SIDETRIP TO LOS OLIVOS

If you or your guests are looking for a short getaway while you await the big day, I have the perfect spot for you – Los Olivos.   This tiny town, tucked in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, offers quaint shops, tasty restaurants, art galleries, and plenty of wine tasting.

Whether you are looking for unique handcrafted jewelry, wood carvings, soft watercolors or oil paintings of the surrounding countryside, Gallery Los Olivos at 2920 Grand Avenue is worth a stroll into their gallery filled with the works of local artists. 

Another interesting spot to visit is the Los Olivos General Store located at 2900 Grand Avenue.   Once the first gas station in California and still sporting a vintage gas pump in the front, it houses a good collection of housewares, locally-made jams and jellies, flavored vinegars and cute notecards and stationery. 

For another piece of history, go to Mattei’s Tavern at 4350 Railway Avenue, which was a stagecoach stop in the late 1800s. Now it is a dinner restaurant with a sophisticated, local menu.   Choose from seabass with dried apricots, beef with melted shallots, duck breast with turnips, or albacore with jerk spices. 

For a delicious lunch or dinner, with indoor as well as outdoor seating, visit Los Olivos Wine Merchant Café , located at 2879 Grand Avenue.   From their flatbread to their baked brie and their cheese plate for appetizers and their varied selection of pizzas and hearty entrees, you will not be disappointed.   A mix of California and Mediterranean flavors, it also serves a delicious Saturday or Sunday brunch.

Just want a sandwich for lunch?   You might consider Sides Hardware and Shoe , located at 2375 Alamo Pintado Avenue.   Located in a building that was used as a hardware and shoe store over 100 years ago, brothers Matt and Jeff Nichols have created an eatery with people lining up to sample their tasty food.   From pastrami to fried pork tenderloin sandwiches, bacon burgers with smoked shallot marmalade, or a wide assortment of salads, you will not be disappointed.   Or, for dinner try their salmon, lamb sirloin, mussels, or scallops.

Maybe your sweet tooth is calling you about now.   Not to fear, Enjoy Cupcakes to the rescue. Located inside Saarloos and Sons (2971 Grand Avenue), you can enjoy your cupcakes paired with selected wines.   Or, just enjoy the cupcakes on their own.   Choose from Chocolate Blackberry Syrah, Salted Brown Butter Cinnamon Maple, Triple Vanilla Bean, Black Bottom, Mississippi Mud Pie, Strawberry Rosemary Chardonnay, Peanut Butter, or Fried Banana Espresso, or whatever other delectable treats are available on the day of your visit.   You will not be disappointed.

Visit Pumacasu , located at 2948 Grand Avenue, Suite A, if you want a short history (and nice selection) of antique corkscrews.   Carlos, the proprietor, will give you a brief history, while his wife, Christina, will show you her beautifully crafted selection of jewelry made from semiprecious stones in the style used by the Mapuche Indians of Patagonia.

Looking for new items for your garden?   Stop by J. Woeste Treasures , 2356 Alamo Pintado Avenue, and take home planters, clocks, pots, succulents, plants, and garden art, or just pause for a second and listen to the wind whistle through the trees, creating music from the huge windchimes handing from the trees.

Located at 2450 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang (although it is really located in Los Olivos) and opened Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 to 4:00, plan a visit to Global Gardens .   There you can taste and buy some of the best Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Balsamic Fruit Vinegars (the pomegranate and lemon-basil are two of my favorites, but I also love the blood orange and the raspberry and strawberry varieties this time of year), and purchase Spice Blends, Mustards, and Marinades to remember your trip to Los Olivos.

Pictures: Lunch from Sides, Saarloos Winery, and cupcakes from Enjoy

By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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