There is something so special about a place where people grow up, leave, spread their wings, and eventually find their way back. The sense of community in a place like this is unique, and special, and must be protected. The Santa Ynez Valley is a community like this and even more so, that is what Ron Alexander, owner of Corner House Cafe, strives to create. The traditional high school graduate ventures off to college or to travel abroad gains a handful of years worth of life experience, and then typically makes his or her way home to the SYV to establish roots and build a family. With that in mind, we wanted to ask a handful of SYV local youth what their favorite places around town are!
Rollie DeMarcus
6 year old
What is your favorite park?
My brother and I like Sunny Fields the best. They have awesome slides and swings. I like to run the bases at the baseball diamond too. We can even take our dogs there, so it is fun for all of us!
What is your favorite restaurant?
I love ice cream and mango is my favorite. My parents like to go to Los Olivos and the Corner House Cafe has the best smoothies and mango-flavored ice cream.
What is your favorite thing to do in the SYV?
My favorite thing to do is swim in the pool. Cannonballs are my favorite move. I really like to spray our dogs with the water guns, but my parents get upset when I do that.
Abby Velazquez
7 year old
What is your favorite park?
Riverview Park in Buellton is awesome. It is nice because there are two playgrounds, one for the bigger kids, one for the younger kids, and then a huge open field in the middle.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Firestone Walker Brewing Co in Buellton is my favorite. They offer everything!
What is your favorite thing to do in the SYV?
I really like going to OstrichLand and feeding the ostriches and emus. It is amazing how much they love their food. You have to be careful because they can peck you accidentally.
Mason Rogers
4 year old
What is your favorite park?
Sunny Fields Park is my favorite. My favorite thing to do there is to play hide and seek with my sister and new friends. It is such a big park, so there are a lot of places to hide!
What is your favorite restaurant?
My family loves going to Dos Carlitos. I love it when I get to see Alfredo and my parents like to see Cam. The Shirley Temple's there are so good!
What is your favorite thing to do in the SYV?
I love it when my parents take my sister and me to Refugio Beach, especially when it is really hot. Splashing in the waves is so much fun!
Isabel Rodriguez
9 year old
What is your favorite park?
My favorite park is the Hans Christian Anderson Skate Park. I really like to rollerblade, bike, and skateboard! It is so much fun to rollerblade with my mom.
What is your favorite restaurant?
My family and I love two restaurants - The Victor and Toscana. Dana at The Victor is so nice and I love to see her. My favorite dish at Toscana is the beet and burrata salad.
What is your favorite thing to do in the SYV?
I absolutely love riding my bike! There are so many amazing neighborhoods in the Santa Ynez Valley for bike rides. Sometimes people drive too fast and I wish they would slow down!