San Luis Obispo Travel Guide

As part of this year’s SLO Marathon, April 5-7, you can experience the San Luis Obispo Wine Country through a unique tour. From ocean to earth, explore SLO Wine Country’s distinctive terroir. Five winemakers will lead you through a line-up of the wine varieties, all of which the region is best known for. Held at Tolosa Winery, you will be immersed into the past, present and future of the Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley wine regions. In addition you will find out the advantages and diversity of this cool-climate region. Following the seminar, a perfectly paired lunch will highlight additional wines from this area. Special thanks to the City of San Luis Obispo for bringing this Adventure Tour to life. Adventure Tours are on Saturday, April 6, 2013 and run from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. For more information or to register, check out slomarathon.com.

Amsterdam, Ecuador, Ireland, New York, San Luis Obispo and South Korea. San Luis Obispo is definitely in good company on the 10 Places to See in 2013 list in the LA Times. http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-placesin2013-20130217,0,5799085.story

After a tremendously successful inaugural 2012 race weekend, the San Luis Obispo Marathon + Half is set to return for its second race April 6-7, 2013.

Organizers expect a greater number of participants this year and have increased the cap of allowed runners for each race. Sunday’s events will include the marathon, with a cap of 1,200 participants, and the half marathon, with a cap of 4,000 participants. The event’s 5K race will take place on Saturday with an increased cap of 1,200 participants.

Running the same highly regarded course from 2012, the San Luis Obispo Marathon + Half takes participants through the town’s charming downtown corridor past the old Fremont Theatre, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and through neighborhoods of historic Victorian and Craftsman bungalows before venturing out through the rolling hills, vineyards and farm land of the renowned Edna Valley, then back into the city center, past Railroad Square and onto the iconic Madonna Inn property for a spectacular downhill, panoramic finish in the shadow of Cerro San Luis.

The 5K race is held on the famous Madonna Inn property, featuring two loops and a spectacular downhill finish.

Both the racers and the non-racers are sure to enjoy the entire Central Coast experience while in town for the marathon. Check out the tasty farm to fork cuisines, enjoy sipping varietals from the San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles wine regions, some of the finest in California, shopping in the quaint towns up and down the coast and of course take a peek at the world-famous Hearst Castle. Don’t forget, San Luis Obispo is home to some of the best biking, hiking and kayaking you will find anywhere in California. Check out more at http://www.slomarathon.com

For the sixth consecutive year San Luis Obispo County restaurants are celebrating the fact that even though it’s January and beach attendance may be down, precipitation may sporadically fall from the sky and the mercury may drop a tad south of the 70 degree mark, the SLO Life is pretty good.

And honestly, we’re pretty lucky that 60 degrees is “cold”.

Restaurant Month slipped in the door with New Years and has been in full, 3-course meal mode since the ball dropped and the second turkey in 30 days got tossed.

More than 40 participating restaurants throughout the county are serving up 3-course prix-fixe meals for $30 until the end of January.

Tired of cooking, looking for another reason to get away to the coast for warmer weather, wine and a healthy serving of fresh, locally grown produce?

Arroyo Grande

Rooster Creek Tavern
805.489.2509
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Atascadero

Colby Jack Cafe
805.460.6455
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Avila Beach

Gardens of Avila
805.595.7365
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Cambria

Black Cat Bistro
805.927.1600
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Robin’s Restaurant
805.927.5007
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Cayucos

Cass House Restaurant
805.995.3669
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Hopp’s Garden Bistro
805.995.1006
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Morro Bay

Blue Skye Coastal Cafe
805.772.8988
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Galley Seafood Grill & Bar
805.772.7777
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Window’s on the Water
805.772.0677
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Paso Robles

Artisan
805.237.8084
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Bistro Laurent
805.226.8191

Buona Tavola
805.237.0600
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Wine Wednesday Special

Enoteca Restaurant & Bar
805.238.2834
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Estrella
805.226.5406
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il cortile
805.226.0300
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PasoTerra
805.227.4100
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Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse
805.238.2660
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Roberts
805.226.5556
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Wine Wednesday Schedule

Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro & Wine Bar
805.226.5888
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Wine Wednesday Schedule

Pismo Beach

F. McLintock’s Dining House
805.773.1892
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Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana
805.773.2870
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Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn
805.773.6020

Lido at Dolphin Bay
805.773.8900
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Marisol at The Cliffs Resort
805.773.2511
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SeaVenture Restaurant
805.773.4994
Wine Wednesday Schedule

Splash Cafe
805.773.4653

Spyglass Restaurant
805.773.1222
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Steamers of Pismo
805.773.4711

San Luis Obispo

Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steakhouse
805.784.2433
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Apple Farm
805.544.2040
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Big Sky Cafe
805.545.5401
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Buona Tavola
805.545.8000
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Wine Wednesday Special

Cafe Roma
805.541.6800
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Wine Wednesday Schedule

Copper Café at Madonna Inn
805.782.2433
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Gennaro’s Grill & Garden
805.782.9999
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Luna Red
805.540.5243
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Mama’s Meatball
805.544.0861
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Mother’s Tavern
805.541.8733
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Novo
805.543.3986
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Palazzo Giuseppe
805.541.9922
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Splash Cafe
805.544.7567
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Upper Crust Trattoria
805.542.0400

Vieni Vai
805.544.5282
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Wine Wednesday Schedule

The San Luis Obispo Symphony set to perform all three Central Coast missions

The San Luis Obispo Symphony (SLO Symphony) invites guests for a unique journey of symphony concerts set to be performed in all three historic Central Coast missions. This exclusive series, the California Missions Tour 2013, is set for one weekend only in January.

California Missions Tour 2013 features acclaimed violinist Shunské Sato performing with the SLO Symphony Chamber Players, Maestro Michael Nowak conductor, on the weekend of Jan. 12 and 13. Guests can enjoy spectacular concerts at Mission San Miguel (Jan. 12 at 2:30 p.m.), Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (Jan. 12 at 8 p.m.), and Mission Santa Barbara (Jan. 13 at 3 p.m.). Tickets range from general to premium seating and cost between $15 and $35 for each concert.

Shunské Sato, known as one of the most promising and versatile young musicians of his generation, will join the SLO Symphony on its California Missions Tour 2013 to perform Vivaldi’s beloved “The Four Seasons” and composer Dr. Craig Russell’s beautiful new work, drawn from re-discovered 200 year-old mission music, “Ecos armónicos.”

“This is a remarkable opportunity to spend the weekend on the Central Coast, traveling from one mission to the next enjoying the beautiful music of Vivaldi along with newly re-imagined music from California’s past, performed where it was originally inspired,” said Russell, the award-winning California Polytechnic State University professor and musicologist who discovered snippets of tunes and themes in mission archives from the late 18th and early 19th centuries and crafted a new work he calls “Ecos armónicos.” “I hope the guests hearing it will enjoy it as much as I do.”

The SLO Symphony is offering this tour because it continually strives to support an outstanding community orchestra, foster symphonic and chamber music education, and contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the Central Coast community.

With varying size of each mission, seating is limited at each venue. Guests can purchase tickets online at http://www.slosymphony.com or by calling (805) 543-3533.

Enjoy Restaurant Month throughout San Luis Obispo County during January

Satisfy your hunger for a delicious meal at an appetizing price during the sixth annual Restaurant Month in San Luis Obispo County, January 1 through January 31, 2013.

More than forty restaurants are preparing special menus for San Luis Obispo County’s Restaurant Month. For 31 days, participating restaurants will feature three-course prix fixe menus for only $30, plus tax, per person. Meals can be paired with award-winning wines from Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo wine country at an additional charge.

Restaurant Month will showcase the many fine dining spots in the county that are known for their innovative menus and mouth-watering appetizers, entrees and desserts featuring fresh ingredients available locally.

After checking out the tasty farm to fork cuisines, be sure to experience the best the Central Coast and San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Enjoy sipping varietals from the San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles wine regions, some of the finest in California, shopping in the quaint towns up and down the coast and of course take a peek at the world-famous Hearst Castle. Don’t forget San Luis Obispo is home to some of the best biking, hiking and kayaking you will find anywhere in California.

Here is a sampling of the San Luis Obispo restaurants participating: Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steakhouse, Apple Farm, Big Sky, Buona Tavola, Cafe Roma, Copper Café at Madonna Inn, Gennaro’s Grill & Garden, Luna Red, Mama’s Meatball, Mother’s Tavern, Novo, Palazzo Giuseppe, Splash Café, Upper Crust Trattoria and Vieni Vai. Along with restaurants throughout the county: Robin’s in Cambria, Gardens of Avila, Cass House Restaurant in Cayucos, Windows on the Water in Morro Bay, Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse, Lido at Dolphin Bay in Shell Beach, Marisol at the Cliffs in Shell Beach, and the SeaVenture Restaurant in Pismo Beach.

Check out these great Holiday events designed to make your spirit bright

Nothing helps to make the holidays cheerful and bright quite like the right event. To help you get in the holiday spirit be sure to check out these upcoming seasonal events happening right here in San Luis Obispo.

Santa’s House in Mission Plaza- Santa comes to town every year just after Thanksgiving and spends the entire holiday season greeting boys and girls from his home in San Luis Obispo’s downtown Mission Plaza. Starting Friday, Nov.23 and running until Christmas Eve stop by and see the big guy along with Mrs. Claus and the elves.  www.downtownslo.com

Classic Carousel- While at Santa’s House, don’t forget to take a ride on the classic carousel in Mission Plaza. The carousel will start twirling on December 7.  www.downtownslo.com

Holiday Parade- The holidays bring people together and the SLO Holiday Parade is the best example of how this small town spends the holidays together. It is an event not to miss- Friday, Dec. 7.  www.downtownslo.com

Holiday in the Plaza: Craft Fair- Shop no further, check out this holiday craft fair for all your gifts.  Great locally made gifts. Dec. 1 and 2.  www.thecraftfair.org

Nutcracker Ballet- It’s Christmas Eve and Clara is about to have the night of her dreams! Enjoy all the marvel, magic and wonder as this classic ballet comes to life. Dec. 8 and 9. www.civicballetofslo.org

The Velveteen Rabbit- Experience this magical journey as the Ballet Theatre of SLO brings to life Margery Williams’ classic children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit.  Dec. 14-16. www.bt-slo.org

Reindeer Run- This 5k run/walk will definitely get you in the holiday mood since breakfast after the workout includes face time with the big guy. Come for the fun, stay for breakfast with Santa. Dec. 1.  www.slocity.org

Victorian Christmas Open House at the Jack House- Enjoy the splendor of a Victorian Christmas with docent-led tours of the historic Jack House. Following tours, hot cider and cookies are served in the Victorian kitchen. Dec 2, 7, 8 and 9. www.slocity.org

Forbes Pipe Organ Holiday Sing-a-long- A traditional holiday show with an interactive twist! This memorable, heart-warming concert features performances by local groups and Cal Poly State University’s Organist playing a collection of holiday carols on the magnificent Forbes Pipe Organ while audience members sing along. Dec. 16. www.pacslo.org

Cal Poly Choirs: A Christmas Celebration- Hear the talents of the Cal Poly Music Department, both students and faculty, come to life in this holiday performance. Dec. 1. www.pacslo.org

Vocal Arts Ensemble- Enjoy a weekend full of music as you take a spin around the globe with traditional holiday songs, carols and classic hymns all performed by the Vocal Arts Ensemble. Dec. 1 and 2. www.vocalarts.org

It’s a Wonderful Life- The SLO Little Theatre brings this classic to life to get us all in the holiday spirit and remind us what a wonderful life it is. Nov. 30-Dec. 23. www.slolittletheatre.org

Central Coast Children’s Choir Holiday Performances- Be joyful and jolly as you join the CCCC for one or more of their holiday performances.  Dec. 8, 9 and 16.  www.centralcoastchildrenschoir.org

Enjoy San Luis Obispo Wine Region’s Harvest Celebration with a beachfront wine and food festival- Nov. 2nd-4th

Celebrate the harvest season with the biggest wine, food and beach party on the Central Coast.  Avila Beach will be filled with more than 60 wineries and restaurants paired up to offer great tastings along with live and silent auctions, rockin’ music and more.

The San Luis Obispo Wine Country Association’s 22nd Annual Rockin’ Harvest Celebration is set for November 2nd – 4th.  The weekend’s signature event, the Grand Tasting and Wine Auction, will take place on Saturday, November 3rd from noon – 3p.m. at the beautiful Avila Beach Golf Resort. Winemakers, local chefs and wine lovers share an allotment of handcrafted artesian wines paired with delicious samplings, all showcasing the best of what SLO County has to offer.

Enjoy a weekend full of wine and food events:

Friday, November 2nd

Rockin’ Road Trip

Become a SLO Wine groupie and hop on our tour bus for a behind-the-scenes look at Harvest 2012!  You’ll explore SLO Wine Country and get hands-on experience working a Harvest with a winemaking team.  From vine to wine, you’ll learn, explore, blend, trim, thieve and taste the handcrafted wine that encompasses the terrior of our wine region.  Our winemaker tour guides will give you an up-close look at the art of crafting beautiful wine.  The tour includes your ticket to ride, along with a prepared lunch in the vineyards.

Crafted on the Coast

Friday evening’s collaborative winemaker dinner at the Lido restaurant, “Crafted on the Coast”, will feature Executive Chefs Jacob Moss and Maegan Loring alongside winemakers from throughout SLO Wine Country.  Four entrees will be paired with some of the region’s best reds, whites and blends.  You will also have the pleasure of dining with one of our celebrity winemakers and exploring the terrior of SLO Wine Country.

Saturday, November 3rd

The Grand Tasting and Wine Auction

The weekend’s BIG event takes place from noon to 3p.m. at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. Over 60 wineries and restaurants from the San Luis Obispo region are featured in the scenic seaside setting of the Avila Beach Golf Resort. Winemakers, local chefs and wine lovers share an allotment of handcrafted artesian wines paired with delicious samplings, all showcasing the best of what SLO County has to offer.  A limited amount of “back stage passes” will kick off the day at 11am.  These VIP guests will be able to attend the event at 11am and sample limited reserve wines, poured during this hour only.

SUNDAY, November 4th

SLO WINE ON TOUR!

SLO Wine Country encourages you to get out and explore all day Sunday.  Come “party like a rock star” and hit the SLO Wine trail and let the party carry on at participating wineries, where they pull out the wine, food and entertainment once again at their individual wineries. Your ticket into the Grand Tasting gives you an all access pass to stop at every member winery event on Sunday and taste for FREE!!!  All you have to do is wear your all access bracelet from the main event on Saturday and bring your wine glass with you on Sunday, and you’ll be ready to rock two days straight with SLO Wine Country!

For more information on all of these events and to purchase tickets, visit www.slowine.com.  

The 17th annual City to the Sea Half Marathon is set for Oct. 14

Avid runners, from the speedy to the back-of-the-packers, will have the chance to enjoy a run that highlights the best of the Central Coast of California.  Beginning in downtown San Luis Obispo, the 17th annual City to the Sea half marathon will take athletes from downtown SLO, past bucolic farm land and apple orchards to a short climb that reveals a trademark California view of one of the quintessential Pacific Coast beach towns, and a downhill run to the finish. Runners will experience a diverse course that is uniquely San Luis Obispo County.

In addition to the vibrant running terrain, participants and the public are invited to participate in an expo taking place at Dinosaur Caves Park, which sits atop a bluff overlooking the ocean in the scenic Shell Beach neighborhood.

The half-marathon also includes an option for a 5k and Kids’ Fun Run, both of which will take place at the park in Pismo Beach.

Make friends, make memories and make an impact on San Luis Obispo’s future

If you are looking for a vacation that will leave you feeling relaxed and recharged and at the same time make you feel like you’ve done something worthwhile with your vacation time, then we have the trip for you.

Spend five days in San Luis Obispo enjoying the best parts of life on the Central Coast of California as well as volunteering time at two California State Parks.

You will experience the best of the Central Coast throughout the trip; sipping on the finest of California’s wines, dining on foods straight from the farms, touring the architectural gem Hearst Castle and shopping in the quaint towns throughout the county.  Not to mention you will bike, hike and kayak along the way.

As part of your trip, each day you will spend a few hours volunteering your time working to protect our parks for future generations and preserving the legacy of the Central Coast area. Tasks will include collecting seeds of endangered flora, replacing invasive vegetation with plants native to the region and caring for the remarkable gardens of Hearst Castle.

To find out more about participating in the Nature Corps’ San Luis Obispo Volunteer Vacation program use this direct link: http://www.sanluisobispovacations.com/nature-corps/