Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Christmas Walk Dec. 1st

La Arcada: A Santa Barbara Gem

Tucked away in the Center of Santa Barbara lies a piece of Santa Barbara history and one of its most unique jewels.  In true Santa Barbara style, with entrances on State Street and Figueroa, La Arcada is a quaint and charming substitute for the larger malls.  La Arcada boasts some of Santa Barbara's top restaurants and art galleries as well as hosting a number of unique retail boutiques and services.  Tile-lined walkways, fountains, sidewalk cafes and beautiful sculptures decorate the lush landscape.

come enjoy the Holidays with us here at La Arcada!


information and photographs taken from the La Arcada Website.  For information on current happenings and more history of this fabulous mini-mall visit:   http://www.laarcadasantabarbara.com/

Friday, November 26, 2010

Holiday Faire in Carpinteria


Saturday, November 27th
10 am - 3 pm
FREE
at the
Carpinteria Historical Museum
956 Maple Avenue,Carpinteria

over 80 Artisans, Live Folk Music and more
old fashioned toys
refreshments and food booths
arts and crafts
baked goods
Santa in person!

While you are in Carpinteria....be sure to stop at two of my two favorite stores...
both are decorated for the holidays!

Whimsy Antiques on Linden and a second store on 7th Street
take a walk down memory lane in this unique vintage and antique store

 Susan Willis on Carpinteria Street (near the Carpinteria Street South offramp)
fabulous holiday gift and decor and the unusual and unique! 

If you are returning to Santa Barbara, stop for a late lunch, early dinner or just a cup of coffee and delicious snack at the Garden Market on Santa Claus Lane, (appropriate this time of year).  Delicious eats, wine, and a wonderful outdoor patio. Say hello to my friend and proprietor Tammy diMatteo!
Happy Shopping!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgivng!

May You and Yours have a Beautiful and Reflective Thanksgiving Holiday


Thanksgiving is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude."  ~E.P. Powell

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Carpinteria - "Safest Beach"

Visit the Charming Carpinteria Valley 

Incorporated in 1965, The City of Carpinteria remains a small and charming seaside community just 12 miles south of  the idyllic City of Santa Barbara, and 15 miles north of Ventura along Highway 101 and the blue Pacific. Known as having the "safest beach" in California, the beautiful public beach area includes a campground and miles of sandy beach and easy free parking.

Linden Street on the ocean side of Hwy 101 is known for its charming local boutiques, vintage-antique shops (see my post on Vintage Treasure Hunt II), candy and chocolate shop and lots of locally owned restaurants. Dining ranges from super casual to fine dining and include The Spot (fabulous hamburger stand at the bottom of Linden near the beach), the Hot Dog Man, on the Casitas Pass off-ramp), Clementine's in the purple house on Carpinteria Street; a family owned restaurant which serves fabulous "family style" dinners including home made bread and pies. Santa Claus Lane located just south of the City offers several fun dining experiences, including the wonderful Garden Market. There's not a bad meal to be had in the Carpinteria Valley. Across the street from Clementines is the not to be missed Eye of the Day Nursery and Garden Boutique.

Via Real which runs parallel to and north of Hwy 101 (from Santa Monica to Nidever at the Polo Grounds)  features numerous nurseries open to the public for purchasing locally grown orchids and/or native and exotic garden and house plants. One of my favorites is the Island View Nursery, located on Nidever. Several nurseries also offer landscape design areas for enjoyment and ideas to take home. Several times of year the Commercial Green House Growers offer a tours to the public.  Check with the Chamber of Commerce for details.

photo by Jill Marx from the Carpinteria Chamber Website

The City of Carpinteria includes 7 square miles with 4.5 miles being ocean.  The Carpinteria Valley , much of which is still agricultural incorporates 11.6 square miles. City Population is 14,271.  Climate is moderate with an average temperatures in the 60-80s range.  Rainfall is approximately 17-18 inches annually.
photo by David Powdrell from the Carpinteria Chamber Website

The Chumash Indians, the area's first inhabitants, referred to this beautiful seaside valley as Mishopshono, meaning "correspondence", as it was a center of trade. One of the reasons the Natives were so advanced is due to the natural oil seepage in the area, which provided material to keep their canoes water tight. In 1769 Spanish Explorers lead by Gaspar de Portola came upon a group of Chumash splitting redwood logs, hand-hewing planks and constructing large, seagoing canoes they called tomols. The soldiers promptly dubbed it La Carpinteria, or the Carpenters Shop.

Carpinteria Museum Flea Market

The Carpinteria Valley Museum of History includes exhibits of Chumash artifacts from the hunting and gathering culture of these industrious Native Americans along with the history of the great Mexican cattle-ranching period and farming history of the Valley.  The Research Library is open for research by appointment only.  805 684-3112; www.carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org

Ongoing Events:

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Docent Tours:  Sat. 10 am Sandyland/Ash Avenues 806 684-8077
Certified Farmers Market and Creative Arts Market:  Thursdays, Linden Ave; 3-6 pm
Flea Market: Museum of History, 956 Maple Ave; last Saturday of the month 8am-3pm, (except May, Nov and Dec)



For more information contact the Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce at 805 684-5479; www.carpinteriachamber.org

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Miracle on State Street Dec. 18 & 19

Pure Holiday Magic
State Street Ballet Presents

The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 18 - 2pm & 7pm
Sunday, December 19 - 2pm

at the
Granada
Tickets:  805 899-2222
on line at http://www.granadasb.org/

If you haven't seen the Nutcracker in theater you haven't lived!

Mesa Artist Tour Sunday Nov. 14th

Mesa Artist Studio Tour
Sunday November 14, 2010:  11am -4 pm

Morgan Green
Susan Belloni


for a tour map and artist information:
805 962-5619

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thank you Veterans!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Empty Bowls Lunch

Sunday, November 7th
13th Annual Empty Bowls Lunch


Historic Rockwood Women's Club
located in Mission Canyon, near the Santa Barbara Mission

seating between 11 am and 2 pm
dress-casual
a benefit for The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

Tickets on sale for $25, call 805-585-5244

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Santa Barbara's Historic Cultural Arts District

First Thursday - November 4th
Get some Culture Downtown Santa Barbara


An evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara on the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and cultural art venues offer free access to Santa Barbara's rich cultural scene in a fun and social environment from 5-8 pm.  Attractions such as live music, artists receptions, exhibit openings, demonstrations and wine tastings are featured at participating venues.  In addition, State Street comes alive with public performances and interactive exhibits.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES: PIANOS ON STATE
Various Downtown Locations

Pianos on State is a collaborative musical experiment coinciding with the 2010 New Noise Music Festival and Conference. Pianos will be placed at various locations up and down State Street from November 4-7th. Amateur and professional musicians alike will be scheduled to perform and during open times anyone is welcome to sit down and play. the event will raise awareness for the 2nd Annual Instrument Drive 4 Youth taking place on December 31, 2010 that collects new and used music instruments and equipment for disbursement through the school district and other non-profit organizations.

For more information call 805 962-2098 or visit www.santabarbaradowntown.com



Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Exercise Your Right To Vote Today!

PLEASE VOTE TODAY!