Santa Barbara Anniversary Trip Report
 

This was our first time to SB and I would like to thank moneygirl, hsv, slowtowner,tracys2cents, jkgourmet and others who helped me plan the perfect trip.

We started out in Montecito at the Four Season Biltmore's restaurant The Patio for lunch. The sun was shining and it was gorgeous, just as I knew it would be! We had a very nice lunch (full report on chowhound.com on all of our SB meals) and even saw dolphins jumping out of the water which was an added treat.

I loved the beauty of this place all of the palm trees, gorgeous beaches and Spanish architecture. We toured the Four Season property and I fell in love with the place. Lounged by their pool for awhile, walked the grounds and visited the spa for a short tour. I would love to stay here next time we visit.

We then went to the Harbor View Inn where we were staying. I chose the property because of it's location, right across the street from the beach and walking distance to Stearn's Wharf which I wanted to visit. They let us check in a couple of hour early which was nice.

We loved everything about the Harbor View Inn. Our room was the deluxe King, oceanview with balcony. We had gorgeous views of the ocean and the marina from our room which was also overlooking the gardens and pool.

We slipped into our swimsuit for a soak in the jacuzzi then relaxed on the balcony for while before dinner. We chose Olie e Limone for our first meal. Excellent choice and marvelous food and service. A complimentary dessert for our anniversary with a candle was a very nice touch. I would highly recommend this place while visiing SB.

The next day we woke up to stormy weather with swaying palm trees. Brrr.... ordered room service from Eladio's which was very good and then set up for some shopping and sight-seeing. Shopping on State Street was lots of fun, very beautiufl downtown area. We decided on The SB Shellfish Co. on Stearn's Wharf for lunch. Excellent crab sandwiches and onion rings.

The off to the Rivera Theater, located up on the hill by the El Encanto property for a showing of Sideways. Very funny movie with some great shots of the wine country. Lots of fun. Then to the Wine Cask for our anniversary dinner.

I couldn't have been more impressed with this place. The sommelier made the dinner so special and gave us a flight of Sauv Blans and a Viognier tasting before I chose a very nice Sauv Blanc from New Zealand to accompany the seared ahi entree I wanted to have at the sommelier's suggestion.

He was spot on, I loved my entree and DH was equally pleased with his filet mignon. Desserts were also complimentary with Happy Anniversary written out on chocolate on the plates. Wonderful dinner!

Back to the hotel for another jacuzzi soak and relaxing in our room. I love the location of this place and everyone on Tripadvisor was right on with their reviews of the HVI.

The next am we woke up to gorgeous weather. We had an excellent brekfast at Eladio's which was included on our room price that night. Then we went to the bicycle rental to rent bikes to ride around for an hour. I loved this part of the trip! We cruised all over the place! And the weather was perfect.

We decided to go back to the SB Shellfish again for some lobster bisque that was outstainding and the lobster dinner. 1.5 lbs. of fresh lobster out of the tank, served with coleslaw and onion rings. Delicious! Shopping on the wharf, then out to the wine country.

We started out at Ephanany for a tasting, then mosed around downtown LO. Very quaint, fun town. Also did tastings at Arthur Earl, Andrew Murray and then made out way out to Gainey. I loved their wines, here, especially the Triada which we purchased.

After tasting, we went to the Los Olivos Cafe for a very good dinner. Cozy place with the fire going in a glass fireplace that was a nice touch. I had the Lamb Shank and a glass of the Bernat Syrah that was excellent. Dessert was the Cafe Chocoalte Scream which was rich and decadent. Took a peek at the Fess Parker Inn & Spa and it looks very nice.

We really enjoyed our three days in SB and will definitely return. Next time hope to try more wineries and maybe a meal at Downey's and Sage and Onion. SB is absolutley gorgeous and the Harbor View Inn was very nice. ***kim*** :)

thanks, Kim! Nice report, sounds like you had a lot of fun!

By any chance, did you see the Santa Ynez Inn? This is a place we were considering for our anniversary next month...

"Ephanany"???.... it would take some wise men and maybe a star to figure out that one...

You're welcome, Frankie! We did have lots of fun. I didn't see the Santa Ynez Inn, but just peeked at their website. It looks gorgeous! Very elegant and classy. Will you be going to Santa Barbara also on your trip? ***kim*** :)

kimamom wrote:
We toured the Four Season property and I fell in love with the place. Lounged by their pool for awhile, walked the grounds and visited the spa for a short tour.
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Santa Barbara is very beautiful. Thank you very much for finally posting your trip report. We were waiting and waiting until we turned blue. I didn't think my life could go on another day without reading it. I'll make sure I read each and every word on Chowhound, too.

I'm sure the Four Seasons really appreciated a guest not staying at their hotel lounging by the pool and taking up space that their paying hotel guests could have had. Sans classe!

Why did you go all the way to Santa Barbara, for the first time in your life, and spend your time in a movie theater? I guess you can take the girl out of Fresburg but you can't take the Fresburg out of the girl...

kimamom,

great you had a good time - and thanks for your compliments!
BTW I purchased a Syrah from Arthur Earl retailing at around half of what you paid for yours. I guess it's a different one... (hope so for your sake - and theirs ;-) ).

Hi hsv, we purchased the 2001 Syrah but also tasted one that was less expensive. Both were very good.

I think my favorite was the Bernat Syrah I had with my lamb shank entree at the Los Olivos Cafe. Can't wait to return to the area to visit and maybe try the Hitching Post, have you been there? ***kim*** :)

I haven't been to the Hitching Post in years, but it was great! I think it still is, and I hear they have their own wine label.

We were thinking about the Santa Ynez Inn for our 20th anniversary (weekend), but we haven't decided...we may go down to San Diego instead, only because it's closer! I do like Santa Barbara better!

Wow, what an anniversary! I'm glad you had good weather, biking in SB is such fun.

I also love those old historic movie theatres...there are so few of them around anymore.

Hi tracy! I enjoyed that bike ride so much on the beach cruiser, I've asked Santa for a pink Del Sol Shoreliner for Christmas! Complete with bell and basket, LOL! Happy Holidays! ***kim*** :)

I am so glad that you enjoyed your trip!There is never enough time to fit everything in (and I'm local) so I can imagine how you felt! Next trip you should stay at the Santa Ynez Inn or the Ballard Hotel and concentrate your time in the wine area. There is plenty to do... maybe you could take in an evening PCPA performance at their outdoor theatre. (I fell like I know you because I'm from Fresno and also spent a lot of time at Huntington Lake over the years.) Merry Christmas!

We loved the Four Seasons Biltmore, it would be nice to stay there, also the Fess Parker Inn & Spa looked nice, right in Los Olivos!

We're on our way up to Huntington soon for three days to snowboard at Sierra Summit, have you been there? Merry Christmas to you, too! ***kim*** ((l))

Yes, so much so that I still say China Peak! YOU have to hit the Sanford Tasting Room as well... I noticed that you missed that one!

Yes, want to try that one next time! China Peak, that was way back, LOL! Also want to visit Fess Parker, do you like their wines? ***kim*** :)