Life + Culture

Father's Day Ideas

Do Something That The Dad In Your Life Will Love Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Provided Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company –                Since 2014 I’ve been a mug club member and couldn’t be more grateful for their Los Olivos taproom throwing a wrench in my wife’s wine-tasting plans. The open grass area has been a godsend for my children to burn off some energy while I enjoy an Agua Santa on those hot summer days.   Gaviota Station Hike –                This has been quite a...

June 2024

Travel

For Your Barbecue Pleasure

A Central Coast Take On Traditional Barbecue Article by Jenna Craig | Photography by Provided Tucked away in Atterdag Square, in the heart of downtown Solvang, you’ll likely smell the scents of the smokehouse drifting through the quaint streets of town. Whiskey ‘N Rye with its rich design and vibrant bar offers you a sophisticated BBQ dining experience, while also making you feel like part of their family. With the tagline, “For Your Barbecue Pleasure,” Whiskey ‘N Rye specializes in sauces...

June 2024

Shopping

Los Olivos Outfitters

Where Quality Meets Creativity Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Provided I sat down with the owner of Los Olivos Outfitters, Josh Hartley, to discuss his love for the SYV, his commitment to lifelong creativity, and his plans for what he and Jory Brigham are creating. Two best friends opening up a side-by-side men’s boutique and gallery sounds like something out of a movie. How long have you two been dreaming this up? We've always talked about having a place where we can have a...

June 2024

Life + Culture

Country Roads

Take Me Home Article by June Henry | Photography by Matt DeMarcus and Lena Ibarra Hugged by rolling hills, whether lush and green or warm and golden, there lies a valley that conjures the very idea of home. City dwellers invest in artwork depicting hill-filled landscapes and travel in droves to experience longed-for rural areas on their vacations. Lucky for those who live, work, and recreate here; for us, the Santa Ynez Valley is home. Our valley’s winding roads thread together a rich fabric...

March 2024

Local Services

Sara's Favorite Family Spots

With two young kiddos, these are my favorites! Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Matt and Sara DeMarcus ACTIVITY Anything honoring the Red, White, and Blue! Old Santa Ynez Days, 4th of July, SY Rodeo... you name it, we're there! BEACH Tide pooling is a family favorite activity. On low-tide evenings, you can find us at Gaviota! 10 minutes from Buellton and you're on the beach looking at Starfish, Dolphins, and more! BREAKFAST Baker’s Table is phenomenal. Happy staff, great...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Discovering Local Delights

4 of the Best-Kept Secrets of Our Community's Hidden Gems Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Provided and Oliveandgrain_ Maria Irwin: Wife. Mother. Business Owner. Owner/Founder of Wünderland Co. specializing in Wedding + Event Planning/Design. Ramen Kotori When you find something your kids love, you love it too! Nojoqui Falls Approachable hike, enjoy the waterfall while it lasts! Vino Vaqueros Horseback Riding An amazing experience! Private, guided trail ride through the...

March 2024

Shopping

A Community Champion

Charlotte Becerra's Ripple Effect of Positivity in Our Community Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Provided and Lauren Maeve Photography Charlotte Becerra isn't just a resident of the Santa Ynez Valley; she's a force of goodwill, weaving her passion for history, horses, and community into every facet of her life. Her behind-the-scenes work is unmatched. Many of the annual celebrations that we enjoy, she most likely has had a hand in. From Old Santa Ynez Days to the 4th of July...

March 2024

Home + Design

Contemporary Ranch Living

A Property Where Luxury + Nature Collide Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Thomas Ploch I don’t know about you, but when I think of the Santa Ynez Valley… vast, multi-acre ranches nestled between vineyards, mountains, rolling hills, and equestrian estates come to mind. The SYV is filled with the timeless aesthetic that many dream of but few get to call home. To paint a picture, these are the “One Day…” properties that you save and share on apps like Redfin or Zillow. Challenge yourself...

March 2024