A few weeks ago I went to Carpenteria for a few days with a couple of friends. Our big outing was a day in Santa Barbara. There is so much to see and do there. We spent the entire day there and came back at dinnertime, exhausted.
There are many sights to see, but probably the most famous and most interesting is the Santa Barbara Mission. It has been beautifully restored to it's former splendor, and a guided tour can give you all the history. In front of the mission is a beautiful rose garden, very much in bloom at this time of year. As you drive up a slight incline to the mission you see the rose garden, then the mission. It's a beautiful sight.
Another building worth visiting is the Courthouse. It is a working courthouse today, and is well maintained. You can take an elevator, then stairs, to the top of the building. From the top you have panoramic views in all directions.
I had not been shopping in Santa Barbara in many years, and was shocked at how it had grown up. It has every possible type of store imaginable, and restaurants galore. It is really a shoppers paradise, with everything from Nordstrom to little coffee houses. The 25 cent trolley that runs from the beach to the end of the shopping street is fun, and makes parking less of a problem. You can park anywhere, then just take the trolley.
Where to eat in Santa Barbara? We were there during the day, so I only have recommendations for a few very casual spots. On the wharf, with beautiful views, try Longboards. They have great margaritas and good fish and chips. Also good for fish and chips, and also on the wharf is Char West. The Habit, a small hamburger chain that originated in the Santa Barbara area is on State Street, the main shopping street. Good, juicy, messy burgers. Our favorite find was Yogurtland (http://www.yogurt-land.com/), a self serve yogurt shop. The prices are great. 30 cents per ounce, including toppings. The flavors are fantastic, and many I've never seen anywhere else. Pistachio, pomegranete-raspberry, lemon lime, and many, many others. Unfortunately Yogurtland has no locations in North County San Diego, but they have four locations in San Diego and a few in Orange County. They should be here soon. Anyway, after the yogurt we drove back to Carpenteria, exhausted, after a day full of great shopping, sightseeing and eating.
There are many sights to see, but probably the most famous and most interesting is the Santa Barbara Mission. It has been beautifully restored to it's former splendor, and a guided tour can give you all the history. In front of the mission is a beautiful rose garden, very much in bloom at this time of year. As you drive up a slight incline to the mission you see the rose garden, then the mission. It's a beautiful sight.
Another building worth visiting is the Courthouse. It is a working courthouse today, and is well maintained. You can take an elevator, then stairs, to the top of the building. From the top you have panoramic views in all directions.
I had not been shopping in Santa Barbara in many years, and was shocked at how it had grown up. It has every possible type of store imaginable, and restaurants galore. It is really a shoppers paradise, with everything from Nordstrom to little coffee houses. The 25 cent trolley that runs from the beach to the end of the shopping street is fun, and makes parking less of a problem. You can park anywhere, then just take the trolley.
Where to eat in Santa Barbara? We were there during the day, so I only have recommendations for a few very casual spots. On the wharf, with beautiful views, try Longboards. They have great margaritas and good fish and chips. Also good for fish and chips, and also on the wharf is Char West. The Habit, a small hamburger chain that originated in the Santa Barbara area is on State Street, the main shopping street. Good, juicy, messy burgers. Our favorite find was Yogurtland (http://www.yogurt-land.com/), a self serve yogurt shop. The prices are great. 30 cents per ounce, including toppings. The flavors are fantastic, and many I've never seen anywhere else. Pistachio, pomegranete-raspberry, lemon lime, and many, many others. Unfortunately Yogurtland has no locations in North County San Diego, but they have four locations in San Diego and a few in Orange County. They should be here soon. Anyway, after the yogurt we drove back to Carpenteria, exhausted, after a day full of great shopping, sightseeing and eating.
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