Home + Design

What's On Your List?

Explore our curated guide for the perfect Santa Ynez Valley gifts this holiday season Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Provided This holiday season, we invite you to explore local gifting with our curated guide to the Santa Ynez Valley. Whether you're shopping for family, friends, or yourself, our thoughtfully selected items showcase the unique businesses that define our vibrant community. From laid-back luxury items to timeless fashion staples, this guide is designed to inspire your...

Life + Culture

A Very Viking Christmas

A Look Into the Vikings of Solvang Annual Christmas Party Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Provided For nearly five decades, the Vikings of Solvang have spread holiday magic through their annual Christmas party for children with special needs. What began in 1976 as an intimate gathering has blossomed into a heartwarming event that now serves hundreds. Hosted at the SYV Marriott in Buellton, this beloved celebration has become a cornerstone of the holiday season, bringing joy...

Local Services

Raising The Roof

How Action Roofing Builds Community from the Ground Up Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Provided As December rolls in, the air turns crisp and festive lights adorn our neighborhoods, signaling a season of joy, reflection, and, importantly, giving. In the heart of the Central Coast and more specifically, the Santa Ynez Valley, one family-owned business exemplifies the spirit of the season through both its professional ethos and its community contributions: Action Roofing, owned and...

Shopping

Shop The Cover

Your Shopping Guide To Local Items This Thanksgiving Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Lena Britt Photography Summerset Farms: 3450 Baseline Ave, SY The classic Pumpkin Patch experience. You can find mini pumpkins as well as giant statement piece pumpkins to adorn your doorstep, wowing all who visit. Solvang Olive Press: 463 Alisal Rd, Solvang Infused olive oils, balsamic, and more - we recommend the Neapolitan Herb Balsamic and Nocellara EVOO. Waylan Wine Co: 2963 Grand Ave...

Life + Culture

Freedom Isn't Free

A Lifetime of Gratitude For Our Local Veterans Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Provided September 11, 2001. If you're like me, you remember where you were down to the minute the most significant terrorist attack happened on US soil. There is an unmeasurable ripple effect to that day and one is that many people say it was the most united the country has ever been. When something life-changing happens, the fight or flight response kicks in. In this moment, a kid from Montana...

Food + Beverage

Hostess with the Mostest

Tips & Tricks For Hosting a Successful Thanksgiving This Year Article by Devon Ranger | Photography by Lena Britt Photography Thanksgiving is more than just a meal—it is a celebration of gratitude, connection, and tradition. Whether you are a first-time host or a seasoned pro, this year's Thanksgiving presents an exciting opportunity to create something truly memorable. But the approach to hosting can differ greatly based on experience. Let’s explore the two perspectives of hosting...

Life + Culture

What Are You Thankful For?

A Snapshot Look Into Showing Gratitude This Thanksgiving Season Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Provided Julie DeMarcus, Loan Officer at Trinity Financial My first and foremost blessing is my family. Married to Andy for 36 years this month, we have two amazing kids, Zach (30) and Nicole (27). They are the light of our lives. I’m thankful for our beautiful Valley. Having moved 6 times by the time I was 17, I never felt “part” of a community until moving to the Valley in 1991...

Life + Culture

From Their Farm, To Your Table...

Motley Crew Ranch Brings Regenerative Farming Home Sweet Home Article by Brianna Haley | Photography by Jasmine Gonzalez Tucked away on a sprawling 700 acre property, you will find a husband and wife who are fighting to provide their local community with direct access to local agriculture. I know that sounds like it should not be difficult in the Santa Ynez Valley, but ironically those “local” sections of our grocery stores just don’t seem to be that local anymore. The cost of producing...

Food + Beverage

Shrimp Fra Diavolo

A Spicy Twist on a Seafood Staple Article by Anna Vocino | Photography by Provided Fra diavolo means “the brother of the devil.” This sauce is often confused with arrabbiata sauce as they are both spicy, but traditionally, fra diavolo is made without pancetta. It’s perfect with shrimp or shellfish. Serves: 4  Ingredients: 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups) 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided Salt and black pepper 1 medium onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon red...

Food + Beverage

Welcome to: The Good Life

Discover Rotating Wine and Beer Selections That You Won't Find Anywhere Else Article and Photography by Matt DeMarcus One of the SYV's most cherished traditions is our unwavering dedication to wine production. With nearly 300 different wineries, there’s always a risk of catching a case of choice paralysis or fatigue. But there in the heart of downtown Solvang, there is a place that prides itself on variety and the celebration of a local assortment of award-winning and world renown wines and...