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
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
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
From our new Santa Barbara TR. I am done. the sand
From our new Santa Barbara TR. I am done. the sand
0 2025/06/07 21:54:33
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
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
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
Where are we now, Taos?
Where are we now, Taos?
0 2025/06/07 20:36:45
Who was on the list of famed folks that Steedman and his wife once entertained here? Presidents? Kings? Movie stars?
Who was on the list of famed folks that Steedman and his wife once entertained here? Presidents? Kings? Movie stars?
0 2025/06/07 20:36:33
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
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
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
Lovely Ainsley was the program manager. I'd teased her via the intercom upon our early arrival, "WE ARE THE DOGE COMMITTEE! MR. MUSK IS HERE WITH US AND WE REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ENTRY!!" She got the joke. Our actual tour guide was Rosie, accompanied by her assistant Kasha. Both had previously worked at Lotusland.
Lovely Ainsley was the program manager. I'd teased her via the intercom upon our early arrival, "WE ARE THE DOGE COMMITTEE! MR. MUSK IS HERE WITH US AND WE REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ENTRY!!" She got the joke. Our actual tour guide was Rosie, accompanied by her assistant Kasha. Both had previously worked at Lotusland.
0 2025/06/07 20:35:31
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
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 former editor of Travel & Leisure magazine tipped us off about the above rare residential enclave. Called 'La Caseria', it is composed of a small collection of attractive homes with a private communal garden.
The former editor of Travel & Leisure magazine tipped us off about the above rare residential enclave. Called 'La Caseria', it is composed of a small collection of attractive homes with a private communal garden.
0 2025/06/07 20:22:29
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
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
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
That venue is worth a looksee, with its historic architecture and unique interior: the side walls are a remarkable 3D facsimile of old adobe buildings from yesteryear. Incidentally, we once spent Xmas 2008 in Costa Rica staying at the neighboring eco-lodge to the one where Rick and family were based.
That venue is worth a looksee, with its historic architecture and unique interior: the side walls are a remarkable 3D facsimile of old adobe buildings from yesteryear. Incidentally, we once spent Xmas 2008 in Costa Rica staying at the neighboring eco-lodge to the one where Rick and family were based.
0 2025/06/07 20:02:22
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
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
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
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
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
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
Le soleil sont disparu.
Le soleil sont disparu.
0 2025/06/07 18:51:14
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
And lower.
And lower.
0 2025/06/07 18:50:53
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
The sun sinks low.
The sun sinks low.
0 2025/06/07 18:50:08
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
Atop this stretch of sun-baked sands close to Mesa Lane beach, we see the newly-established clifftop Douglas Family Preserve. Actor Michael and his father Kirk donated the grove to the public, with a mind to providing yet-another peaceful place for dog-walkers.
Atop this stretch of sun-baked sands close to Mesa Lane beach, we see the newly-established clifftop Douglas Family Preserve. Actor Michael and his father Kirk donated the grove to the public, with a mind to providing yet-another peaceful place for dog-walkers.
0 2025/06/07 17:55:57
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 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
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
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
A Butterfly beach beauty.
A Butterfly beach beauty.
0 2025/06/07 17:54:55
Mrs Z liked this shot a lot.
Mrs Z liked this shot a lot.
0 2025/06/07 17:54:39
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
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