Noteworthy: World’s Must-Visit Travel Destinations

Best Travel Destinations

The Santa Ynez Valley  –

There’s a feeling you get in the Santa Ynez Valley — call it a vibe — that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else. Certainly, because Santa Ynez Valley considered one of world’s best travel destinations.

We are proud of the slew of recent awards, recognition, and praise showered on the Santa Ynez Valley. Specifically, the Santa Ynez Valley’s inclusion in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and Wine Enthusiast. Besides, this slice of California’s Central Coast has firmly planted itself among the country’s — if not the world’s — most sought after destinations for wine lovers and travelers alike.

Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places To Travel in 2022 —

Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual list of the world’s best places to travel described the Santa Ynez Valley. “Two hours from L.A…rural, unassuming, and coming into its own. Further, the arrival of newer tasting rooms, restaurants, and hotels in recent years has firmly put the area on oenophiles’ and travelers’ radars.”

Forbes’ 22 Best Places To Travel In The U.S. In 2022 —

Furthermore, in its roundup of bucket list U.S. travel destinations, Forbes described the Santa Ynez Valley as, “the buzzing wine region. Generally, best known for the Danish-themed village of Solvang. Notwithstanding, there are plenty of other small towns connected by rural roads, sprawling farms, and vineyards.”

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Ballard | Buellton | Los Alamos | Los Olivos | Santa Ynez | Solvang

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Wine Enthusiast – 2021 Wine Region Of The Year —

The annual Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards recognized Santa Barbara County, inclusive of the Santa Ynez Valley, as their Wine Region of the Year. Earlier, announced in November 2021, the award is considered a Holy Grail in the industry. Furthermore, they touted the region’s, “Stunning diversity of microclimates, a thriving culinary scene”. “An appellation and grape variety for every palate, thanks to a unique geography of valleys that open directly onto the cold Pacific Ocean.”

Despite this acclaim, the Santa Ynez Valley’s humble foundation has allowed it to retain, the signature charm, authentic character, and laid-back vibe upon which it has been built.

Now, with a host of new or expanded businesses and other visitor offerings, the Santa Ynez Valley is eager to live up to the lofty expectations that have been set. Among the new and notable offerings: the rebirth of a historic lodging property, the silver anniversary of an iconic restaurant. In addition to a renovated and expanded outdoor live theater, the return of a defining signature event, and a unique agritourism endeavor await visitors.

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EVENTS

Plan your getaway around the Santa Ynez Valley’s signature event.

 

Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley —One of the valley’s biggest annual events tentatively returns Sept. 28 -Oct. 1, 2023. Presented by Sunset Magazine, Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley is an immersive four-day food, wine, and experiential event. Presently, it is held throughout the valley’s six wine country towns. Indeed, the highlights include classes led by Sunset experts, cooking demonstrations, and the signature long table, multi-course wine dinners.

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LODGING

Find your perfect home away from home at one of SYV’s newest properties.

Best Travel Destinations

 

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern — Opening soon, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern – An Auberge Resort respects the history of this landmark destination. Particularly, blending the simplicity of modern farmhouse design with the eclectic textures and patterns of nearby ranch life.

Ballard Inn & Restaurant — Recently under new ownership, the AAA Four-Diamond rated Ballard Inn is being revitalized to celebrate its Western roots. Furthermore, reflecting its charm and appeal as a destination for romantic getaways, family reunions, or small business retreats. 

ForFriends Inn — New for 2022, this popular Santa Ynez bed & breakfast is expanding with the addition of ForFriends Village. Presently, featuring six new 650 square foot California Craftsman “tiny inns.” ForFriends Village provides a new and unique lodging option in the valley for couples, groups, family reunions, and more. Moreover, each custom studio accommodates up to four people. Alos, all units feature kitchenettes, premium finishes, whisper-quiet appliances, high-speed internet, private porches, and parking.

The Inn at Zaca Creek — Suite and private event guests at The Inn at Zaca Creek now have exclusive access to “The Falls”. Presently, the resort’s newest outdoor amenity that includes cascading waterfalls and a sparkling, cabana-ringed lagoon.

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RESTAURANTS, DINING, & COFFEE

 

Dine-in, dine out(side), and dine in style with new & notable options for eateries.

 

Bar Le Cote — This new sister restaurant of Daisy and Greg Bell’s popular Los Alamos eatery Bell’s, is Bar Le Cote. Specifically, an aesthetically and delectably satisfying seafood tavern housed in the former Sides Hardware & Shoes space in downtown Los Olivos. Their California Central Coast driven menu features such local luxuries as sea urchin, crab and halibut, as well as more exotic offerings.

peasants DELI & MARKET — Michael and Sarah Cherney, owners of peasants FEAST, recently opened peasants DELI & MARKET as a companion eatery to the popular Solvang restaurant. In addition, peasants DELI & MARKET offers classic and not-so-classic deli sandwiches filled with thoughtfully sourced, artisanal cured and smoked meats. These are served on specially-commissioned sesame French rolls from Bob’s Well Bread. 

Lefty’s Coffee Co. — Recently opened in downtown Los Olivos. Lefty’s Coffee Co. is a coffee shop inspired by the ideals of peace, equality, acceptance, and respect for every human. Featuring specialty coffees from beans that are farm roasted in Santa Barbara County. Likewise, specialty baked goods created by Sandra Adu Zelli’s Crispy Hill Bakery. Furthermore, Lefty’s also boasts an expansive garden space for sipping, savoring, and private events.

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WINERIES & TASTING ROOMS

Experts and novice palates alike will delight when tasting wine in SYV a Best Travel Destination

 

Fess Parker Winery — Following an extensive overhaul, Fess Parker Winery reopened the doors to its renovated tasting room. First, with a more modern design that pays homage to the family’s roots and supports the winery’s more elevated tasting experiences. Next, the winery’s indoor and outdoor spaces were reimagined and given a more contemporary experience for guests while incorporating the family’s unique history.

Arrowsmith’s Wine Bar — A friendly European bar in the heart of Solvang, Arrowsmith’s is a “home away from home” run by two Europeans. They specialize in small-batch local wines as well as a delicious worldwide selection of fantastic wine and European beer.

RUSACK Vineyards — RUSACK Vineyards – the only winery in the Ballard Canyon AVA that is open to visitors – debuted its newly remodeled tasting room. Dubbed ‘Canyon Terrace,’ RUSACK’s renovated tasting room pairs handcrafted wines with picturesque vineyard views. Moreover you can enjoy  a relaxed atmosphere away from it all. Tastings available by advance reservation only.

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SPECIALTY, ACTIVITIES & OTHER

Enriching Experiences Bring Agriculture, Art, and Heritage to the Best Travel Destinations

 

Elder Flat Farm Store — Elder Flat Farm Store is a new downtown Los Alamos retail storefront from the owners of Elder Flat Farm. Find produce, eggs, charcuterie, farm boxes, flowers, specialty, seasonal gifts, and more, much of sourced directly from Elder Flat Farm. Open Thursday through Sunday, Elder Flat Farm Store also holds classes ranging from cheese board styling to DIY flower arrangements.

Solvang Festival Theater — One of the Santa Ynez Valley’s most iconic cultural facilities, the open-air Solvang Festival Theater recently completed a $4.7 million renovation project. Upgrades to the infrastructure, accessibility, and technical aspects of the theater provided much needed improvements. The renovated theater will provide an enhanced experience for patrons and performers alike. 

Greenhouse — Greenhouse is a new lifestyle and wellness retail shop located behind Elder Flat Farm Store in Los Alamos. Open Thursday – Sunday, Greenhouse carries a variety of self-care items, gifts, clothes, hats, etc., with a focus on ethically made products. Tucked away upstairs, Greenhouse also invites people to relax for a soothing massage by Valley Be Well.

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Plan your Next Visit

to Santa Ynez Valley

Both new and established experiences are waiting when you plan your next visit to Santa Ynez Valley. With six distinct communities offering a range of experiences from open-air theatre to regenerative agritourism, Santa Ynez Valley has something for everyone.

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Ballard | Buellton | Los Alamos | Los Olivos | Santa Ynez | Solvang

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Find rates and availability at over 30 Santa Ynez Valley boutique hotels and inns. For more information on lodging, restaurant, winery, or to research attractions, book lodging and activities, and create a custom travel itinerary, visit Discover SYV. 

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