Wine

Take Betteravia Road east, which becomes Foxen Canyon Road, a favorite way to explore the Central Coast Wine Country. Take the beautiful Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, which connects the two wine growing regions of the Santa Ynez Valley and the Santa Maria Valley. This scenic 20-mile drive winds through gentle rolling hillsides and vineyards, taking you to 13 local wineries ranging from small, rustic, family-owned operations to large, modern facilities. The trail may be enjoyed by car, bike, carriage, limousine or even helicopter. A trip to the Santa Maria Valley would not be complete without a tour of its local wineries. Most wineries have tasting rooms and picnic areas open to visitors year-round. Several even offer tours that will give you a glimpse into the winemaking process. Firestone Vineyard (5000 Zaca Station Road, Santa Ynez, 805.688.3940) offers wine tours at quarter past each hour from 10:15 a.m. through 3:15 p.m.

The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail also gives you a glimpse into the area's history. Named after the seafaring pioneer Benjamin Foxen, the road originated in the mid-1800s to access the coast and the city of Santa Barbara through the mountains by stagecoach. Richard Dore of the Foxen Vineyard (7200 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, 805.937.4251) is a direct descendent of the Foxen family, and the winery is located in the original vintage house and barn built by Benjamin Foxen. Located less than 1/2 mile south of Foxen Winery is the Fremont-Foxen historical marker that describes the area's rich history.

 

Also located on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is San Ramon Chapel (located on the frontage road to Rancho Sisquoc Winery at 6600 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, 805.934.4332). This mission church celebrates Roman Catholic Mass every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.). One hundred years ago, Fredrick Wickenden set aside this plot of land on his ranch for a church and cemetery. Many pioneers' names appear on the gravestones, namely: Foxen, Ontiveros, Calderon, Rivas, Ruiz, Mendoza, Carranza, Goodchild, and others.

From the wine trail, take Highway 154 back to Highway 101 south. A short drive south on Highway 101 will take you to Nojoqui Falls County Park (805.934.6211), located 10 minutes from Solvang on Alisal Road. This is a delightful spot for a picnic and a short walk to the meandering stream, which delivers a cascading 100-foot waterfall. The waterfall is especially dramatic during the spring rainy season.

Returning north on Highway 101, exit onto Highway 246 and make a left. Continue driving on Highway 246 and make a right on Purisima Road. La Purisima Mission Historic State Park (2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc, 805.733.3713) will be on your righthand side. This historical landmark, dedicated in 1787, is the most complete restoration of any California mission. The grounds have been planted to reflect the period, livestock of the correct genetic type have been acquired, the original aqueduct and pond system is being maintained, and over 900 surrounding acres have been preserved as a bufffer against modern intrusions. Special programs include Mission Life Days, nature walks, fur trapping events and Candlelight Tours.

Take Highway 101 north to come back to Santa Maria and end your day with a theater performance at the Santa Maria Civic Theater (1660 N. McClelland, Santa Maria, 805.922.4442) 100-seat playhouse. This is Santa Maria's oldest theater group and there's not a bad seat in the house -- you're never far from the action. At $10 per ticket it's the best buy in town.