Paso Robles: What's Fresh at Farmer's Market?

by Farmer Joe Thomas

There are so many great benefits to buying from our local Farmer’s Markets.  The taste and nutritional benefits of buying local is beyond comparison.  Living in California affords us the opportunity to eat fresh and local year-round.  Being in the Paso Robles area allows us access to two of the best Farmer’s Markets around: Templeton and Paso Robles.  On our farm, the customer receives the produce on the exact day it was picked.  Most of our local farmers ascribe to that same philosophy.  With that being said, you don’t have to go out of your way to give yourself (and your family) the very best.   

What is it about Paso Robles?

By Matt Browne

I’m sure everyone that loves Paso Robles would come up with a different set of answers to that question. I’m hoping some of you leave your answers in the comment section below…for now I will give you my answer.

I moved here in November of 2003, right before the big earthquake hit the Central Coast. I think that Paso Robles has truly come alive since then. The downtown is a vibrant center filled with wonderful food, wine, beer, art, and small boutique shops all surrounding the beautiful park that is home to Friday nights concerts (photo below) through the summer as well as many holiday-related events throughout the year.

This town has become known for its wine but one of the most impressive things about this place is all the OTHER stuff that there is to do. There has been an annual cigar event, a hot air balloon festival, home shows, ag and ranch events, an art festival, classic car events, food related events; we’ve had the Amgen Tour come through twice, we have upcoming beer events, well known entertainers at the Mid-State Fair, the Olive Festival, the Lavender Festival and several other things I know I must be forgetting; but I think you get my point. 

After living all over the state of California, Texas, and Kentucky…Paso Robles is the first place in my 35 years that I would call "home". The diversity in events and activities along with the warmth of the community really gives the individual an opportunity to connect. All this along with the rolling hills and vineyards allow you to hop in your vehicle (or on a bicycle) and head in any direction for an amazingly beautiful drive.

My advice to visitors and new transplants…get involved, go to the events, meet new people, be part of the community rather than a bystander, and do all the adventuring you can in this paradise called Paso Robles!

Now it’s your turn; what is it about Paso Robles?

Matt is a 10-year Paso Robles area resident. He and his wife Annie love exploring the Central Coast looking for food, drinks, and adventure.  You can follow their adventures on their blog at HootnAnnie. 

 

 

 

February Fine Art Roundup in Paso Robles

By Sasha Irving, Studios on the Park

Ready to get in touch with your artsy side?  Here is a list of new exhibitions in Paso Robles:

Clayhouse Wines

Paso Robles resident artist and photographer Donald Walker displays his landscape photographs in color and black & white and much more at Clayhouse Wines during February. His interest in photography began in high school with the Kodak, an early Agfa and Brownie 35mm and 120 mm cameras. Enjoy his images at 849 13th Street.

EarthTones Gifts & Gallery

“Unbridled Love” is a powerful retrospective of Judy C Thomas’ views on life. Her acrylic, oil, and mixed media pieces celebrate a love of the natural world. To view her intoxicating landscapes and animals, visit EarthTones Gifts & Gallery at 1319 Park Street.

Orchid Hill Vineyard

This month the award-winning wines of Orchid Hill Vineyard are complemented by the works of Daniel, a mixed media artist of paintings and prints displays his interpretations of “the unseen.” Born in Miami and raised in Los Angeles, Daniel, a Cuban-American, is an architectural designer by education and an abstract artist by nature. His works will be on display at 1140 Pine Street.

Studios on the Park

“Love Songs: Musically Inspired Art,” a collaborative exhibition with ARTS Obispo, includes works in acrylic, oil, watercolor, metal, printmaking, silk and wood by artists from throughout San Luis Obispo County. Find the perfect Valentine’s gift for your sweetheart at 1130 Pine Street.

Paso Wine Centre

Take your choice of tasting 48 Paso Robles wines while viewing the works of two Cambria artists. Discover the colorful spiritual new world art of Sandy Dent and portraits by James Kelly at 1240 Park Street.

Pianetta Winery

Visit Pianetta Winery and experience the original works by local artist Joan Scott. Enjoy their premium red wines, which include Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, while viewing Scott’s mixed media and original canvases. Pianetta is located at 829 13th Street.

Vale Fine Art

For her first annual Winter Group Show, Vale Fine Art proprietor Madeline Vale presents works by local artists working on an international level of excellence. Don’t miss exquisite art by Neal Breton, Todd Carpenter, Hope Kroll, Aleah Koury, Wendy Marvel and Mark Arnon Rosen, Peter Holmes, Eric Segurd, and Edward Walton Wilcox at 619 12^th Street.

The Gallery at Vina Robles

The Gallery at Vina Robles is currently hosting the first ever all-Chinese Brush painting show on the Central Coast. “The Dancing Brush” features both paintings and calligraphy done by regional artists on rice papers in the traditional Chinese manner.

The art of traditional Chinese brush painting has been evolving for over 2000 years. It developed from and with the art of calligraphy, but is linked to 3000 years of culture based on poetry, religion, and music. It is a unique and fascinating art form.

Experience the heart and mind of this ancient tradition through April 2nd at The Gallery at Vina Robles, 3700 Mill Road.

 

Sasha Irving is the Programs Director of Studios on the Park and the Coordinator of the annual Paso Robles Festival of the Arts. Proud to be a native Paso Roblan, she is also a member of Balet Folklorico Cachanilla and an usher at Old Mission San Miguel Arcangel.  For more information please visit www.studiosonthepark.org or call 805.238.9800. 

 

Give the Gift of Rest, Relaxation and Pampering in Paso Robles

by Tina Swithin, Travel Paso Robles Alliance

Are you still seeking that special gift for the one you love?  Luckily, I’ve done the work so you can rest assured that you’ll have the best gift under the tree.  I happily continue on my quest to bring you the very best gift ideas in Paso Robles. The theme for this series is quite simple: Rest, Relation and Pampering in Paso Robles. 

Give the Gift of Paso Robles

By Shonna Howenstine, City of Paso Robles Tourism Coordinator

After hearing a visitor say last year that they planned to purchase items made in or near Paso Robles during the holiday season, we agreed that the idea was genius and set to work compiling THE LIST. That's right, we would put into one place every item we know of that is made or can only be found in Paso Robles. Our shopping adventure took us through websites that in turn inspired our imaginations AND made checking off our shopping lists remarkably easy and fun. 

Paso Robles Olive Festival - August 20th

by Tina Swithin

Save the Date- August 20th, 2011, 10:00am to 5:00pm, Downtown City Park

Paso Robles is known for its festivals.  Find a reason to throw a party and Paso Robles is on board.  It’s just another reason why I love this town—I love parties!  The 8th Annual Olive Festival is right around the corner and I am getting excited.  A festival to celebrate olives, tapenades, extra virgin olive oils (EVOO), and other fabulous olive inspired products.  This is what I imagine Culinary Heaven to be like.  You can count me in!    

Have "Mountains of Fun" at the California Mid-State Fair

by Tina Swithin

The 2011 Mid State Fair, “Mountains of Fun” is in full swing and the acts this year are truly top-notch.  This year, the main grandstand has played host to the Steve Miller Band which kicked off opening night of the fair followed by The Fab Four, Sugarland with Sarah Bareilles and Maroon 5 with Train.  I can personally attest that all shows have been phenomenal which seems to be a trend at the fair year after year.    
 
The free entertainment has been impressive to say the very least.  Berlin put on a high energy and impressive flashback to the 80’s while Tanya Tucker, War, Bow Wow Wow have lit up the Fort Frontier Stage night after night.  The corndogs are plentiful and if you are feeling an adventurous streak you could even try a corn dog dipped in chocolate and covered in sprinkles!  I personally will stick with the staple condiments of catsup and mustard.  Top all of that off with a delicious funnel cake or the infamous fried Twinkie and your fair experience is complete!

Haven’t had a chance to get to the fair yet this year?  Not to fret!  There is an impressive line-up of acts to round out the rest of the week.  Throw on your best boots, grab your margarita from Shakers and enjoy the concerts and activities that only the fair can provide.  There is really something for everyone.   

Here is a glimpse of what’s still to come:

Main Grandstand

• Counting Crows (7/24)
• Selena Gomez & The Scene with Big Time Rush (7/25)
• Jason Aldean with Thompson Square (7/26)
• Kid Rock with Leroy Powell & The Messengers (7/27)
• Lady Antebellum with Troy Olsen (7/28)
• Chicago with Earl Klugh (7/29)
• Country Rodeo Finals (7/30)
• Toughest Monster Truck Tour (7/31)

 
Fort Frontier Stage (Free Concerts):

• Tenth Avenue North
• The Fabulous Thunderbirds
• Crystal Gayle
• Stealing Angels
• George Thorogood
• Spin Doctors
• Charlie Musselwhite
• Little Joe y La Familia

Don’t forget the wine!  Mission Square plays host daily to music, entertainment and WINE. Stop by and see all that the vines of Paso Robles has to offer. 

For more information, click here: 2011 California Mid State Fair

Twist Studio Spa All-in-one for Girlfriend Getaways, Bridal Parties and More!

By Nancy Hoover

Planning a girls trip to Paso Robles this summer? Whether it be a mother-daughter, bridal party or girlfriend getaway trip, Twist Studio Spa is the ideal place to host mid-size groups for a day of pampering in charming downtown Paso Robles.

Discover Paso Robles -- It's a Good Life!

By the Travel Paso Robles Alliance

Want to see what you are missing? Check out our new TV commercial showcasing our beautiful vineyard covered hillsides, green and grassy downtown square, fun-filled farm excursions and farmers' markets, amazing dining, wine tasting, spas, shopping, golf and a plethora of outdoor activities! Come discover Paso Robles, you'll be glad you did!

Where will your spring and summer travels take you?

By Nancy Hoover

With spring just around the corner (hello March!), it's time to start thinking about spring and summer travel plans! I have no doubt that you've been thinking about where you want to vacation this summer, perhaps thinking "can we afford Hawaii?" or "the kid's would love a water park or horseback riding" and "can we even afford an entire week off of work?"  In today's economy, it's a tough subject for some, and we often tiptoe around the idea. But the daffodils are blooming and it's time to decide: where can we go that's affordable and fun?!