Green Hills and Wildflowers Abound in Paso Robles

It may be difficult for many of us to imagine right now, but spring IS just around the corner! And with the coming of spring comes green rolling hills throughout Paso Robles Wine Country, and thousands of beautiful wildflowers that burst open all throughout the northern region of San Luis Obispo County.

If you're traveling to Paso Robles, especially if you're on a budget (and who isn't right now, right?), admiring mother nature in all of her glory is a wonderful and inexpensive way to enjoy the beautiful Central Coast.  With all of the rain that we've received this year, the vineyards and hillsides are shamrock green and the wildflowers are starting to bloom in abundance - their patches of brilliant orange, yellow and blue punctuating the newly green, rolling Paso Robles hillsides. 

Cyclists abound here in Paso Robles, and there are many bike trails that wind their way along the roads of Paso Robles and throughout neighboring cities in San Luis Obispo County that provide a fantastic tour of some of the best areas to see these indigenous California flowers.  There are also hundreds of hiking trails for you to explore on your own two feet, or with the aid of a four-legged companion.  As I mentioned before, Paso Robles is a horse-crazy town, and there are plenty of ranches that offer horse-back riding adventures.

If you prefer to have someone else map the route for you, Silverado Tours, based out of San Luis Obispo, features a North County Wildflower Tour.  The tour takes you through both San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties, and even journeys across the San Andreas fault line.  The next tour takes place on April 8, call 805-545-8400 for reservations.

No matter how you choose to enjoy these gorgeous wildflowers of the Central Coast, I'd highly recommend taking advantage of the Wildflower Report.  Provided by the Theodore Payne Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to the preservation of California wildflowers, the Wildflower Report describes the best places to find the specific wildflower species throughout the state.  The foundation posts a new report every weekend beginning in March, and continues through May.  OR you can simply call their Wildflower Hotline, (818) 768-3533.

If you're like me, and enjoy cooking with flowers as much as you enjoy looking at them, you'll be pleased to  know that Paso Robles and its surrounding areas are quickly becoming hotspots for lavender farmers.  You can purchase their lavender products (lip-balms, cookies, and everything in between) at one of the many Farmers' Markets that take place in Paso Robles and Templeton throughout the week.  And just so you know, there's an entire festival dedicated to this lovely purple stuff that happens each summer, The Central Coast Lavender Festival.

As always, Paso Robles features many beautiful hotels and accommodations to suit any lodging preference, and any budget.  If you're really looking to maximize the value of your Paso Robles experience, I'd suggest taking advantage of the great lodging specials our Paso Robles hotels and bed and breakfasts are currently offering.  Relax after your long wildflower hike or bikeride with a soak in one of the famous Paso Robles hotsprings baths offered at the Paso Robles Inn, or wash away the cares of the day in the luxurious indoor jacuzzi at the beautiful Paso Robles Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

So get out from behind that computer (yeah, I know, I'm one to talk), and come experience the natural beauty of the Central Coast, and make the most of your California adventure!

Comments

[San Diego LASIK eye surgery]

Paso Robles is absolutely beautiful. Great place to visit :)