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
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
Oxnard, am I right? We landed in Goleta, where the Santa Barbara Airport is located. That descent took us right over the UCSB campus and its waterfowl pond, plus some great local beach-hikes: Haskells, Devereux and More Mesa. Goleta's famed Butterfly Reserve saw one of its all-time low numbers of migrating Monarchs this year. That town has an annual lemon fest. A maga convoy from Goleta drove though SB just prior to our arrival. It seems that they carried lewd placards in front of children.
Oxnard, am I right? We landed in Goleta, where the Santa Barbara Airport is located. That descent took us right over the UCSB campus and its waterfowl pond, plus some great local beach-hikes: Haskells, Devereux and More Mesa. Goleta's famed Butterfly Reserve saw one of its all-time low numbers of migrating Monarchs this year. That town has an annual lemon fest. A maga convoy from Goleta drove though SB just prior to our arrival. It seems that they carried lewd placards in front of children.
0 2025/06/07 16:03:56
The annual SB Film Festival was on during our stay. One downtown theatre on the semi-pedestrian main artery State Street was reserved for its special events. I also enjoyed the new Led Zeppelin doc. There, I met the former singer for Pure Prairie League, a fellow Zephead.
The annual SB Film Festival was on during our stay. One downtown theatre on the semi-pedestrian main artery State Street was reserved for its special events. I also enjoyed the new Led Zeppelin doc. There, I met the former singer for Pure Prairie League, a fellow Zephead.
0 2025/06/07 16:04:40
Maybe a western snowy plover? The end of our overview. Next: beach culture. But first some music.
Maybe a western snowy plover? The end of our overview. Next: beach culture. But first some music.
0 2025/06/07 16:54:20
The ocean holds a lot of life. That life plays an important role in the health of our planet. We used Reddit as a source for researching this trip and someone there had rare photos of a shark egg backlit by the sun. Another shutterbug displayed her imagery of nudibranchs, surely one of Mother Nature's most alien-looking life forms.
The ocean holds a lot of life. That life plays an important role in the health of our planet. We used Reddit as a source for researching this trip and someone there had rare photos of a shark egg backlit by the sun. Another shutterbug displayed her imagery of nudibranchs, surely one of Mother Nature's most alien-looking life forms.
0 2025/06/07 17:51:27
Hendrys beach at Arroyo Burro park is an absolute must, especially at sunset. Its wonderful Boathouse restaurant remains an excellent place for a meal indoors or out. Dog-walkers will tell you that this is THE best place for oceany dog-walking.
Hendrys beach at Arroyo Burro park is an absolute must, especially at sunset. Its wonderful Boathouse restaurant remains an excellent place for a meal indoors or out. Dog-walkers will tell you that this is THE best place for oceany dog-walking.
0 2025/06/07 17:52:39
Water reflections water reflections.
Water reflections water reflections.
0 2025/06/07 17:53:21
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
As I was photographing this young couple atop an outcrop, the boy's moccasin fell off. I then pretended to try to run away with it.
As I was photographing this young couple atop an outcrop, the boy's moccasin fell off. I then pretended to try to run away with it.
0 2025/06/07 17:54:22
Mrs Z and I were happy as a pair of jolly dolphins. Next: more music then Rick Steves.
Mrs Z and I were happy as a pair of jolly dolphins. Next: more music then Rick Steves.
0 2025/06/07 18:59:39
Each Saturday morn, a modest Fishermans Market occurs down in the marina. About seven stalls are set up offering freshness. We bantered with the youngest pair of fisherman there as they held the above spider crab. I advised them on a new advertising slogan for their oysters: 'MORE ZINC FOR YER DINK!'
Each Saturday morn, a modest Fishermans Market occurs down in the marina. About seven stalls are set up offering freshness. We bantered with the youngest pair of fisherman there as they held the above spider crab. I advised them on a new advertising slogan for their oysters: 'MORE ZINC FOR YER DINK!'
0 2025/06/08 12:13:41
Butterfly Beach had a relatively sparse number of sundown visitors. Some played stickball on the sand, others relaxed inside a rough-hewn fort made of palm sheafs, found objects and stones. Others like this friendly young couple had brought a picnic. Could've sworn that I smelled a skunk nearby.
Butterfly Beach had a relatively sparse number of sundown visitors. Some played stickball on the sand, others relaxed inside a rough-hewn fort made of palm sheafs, found objects and stones. Others like this friendly young couple had brought a picnic. Could've sworn that I smelled a skunk nearby.
0 2025/06/07 17:54:31
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
A Butterfly beach beauty.
A Butterfly beach beauty.
0 2025/06/07 17:54:55
Oat Bakery was run by a group of women. They had a sense of humor.
Oat Bakery was run by a group of women. They had a sense of humor.
0 2025/06/08 12:15:58
We bought some cookies from these Girl Guide scouts and their little sisters. The following week, I sought them out at that same marina spot to give them each a Canada flag pin. They were happy to receive the tiny gift.
We bought some cookies from these Girl Guide scouts and their little sisters. The following week, I sought them out at that same marina spot to give them each a Canada flag pin. They were happy to receive the tiny gift.
0 2025/06/08 12:19:28
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
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
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
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
Where are we now, Taos?
Where are we now, Taos?
0 2025/06/07 20:36:45
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
From a motel's facade.
From a motel's facade.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:51
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
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
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
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
Colorful lamps spread throughout the property. It was a hectic atmosphere in the hour prior to showtime. We were surprised at the sheer volume of latecomers just strolling into the already-in-progress presentation. I was reminded of the Zappa song 'Flakes'. *Three nights later I went to see the new Led Zep doc at the same theatre and after the other attendee left halfway, had the entire theatre to myself (see 'air-drumming to Bonzo').
Colorful lamps spread throughout the property. It was a hectic atmosphere in the hour prior to showtime. We were surprised at the sheer volume of latecomers just strolling into the already-in-progress presentation. I was reminded of the Zappa song 'Flakes'. *Three nights later I went to see the new Led Zep doc at the same theatre and after the other attendee left halfway, had the entire theatre to myself (see 'air-drumming to Bonzo').
0 2025/06/07 19:44:42
Can you relate to Rick's above categories? Wish that he'd expanded his show to include more interactivity, some mention of his long-standing online forum, a memento or two from his travels, maybe some Top Ten lists on both walls. At times, the seasoned traveler attending that show felt a bit like having gone back to high school.
Can you relate to Rick's above categories? Wish that he'd expanded his show to include more interactivity, some mention of his long-standing online forum, a memento or two from his travels, maybe some Top Ten lists on both walls. At times, the seasoned traveler attending that show felt a bit like having gone back to high school.
0 2025/06/07 19:44:50
Street mural in the Funk Zone.
Street mural in the Funk Zone.
0 2025/06/08 21:01:15
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
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
There are 23 scientists on staff. They tend to 50,000 lichen, 50 different manzanitas, and other plants from desserts, chapparal and arroyo. They told us that the best views are from the Porter hiking Trail and also the new Tipton trail. We already knew that from reading their great 'Ironwood' magazine. Above is Tom Turtle, a notorious curmudgeon. As we passed, he muttered, "YA CALL THAT MUSIC?!"
There are 23 scientists on staff. They tend to 50,000 lichen, 50 different manzanitas, and other plants from desserts, chapparal and arroyo. They told us that the best views are from the Porter hiking Trail and also the new Tipton trail. We already knew that from reading their great 'Ironwood' magazine. Above is Tom Turtle, a notorious curmudgeon. As we passed, he muttered, "YA CALL THAT MUSIC?!"
0 2025/06/10 11:33:53
The friendly garden greeter. His booth was surrounded by a variety of floral exotica. We were about to see cacti, orchards, topiary (bushes as animals), sphagnum moss bromeliads, , dragon trees, orchids, rare agave, rose parterre (out of season) and the famed 'shakkei' Japanese section. Daijobu!
The friendly garden greeter. His booth was surrounded by a variety of floral exotica. We were about to see cacti, orchards, topiary (bushes as animals), sphagnum moss bromeliads, , dragon trees, orchids, rare agave, rose parterre (out of season) and the famed 'shakkei' Japanese section. Daijobu!
0 2025/06/10 12:37:21
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