A permanent shop featuring the exact same name (Santa Barbara Fish Market) is located a few steps inland down the same alley. The small but popular shop is the only Californian seafood store actually located within its namesake harbor. I went back twice for their calamari salad but our fave was their fish roe. Pictured here is their black variety.
A permanent shop featuring the exact same name (Santa Barbara Fish Market) is located a few steps inland down the same alley. The small but popular shop is the only Californian seafood store actually located within its namesake harbor. I went back twice for their calamari salad but our fave was their fish roe. Pictured here is their black variety.
0 2025/06/08 12:14:53
The Valentines Day afternoon tea at San Ysidro Ranch included these sweet treats. More about that later in a dedicated section.
The Valentines Day afternoon tea at San Ysidro Ranch included these sweet treats. More about that later in a dedicated section.
0 2025/06/08 12:15:05
Edible kelp, algae, seagrass and seaweed can be bought in town. A public poster nearby described in detail 'Beach Wrack', the areas of waterline and water table that involve saturated sand, damp sand and dry sand.
Edible kelp, algae, seagrass and seaweed can be bought in town. A public poster nearby described in detail 'Beach Wrack', the areas of waterline and water table that involve saturated sand, damp sand and dry sand.
0 2025/06/07 17:55:11
Whole Lotta Arlington Theatre that week. Next: some lesser-known attractions
Whole Lotta Arlington Theatre that week. Next: some lesser-known attractions
0 2025/06/07 20:02:39
This boy's mom seemed like a pro photographer. her gear looked muchos expensive.
This boy's mom seemed like a pro photographer. her gear looked muchos expensive.
0 2025/06/07 17:55:39
The former Meridian graphics studio complex has a compelling Italianate style of paint upon its exterior walls.
The former Meridian graphics studio complex has a compelling Italianate style of paint upon its exterior walls.
0 2025/06/07 20:22:20
Further along that same Haley Street Corridor, one finds the JW Adkins Ecology found-object Art Gallery. It is apparently run by artist Bill and his wife Martha. If we got our facts straight, they are a senior couple who welcome visitors by leaving their entry gate open. If that gate is shut then 'me no sen' you no come.' We were in a rush that afternoon and captured this single shot.
Further along that same Haley Street Corridor, one finds the JW Adkins Ecology found-object Art Gallery. It is apparently run by artist Bill and his wife Martha. If we got our facts straight, they are a senior couple who welcome visitors by leaving their entry gate open. If that gate is shut then 'me no sen' you no come.' We were in a rush that afternoon and captured this single shot.
0 2025/06/07 20:22:37
The grounds were stunning and green thumbs might want to visit for the gardens alone. Much like the evolution of Lotusland from private-to-public attraction, the Casa faced local opposition from Montecito residents who were not keen on tourists having easy access to visits. The tour could be fairly described as tightly controlled. *shutterbugs take note
The grounds were stunning and green thumbs might want to visit for the gardens alone. Much like the evolution of Lotusland from private-to-public attraction, the Casa faced local opposition from Montecito residents who were not keen on tourists having easy access to visits. The tour could be fairly described as tightly controlled. *shutterbugs take note
0 2025/06/07 20:35:50
One of the Persian 'Star' fountains as seen from below the massive African baobab tree. The exquisite aesthetics throughout were very impressive. Clearly, Steedman had once brought in the best of the best designers and architects. He actually moved in on the same day as the historic earthquake that struck Sta Barbara exactly a century ago! A day that he surely never forgot.
One of the Persian 'Star' fountains as seen from below the massive African baobab tree. The exquisite aesthetics throughout were very impressive. Clearly, Steedman had once brought in the best of the best designers and architects. He actually moved in on the same day as the historic earthquake that struck Sta Barbara exactly a century ago! A day that he surely never forgot.
0 2025/06/07 20:36:22
Where are we now, Taos?
Where are we now, Taos?
0 2025/06/07 20:36:45
This dragon mural in the Haley corridor was impossible to miss. But it held a hidden corner easy to overlook. People had left a modest tribute of candles for some unfortunate fentanyl victim in the bottom left.
This dragon mural in the Haley corridor was impossible to miss. But it held a hidden corner easy to overlook. People had left a modest tribute of candles for some unfortunate fentanyl victim in the bottom left.
0 2025/06/08 21:15:47
A flower from the same mural.
A flower from the same mural.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:23
More street art. This was brand-new.
More street art. This was brand-new.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:35
From a private home.
From a private home.
0 2025/06/08 21:28:10
We took a lot of taxis. Most like the man above, were from Mexico. But some hailed from South America. We hired the above driver twice and the second time he brought his wife. We four had a long chat. Their adult daughter had just called home in tears from Chicago--her transfer there was not working out. To change the heavy topic, I pointed out the window: "See that Earl Warren Showground over the fence? Jimi Hendrix once performed a pair of concerts there back in the '60s." Next: gardens
We took a lot of taxis. Most like the man above, were from Mexico. But some hailed from South America. We hired the above driver twice and the second time he brought his wife. We four had a long chat. Their adult daughter had just called home in tears from Chicago--her transfer there was not working out. To change the heavy topic, I pointed out the window: "See that Earl Warren Showground over the fence? Jimi Hendrix once performed a pair of concerts there back in the '60s." Next: gardens
0 2025/06/08 21:29:03
Some pretentious Canadian photographer took this image in the waters of the marina.
Some pretentious Canadian photographer took this image in the waters of the marina.
0 2025/06/08 21:29:24
The unique ness continued. This was 'Ja K'iche' (Mayan 'home'), a fabric and acrylic creation on basswood panel that Guatemalan Estefania Ajcip made in 2023. She portrayed herself as a lonely child missing her daddy who worked for LA tailors for decades. Female Hispanic artists were featured in the 'Accretion' room.
The unique ness continued. This was 'Ja K'iche' (Mayan 'home'), a fabric and acrylic creation on basswood panel that Guatemalan Estefania Ajcip made in 2023. She portrayed herself as a lonely child missing her daddy who worked for LA tailors for decades. Female Hispanic artists were featured in the 'Accretion' room.
0 2025/06/08 21:30:24
Just down the lane from the above...grandpa and granddaughter.
Just down the lane from the above...grandpa and granddaughter.
0 2025/06/08 21:31:45
Casa del Herrero is like a museum and might just be the biggest surprise of any visit to Sta Barbara. It is a top-shelf visual feast in a town known for compelling visuals. Steedman led a moneys-no-object life as a collector. And we visitors are all the luckier for that. Thank his daughter Medora, who lived here til '93. She then transferred the property to become a non-profit.
Casa del Herrero is like a museum and might just be the biggest surprise of any visit to Sta Barbara. It is a top-shelf visual feast in a town known for compelling visuals. Steedman led a moneys-no-object life as a collector. And we visitors are all the luckier for that. Thank his daughter Medora, who lived here til '93. She then transferred the property to become a non-profit.
0 2025/06/07 20:57:07
We had ordered tickets ahead of time to see Rick Steves live presentation at the historic Arlington Theatre. He'd survived a recent battle with prostate cancer. Wisely, he began with an update that he was now recovered and doing fine. Btw, we once met his ex-wife's Swedish nursing colleague gal whilst on the same Greek ferry.
We had ordered tickets ahead of time to see Rick Steves live presentation at the historic Arlington Theatre. He'd survived a recent battle with prostate cancer. Wisely, he began with an update that he was now recovered and doing fine. Btw, we once met his ex-wife's Swedish nursing colleague gal whilst on the same Greek ferry.
0 2025/06/07 19:44:09
There was a lively, pre-show meet n' greet for those willing to dish out the extra fee. A live flamenco player played throughout. It was the 50th Anniversary of the local Public TV station. I'd come 'this close' to contacting Rick's office a month ahead to see whether he might sit for a brief pre-show interview with me there at the Arlington. The plan had been to post the resultant interview on travel forums such as Fodors and also Lonely Planet's resurrected Thorn Tree. I eventually passed.
There was a lively, pre-show meet n' greet for those willing to dish out the extra fee. A live flamenco player played throughout. It was the 50th Anniversary of the local Public TV station. I'd come 'this close' to contacting Rick's office a month ahead to see whether he might sit for a brief pre-show interview with me there at the Arlington. The plan had been to post the resultant interview on travel forums such as Fodors and also Lonely Planet's resurrected Thorn Tree. I eventually passed.
0 2025/06/07 19:44:29
John Decker's 1933 painting of the LA Oil Boom, depicting a derrick at night. The bobbing heads of oil pump jacks could be found mostly in black and Latino neighborhoods, places which suffered higher rates of related illness. Those derricks were phased out by 2020.
John Decker's 1933 painting of the LA Oil Boom, depicting a derrick at night. The bobbing heads of oil pump jacks could be found mostly in black and Latino neighborhoods, places which suffered higher rates of related illness. Those derricks were phased out by 2020.
0 2025/06/08 22:23:25
These four women represented three generations of the same family. We have included their shot here coz they were on vacation from Edmonds. They were neighbors of Rick Steves and one used to babysit his daughter (or was it vice-versa?). These women had seen me taking close-up shots of those shells above and had begun a friendly chat. We'd told them about our tickets to see our hero Rick that night.
These four women represented three generations of the same family. We have included their shot here coz they were on vacation from Edmonds. They were neighbors of Rick Steves and one used to babysit his daughter (or was it vice-versa?). These women had seen me taking close-up shots of those shells above and had begun a friendly chat. We'd told them about our tickets to see our hero Rick that night.
0 2025/06/07 19:44:58
Street mural in the Funk Zone.
Street mural in the Funk Zone.
0 2025/06/08 21:01:15
An additional 'something completely different' created by Randy Greif (real name?) in 2005. Title: 'No-one has a Monopoly over Sorrow'. He utilized soldier's wedding rings from a number of wars, plus finger bones coated in melted bullet lead. There were also snippets from bridal bouquets, mourning dresses plus actual hair from the Civil War. I like how he remembered the wives. Give him/her 10 points for originality amidst a social critique.
An additional 'something completely different' created by Randy Greif (real name?) in 2005. Title: 'No-one has a Monopoly over Sorrow'. He utilized soldier's wedding rings from a number of wars, plus finger bones coated in melted bullet lead. There were also snippets from bridal bouquets, mourning dresses plus actual hair from the Civil War. I like how he remembered the wives. Give him/her 10 points for originality amidst a social critique.
0 2025/06/08 21:02:04
Even some of the flooring stonework was nice.
Even some of the flooring stonework was nice.
0 2025/06/08 21:02:11
The food and drink were good. The service was better.
The food and drink were good. The service was better.
0 2025/06/09 22:20:33
The ranch was where JFK and Jacky had their honeymoon. You can well imagine the current prices to stay in one of the many lovely cottages. Those had some of the most attractive in-ground Jacuzzis that you'll ever see.
The ranch was where JFK and Jacky had their honeymoon. You can well imagine the current prices to stay in one of the many lovely cottages. Those had some of the most attractive in-ground Jacuzzis that you'll ever see.
0 2025/06/09 22:21:33
The hushed Redwoods area had 30 GIANT Sequoias including the 50m General Sherman. They are currently suffering from a bark beetle infest (georgous harrisonicus). The massive rock outcrops nearby had names like Blakesly and Lassiter. The unique kids area had colorful art installations and laminated poetry among the open-air huts constructed from twigs and bark. A boy recently adopted from Mali delighted in showing us his colorful sparkle wand. A chess board was made atop a sawed-off trunk.
The hushed Redwoods area had 30 GIANT Sequoias including the 50m General Sherman. They are currently suffering from a bark beetle infest (georgous harrisonicus). The massive rock outcrops nearby had names like Blakesly and Lassiter. The unique kids area had colorful art installations and laminated poetry among the open-air huts constructed from twigs and bark. A boy recently adopted from Mali delighted in showing us his colorful sparkle wand. A chess board was made atop a sawed-off trunk.
0 2025/06/10 11:34:09
Tea for two on a sunny afternoon. The atmosphere was not as stuffy as we'd feared.
Tea for two on a sunny afternoon. The atmosphere was not as stuffy as we'd feared.
0 2025/06/09 22:17:35
Part of the allure was the ranch's lovely grounds. The gardens were impressive and the decor included fountains, sitting nooks, old trees, metal tortoises and wooden carvings. Without prompt, one staffer informed us that the best photo op views were 'up by the pool area'. Unfortunately, his tip came too late as our return taxi was already en route.
Part of the allure was the ranch's lovely grounds. The gardens were impressive and the decor included fountains, sitting nooks, old trees, metal tortoises and wooden carvings. Without prompt, one staffer informed us that the best photo op views were 'up by the pool area'. Unfortunately, his tip came too late as our return taxi was already en route.
0 2025/06/09 22:18:26
Summerland has a remarkable row of competing outside/garden decor shops. So pointedly visual. Oprah and Meagan were both recently present at the opening of one new store in that same area: 'Godmother'. There is also a Parrot sanctuary along the way.
Summerland has a remarkable row of competing outside/garden decor shops. So pointedly visual. Oprah and Meagan were both recently present at the opening of one new store in that same area: 'Godmother'. There is also a Parrot sanctuary along the way.
0 2025/06/11 18:01:11
Incontestably, this was the most unexpected shop in all of SB. OK, maybe tied with the axe-throwing (no joke) active funhouse in the main drag of State Street! Next: we are nearing the end, so let's go for some water tours.
Incontestably, this was the most unexpected shop in all of SB. OK, maybe tied with the axe-throwing (no joke) active funhouse in the main drag of State Street! Next: we are nearing the end, so let's go for some water tours.
0 2025/06/11 18:02:14
Karesansui is a Japanese garden design wherein raked sand combines with boulders and rocks to promote Zen meditation. One is supposed to focus on contemplating space, nature and the universe. Forest bathing is an off-shoot of that concept, and encourages strolling through wooded areas to unwind.
Karesansui is a Japanese garden design wherein raked sand combines with boulders and rocks to promote Zen meditation. One is supposed to focus on contemplating space, nature and the universe. Forest bathing is an off-shoot of that concept, and encourages strolling through wooded areas to unwind.
0 2025/06/10 12:37:57
Ganna Walska: 'I AM THE ENEMY OF AVERAGE!" This fountain of cascading clam shells in the aloe by the shallow, kidney-shaped pool seems to prove her point. There were also 400 species of endangered cycads, those palms that the dinosaurs once fed on. Her own residential house was deliberately made to be one-story--she was terrified of earthquakes. It is still there, a lovely salmon-colored place for conferences, surrounded by a massive cacti collection, , echinocereus, escolaria plus others.
Ganna Walska: 'I AM THE ENEMY OF AVERAGE!" This fountain of cascading clam shells in the aloe by the shallow, kidney-shaped pool seems to prove her point. There were also 400 species of endangered cycads, those palms that the dinosaurs once fed on. Her own residential house was deliberately made to be one-story--she was terrified of earthquakes. It is still there, a lovely salmon-colored place for conferences, surrounded by a massive cacti collection, , echinocereus, escolaria plus others.
0 2025/06/10 12:38:32
Even the gift shop featured excellence.
Even the gift shop featured excellence.
0 2025/06/10 12:39:10
Pretty purple.
Pretty purple.
0 2025/06/10 12:39:41
Never trust anyone who dislikes gardens.
Never trust anyone who dislikes gardens.
0 2025/06/10 12:40:31
The scene at the end of Mission Creek, which was...
The scene at the end of Mission Creek, which was...
0 2025/06/07 17:55:21
...the place where these families combined to enjoy themselves. Girl on left: "Mom, don't you want some ice cream? Can we go to Tondi's now?"
...the place where these families combined to enjoy themselves. Girl on left: "Mom, don't you want some ice cream? Can we go to Tondi's now?"
0 2025/06/07 17:55:29
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