Discovering Downtown Paso
By Donna Wolfe
Central California is full of best-kept secret towns. One of our favorites: downtown Paso Robles.
Although the town is officially called El Paso de Robles — “The Pass of the Oaks” in Spanish — locals often refer to it simply as Paso.
The region has historically been known for its thermal baths, wineries, olives, and almonds, in addition to its nearby Spanish Missions (San Miguel, San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and San Luis Obispo). Through the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new generation of vineyard pioneers settled and flourished in the surrounding hills, bringing acclaim to the rural community.
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Quilty Pleasures
By Misty Hall
Quilting: it ain’t just granny’s game anymore.
I mean, sure, there are plenty of quilters who happen to be grandmothers. But they are also soccer coaches, motorcycle riders, pre-teens, and scientists. And they are no longer “just” quilters, weavers, or knitters, either — collectively, they are becoming known as fiber and textile artists. And increasingly, these arts are entering the mainstream art world, stretching perceptions, pushing boundaries, and expanding definitions with every stitch.
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Leading Ladies Caitlin Pianetta, woman winemaker
By Misty Hall
Winemaking is where art and science meet patience and muscle. I’m sure there’s a fancier way to say that, but Pliny the Elder never hung out in Paso Robles. So picture the shrugging girl emoji, and pour us another glass. While you’re at it, ponder the fact that according to trade association estimates, just 10 percent of winemakers in California are women. In such a progressive state, how is that number so low? Interestingly, that’s not something winemaker Caitlin Pianetta spends much time thinking about.
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The Spirit of the Central Coast: Craft distilling along the 101
By Zachary Rosen
With the rich agriculture and lush landscapes lining U.S. Highway 101, it’s no wonder that the wineries and breweries along the way have become known worldwide. With about 20 craft distilleries dotting the 101 between Camarillo and Paso Robles, there is now a whole new group of craftspeople capturing the spirit of these cities and putting these regions on the craft distilling map. Although distillery tasting rooms are currently limited to only serving 1 1/2 oz per person, always remember that liquor is much stronger than beer or wine. Never drink and drive.
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Holiday season on the Central Coast
By Misty Hall
The holiday season is here! (Unless you’re a pumpkin spice fan, in which case you kicked things off in August at Starbucks.) The Central Coast plays host to hundreds of holiday events, from haunted houses to winter wine walks, so get out there and celebrate!
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The SLO County Music Scene
By Donna Wolfe
San Luis Obispo County has it all — from sunshine to surf, endless recreational opportunities, a world-class wine region, fabulous breweries, great shopping and dining, respected places of learning and, not surprisingly, a thriving local music scene. The county is bordered to the west by coastal ocean views and lined with the gentle rolling mountains heading east.
Located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along U.S. Highway 101, “SLO County” is home to a musical community that covers all genres and features a variety of fun venues. Here are some of the area’s most well-known and favorite spots:
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