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Great Escapes
San Luis Obispo
By Mel and Ronnie Greenberg
The old mission town of San Luis Obispo, is elegantly part of its magnificent coastal surrounding basks in the midst of verdant farmlands, rolling pastures and vineyards. The beauty of this rural landscape and the county's coastline are only matched by the colors of an artist's palette. The town's friendly small town vibe gives way to an abundant supply of first-class attractions, activities and events, blending culture with history. The vibrant downtown district centers around several blocks of Higuera Street. Ringing the town like a vast urban park are lush hills and vast open spaces with hiking trails luring lovers of the outdoors.
Sights
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is the largest school of Engineering and Architecture in the west, and infuses the town with energy, arts and culture. Famous Cal Poly alumni include: Bobby Beathard, former general manager of the Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers; Peter King; John Madden, NBC Sports broadcaster and NFL Hall of fame coach; Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow, NASA astronaut; Bill Swanson, President & CEO of Raytheon Company; and Weird Al" Yankovic, Grammy Award-winning parodist and entertainer. Rave reviews are given to world-class performances that take place in the campus' Christopher Cohan Center of Performing Arts. Madama Butterfly is one of many featured attractions for 2009. For a complete schedule of performances phone (805)756-2787 or www.pacslo.org
History buffs will enjoy the area missions and adobes that stand as a reminder of the Spanish influence during the early days of California's history. A favorite first stop is Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the city's heart and soul. Founded in 1772 by Father Junipero Serra, it is the fifth of the 21 missions. Built with adobe bricks made by the local Chumash Indians, it is known as one of the most beautiful in California. The museum housed in the former padre's quarters features a rare collection of early California photographs and artifacts, authentic Chumash Indian vessels and the original Mission altar. The Mission is one of only six that still rings its bells regularly today. Located on Monterey Street, in downtown. Phone (805)543-6850 or www.missionsanluiso-bispo.org
Right up the street, the San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum chronicles the area's past. Housed in the historic Carnegie Library, the exhibits are highlighted with memorabilia, displays and photographs from Native Americans and rancho periods to the railroad era. Phone (805)543-0638 or www.slochs.org
The city is a magnet for painters, sculptors, photographers, potters, jewelers and artisans of all types. Gallery exhibits are sure to please all types of art enthusiasts.
The San Luis Obispo Art Center exhibits and sells a captivating mix of local, national and international art. Located at 1010 Broad Street, phone (805)543-8562 or
www.sloartcenter.org
The San Luis Obispo Creek Walk in downtown has been transformed into a living sculpture museum, featuring the colorful and sometimes whimsical work of local artists.
An easy Walking Tour around town leads to many fascinating places. Maps are available from the hotel concierge. Highlights include: The Sauer Adobe, whose oldest records indicate it was built in 1860. The Ah Louis Store (1884) was the first Chinese store in the county. The Sinsheimer Store (c.1884) sold dry goods, groceries and clothing on the first floor while the offices at the rear were used to do business in gold, grain, beans and cattle. It is the only "iron front" store on the central coast. The Dallidet Adobe (c.1853) was built by a French vintner and remained in his family 105 years. On sixteen acres adjoining the home he planted a vineyard and orchard and establishing the first commercial vineyard in the region and one of the first in the state. The Fremont Theatre, a beautiful example of Art Deco Style, remains as the city's oldest. The Cigar Factory (Brubecks) was founded by the Kluver family in 1879 and produced its own registered cigar brand, the Pioneer Cigar. The Kundert Medical Building (1956) is the only Frank Lloyd Wright building in the county.
If you happen to be in town across a Thursday night be sure and visit the world famous Farmer's Market, a colorful and fun street fair on Higuera Street. Along with the incredible display of fresh from the garden local produce, everyone will enjoy the culinary delights at the street side barbeques. Top off the evening with live entertainment including jugglers, singers and bands
Where to stay
With the apple as a symbol for its ties to American folklore, like mom and apple pie, the Apple Farm Inn is a charming homebase. The warm hospitality starts in the Inn's country Victorian lobby that welcomes thirsty guest with their apple cider, delicious warm cocoa, and bottomless trays of chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies.
The Apple Farm boasts an authentic working replica of a 19th century grist mill, ice cream maker, cider press and 14-foot waterwheel. The gift shop is laden with quilts, kitchenware and old-time toys. The restaurants serves homestyle traditional favorites, including turkey with all the dressing, and the signature apple dumpling drizzled in rich cinnamon sauce topped with the Farm's homemade ice cream.
The Apple Farm Inn is located at 2015 Monterey Street, in San Luis Obispo, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles off Highway 101. For information and reservations, phone (800) 255-2040 or www.AppleFarm.com
For further information contact San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau at (800) 634-1414 or www.SanLuisObispoCounty.com
Mountain Peaks & Wide Vistas: Big Bear Uncovered
By Tim Wassberg
Heading up a twisty winding road, the snow comes into view. Yet we are less than two hours from Los Angeles. Big Bear has always been the secret of Californians. That secret place where you can tell your friends that you skied and surfed in the same day. But there is much more to it.
At the inset at the Old Country Inn, the Swiss Brotwurst with potato salad and potato pancakes topped with sour cream and applesauce hit the spot. But the call of the Fireside Lodge was imminent. It's individually named rooms, plush beds, gas fireplaces and in-room jacuzzis and requisite balconies provide reflection against Big Bear Lake.
It was off to the Cowboy Express for dinner that night. A Big Bear Mountain Brew-ery Beer greeted tat the bar. The Porterhouse Angus steak filled with a stuffed baked potato.
The slopes that unfo-lded before us at The Park at Bear Mountain were the perfect starting point for the beginning skier. Not nearly as intimidating as Park City in Utah but at nearly the same altitude, lessons were needed for these novices. But first the zoo. Moonridge Animal Park (moonridgezoo.org) which is located just steps away from the slopes is one of the most hidden secrets of these hills with some of the most beautiful creatures the wilderness has to offer. The way this place is built brings you face-to-face with some spectacular animals with just a small amount of fence separating the species. It is wondrous to behold and not usually seen so close to civilization.
Now falling down a mountain is easier on skis. There are certain rules to be sure. A sense of balance is needed. Afterwards, a blonde beer at the Beach Bar at the bottom completed the experience.
The Captain's Anch-orage was recommended because of its clam chowder and salad bar. The cozy wooden lod-ge feeling of the establishment is heightened by the fact that it used to be a gambling parlorback in the 1930s. That plus the point that the attic is supposedly home to a friendly ghost as well is worthy of mention. The meal was capped off by a delicious but decadent Snowball Sundae.
Snowshoeing in the wilderness might sound like hard work but it is a great way to get back to nature. It is different than skiing in its application. As shown to us by Fred of Goldsmith's Boardshop, it is a great way to spend some time. Snow can also be enjoyed at Big Bear's Alpine Snow Park. The bobsled type journey to the bottom of the snow lift on the alpine slide is exhilarating. Add to that the snow tubing down a couple different slopes which is fun for all ages but by no means slow. It is affordable and a complete kick.
The late nights are also not to be forgotten. The Bowling Barn is a night spot for those athletes who need to hang back, drink some beer and through some balls down the lane. The girls do it too. Murray's Saloon by comparison offers Jameson shots and other concoctions while the karaoke queens sing Heart and The Divinyls to their hearts content.
After enjoying a bowl of soup and a pastrami sandwich with the lovely Jennifer at Big Bear Cafe, Jim at Off Road Adventures took us up into the mountains for some spectacular views of the lake as well as some hard running through the back country. His stories of his search and rescue adventures on top of some of the 10,000 foot peaks are not to be missed.
The final supper of the trip was at Madlons. The ambience was phenomenal but the presentation was even better. The escargot, succulent and fresh, was served in their shells before the onslaught of a creamy brisk jalapeno soup assisted by a seafood diablo which combined a spicy tomato sauce over linguine with lobster, scallops and other seafood delicacies. The meal was consummated with the inclusion of a motley selection of crème brulee heightened by a 30-year old port.
Big Bear, as evidenced, is a place of relaxation and adventure where nothing is expected and fun is around every corner. A massage by the lovely Brianna at Village Spa can place you in the right spot after a hard day on the mountain. You can blow your cholesterol out the window with the aptly named S.O.S at the Grizzly Manor Cafe. Or you can enjoy a nice pint, some darts and a cup of ham and beans at The Village Pub. In Big Bear, there is always someone to talk to and stories are plentiful. It is only a short drive away.