With a population of 467, Ballard is the smallest of the region’s towns yet still holds some of the valley’s most treasured gems. A “Little Red Schoolhouse” has been educating young Ballard residents since 1883. Today it’s one of the top-performing schools in Santa Barbara County and the bell still rings to summon students. This […]

Eat, stay & play in Buellton! Discover what you’ve been missing in this blossoming, vibrant community. A short drive, along the coast north of Santa Barbara, Buellton sits in the shadow of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA which consistently produces world class grapes, most notably pinot noir. Abundant sunshine year round and cool nights shrouded […]

Surrounded by ranches, farms and vineyards at the northern “entry” to the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos (population 1,890) is located at the junction of US Highway 101 and State Route 135 (the main thoroughfare known as Bell Street) It’s only seven blocks long yet reflects as much Old West heritage as any small town […]

California history melds with modern-day wine tasting rooms, art galleries and upscale shops in this picture-perfect country town in the northeast part of the valley (population 1,132). Centered by an iconic flagpole, Victorian homes and businesses cluster nearby around the community hub at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Alamo Pintado Avenue. Vineyards, lavender farms, […]

In the vintage township of Santa Ynez (population 4,418), it’s sometimes hard to tell if it’s 2014 or 1884 with its period-style false-front building facades housing shops, saloons, feed stores and random horses hitched to posts. However, this rather sophisticated cowboy town also boasts plenty of conveniences for modern-day trail riders. A variety of restaurants […]

Founded in 1911, the community of Solvang holds Danish-American charm and tradition, while thriving year-round as a destination loved by families, couples and people of all ages. Only two hours up the coast from Los Angeles, Solvang has carried on the Danish traditions of language, folk dancing, music and cuisine. The streets are flanked with […]