By Rachel Ing
In the 1880s, rumors that the Pacific Coast Railway planned to build a station in Los Olivos drew businesses, including a hotel, saloons, restaurants, and a theater, to this humble stagecoach stop in the verdant Santa Ynez Valley. The station was never built, and this town of 1,000 remained under the radar until indie favorite Sideways put Los Olivos on the map. Today, day-trippers visit the tranquil, walkable, five-block downtown for its wine-tasting rooms, art galleries, and restaurants, many of which are housed in historic 100-year-old buildings.
Found Around Town
Six-foot-tall wind chimes and a comically large red Adirondack chair beckon visitors to explore J. Woeste Home and Garden Treasures. Beautify your yard with succulents, sculptures, birdbaths, and garden gnomes. 2356 Alamo Pintado Avenue. (805) 693-1951; jwoeste.com.
In such a western town, it makes sense to visit Jedlicka’s Saddlery, fully stocked with Stetson hats, cowboy boots, riding helmets, and saddles. 2883 Grand Avenue. (805) 688-2626; jedlickas.com.
During the summer, the family-owned craft brewery Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company hosts Sunday picnics with Santa Maria–style barbecue (bring your own meat) and live music. 2363 Alamo Pintado Avenue. (805) 694-2252; figmtnbrew.com.
Don’t miss the cupcake and wine pairings at Saarloos and Sons. Flavors include chocolate blackberry Syrah and lemon-thyme chardonnay. 2971 Grand Avenue. (805) 688-1200; saarloosandsons.com.
Sisters Sunita (pictured) and Anita Stephan at Global Gardens expertly explain olive oil and vinegar origins and pairings at their family’s farm stand, (now located in Santa Ynez). Mom Theo Stephan started the olive oil business in 1998, which has since expanded to include roasted nuts, organic mustards, and beauty products. 3570 Madera St, Santa Ynez, (800) 307-0447; globalgardensonline.com.
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