Feature Stories : Shopping, Restaurants, Things-to-do and More

Wendy Foster – State Street

April 29, 2013

Born in New York, Wendy Foster grew up in Santa Barbara, spending her summer vacations at her mother’s home in Massachusetts. She always had an independent streak and ended up leaving home at age 17, not returning home until her late twenties. She attended college in Mexico, Massachusetts and Paris. During this period of time she really got the travel bug and decided to get more education by traveling the world. And she did just that, for 10 years all by herself.

Santa Barbara Winery

May 17, 2013

Pierre Lafond has played a pioneering role in the history of Santa Barbara County’s wine industry since 1962 when he opened Santa Barbara Winery-the first post-prohibition commercial winery in the region. The visionary vintner has been producing top-quality wines ever since. The Lafond Vineyard, which receives a cooling maritime influence at its location in the western Santa Ynez Valley off of Santa Rosa Road, was planted in 1971 and was one of the first in the county. Syrah and Pinot Noir were added to the winery’s repertoire a decade later when Bruce McGuire became winemaker, and in 1996, 30 additional acres were added.

Oliver & Espig Jewelers

May 11, 2013

Maryvonne LaParliere Art Exhibited at Oliver & Espig Gallery of Fine Art

I can still remember my little kindergarten school table in my native country of France. I remember how my young four-year-old nose was nearly pressed onto my drawing paper as I feverishly created. The environment around me seemed to vanish. I was alone. The only thing that mattered at that moment was my painting of a cherry pie. Only Heaven knew how my young heart would ache if I could not capture the rich, decadent color of the custard! My passion for art, fanned in the flames of my youth, still burns intensely today. I was born to be an Artist!

Early California Antiques

May 31, 2019

The largest inventory of Native American and Mexican silver jewelry and most comprehensive gallery of West Coast fine art, illustration art, posters and prints.The leading source for the classics of the California Style, Monterey furniture, Catalina and Bauer pottery, Spanish Colonial, Spanish Revival, Mexican and Deco.

Rancho San Marcos Golf

May 15, 2013

“At Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, golf isn’t just a game. It’s an experience.” - Golf Today

Conveniently located off highway 154, just 15 minutes west of the Santa Barbara beaches, and 15 minutes east of the wine country community of Santa Ynez and Danish village town of Solvang, Rancho San Marcos Golf Course delivers a new level of golf course quality and customer service.

33 Jewels

April 29, 2013

Featuring a diverse collection of several Santa Barbara jewelry artists as well as international jewelers, this locally owned boutique gallery offers a different shopping experience for people who appreciate handmade, heirloom quality jewelry. 33 Jewels has a beautiful collection of hard to find Estate and Antique jewelry, featuring uncommon designs and materials, dating from the early 1800’s to the late 1900’s. A full service jeweler, 33 Jewels also does custom design, repair work, and maintains fine watches.

Opal Restaurant & Bar

April 20, 2013

A local favorite for 28 years, Opal Restaurant & Bar thrives on the creative contrast between exciting innovation and comfortable tradition. As soon as you step inside, you know you are in for a special experience. Sophisticated yet comfortable, Opal Restaurant & Bar radiates a warm, friendly ambience com- bining the elegance of a trendy San Francisco bistro with a genuine hospitality that seems to come naturally to their well-trained staff of servers and chefs.

Andersen’s Restaurant & Bakery

April 28, 2013

For over 35 years, Andersen’s Restaurant & Bakery in the historic La Arcada has been serving locals and visitors with the finest authentic Danish and European cuisine and bakery items for breakfast, lunch and candlelit dinner at one of the most charming locations on the West Coast.

At The Andersen’s, you can people watch on the sidewalk patio while savoring European style cafe cuisine or dine indoors where the European castle motif is adorned with Royal Copenhagen plates, Danish tile work, gleaming copper pots, fresh flowers, shimmering chandeliers and gilt framed original oils painted by Mr. Andersen. The beautiful, newly renovated LiseLotte room is locals favorite that also provides ample room for parties!

Breakwater Restaurant

February 05, 2014

Whether you start with a leisurely stroll along Santa Barbara’s beautiful breakwater or enjoy it after, you’ll want to make sure your visit includes a stop at the Breakwater Restaurant. Sitting on the large comfortable patio you’ll overlook gently rocking boats, hear the distant sound of sea lions calling to one another and witness multitudes of graceful sea birds. All of this while enjoying a satisfying meal that will make you want to return time and again; you’ll soon know why they have become a local’s favorite choice for all meals. Experience nature’s glory from golden sunrise to the majestic colors of sunset. Early bird specials are available at dinner as well as a special menu for your little mariners.

Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach

April 26, 2013

Perched atop the sand on secluded and beautiful Arroyo Burro Beach, better known as Hendry’s to locals, sits one of Santa Barbara’s newest and most exiting restaurants. The Boathouse at Hendry’s, owned and operated by the same family who started the Santa Barbara Shellﬁsh Company and Santa Barbara FisHouse, is truly a feast for all the senses. In the mornings, you can dine on the expansive patio and watch the sunrise over the coastal range to the east. In the evenings, gorgeous shades of red, orange and purple from the sunset to the west, ﬂood the entire restaurant.

Sandpiper Golf Club

May 15, 2013

Perched majestically on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, just north of downtown Santa Barbara, you’ll find a true championship course known as one of the best golf facilities in California. Sandpiper Golf Club designed by William F. Bell in 1972, is an inspiring combination of challenge and beauty that was named by Golf Digest as one of American’s top 75 upscale golf courses and was included in the Golf Digest 2011 Top 40 Golf Courses in the State of California.