
Gladden & Sons
5342 Hollister Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
When:
(more…)
March 3rd, 2015 at 2:00 pm
What:
Coming to Earl Warren Showgrounds in March is the 2015 Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. This year marks its 70th anniversary and the theme is “Celebrate with Orchids.” This is one of the longest-running and largest annual orchid shows in the United States. Highlights of the three-day show include displays of exotic orchid species, thousands of blooming plants for sale, exhibitions of orchid-themed fine art and photography, free workshops, and a unique flower-arrangement and corsage exhibition.
Where:
Earl Warren Showground
3400 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
When:
(more…)
March 2nd, 2015 at 2:00 pm
What:
Explore the wonder of the world around us at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s Family Nature Day. Enjoy The Museum Backyard and Nature Club House for free, get your picture taken next to the life size 74-foot blue whale skeleton, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Not only that, but you also can visit the Space Lab and Gladwin Planetarium, view the nature trail along Mission Creek, and discover the natural history of our beautiful region all at no charge!
Where:
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta del Sol Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
When:
(more…)
February 27th, 2015 at 8:30 am
Finding the “best brunch” in any city depends a lot on your definition. Most food choices? Best price? Quality of ingredients? Overall dining experience?
As a top coastal visitor destination, Santa Barbara offers plenty of brunch choices. If it didn’t, travelers and locals alike would be heading elsewhere to satisfy their culinary cravings.
We’ve found three restaurants that serve at least one brunch a week in the charming city. Consider dining at one on your next visit, then vote with your palate on an online review site. There probably are more sites than restaurants, so check out the reviews before you commit your stomach to what should be a memorable meal.
(more…)
