Saturday, December 11, 2010

Santa Ynez Valley - A Great California Vacation Idea

For a great California vacation idea I suggest Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara, CA.

This is a beautiful vacation spot for those looking to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of a big city.


It has something for everyone: a fun casino, wine-tastings, high-end restaurants, cute thrift stores, and lots of places for outdoorsy types to explore.

If you're looking for a romantic weekend to spend together, Santa Ynez Valley is certainly the place.

My boyfriend of three years and I spent our Valentine's Day weekend there this year. We stayed at a charming little bed and breakfast in Solvang.

Solvang is also a nice California vacation idea. This adorable Danish town is home to many B&B's- but be careful to book ahead, because they all seem to fill up quite quickly on holiday weekends.

While in Solvang, be sure to enjoy the rows of thrift stores, candy shops, traditional pubs, and boutiques.

There's also the option of renting a cart bicycle, and taking a spin on the small cobblestone streets together.

If you're looking for something a little less kitschy, pick up some gourmet cupcakes at Enjoy, in Los Olivos. Enjoy cupcakes may be a little over-priced, but splurge! It's worth it. Their flavors change weekly, and are always delicious (our favorite was the Mudslide cupcake, with Kaluha icing- yum!)

Try opting for the "flight" of cupcakes: it's a sampling of each flavor in bite-sized cupcakes perfect for sharing with your love. Get them boxed up to go and bring them up to Nojoqui Falls, a lovely little waterfall that only requires a short hike to view.

I completed the trek in a dress and sandals, and we saw pregnant women making the same journey- trust me, even if you're not the woodsy type, you'll still be able to climb the short hike that leads to the waterfall.

It's not a huge, gushing waterfall, but it's a beautiful little sight to see, and a perfect spot to picnic in front of (as there is a seating area cut into the surrounding stone.)

Chumash Casino also makes Santa Ynez a great California vacation idea. It's a very busy Indian casino with lots to do even if you are under 21. Check out the schedule of events because they regularly have concerts and comedians perform there.

If you live in LA, it's a great place to get away from the city and all of its traffic, without being too far of a drive (less than two hours.)

Santa Ynez Valley is an excellent California vacation idea, and I highly recommend it!

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