Summer Fun in the Santa Ynez Valley

Summer Fun in the Santa Ynez Valley

Wow, it seems like summer just started and it’s already time to think about going back to school. Have no fear – there is still plenty of summer fun here in the Santa Ynez Valley! Our towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang will make the last days of summer the best. There is so much to do that you just might want to schedule a weekend getaway in Santa Ynez this August. With wine tasting, summer outdoor activities, and plenty of fun family options, we’re here to help you get the most out of your summer.

Head out to the Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard in Los Olivos on Friday and Saturday, August 18 and 19 to celebrate the birthday weekend of Fess Parker with wine and fun.

2017 Revisiting Vintage 2009 Tasting Event: This year guests will taste wines from a single fantastic vintage, 2009 including Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir, Clone 115 Pinot Noir, Pommard Clone Pinot Noir, Rodney’s Vineyard Syrah and Crockett.  Tickets are $50 for Wine Club members, and $75 for a limited number of Wine Club member guests.

Movie Night – “Davy Crockett – King of the Wild Frontier”: Settle in for the evening on the lawn and under the stars! Food and wine will be available to purchase. The evening starts with music by Drive-In Romeos playing their rocking rhythm and blues. Tickets are $20 per person, and $10 for kids 12 and under.  All ticket sale profits will be donated to Old Yeller Ranch Rescue, a 501c3 dedicated to rescuing dogs that have run out of shelter time.

Don’t Forget! August is the last month for wine tasting using the Summer Pass from the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association. Enjoy 14 samples at various tasting rooms throughout the Santa Ynez Valley for just $45, through August 31, 2017.

Mark your calendar for these August events in Santa Ynez Valley:

Here are some last-minute summer fun activities you and your family can enjoy during your Augustvacation to Santa Ynez Valley:

• Solvang Third Wednesday: August 16. Solvang sponsors a special celebration to walk, shop, wine and dine. Enjoy wine and beer tasting, special discounts at local merchants, a farmers market, 3-course meal deals at local restaurants, music in the park and more.
• Solvang Festival Theater: “Newsies The Musical” runs from Thursday, July 27 through Sunday, August 20. The Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon tells the story of a band of underdogs who take on the most powerful names in New York in a fight for what’s right. “Twelfth Night” runs from Thursday, August 24 through Sunday, September 10. Filled with a cast of unforgettable characters, Shakespeare’s laugh-filled play combines low pranks with high comedy and the pangs of unrequited love with sublime poetry and exquisite songs.
• Bobby Brown and Tony, Toni Tone Live on Stage: Friday, August 25, 2017, 8:00 p.m. at Chumash Casino Resort. Tickets are $55, $65, and $75.
• In the Vineyard & On the Farm: Saturday, August 5, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe’s local farm. Dine with the winemaker, chef, and farmer at this annual farm-to-table event. The afternoon begins with passed hors d’oeuvres on the lawn. Guests can take tours to learn more about the organic vineyard and Cafe Farm. Chef Chris Joslyn will prepare a three-course dinner from freshly picked Cafe Farm produce and a main course with meat from a local ranch. Tickets are $125 per person, including tax and gratuity for this not-for-profit fundraising event for the Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community. Tickets sell out each year, so make reservations now.
• Cachuma Lake Summer Wildlife Cruises: Through October. Friday, 3-5 PM; Saturday, 10 AM-Noon & 3-5 PM; Sunday, 10 AM-Noon. Park Naturalists guide you on a 2-hour lake cruise aboard a 30-passenger pontoon boat. Cachuma Lake is a thriving habitat for a great variety of wildlife, birds, fish, trees, and plants. In summer, wildflowers spangle the hills, resident birds can be seen displaying and building nests, and fawns appear with does. Adults $15, Kids $10 – ages 5-12, no children under 5.
• 13th Annual Wheels ‘n Windmills Car Show: August 26, 2017. Car enthusiasts will love this local charity vintage car show. A new GM Performance Parts V8 engine will be raffled off during the Car Show Awards Ceremony.
• Movies in the Park: Free family entertainment. The fun begins at 7:30; movies begin at dark. Popcorn and hot chocolate for sale, $1 each. August 4 – Star Wars: Rogue One and August 18 – The Jungle Book at Solvang Park. August 11 – Mary Poppins at Buellton Oak Park.
• Free Live Concerts in Solvang Park: Concerts run from 5-8 p.m., and include edible treats for purchase. August 2, T-Bone Ramblers (Classic Rock), August 9, David Yarnell (Country/Easy Listening), August 11 (Friday), LiveWire (Classic Rock), and August 16, Cuesta Ridge (Progressive Bluegrass) – this is also a Solvang 3rd Wednesday evening.
• Music Under the Stars: Recurring event on Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at The Vineyard House on Sagunto Street in Santa Ynez. Reservations suggested! August 2 Steve Ochoa Trio, August 9 Off The Grid Unplugged, August 16 Wine Country Jazz, August 23 T-Bone Ramblers and August 30 Steve Ochoa Trio.

IT’S COMING!!! The countdown is on for our annual celebration of Danish Days from September 15-17. Overall admission is free, but individual events require tickets: Saturday and/or Sunday morning Æbleskiver Breakfasts, and the “Dane For A Day” VIP Package. Get your tickets now, while they last!

Come Visit Santa Ynez Valley in August! 

 

About VisitSYV.com: Visit Santa Ynez Valley provides listings of the best Santa Ynez wineries, best places to eat in Solvang, Santa Ynez hotels and inns, and things to do in Santa Ynez Valley. Visit the website at www.VisitSYV.com for complete travel and visitor services. “Like” the Facebook page for ideas on planning Santa Ynez vacations. Email info@VisitSYV.com for help planning your next vacation in the Santa Ynez Valley.

All About Love in the Santa Ynez Valley

Where is the love? Visit Santa Ynez Valley knows that after the new year begins, you quickly get back into the grind and tackle the new year with a ferocity. With new year goals and new deadlines fast approaching, it’s easy to get lost in work and obligations. But now that you’ve settled back into a daily routine and life per usual, isn’t it time to think about the love again? You and your loved one put a lot of effort into making things great on the homefront and the workplace, so now it’s time to do the same for just the two of you. Come celebrate the good life and find the love again this February with a romantic weekend getaway in Santa Ynez.

We’ve taken out the guesswork for you and have the sweetest recommendations in store – from accommodations, cozy dinners for two, and a lineup of great special events, we have you covered. First, you’ll need to book a room in one of our cozy Santa Ynez Valley hotels or bed and breakfast inns. Built in the traditional style of a Danish village, the Royal Copenhagen Inn in Solvang will have you believing you have traveled to Denmark. Its spacious rooms, suites, and lofts are all decorated in the Danish tradition. Check out their Wine and Spa package, and all you’ll have to do is sit back and feel the love.

Elegant accommodations and award-winning cuisine make Ballard Inn & Restaurant one of the most sought after romantic bed and breakfast inns in the Santa Ynez Valley. With its gourmet cuisine, fine local wines, and comfortable guest rooms (many with fireplaces), you’ll be enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere that exudes romance. For an additional fee, they will sprinkle your room with gorgeous rose petals at bed turn-down, add a bottle of locally acclaimed Laetitia Sparkling Brut Cuvee, leave scrumptious chocolates on the pillows, lower the lights, and set the mood with soft music.

 

Does music put you in the mood? Then you won’t want to miss the ultimate crooner, Johnny Mathis, as he brings “The Voice of Romance Tour 2017” to Chumash Casino Resort on Thursday, February 9 at 8PM. One of the most beloved male vocalists of all time, Johnny Mathis is a legendary member of the Grammy Hall of Fame with a dozen gold or platinum albums. Come swoon to his lush, romantic vocal stylings on adult contemporary favorites including “Misty,” “It’s Not for Me to Say,” “Chances Are,” and more. And don’t miss the Casino’s “Sweetheart of A Deal BINGO Winnerfest” on Sunday, February 12 at 1pm.  Sales start at 9am.

If it’s wine that does the trick, you’ll want to extend your stay over the President’s Day weekend and enjoy the 12th anniversary of “A Wine Fantasy In February,” from 2/17 through 2/20. Sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association, this is their most popular event of the year. On your self-guided tour, you’ll visit many small, family owned winery tasting rooms throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. It’s the one time of the year where you’ll get to taste reserve and estate wines, meet many of the winemakers and winery owners, and enjoy delicious cuisine along the way.

For more ideas, review our complete listing of things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, romantic Santa Ynez Valley restaurants, or check out our suggestions for Valentine’s Day activities below. We are thrilled to share the romance of the Santa Ynez Valley with visitors to our area.

Find the Love with Valentine’s Day Activities in the Santa Ynez Valley

Here are just a few Santa Ynez Valley Valentine’s ideas you and your partner will love:

• Valentine’s Day Winemaker Dinner: Saturday, February 11 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at Sanford Winery. Enjoy a romantic evening of extraordinary wine and food in the majestic West Barrel Room. In honor of Valentine’s Day, winemaker Steve Fennell will guide you through a full course meal by Pure Joy Catering, and discuss Sanford Winery’s history, winemaking practices and estate wines.
• Tales From the Tavern: At Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez on Wednesday, February 15 at 7:00 pm. Featuring Peter Malvey and Heather Maloney. Tales from the Tavern is an extraordinary concert series and community cultural program that brings together singer-songwriter-storytellers / authentic troubadours and an exceptional listening audience, in the intimate setting of an old roadhouse, to share in a journey of discovery through song and story.
• EROS DAY 2017: Celebrate with your love on EROS DAY 2017 with the Pre-Release of our 2015 EROS, Sunstone’s “Lovely” Bordeaux style Blend Saturday, February 11, from 11am-4 pm
• Ride and Wine: Enjoy unsurpassed views with a ranch and vineyard ride at Vino Vaqueros. The rolling hills set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. After your ride, make your way back to the barn and enjoy a glass of wine from Estelle Vineyards.
• Spend Time Together: Nothing says “I love you” more than spending time together. Explore our charming towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. Discover that treasure you never thought you’d find –  or perhaps never even dreamed of – at more than 200 independent and family-owned boutiques (chain stores are virtually non-existent).  Experience local artisans’ wares, jewelry, apparel and crafts from contemporary to vintage. You’ll especially enjoy “Solvang Third Wednesday” on Wednesday, February 15. This is a special day to shop, eat, drink, and play in Solvang. More than 60 unique shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, activities and professional offices offer special sales and discounts every Third Wednesday.

You’ll also find plenty of romantic hideaway dinner locations in our quaint towns. And of course there are plenty of romantic walks, bicycle paths, picnic spots and outdoor activities where you can just relax together and talk…or whatever.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Visit Santa Ynez Valley!

About VisitSYV.com: Visit Santa Ynez Valley provides listings of the best Santa Ynez wineries, best places to eat in Solvang, Santa Ynez hotels and inns, and things to do in Santa Ynez Valley. Visit the website at www.VisitSYV.com for complete travel and visitor services. “Like” the Facebook page for ideas on planning Santa Ynez vacations. Email info@VisitSYV.com for help planning your next vacation in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Top 5 Reasons To Attend Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week

Top 5 Reasons To Attend Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week is almost here! Of course, everyone at Visit Santa Ynez Valley thinks the restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley are great all year round, but they really do go all-out to make January our favorite time of year. That’s when visitors and locals alike get to taste some great California cuisine at an unbelievably prices. The 7th Annual Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week kicks off on January 22 and ends on January 28, giving you a full week of extraordinary dining.

Restaurants throughout the Santa Ynez Valley will present 3-course tasting menus for just $20.17 (excluding tax, tip and beverages). Get the family and friends together, invite guests from out-of-town, or plan an intimate evening for two without the kids. Here are the top five reasons everyone will want to attend the 2017 Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week:

The Amazing Price: You read that right – the amazingly low price of just $20.17 for 3 courses is practically unheard of! And our world class restaurants do not sacrifice quality to meet this price point. They really want you to come in, get to know them, and sample their cuisine. They’re putting their best foot forward to introduce you to the many unique and creative dining options we have available in Santa Ynez Valley.

The Wineries: It’s not just our restaurants that have all the fun. Many of our tasting rooms like to participate by offering special wine and small bite pairings for $20.17. They want you to have the opportunity to get to know more about the terrific wines that are produced in the Santa Ynez Valley. Participating tasting rooms include Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards, Brander Vineyard, Helix Tasting Room, Kaena Wines, Kalyra Winery, Loring Wine, and Wandering Dog Wine Bar.

Hotel Specials: Everyone gets on board with Restaurant Week because we really want to show off our great communities. Book a stay for yourself or your out-of-town guests during Restaurant Week, and ask about their special offers. Many of the amazing hotels in the Santa Ynez Valley offer restaurant week specials, including ForFriends Inn Bed & Breakfast, King Frederik Inn, Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn, and Solvang Inn & Cottages.

Reconnect With Friends: When was the last time you were really able to talk with your friends? You’ve all gotten busy with life, but what better way is there to reconnect than over a wonderful meal? Grab a friend and make Restaurant Week your time to bond over new and exciting flavors.

New Flavors: Are you in a food rut? It can be disconcerting to try new flavors or taste sensations. But Restaurant Week gives you the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone while you expand your horizons and your palate. The restaurants in Santa Ynez Valley love to pull out all the stops and showcase their menus to new audiences during this special week. At a bargain price, you can certainly afford to try places you wouldn’t normally venture. Who knows? You might just find a new “favorite” spot!

Our charming towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang have some amazing restaurants, and we are sure you and your loved ones can’t possibly have tried them all yet. In the Santa Ynez Valley you can find everything from down-home American and authentic Danish to sushi and modern Italian-American cuisine.

You’ll find restaurants spotlighting local ingredients, romantic hideaways, family-friendly pancake houses, brew pubs, oodles of al fresco dining options, wine from the valley’s award-winning vineyards and even locally-brewed beers. With over 25 restaurants participating in Restaurant Week this year, you’re sure to find incredible flavors all week long.

Note that participating hours may vary from restaurant to restaurant, so it’s always a good idea to check our website. Head over to www.DineSYV.com to see participating restaurants and menus, and be sure to stay tuned, and follow us to learn more on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for special sneak previews!

For more ideas on creating a weekend getaway in Santa Ynez or finding romantic Valentine’s Day activities, stop by our website at VisitSYV.com to review our complete listing of things to do in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Ynez hotels, and Santa Ynez Valley restaurants you can enjoy year-round. We are thrilled to share the awesome cuisine of the Santa Ynez Valley with those who know us best and those who are new to our area.

Happy Restaurant Week from Visit Santa Ynez Valley!

P.S. If you think our food in the Santa Ynez Valley is great, wait until you try our wine! In February we will be celebrating the 12th anniversary of “A Wine Fantasy In February,” from 2/17 through 2/20. Sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association, this is their most popular event of the year. On your self-guided tour, you’ll visit many small, family owned winery tasting rooms throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. It’s the one time of the year where you’ll get to taste reserve and estate wines, meet many of the winemakers and winery owners, and enjoy delicious cuisine along the way.