Travels With Carole

Come along with me and share the excitement as I explore the world researching freelance articles. These blog posts offer short chunks of travel that you can digest quickly as well as plenty of photos so you get the picture. You'll have some fun, make discoveries, and pick up great ideas and information for your own vacations. Think of me as your canary in the coal mine. For even more travel inspiration, visit my BERKELEY AND BEYOND website at http://www.berkeleyandbeyond.com.

Showing posts with label U.S.-California-San Luis Obispo. Show all posts

February 23, 2015

San Luis Obispo, California: Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards; things to do

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

1947 See Canyon Rd., San Luis Obispo, (805) 595-9700. Tasting daily; tour sometimes available by request.

Located on a scenic back road just a few miles from Avila Beach, the small Kelsey See Canyon Winery is a charmer. More than 100 wild peacocks roam the land, and an inviting picnic area with a creek and rows of grapevines is just off the informal tasting room.

peacock at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo, California

It is a family operation, started by a tugboat captain to get the family back together. The owner’s nephew sometimes leads an informal tour, and art by the owner’s niece decorates the tasting room walls and some of the wine bottle labels.

tasting room at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo, California

They only produce 5,000 cases per year, and it sells out fast to locals and wine club members. Tasting standouts included a crisp 2013 Albarino with pineapple and grapefruit notes, the gold medal-winning 2013 Golden Delicious--a sweet 50 percent blend of apple cider and Chardonnay—and a nice, smooth 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. The unusual 2013 Estate “In-a-gadda-da-vino” Chardonnay, described as the “Iron Butterfly of Chardonnay,” is a trip and has a tie-dyed label to match. The winery also makes a sweet end-of-season effervescent hard apple cider wine. Owner Keith Kelsey says, “We’re an adventure.” Live music with food and crafts stalls is scheduled on summer weekends.

wine bottles at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in San Luis Obispo, California

More things to do in San Luis Obispo.

For more area wine adventures, see Avila Wine Trail.

More things to do in Avila Beach.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

February 11, 2015

San Luis Obsipo, California: Avila Valley Barn; things to do

Avila Valley Barn

560 Avila Beach Dr., just off Hwy. 101, in San Luis Obispo, (805) 595-2816. Daily 9am-5pm, open seasonally spring to fall.

This is the perfect stop for a mid-trip stretch. A former fruit stand that grew and grew, the Avila Valley Barn now includes a free petting farm with goats and chickens and more, plus a seasonal U-pick farm. Inside the open-air barn store, you can purchase inexpensive food to feed the animals. You’ll also find fresh produce, local Slo-Maid ice cream, and an assortment of housemade pies fresh from the oven (these are served in many town restaurants and inns). I purchased a huge carrot-cake muffin to eat for breakfast the next day, and shared by two people there were enough leftovers for afternoon tea. Great gifts--think printed dish towels, house jams, and local honey--and seasonal items such as Christmas trees are also on hand. Pony rides and tractor-pulled wagon rides operate on weekends. Rustic is the word to describe this gem, including the ladies room, which is open-air and accessed through a curtain! Plenty of free parking is available on a dirt lot that can get muddy when it rains.