A FEAST FOR THE SENSES : Autumn Arts Grapes & Grains Festival is an annual celebration of harvest and the arts, bringing together everything that is great about the Santa Maria Valley. There will be wine and beer tasting from many area wineries. Food booths will offer everything from gourmet fare to hot dogs, and of course, plenty of authentic Santa Maria Style Barbecue. Autumn Arts Grapes & Grains offers fun activities for the entire family including arts and crafts, live music, art and woodcarving demonstrations, hands-on activities for children, and much more. It all takes place in Santa Maria’s historic city center at Cook and McClelland Streets, October 5th from 10am to 4pm. General admission is absolutely FREE, but advance purchase beer/wine tasting tickets are recommended. They are $19 per person, two for $35, or $15 each for groups of 10 or more. On the day of the event, tasting tickets will be $20 each. For tickets, information, or for special hotel packages, call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.

BIRDING FANS FLOCK TO SANTA MARIA for the Central Coast Birding Rally, October 4 - 6, hosted by the La Purisima Audobon Society. Teams of birders will compete to see who can identify the most species of birds within a specific area and time frame. Participants will be able to enjoy some of the most scenic areas in the Santa Maria Valley and throughout Santa Barbara County. Even if you’re not an experienced birder, you can join in on free birding tours, or attend the auction or picnic. All activities are absolutely free. For an event schedule call 1-800-331-3779.

WINE TASTING AND SO MUCH MORE is on tap for A Celebration of Harvest. Saturday October 12 – 13 from noon to 3:00 p.m., sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association. Come for wine tasting from dozens of area wineries, gourmet foods, live music, barrel tasting, and a fine art show and sale. It all takes place at the beautiful Rancho Sisquoc Winery in the heart of Santa Maria wine country, located on the historic Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call 1-800-331-3779 for special hotel packages or for more information.

CHRISTMAS IN THE WINE CAVES at Santa Maria’s Cottonwood Canyon Winery is a celebration like no other. The winery’s unique man-made caves keep their wines at the ideal temperature and humidity. They are the only wine caves in the entire county! The Cottonwood Canyon Winery annual Christmas party is held in this impressive setting and features music, food by local favorite Chef Rick’s, dancing, and of course plenty of wonderful Cottonwood Canyon wines. Christmas in the Wine Caves takes place December 7th.

Cottonwood Canyon also gives tours of the caves on Saturdays where you can participate in reserve wine tasting and barrel sampling. Your $10 fee covers both the tasting and an etched crystal logo glass. Reservations are required.

WINTER AT THE GUADALUPE DUNES is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Experience them in a unique way at the Winter Solstice celebration on December 21st sponsored by the Dunes Center. There will be a docent-let night hike at the Oso Flaco Dunes across the beautiful moonlit Oso Flaco Lake. Afterwards, enjoy hot chocolate and goodies around a bonfire. There will also be fun activities like wildlife watching with night vision glasses, Native American drumming and poetry, and environmental education displays. All ages are welcome, and the hike is wheelchair-accessible. There is a small fee for the event. Call 1-800-331-3779 for more information.

The Dunes Center also offers docent-led walks year-round. They are of varying levels of difficulty and involve a number of different themes such as photography field trips, botanical walks, and studies of native dunes cultures. Groups and organizations are also welcome by reservation. The walks are free, but donations are gladly accepted.

WINTER ESCAPES: Have winter’s chills prompted you to do some California dreaming? You don’t have to spend a fortune to experience the perfect weather and outdoor recreation that the California Coast is famous for. Whether your ideal winter vacation includes wine tasting, golf, taking in a show, hiking, or just relaxing on the beach, the Santa Maria Valley has them all and more, all for a reasonable price. And now, you can save even more on your Santa Maria Valley vacation. The WINTER ESCAPES discount brochure is your ticket to savings on everything you’ll need for a fabulous Central Coast getaway: save on lodging, entertainment, dining, recreation, special events and more. Special pricing is good December 2002 through May 2003, so get your WINTER ESCAPES brochure now, and make your California dream a reality. Call 1-800-331-3779 to get your copy.

LOOK WHO’S TALKING ABOUT US: Santa Maria Style Barbecue is HOT! Recently, Santa Maria’s signature cuisine has been featured in a number of publications including the San Francisco Chroncicle, Los Angeles Times Magazine, Auto World and Muscle & Fitness Magazine.

Said Georgeanne Brennan in the May 22nd edition of the San Francisco Chronicle: "This is the real approach to barbecue – wood-smoked beef with no sticky-sweet tomato sauce. You have a slow-cooked, tender, smoky and succulent beef roast."
 

NEW SANTA MARIA VALLEY DVD: The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau has unveiled a new interactive DVD. Group travel leaders, travel agents and convention planners interested in learning about the area can now get an in-depth look into the Santa Maria Valley with documentary-style footage, recipes, maps, interactive menus, and links to the Chamber of Commerce website. "The outstanding resolution of the DVD format really does justice to the stunning natural beauty of the Santa Maria Valley," said Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau Manager April Tunnell. Individuals may also purchase the DVD for a nominal cost. For more information or to request a DVD call 1-800-331-3779 ext. 814.

GREAT WINTER DEALS: Beat the winter blues this year with a getaway to California's beautiful Central Coast. You don't have to spend a fortune to experience the fabulous weather and outdoor recreation that the area is famous for. Whether your ideal vacation includes wine tasting, gourmet dining, golf, taking in a show, hiking, or just relaxing on the beach, the Santa Maria Valley offers all that and more. Two discount brochures can help make your vacation easy to plan, and easy on your pocketbook. The WINTER ESCAPES discount brochure is your ticket to savings on everything you'll need for a fabulous Central Coast getaway: save on lodging, entertainment, dining, recreation, special events and more. Special pricing ends May 2003. AAA members save big with the AAA DISCOUNT BROCHURE. This free guide lists all Santa Maria Valley hotels, restaurants, wineries, performing arts, kids' activities and golf courses that offer discounts for AAA members. To receive either of these discount brochures, contact the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau at 1-800-331-3779 ext. 851

ROMANTIC ESCAPES: As the year's most romantic holiday approaches, skip the same old over-crowded restaurants and over-priced resorts and check out Romantic Escapes in the Santa Maria Valley. From wine tasting, to secluded hideaways, to outdoor recreation, this guide contains many one-of-a-kind ideas and tips to help you create a very memorable and unique romantic adventure. There are also special discount hotel packages with a romantic flair. Whether you have an entire weekend or just one night to spare,nothing ignites cupid's arrow quite like getting away from home. Romantic Escapes in the Santa Maria Valley will help you make this Valentine's Day both memorable and affordable. Get your free copy of Romantic Escapes by calling 1-800-331-3779 or logging on to santamaria.com.

SANTA MARIA ALL AUTOMOTIVE WEEKEND: It's a car lover's dream come true when three huge car shows converge upon the Santa Maria Fairpark March 7 - 9. The 22nd Annual Chevy/GMC Truckin' Nationals will be a show & shine with models dating from pre-war to present. The 5th Annual All-Chevy National Fast & Fancy showcases every model of Chevy car with prizes awarded in more than 30 classifications. The 8th Annual Central Coast Automotive Swap Meet features acres of parts and pieces for all makes and models of automobiles. For more information, call 1-800-331-3779 or 805-686-2007.

EXPERIENCE WORLD-CLASS THEATER on the Central Coast. PCPA THEATERFEST has been a must-see attraction for visitors to the Central Coast during its 39 seasons in Santa Maria. Whether you enjoy comedies, musicals, dramas or Shakespeare, PCPA offers award-winning theater without big-city prices. The 2003 season will bring such favorites as A Streetcar Named Desire, Measure For Measure, and the Tony-winning musical, Crazy For You. This year, you can be assured of great seats for every fabulous performances when you pick up your copy of the new 2003 PCPA Performance Schedule and purchase yourtickets now. Save even more by becoming a season subscriber. For the 2003 PCPA Schedule, ticket information, or for special hotel packages, call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.
 

ATTENTION CAR AND TRUCK BUFFS! The Bent Axles 23rd Annual Cruise and BBQ Weekend will be held July 18 - 20 . See vintage and classic cars as they cruise down Broadway. Then get a closer look at these shiny street rodders as you enjoy music, great barbecue, and more.

August 15 – 17 will be a car and truck lover’s dream as the Central Coast Summer All Automotive Weekend rolls into town. The Summer Chevy/Ford Showdown and the 32nd Annual North/South Run 2003 will feature the West's best Chevys and Fords in a Show ‘n Shine, acres of beautiful vintage F-100’s, and the Central Coast Automotive Swap Meet. It all happens at the Santa Maria Fairpark.

For more information on either of these events, or for special hotel packages call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.

THE ANNUAL CLASSIC AIRCRAFT FLY-IN will be held September 26 - 28 at the Santa Maria Public Airport. View over 50 aircraft on the ground and in action. There will be breath-taking fly-bys, special displays, plane rides, vendors, food, Police and CHP exhibits and more. The event benefits the Santa Maria Museum of Flight. For more information call the Museum of Flight at (805) 922-8758 or the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-331-3779.

PCPA THEATERFEST, the professional resident theater company of the Central Coast located in Santa Maria, was recently awarded a prestigious 2002 Robby Award for distinguished achievement in theater. John Kretzu was awarded the Best Director Award for Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which was staged in summer of 2002. The Robby Awards are presented each year by respected Southern California theater critic Rob Stevens.

PCPA Theaterfest offers world-class, year-round performances. Summer performances at Santa Maria’s Marian Theatre will include the classic French farce A Flea In Her Ear (July 4 – 19), the musical Wonderful Town (July 25 – August 9), the Tony Award winning Noel Coward comedy Private Lives (August 15 – 30), and the romantic musical Enter The Guardsman (September 5 – 20).

To purchase tickets, call PCPA Theaterfest at (805) 922-8313 or see www.pcpa.org. For information on special PCPA Theaterfest hotel packages, contact the Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau at 1-800-331-3779.

AN OLD-FASHIONED COUNTY FAIR is what you’ll find July 9 -13 in Santa Maria. The 112th Annual Santa Barbara County Fair promises good, wholesome family fun! Enjoy the carnival, free big-name entertainment, home-grown produce, educational and commercial exhibits, rodeo, great food, and much more. Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for seniors and kids ages 5 to 11. Children under 5 are free. Parking is $3. It all happens at the Santa Maria Fair Park, 937 Thornburg St. For more information and special hotel packages call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.

WINE NEWS: The Santa Maria Valley’s reputation as the Central Coast’s Wine Country is spreading. Recently, Santa Maria’s Cambria Winery was lauded in several wine publications. Praise for their 2001 Chardonnay included an "Exceptional" rating by Wine & Spirits, April 2003 issue, and a 4-Star / 10 Best Values rating in Decanter Magazine’s April 2003 issue. In addition, Restaurant Wine gave it a rating of 4 Stars, praising it as "Excellent Quality" and "highly recommended".

Cottonwood Canyon Winery has recently completed renovations that include expanded picnic areas overlooking the magnificent Sharon’s Vineyard. Be sure to check out their website at www.cottonwoodcanyon.com to learn about the events that are held regularly in their very popular Wine Caves.

The 2001 Firestone Winery Sauvignon Blanc was recently praised in Sunset Magazine and the Washington Post. Their 2000 Syrah was also recognized, having been rated 89 points by Wine & Spirits, 88 points by Wine Enthusiast and 4 Stars by Restaurant Wine.

HOLIDAY INN WINS SERVICE AWARD: Six Continents Hotels recognized the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Santa Maria as a Quality Excellence Award Winner for 2002. This special honor is conferred upon hotels which provide a consistently high level of guest service and typically represents the top ten percent of the over 1,500 Holiday Inn Hotels. This marks the third consecutive year the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Santa Maria has been recognized with a quality award.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS… The Annual Autumn Arts Grapes & Grains Festival is right around the corner. You’ll enjoy wine and beer tasting from many area wineries and breweries, arts and crafts, live music, demonstrations, kids’ activities, and lots of fabulous Santa Maria Style Barbecue! It all takes place in Santa Maria’s historic city center at Cook and McClelland Streets, October 4th from 10am to 4pm. General admission is absolutely FREE, but hotels fill up fast! For lodging information, call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.

LET’S GO TO THE FAIR!: The 111th Annual Santa Barbara County Fair is the old-fashioned fair your family has been looking for! Enjoy the carnival, free entertainment, home-grown produce, educational and commercial exhibits, rodeo, great food, and much more. It all happens July 10 – 14 at the Santa Maria Fair Park. For more information and special hotel packages call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.

ATTENTION CAR AND TRUCK BUFFS! The Bent Axles 22nd Annual Cruise and BBQ Weekend will be held July 19 - 21. See over 200 vintage and classic cars as they cruise down Broadway. Then get a closer look at these shiny street rodders as you enjoy music, great barbecue, and more.

If trucks are more your style, August 16 - 18 is the Annual North/South Run 2002. This is the world’s oldest F-100 event featuring classic Ford pickups from 1953 - 1956. See these timeless beauties as they cruise and park in the downtown area. This year, the festival celebrates over 55 years of the F-1 Series.

For more information on either of these events, or for special hotel packages call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.

AIRPLANE ENTHUSIASTS won’t want to miss the Annual Warbird Round-Up September 20 - 22 at the Santa Maria Public Airport. View over 50 aircraft on the ground and in action. There will be breath taking fly-bys, special displays, vendors, food, Police and CHP exhibits and more. This year’s event will be a salute to aviation’s ground support personnel. The Warbird Round-Up benefits the Santa Maria Museum of Flight. For more information call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.

BEAT THE HEAT! Even as much of California is in the grip of summer’s sweltering heat, Santa Maria continues to enjoy sunny yet mild temperatures, ranging in the very comfortable 70’s. Now is the perfect time to enjoy our uncrowded beaches and cool breezes, award-winning wineries, and other great recreational activities.

Summer is also the perfect time to get outside and practice your swing! There are over 20 golf courses in and near the Santa Maria Valley. Plus, local hotels have teamed up with the Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau to offer some fabulous hotel packages. To request our new, updated Golf Guide, call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.

ARTS AND CULTURE ARE ALIVE IN THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY. From art galleries, to the performing arts, to museums and historical sites, the Santa Maria Valley offers a diversity of cultural experiences to enrich your visit.
The David Ryan Gallery is one of the largest fine art galleries on the Central Coast, exhibiting over 30 artists and sculptors, as well as fine jewelry. The first Friday of the month, the gallery hosts a special evening of art and wine with presentations by a featured vintner and artist. The gallery is located at 205 E. Clark Ave. in Old Orcutt.

Another popular cultural attraction is the abundance of great theater in the Santa Maria Valley. PCPA Theaterfest offers world-class, year-round performances. Summer performances at Santa Maria’s Marian Theatre will include the madcap farce, A Servant of Two Masters (July 5 - 20), the musical thriller Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (July 26 – August 10), the romantic comedy The Last Night of Ballyhoo (August 16 – 31), and the musical comedy Chaps! (September 6 – 21).

For more information on cultural attractions and special hotel packages, contact the Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau at 1-800-331-3779.

RADISSON GETS A MAKEOVER: The Radisson Hotel Santa Maria is getting rave reviews! The hotel guest rooms, meeting facilities and public areas have recently been renovated, and are looking better than ever. Its Vintner's restaurant has a new dinner menu and wine list. The Radisson also has the unique distinction of being located directly adjacent to the Santa Maria Airport – you can even view the runway as you dine at Vintner’s! For more information, call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS… The Annual Autumn Arts Grapes & Grains Festival is right around the corner. Make plans to bring the entire family to this celebration of harvest and the arts. You’ll enjoy wine and beer tasting from many area wineries, arts and crafts, live music, demonstrations, activities for children, and of course lots of great food including the best Santa Maria Style Barbecue you’ve ever tasted! It all takes place in Santa Maria’s historic city center at Cook and McClelland Streets, October 5th from 10am to 4pm. General admission is absolutely FREE, but hotels fill up fast! For lodging information, call 1-800-331-3779 or see www.santamaria.com.

Also coming in October is the Celebration of Harvest, October 12th. Local wineries celebrate the grape harvest with tastings, food, music, demonstrations, and exhibits. Reservations are required. Contact the Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau at 1-800-331-3779 for more information.