Arts + Culture

Messy Hands, Open Minds

From Mud Kitchens to Dino Digs, the SYV Children's Museum Makes Space for Wonder Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Matthew Curry & Matt DeMarcus The Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum is redefining what it means to be a “children’s museum.” The name might be the only traditional thing about it. This entirely outdoor, screen-free haven is a joyful hybrid—part botanical garden, part science camp, part adventure playground—crafted for curious minds and busy little hands. Founded in 2020...

Arts + Culture

Where Connection Leads the Curriculum

How SYV Family School Nurtures Big-Hearted Learners Through Nature and Social-Emotional Learning Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Erica Olesen Tucked into the rolling landscape of Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Valley Family School (SYVFS) is more than a classroom—it’s a living, breathing community shaped by connection, creativity, and care. Since its founding in 1974, the independent, nonprofit school has held steadfast to a vision of education that sees each child as a whole person...

Life + Culture

Not Your Average Pet

Inside the Sweet Life of Flying V Apiaries Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Amber Dolyak Photography When most kids dream of pets, they imagine dogs to cuddle or kittens to chase. But for one Santa Ynez-based beekeeper, his “pets” number in the thousands—and they all have wings. Flying V Apiaries isn’t just a honey company. It’s a buzzing ecosystem rooted in stewardship, science, and a surprising amount of heart. Founded by Dakota Votaw, who first suited up in a bee suit as a college...

Life + Culture

Sunlight & Soil

Where the Taste of the Land Meets the Luxury of Simplicity Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Jessica Maher Photography Tucked into the fertile folds of our Santa Ynez Valley, Summerset Farm is a portrait of pastoral elegance. Just off of Edison and 154, past the ancient oaks and golden grasslands, lies a working farm that offers something rare in today’s fast-paced world: an invitation to slow down. For nearly two decades, Summerset Farm has offered a multi-sensory escape—a place where...

Fitness

Exploring the Balance

Between Law, Wellness, and Community Article by Sara DeMarcus | Photography by Lena Britt Photography In a field known for intensity, long hours, and emotional strain, trial attorney Brian O’Connor has spent nearly four decades exploring a rare equilibrium—balancing high-stakes litigation with personal wellness, deep-rooted community ties, and a sense of purpose that reaches beyond the courtroom. Since settling in Santa Barbara County in 1987, O’Connor has been one of the region’s most...

Arts + Culture

Cars & Cowboys

Fueled by Horses, Horsepower, and Heart Article by Jenna Craig | Photography by Samantha Carey In a region celebrated for its natural beauty, deep sense of community, and unforgettable experiences, Cars & Cowboys is fast becoming one of the most anticipated events of the year. Equal parts Western soirée, classic car showcase, and high-impact fundraiser, this spirited celebration returns for its fourth annual gathering on Saturday, September 6, 2025. This year, it shifts into high gear at a...

Arts + Culture

Off the Record

Explore A World Where the Beat Drops When the Needle Does Article by Brianna Haley | Photography by Matt DeMarcus Tucked into the storybook charm of downtown Solvang, Off the Record Vinyl & Vintage is more than a record store—it’s a curated experience that bridges generations through music, design, and nostalgia. Located upstairs in Jensen’s Copenhagen Square, this family-run shop invites visitors to slow down, browse, and reconnect with the tactile joy of analog sound. The shop was founded...

Food + Beverage

The Angelisco Margarita

This Summer-Ready Cocktail Blends Citrus, Spice, and Everything Nice Article by Blake Landis | Photography by Sara DeMarcus One Margarita: 2 oz Angelisco Blanco Tequila 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice .75 oz Pineapple Syrup* Directions: Shake and strain over ice in a rocks glass with a Tajin salted rim.  One Bottle Batch: 1 Bottle Angelisco Blanco (750 ml) 1 liter of Fresh Lime Juice 900 ml Pineapple Syrup* Directions: Pour all ingredients together, stir with four scoops of ice. If you...

Arts + Culture

Blood, Sweat, & Syrah

A story of grit, friendship, and world-class wine Article by Adam McHugh | Photography by Heather Daenitz/Craft and Cluster The Santa Ynez Valley is perhaps California’s last great wine region where you can make premium wine without a pot of gold. Few winemakers have embraced the role of scrappy underdog as eagerly as Matt McKinney and Justice Massara of McKinney Family Vineyards, two men whose starts in wine began, respectively, in the back of a truck in Puerto Rico and in a tent on Mt...

Arts + Culture

Style with Soul

Where craftsmanship, character, and California cool converge Article by Matt DeMarcus | Photography by Zach Brown/Atlas Imagery In the sun-drenched town of Los Olivos, there's a quiet revolution unfolding in a converted garage on the edge of town right at the corner of Hollister and Nojoqui Street. It's not flashy. It's not chasing trends. But it is getting noticed, for all the right reasons. Los Olivos Outfitters is the kind of place you don’t stumble into—you discover it. And when you do...