Low tide brought out a lot of things, including artistic rocks. These boulders had equally beautiful cousins on land, especially at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Low tide brought out a lot of things, including artistic rocks. These boulders had equally beautiful cousins on land, especially at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
0 2025/06/07 17:53:07
We highly recommend Hendrys, Summerland and Butterfly beaches. The latter extends onto the Four Seasons/Biltmore beach area.
We highly recommend Hendrys, Summerland and Butterfly beaches. The latter extends onto the Four Seasons/Biltmore beach area.
0 2025/06/07 18:49:55
Walking the shorelines in both directions rewards the visitor to Hendrys. One may see the aforementioned Douglas Preserve in the distance.
Walking the shorelines in both directions rewards the visitor to Hendrys. One may see the aforementioned Douglas Preserve in the distance.
0 2025/06/07 18:50:21
Can't you just feel your BP go down whenever at the shore while visiting a beach?
Can't you just feel your BP go down whenever at the shore while visiting a beach?
0 2025/06/07 18:51:02
Le soleil sont disparu.
Le soleil sont disparu.
0 2025/06/07 18:51:14
The Cito Fire Station. Brave folks. Respect. See their Fire Indicator on the far right. *Would you believe it: some of the thieves arrested for raiding homes in Pasadena during the height of the fires were wait for it...dressed as firefighters!
The Cito Fire Station. Brave folks. Respect. See their Fire Indicator on the far right. *Would you believe it: some of the thieves arrested for raiding homes in Pasadena during the height of the fires were wait for it...dressed as firefighters!
0 2025/06/10 12:53:26
Although the area is known for other types of produce, we also saw this banana tree on a neighbor's front lawn. Our landlady's own elaborate private garden featured different kinds of citrus trees.
Although the area is known for other types of produce, we also saw this banana tree on a neighbor's front lawn. Our landlady's own elaborate private garden featured different kinds of citrus trees.
0 2025/06/08 12:12:24
Santa Barbara has a range of chi chi boutiques, including those selling dinnerware.
Santa Barbara has a range of chi chi boutiques, including those selling dinnerware.
0 2025/06/08 12:14:07
The locals came out early for white seabass, cod, spiny lobster, swordfish, abalone and mussels. We self-caterers bought some just-caught halibut. Back as our rental, we put some SPIKE spice that I'd brought from home. The result: Food o' the Gods.
The locals came out early for white seabass, cod, spiny lobster, swordfish, abalone and mussels. We self-caterers bought some just-caught halibut. Back as our rental, we put some SPIKE spice that I'd brought from home. The result: Food o' the Gods.
0 2025/06/08 12:14:24
A view of that dockside market from higher up. Do they ever sell weird fish such as cabezon and those loooooooong oarfish?
A view of that dockside market from higher up. Do they ever sell weird fish such as cabezon and those loooooooong oarfish?
0 2025/06/08 12:14:42
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
Joe's Cafe is a veritable old diner known for its stiff drinks and testosterone. It proved to be too loud for my hearing issues, so Mrs Z and I vamoosed outa' there as soon as we finished our meals. See 'misguided diners in search of local culture'.
Joe's Cafe is a veritable old diner known for its stiff drinks and testosterone. It proved to be too loud for my hearing issues, so Mrs Z and I vamoosed outa' there as soon as we finished our meals. See 'misguided diners in search of local culture'.
0 2025/06/08 12:15:16
Andersens Bakery as aforementioned, did a very good Nordic salad. Great pastry selection too. This was the best people-watching perch of this trip. The elderly couple next to us forgot their sunglasses, so we alerted staff. In the chaos, I forgot to tip and so returned later that night to do so. We were not as willing to tip staff @ popular McConnells Ice Cream. Their machine's prompt to do so was disappointing.
Andersens Bakery as aforementioned, did a very good Nordic salad. Great pastry selection too. This was the best people-watching perch of this trip. The elderly couple next to us forgot their sunglasses, so we alerted staff. In the chaos, I forgot to tip and so returned later that night to do so. We were not as willing to tip staff @ popular McConnells Ice Cream. Their machine's prompt to do so was disappointing.
0 2025/06/08 12:15:30
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
This Heermann's Gull has nothing to do with lesser-known attractions, but he did steal my zoom lens. Says he won't give it back til I've posted his portrait labelled 'Sir Bird'. SIR BIRD
This Heermann's Gull has nothing to do with lesser-known attractions, but he did steal my zoom lens. Says he won't give it back til I've posted his portrait labelled 'Sir Bird'. SIR BIRD
0 2025/06/07 20:21:23
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
Casa del Herrero (house of blacksmith) is a time capsule that one must reserve for a guided tour ahead of time. The mansion of former WWI military contractor George Fox Steedman, this sprawling property is magnificent inside and out. It is one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial revival architecture in the USA. A womens group had decorated the interior with floral arrangements. Steedman was a 1%er with a marked taste for European imports of every sort. Above: his personal centaur icon.
Casa del Herrero (house of blacksmith) is a time capsule that one must reserve for a guided tour ahead of time. The mansion of former WWI military contractor George Fox Steedman, this sprawling property is magnificent inside and out. It is one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial revival architecture in the USA. A womens group had decorated the interior with floral arrangements. Steedman was a 1%er with a marked taste for European imports of every sort. Above: his personal centaur icon.
0 2025/06/07 20:35:05
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the Casa had recently lifted its long ban on indoors photography. There was historic furniture, religious iconography, tiles, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, lamps and much more. Steedman was also a clever inventor-tinkerer. He created an early phonograph speaker box. His huge personal workshop would be the envy of any male who industrial-level works. His were the largest scissors that we'd ever seen!
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the Casa had recently lifted its long ban on indoors photography. There was historic furniture, religious iconography, tiles, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, lamps and much more. Steedman was also a clever inventor-tinkerer. He created an early phonograph speaker box. His huge personal workshop would be the envy of any male who industrial-level works. His were the largest scissors that we'd ever seen!
0 2025/06/07 20:36:03
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
No, this is Lady of Mount Carmel Church, found just a 6 minute walk down the road from Casa del Herero. A slightly Karen-ish woman approached us, then assertively informed us that she did not want us to take her photo, 'not even in the background!' I was a bit taken aback coz the thought had not even entered our heads--we wanted that sleek stone and adobe imagery without people. We also avoided the interior after hearing weeping from within. Someone was mourning. Next: our traditional Quiz
No, this is Lady of Mount Carmel Church, found just a 6 minute walk down the road from Casa del Herero. A slightly Karen-ish woman approached us, then assertively informed us that she did not want us to take her photo, 'not even in the background!' I was a bit taken aback coz the thought had not even entered our heads--we wanted that sleek stone and adobe imagery without people. We also avoided the interior after hearing weeping from within. Someone was mourning. Next: our traditional Quiz
0 2025/06/07 20:37:02
In the same area we saw this large mural 'Visitors' by the Tapcot studios parking lot.
In the same area we saw this large mural 'Visitors' by the Tapcot studios parking lot.
0 2025/06/08 21:17:40
A flower from the same mural.
A flower from the same mural.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:23
From a motel's facade.
From a motel's facade.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:51
From a private home.
From a private home.
0 2025/06/08 21:28:10
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
Local teen in middle says: "Who's that guy like, with a cane and sprawled on that plaza bench? Didn't we read about him in History last term?"
Local teen in middle says: "Who's that guy like, with a cane and sprawled on that plaza bench? Didn't we read about him in History last term?"
0 2025/06/08 21:29:54
Shout-out to friendly museum staffer Joshua. He greeted visitors in a bespoke suit unlike most others, doing so at a desk right below a spinning gold Egyptian Pharoah bust. Also, see dcd's TR photos of some paintings including the Monet 'Villa B'. See also: historic Indian/Nepali sculpture and also modern photography. Above: the clothing created from pages of art books.
Shout-out to friendly museum staffer Joshua. He greeted visitors in a bespoke suit unlike most others, doing so at a desk right below a spinning gold Egyptian Pharoah bust. Also, see dcd's TR photos of some paintings including the Monet 'Villa B'. See also: historic Indian/Nepali sculpture and also modern photography. Above: the clothing created from pages of art books.
0 2025/06/08 21:30:11
Iconic California poppy mosaic.
Iconic California poppy mosaic.
0 2025/06/08 21:31:05
BF in SB
BF in SB
0 2025/06/08 21:31:59
Afterwards, Mrs Z bought some lovely shirts at the Lovebird store downtown. Friendly owner Nancy Burgner was also a Rick Steves follower. I later bought my own nice short-sleeves at the original Beach House Surf Shop. There, we chatted with staff about competitors including Tilleys. The latter business began in Toronto and became known for their peerless hats plus outstanding travel wear. Pretty sure that Mr Tilley is rolling in his grave at the current sad state of his old stores.
Afterwards, Mrs Z bought some lovely shirts at the Lovebird store downtown. Friendly owner Nancy Burgner was also a Rick Steves follower. I later bought my own nice short-sleeves at the original Beach House Surf Shop. There, we chatted with staff about competitors including Tilleys. The latter business began in Toronto and became known for their peerless hats plus outstanding travel wear. Pretty sure that Mr Tilley is rolling in his grave at the current sad state of his old stores.
0 2025/06/07 20:58:29
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
Glassware.
Glassware.
0 2025/06/08 21:01:25
This section will be about Art. Normally I run a mile upon hearing the words 'Arts Museum', but I'm glad that Mrs Z talked me into going with her to the SB Beaux Arts. Above is a unique piece, the refracted phosphorous light sculpture by Puerto Rico's Gisela Colon. Title: 'Skewed Square.' Loved it. By design, it appeared to slightly move from all angles! One young and insecure security guard confronted me about camera flashes even though my Nikon's flash was turned off. Shakes head...
This section will be about Art. Normally I run a mile upon hearing the words 'Arts Museum', but I'm glad that Mrs Z talked me into going with her to the SB Beaux Arts. Above is a unique piece, the refracted phosphorous light sculpture by Puerto Rico's Gisela Colon. Title: 'Skewed Square.' Loved it. By design, it appeared to slightly move from all angles! One young and insecure security guard confronted me about camera flashes even though my Nikon's flash was turned off. Shakes head...
0 2025/06/08 21:01:44
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
Advertising | Cookie Policy | Privacy Statement | Terms of Service | Manage Preferences - Your Privacy Choices