Traveling to Carmel Valley

Traveling to Carmel Valley

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When you think of traveling to the Central Coast, you immediately think of white sandy beaches and cool crisp air. But get yourself out of that mindset, I have a hidden gem you will want to discover during your next trip to Northern California...

With a scenery that most painters and photographers will be inspired with well after their visit, the Carmel Valley is a hidden gem within the Central Valley coastal region. It is the perfect escape for those looking to decompress yet still enjoy the modern conveniences of big city living.

Just a few short miles from the sandy white beaches of Carmel by the Sea, Carmel Valley is a world apart from the picturesque small town experience most people are familiar with when traveling to the Central Coast.

Characterized by its warm climate, Carmel Valley boasts various wineries and upscale dining thats perfect to escape city life.

While most people might enjoy a day wine tasting in Carmel Valley and stay elsewhere, on a recent trip to the Central Coast I was able to stay at one of the Hacienda-inspired cottages at Holman Ranch, one of the largest private vineyards in the area.

Usually reserved exclusively by hosting wedding or private event at Holman Ranch, the compound has ten shared one-bedroom cottages, and a larger two-bedroom one, all joined by a private round and walkable trails. It's a gorgeous setting in the middle of the vineyards with the Santa Lucia Range backdrop.

The Holman Ranch compound also has an Hacienda that is usually reserved for the family owners of the winery, but as a guest of the #llblognotaconf blogger retreat that I was attending, I was able to enjoy a private tour of the Mexican-inspired home.

The wrought iron details, original Mexican furnishings and religious artifacts beautifully set the mood of the home. Other details, such as the wall coverings, stonework and ground coverings are reminiscent of early Californian’s Spanish and Mexican style & decor influence.

Other amenities at Holman Ranch included a private game-room, an outdoor pool, and a wine cave. Imagine experiencing all of this while celebrating a family reunion or your own wedding? Simply memorable!

As for the foodie part of my experience in Carmel Valley, I enjoyed a five-course meal at Will's Fargo Restaurant + Bar, which is owned by the Holman Ranch family.

Will's Fargo Restaurant + Bar has undergone several menu upgrades by celebrated Chef Greg Karjala, formerly of Sticks at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, that’s inspired by the local farms and seasonality of the area.

From traditional steaks to inventive dining selections, each unique dish was elevated when paired with the Holman Ranch wine selection we enjoyed in each course.

Ultimately, Chef Greg Karjala celebrated the Carmel Valley in its own distinct way. Truly a delight from the appetizers to the grand finale, which was a marscapone cheesecake topped with hibiscus sauce.

To enjoy your own Carmel Valley getaway, visit:

Holman Ranch
(831) 659-2640
http://holmanranch.com/
Ranch tours by appointment only
Tastings at the Holman Ranch Tasting Room located at:
19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Suite C
Carmel Valley, CA 93924

To make reservations at Will's Fargo Steakhouse & Bar when visiting the Central Coast, visit:

Will's Fargo Restaurant + Bar
(831) 659-2774
http://wfrestaurant.com/
16 W. Carmel Valley Road
Carmel Valley, CA 93924

Cheers!

Ana Lydia

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Peter B's, Monterey's ONLY Award-Winning Brew Pub

Peter B's, Monterey's ONLY Award-Winning Brew Pub

When on vacation, hubby and I tend to gravitate in two directions when choosing restaurants: high end/foodie faire or local dives. We rarely, if ever, dine in the hotel restaurant unless it's for breakfast. 

But on our recent #UnminivanMoments #CaliforniaGold road trip up the California coast, the lovely folks at the Portola Hotel and Spa in Monterey invited us to enjoy after dinner drinks and appetizers at Peter B's brew pub.

A mainstay of the Monterey Peninsula for more than 30 years, Peter B's is recognized for being Monterey's first craft brewery and the 2014 Open Table Diner's Choice Winner. 

The family-friendly pub was recently renovated and added 18 Hi-Def TV's, pool table area, and renovated the outdoors space -which is also dog friendly-.

With Brew Master Kevin Clark and Executive Chef Jason Giles at the helm, Peter B's has developed an extensive menu that goes beyond the traditional bar faire.

Let's first talk about the beer...

Unlike other brew pubs that bottle their bring beer into their establishment, Peter B's brews EVERYTHING on-site; and while many of the fave's are available year round, others, like the absolutely YUMMY Raspberry Ale is only available during, well, raspberry season. So hurry on up, you MUST get it while in season!

Now, for those of you that are a little more adventuresome or like me, not sure what you like, trying a Flight of Beer is a perfect choice! The flight includes six small beer glasses (I'm guessing around 3-4 ounces) selected by Peter B's, or you can select the beer yourself. Price? ONLY $6.50!

While if you know what you like and travel to Monterey often or lets say you live there, another great option is joining the Mug Club. 

This $50 membership (renewed for only $15) includes a personal 25 oz. beer stein that is displayed at Peter B's and yours to use when you come back. You also get discounts off the price of beers as well as exclusive invites to sample new beers and invites to Peter B's monthly Brewer's Dinners and mug club mixers. This is truly an opportunity to mix and mingle with a community of home brewers, beer connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

Now lets talk about the food...

Hotel food, by nature of what it is, is usually never palatable, let alone worthy of a return visit. Then lets talk about pubs, which usually have greasy faire that's basically meant to absorb liquor. Now get this out of your mind before visiting Peter B's.

Their menu is actually quite extensive and welcoming to various tastes. From your mainstay bar food, like cheese sticks, to their dinner and lunch plates, everything on the menu has been recreated with Peter B's gourmet touch. The sauce is seasoned perfectly allowing the flavors of the tomatoes swirl with the flavorful cheese - that is not just your basic mozzarella.

Being only steps away from the ocean, it was quite fitting that we also taste one of my favorite bar foods: fried calamari rings.

Perfection doesn't quite begin to describe the yummy batter that covered these just-fished-today calamari. Crispy, flavorful, and just all around amazing. A MUST TRY whether you stop by for a beer or dinner.

I wasn't excited to try to japaleno poppers. Mostly because they taste the same everywhere I order them. This time? Absolutely not!

The FRESH jalapenos were filled with Mexican cheese (not cream cheese!) and covered in this amazing beer batter and fried to perfection. The jalapenos actually had a crunch while the cheese oozed out.

Life changing I tell ya, life changing!

Peter B's is a MUST STOP next time you're traveling to Monterey. Trust me - you will have an amazing time and eat yummy food while enjoying one of my favorite cities. Or, as I like to call it: Monterey - My heaven on earth.

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Peter B’s Brewpub

2 Portola Plaza
(Behind Portola Hotel & Spa)
Monterey, CA 93940
Direct & Reservations: (831) 649-2699
Email: peterbsbrewpub@portolahotel.com

Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00am to 1:00am
Happy Hour Everyday: 4:00pm to 6:30pm

Follow on Twitter:  @peterbsbrewpub
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Our Visit to Ostrich Land USA

Our Visit to Ostrich Land USA

When planning our #UnminivanMoments #CaliforniaGold road trip up the California Coast, we made a choice, almost immediately, to stop by Ostrich Land USA. I mean, really, who doesn't want to see an ostrich or emu up-close?!

Ostrich Land USA is located near Solvang, off the 101 Freeway in Buellton. It's a great first stop when you’re headed to Solvang or any of the Santa Ynez Valley wineries.

You are greeted by the friendly staff as soon as you arrive, and can poke around the gift shop before your self-guided or staff-guided tour. From ostrich eggs, to ostrich feathers and other ostrich-themed items, it was a kitschy start to our tour.  

Ostrich Land USA is a zoo or wildlife reserve of sorts, that allowed us to get up close and personal with these big birds. The land on which they roam is quite lovely; and seeing them walking about on the plain that resembles their native desert gives you the sense that you are somewhere else other than in the middle of the California Central Coast. 

The highlight of a visit to Ostrich Land is feeding the ostriches and emus. These big birds are a rare and unique sight in this part of the world, so I had no idea how they would react: Trust me when I say this: use two hands to feed the birds and keep the phone away from them - they will try to eat it!

We were also in the right season to meet the newest arrivals to Ostrich Land, baby emu's and ostrich's! O.M.G! Absolutely adorable!!!  

Our tour guide Sonya mentioned that many folks ask to buy the babies - but of course they are not for sale. But you can view them during the summer months. They grow quickly and will be "juveniles" by the time winter arrives.

Before we left, we were also introduced to an outdoor "shop" within the Ostrich Land USA property that sold local fruits, nuts, honey and even ostrich meat. If you are planning on continuing your trip or in the middle of a road-trip like we were, it was a nice place to stock-up on healthy snacks for the road.

We look forward to our next visit and hope that when traveling to California's Central Coast, you make the time to stop by Ostrich Land USA.

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Ostrich Land USA
610 E Highway 246
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 686-9696

Hours:
Open Daily, 9am to Dusk

Admission:
Age 12 and below: $1 + Ostrich/Emu Food
Age 13 and above: $4 + Ostrich/Emu Food
NOTE: Contact Ostrich Land before planning your visit with 15 or more travelers/tours

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Calico Days

Calico Days

The Town of Calico or "Calico Ghost Town"

On the drive back from Vegas, hubby announced that he was hungry and we needed gas to continue our drive back to Los Angeles.

If you have ever driven from Las Vegas to Los Angeles (or vice versa), you probably will understand this:  There is NOTHING other than Barstow and a sprinkling of fast food joints on the drive back (or to). 

Fast Food is good for my hubby (he keeps his Valley Boy card proudly on display), while I don’t like the stuff.

It wasn’t an argument, as so much a gentle push to “stop somewhere we haven’t been before,” when I rolled my eyes after my hubby announced that he was hungry (Code for: I rather eat at a dirty diner than at a fast food joint)..

Entrance to the Town of Calico or "Calico Ghost Town"

Well, I am so glad we did, because we stopped by Calico Ghost Town – a first for both of us, but definitely not the last.

Although I can’t remember exactly the distance between Las Vegas and Calico, it felt like a nice middle ground to stop and enjoy a nice stroll through a piece of history while eating some good ‘ol American fare.

The Main drag of Town of Calico or "Calico Ghost Town"

For only $8 per adult to park and enter the town, we enjoyed a few hours strolling through town.

We had fun browsing through curio shops, a general store, candy and candle stores, all while taking a very mild hike up the hill.  There were steeper hills were more experienced, and better-equipped tourists, could hike up to. 

The wood plank buildings are all original and many of the artifacts are historical in Town of Calico or "Calico Ghost Town" (this is my hubby walking through town)

Doggy parents REJOICE!  The town had a doggy store inside of the “Bottle Shop!”  So Cal natives might find this a bit curious and ask themselves, “why isn’t there a bottle shop at Knott’s Berry Farm?”  The answer is yes!

This is the "Bottle Shop," similar to the one in Knott's Berry Farm

The Knott’s family actually built the bottle shop inside of Calico Ghost Town and restored the rest of the small mining town.  Isn’t that awesome?!

Although we didn’t walk into the Calico Museum, we did stroll into a few buildings that were restored with period furniture, and mannequins dressed in period costumes.  Travelers into town can also do a little gold panning or tour the mines (we didn’t do either).

The "Calico Ghost Town" Train, which you can ride for a fee

We later saw a train that, according to our very nice waitress at Calico House Restaurant, told us we could pay a small fee to ride.  We were a bit worn out and ready to drive back to LA, otherwise we would have choo-choo’d our way through town.

Yes, this is our menu, peanuts and dining utensils at our "Calico Ghost Town" diner

Which brings me to the restaurant.  We had lunch at the first restaurant we saw when we walked into town (I did mention that my hubby was hungry, right?). The menu, like any other diner, was heavy on the sandwiches and burgers, and good ‘ol American fare.  I opted for an Ortega-chile burger (I know, I know, don’t judge!) while my hubby had a roast beef sandwich. 

I think I clogged an artery with this lunch - although the shoestring onion rings were DELISH!

The service and the awesomeness of it all was better than the food, although not bad for a diner (Insert snobby eye-rolls).

Since we both decided to come back, the waitress told us about the upcoming Calico Days celebration, which is in essence, Calico’s annual celebration.

As the name would elude too, expect Wild-Wild-West entertainment, including stagecoach rides, a burro run, line dancing, and gun fights (no, I am not joking).

You might also want to visit for some good ‘ol Country and Blue Grass Music, and enjoy the music of The Folktones, Tumbleweed Rob, Pico Pistolero, among other musical acts (no, I am not making these names up!).

A little bit of Americana Fashion at one of the "Calico Ghost Town" Shops

Reads like all sorts of fun, and a vacation of sorts.  So, if you happen to have an RV, you can stay at the local campground.  For those less adventuresome (or more, depending on how you rate it), there are also a couple of cabins that you can rent ON the Calico Ghost Town grounds.

Personally, day trips are great for us – on the way to or from Las Vegas.  But if you happen to stop by and spend the night, do let me know.  I would love to here what your experience was like.

Hubby and I were both fascinated with the amount of historical artifacts in each of the shops.  Almost like walking back in time (actually, we were!)

Calico Ghost Town is located just minutes north of Barstow, California and hosts various celebrations throughout the year, including Calico Days in October, Calico Ghost Haunt in late October, Heritage Fest during Thanksgiving Day Weekend, a Civil War Reenactment during Presidents Weekend, and a Spring Festival.

Sunset over Calico Ghost Town

Learn more about the history of Calico Ghost Town by visiting their website: www.calicotown.com

1-15 exit Ghost Town Road

Visit www.calicotown.com for a calendar of activities or call (800) 86-CALICO.

For online camping reservations go here: www.sbcountyparks.com.

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