NASHVILLE TOUR: DAY
3
Today, explore the nearby towns of Montecito and Summerland, a short drive away. Montecito is the wealthy enclave that is home to celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bridges, Kirk Douglas, Kevin Costner and many others. The neighborhood earned its fancy reputation during the early 1900s for being the winter getaway for rich families from Chicago and the East Coast, who built palatial homes in the wooded area. While many mansions are tucked behind private gates at the end of long driveways, Montecito is nonetheless lovely to drive through and explore, with many stops available for lunch or shopping. Tours of the famous Lotusland gardens — created by the oft-married, late Polish opera diva Madame Ganna Walska — and the house and garden of charming Casa Del Herrero are available by appointment and offer peeks into the lifestyles of the rich and famous of yesteryear.
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| Theatre Garden at Lotusland |
Summerland, just down the coast, is an antique lover's mecca and a charming seaside community with a terrific beach. The town's roots are in the spiritualist movement of the late-19th century, when its earliest inhabitants were known to conduct séances. Today, little Summerland has a laid-back, wear-your-flip-flops attitude.
If you plan on having breakfast in Montecito, popular spots include Jeannine's American Bakery, Montecito Coffee Shop (also known as the Pharmacy, in the upper village) and Pierre Lafond Bistro, great for serve-yourself coffee, muffins and people-watching. In Summerland, expect a wait at the immensely popular Summerland Beach Café for breakfast on weekends. A casual alternative loaded with local character can be found just down the street at Stacky's Seaside.
Montecito is home to the Four Seasons Resort, the Biltmore, set across the street from the Pacific Ocean on Channel Drive. Even if you don't stay here, stroll the gardens and enjoy a drink in the bar. The Spa is also open to the public. Nearby, The Music Academy of the West hosts classical picnic concerts during the summer; but throughout the year their antique shop, The Treasure House, is an excellent excuse to see the beautiful grounds of this former estate. Purchases benefit a full-scholarship program for gifted musicians from around the globe.
Popular lunch (and dinner) spots include The Montecito Café, Cava and Via Vai, where you'll find some of the best thin-crust pizzas in town. There are so many Italian restaurants in Montecito that they should call it Little Italy. Not to be overlooked are Trattoria Mollie's (Oprah's favorite) and Tre Lune, a see-and-be-seen spot.
Summerland has more than a dozen antique and home-furnishings stores, as well as a bikini shop for custom-made suits. It's also a town of burger joints, and you'll find the best burger around at the small, unassuming Tinker's. Take your order and grab a picnic table at Overlook Park, just a block away, with wonderful ocean views. Should you want a more sophisticated drink, award-winning Summerland Winery has a wine-tasting room — but call ahead to see if they're open, since they are usually closed in the evening.
Summerland's quaint atmosphere is ideal for relaxation, which is exactly what you'll find at the Shiatsu Rincon. Only 20 minutes south of Santa Barbara, in the foothills of Carpinteria, this is a by-appointment-only haven for Japanese baths and shiatsu massages. Carpinteria restaurants range from mom-and-pop eateries to high-end establishments like Sly's, where the food quality stands up to the high prices. If you really want a taste of "Carp" character, though, consider both The Palms and Clementine's, two of the town's most endearing dinner restaurants.
During polo season in the summer, the historic Santa Barbara Polo Club just south of Summerland is a delightful Sunday outing. Prince William scored four goals in a match played here shortly after marrying Kate Middleton. Pack a picnic and watch the horses gallop in this "sport of kings."
For dinner, if you choose to dine in Montecito, you can enjoy a margarita and chips — not to mention the sunset — at Café del Sol, set across the street from the lovely Andree Clark Bird Refuge. We love the food and lively atmosphere at Pane e Vino, an unassuming trattoria in the back corner of Montecito's Upper Village, where grilled branzino is a favorite when it's on the menu. Another choice is The Montecito Café on Coast Village Road.
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Polo horses await the "sport of kings" |
Looking for Montecito nightlife? The bar scene at Lucky's, an upscale steak and seafood restaurant, is where you'll find the most action. Or grab a spot near the fireplace at the bar at Cava for a romantic evening.
At every turn, Santa Barbara and its environs delight the senses. The area is among those rare places where the elements of nature and culture come together and the result is paradise.
For more information, contact the Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission, 800-676-1266, 805-966-9222, www.santabarbaraCA.com. |
