Santa Barbara Highlights, Courtesy of the NYTimes.com, Photo by Ann Summa

We were so excited to read the NY Times’ article, “36 Hours in Santa Barbara, California” from this week’s Travel Section. Not only did the article feature some of our local faves, but we were so happy to know that the place we love to call home is getting some national/international attention.

Stop in for dinner at the bar at Julienne and watch chef Justin West whip up some amazing local, seasonal cuisine

The NY Times was spot on about Justin West’s cooking at Julienne.  Julienne is right across the street from our studio and we love to wander over for a late dinner at the bar where we can watch Justin (Go Ducks!) and his team cook and chat about their local, seasonal creations.  Another favorite of ours is C’est Cheese for snacks or party accoutrements. The owners are beyond sweet and everyone is always so helpful with suggestions, tastings and wine pairings.

Delicious sandwich at C'est Cheese

We, too, are in love with the Supply Room and The Presidio Motel and have also stayed at The Hamlet Inn up in Solvang. Kenny and Chris have done an amazing job with both motels (check out our previous blog about The Hamlet Inn here) and the curation of their boutique, the Supply Room.  Stay tuned as they are going to be our next guest bloggers too!

We have loved watching the wine community grow here in Santa Barbara in the Funk Zone and were thrilled to read about some of our favorites, such as Municipal (with their refillable bottles) and Kunin.  We also love Raoul Textiles down in the Funk Zone where you can find the most exquisite fabrics in addition to incredible gifts and items for the home. One of our favorite things they sell are these fabulous notebooks with their fabrics on the cover.  They make a great gift and are a wonderful way to keep your thoughts in place!

Raoul Textiles Santa Barbara, Photo Courtesty of SBdigs.com

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is a local gem!!!  It is a MUST visit when in town and make sure to stop by the well-edited gift shop that carries select pieces of Adesso.

The Hungry Cat Santa Barbara

Some of our regular haunts that we think should have been included:

• The best coffee in town is sure to be had at French Press on State Street
• Los Agaves on Milpas Street for the best Rajas con Queso tacos in town
• Makesmith for hand-crafted purses, pouches and belts (available at the Santa Barbara Luggage Store, 609 Chapala Street)
• The Hungry Cat has amazing seasonal cocktails and seafood and is worth a stop while in town
• Nada at Cheri Bibi for the best haircuts and color
• Angel on Coast Village Road in Montecito does a great job of offering stylish outfit options and accessories for every occasion
• Full of Life Flatbread is worth the 45-minute drive north for the best seasonal soups, salads, flatbreads and entrees around
• Demetria Winery is also worth a 45-minute drive north for an incredible wine tasting experience, especially if you bring sandwiches and nibbles from the delicious Bell Street Farm Eatery & Market

Incredible coffee at French Press on State Street