Latest news with #Chumash
New York Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Kanye West's former California home is unrecognizable following a dramatic reconstruction — and will list for $17M
Once the humble neighbor to Kim Kardashian's $60 million estate, a plot formerly owned by Kanye West has undergone a dramatic transformation — from low-slung ranch house to a soulful showpiece. Now dubbed 'Three Planes,' the newly built equestrian estate is hitting the market for $16.99 million, offering more than just square footage — but also a full-on spiritual experience. West purchased the original 3,200-square-foot house in 2021 for $4.5 million, with sources previously telling The Post it was to stay close to his four children. But he never moved in. 19 A photo of the home Kanye West purchased before it was renovated to make way for a new modern estate. 19 A Hidden Hills property last owned by Kanye West has been transformed beyond recognition. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 West purchased the modest 3,200-square-foot home in 2021 for $4.5 million. AP Two years later, he sold the property to Calabasas-based developer H2 Development for $4.25 million. They promptly leveled the structure and teamed up with Los Angeles designer Jae Omar to reimagine the space as a luxurious homage to the land's indigenous roots. 19 West sold it at a loss two years later for $4.3 million, and it was completely gutted with a new property built in its place. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 The 1-acre lot is home to a $17 million architectural showpiece dubbed 'Three Planes.' Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 The 11,500-square-foot estate is designed by Jae Omar. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 Inspired by the cosmology of the Chumash people, the indigenous tribe native to the region, the home is conceived as a 'living myth' rooted in their three sacred realms: sky, earth and underworld. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo Omar — known for his work on estates sought after by the likes of Sean McVay, DJ Zedd and Meghan Trainor — drew inspiration from the Chumash people, the Native American tribe that once inhabited this region of Southern California. The result: an 11,000-square-foot estate designed to evoke the tribe's cosmological framework — three interconnected realms of sky, earth and underworld. 'I wanted to create a space where you could feel all three at once, and move between them with intention,' Omar said in a statement. 'Every material, every line, every shadow was chosen to honor the Chumash belief in transformation and transcendence.' Clad in Shou Sugi Ban siding, Santa Barbara stone and hand-applied plaster, the estate's silhouette nods to Hidden Hills' equestrian roots with a modern ranch-style form. 19 The residence blends earthy materials like Shou Sugi Ban siding and Santa Barbara stone with curated Chumash-era pottery and a design ethos that honors spirituality, transformation and natural connection. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 There's a hunger here for homes that are not just luxurious, but meaningful, Omar said. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 The formal dining room. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 A den. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo Inside, it's a masterclass in organic modernism: soaring beamed ceilings, white oak floors, sandstone walls and earth-toned plaster finishes among the eye-catching features. The five-bedroom, 6.5-bath home includes a wellness wing, a yoga deck, a media room and a wine cellar evocatively described as 'the underworld' in listing materials. The heart of the home is a bespoke kitchen outfitted with top-tier appliances and finishes, joined by a breakfast nook and a walk-in pantry. 19 The primary suite. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 An ensuite bathroom. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 The pool. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 A breakfast space. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo The spa-grade primary suite sits on the main level and features a sculptural soaking tub, a steam shower and a sauna. Four secondary bedrooms upstairs each include their own ensuite bathrooms. Outdoors, the 1-acre-plus property extends the home's immersive vision. A resort-style pool and spa, a firepit, an alfresco kitchen and a yoga deck are joined by a detached horse stable — both a nod to the community's equestrian culture and a rare amenity in new construction. 'This community has always been about privacy and prestige. Now, it's also becoming a canvas for architectural storytelling,' Omar said. 19 A view of the open floor plan. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 A sauna. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 One of five bedrooms. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 A second bedroom. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo The home, located at 24877 Eldorado Meadow, is being marketed by Veronika Khomyn of The Agency. It's expected to officially hit the market later this month. As for Omar, 'Three Planes' is part of a broader creative push. His latest project, 'Five Fathoms' in the Hollywood Hills, takes inspiration from Ariel's siren song in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest.' But in Hidden Hills, he said, the challenge, and the opportunity, was more grounded. 'My goal is to redefine what it means to live well within the Hidden Hills community,' he told The Post. 'Alongside H2 Development, we're not just constructing speculative homes, we're curating homes that hold a soul, a story, a spirit and reflect the extraordinary community.'
Los Angeles Times
25-07-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Fierce pride is at the core of the Chumash Museum, a worthwhile day trip from L.A.
For thousands of years, the Chumash people lived along California's Central Coast and on its Channel Islands. Then the newcomers arrived — Spanish explorers, Catholic missionaries, Mexican rancheros, California settlers — and the Chumash way of life was dismantled, their people enslaved and their traditions, culture and language forbidden. So it's hardly surprising that the main message at the new Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center is as poignant as it is defiant: 'We are the first people. And we are still here.' The museum, which opened in May, sits on Highway 246 and Edison Street in tiny Santa Ynez, just across the road from Chumash Casino Resort operated by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. But where the resort is a sleek, modern high-rise, the low-lying museum and lushly landscaped grounds are dedicated to the past, showcasing the stories, craftsmanship and even the plants of the Chumash, whose bands ranged along the coast from Malibu to Morro Bay and as far inland as the San Joaquin Valley, said Nakia Zavalla, the tribal historic preservation officer and cultural director of the Santa Ynez band. While the focus is on the past, however, the museum's storytelling is high-tech, with lots of interactive displays that activate with just the wave of a hand. The tribe doesn't permit photos inside the museum, and the few photos provided for publication don't really do the exhibits justice, so believe me when I say the displays are far more engaging than just shelves of artifacts and well worth a visit for adults and children. From the large parking lot, the path to the entrance winds along a man-made recirculating stream lush with spiky, deep-green mounds of deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens), feathery sandbar willow (Salix exigua) and a variety of juncus such as basket rush (Juncus textilis), used for making the tribe's intricate baskets. The 3.5-acre grounds as well as the museum itself were designed by Jones & Jones Architects of Seattle, which also designed the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. The main entrance is visually stunning, bringing visitors inside a larger-than-life 'ap' (pronounced ahp), a towering representation of the traditional Chumash dwellings made from willow branches and dried leaves of tule plants, such as hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus), which also grows on the grounds. The museum's entry is like a giant dome with a big round skylight at the top. The large, sloping walls feature projections of birds taking flight and sparks rising from the faux firepit in the center of the room, along with detailed illustrations recognizing the region's Chumash bands. Inside, the exhibits are arranged in a meandering flow (just follow the blue line) that introduces visitors to a large and engaging range of interactive displays and stories, many of which were provided by elder Maria del Refugio Solares, Zavalla's 'fifth great-grandmother' and one of the last native speakers of the Chumash language Samala. Some tribal members are trying to resurrect Samala through classes and 'just getting together and speaking with each other,' said Zavalla. 'It's opened so many doors to understanding our culture, our medicinal plants and ceremonies.' Solares died in 1923 at 81, but left wax cylinder recordings of Chumash songs, stories and translations with linguist and Native American language ethnologist John Peabody Harrington. Incorporating Solares' songs and stories makes the exhibits come alive. For instance, near the beginning of the permanent exhibit there is a cave-like room explaining the Chumash understanding of the universe, which is divided into three levels. The upper world is inhabited by celestial Sky People, such as Sun and Sky Coyote, whose peón gambling games affected the seasons for everything from harvesting acorns to hunting game. The dark, eerie lower world is dominated by two giant rattlesnakes whose writhings cause the ground in the middle world — our world — to shake. The phases of the moon? Those are caused by the way Slo'w, the Sky Eagle, stretches his wings. Thunder? The result of two brothers in the Upper World playing a rowdy stick game. Nearby, an alcove features a preserved California condor known as AC8, the last female in the wild who was taken into captivity in 1986 to become part of a breeding program to rebuild the critically endangered population of North America's largest land bird. In the exhibit, you must look up to see her, preserved as if in flight, her massive wings outstretched, while below is a miniature depiction of the local hills with a small gliding shadow of a condor in flight. Further on are hunting outfits made from deer and bear heads and skins, examples of traditional Chumash stick and gambling games, and stuffed animals for children that were — literally — dead, cuddly rabbits carefully preserved. There are exquisite medallions and hair ornaments made from iridescent abalone shells and strings of Chumash currency — tiny, doughnut-shaped beads created from carefully cut olivella shells. And of course, there are multiple examples of Chumash basket weaving, from the tightly woven vessels used to hold food and even water to the carriers designed to securely tote babies. The museum includes more recent history as well, such as the startling news that running water wasn't available on the reservation until 1969. Outside, in the 3.5-acre cultural park, you can follow a winding trail through the Ancestor's Grove — young coast live oak trees, each with a marker honoring a deceased tribal elder — to view the long redwood plank canoe known as a tomol, big enough to seat at least six adults and used annually to re-create the trips their ancestors made between the mainland and the Channel Islands. The park also features another recirculating stream and 100 species of native plants that would have provided food, shelter and habitat in the region before the explorers and colonists arrived. The landscape is constantly changing, said Megan Carey, the museum's collections and archives manager. 'One of my favorite things about the Culture Park is that you see something different, something blooming, every week.' The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center is open Thursday-Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reserved-time tickets can be purchased online. Tickets are $15 for ages 18-64; $12 for ages 65 and older, teens 13-17, and military members with ID; $10 for ages 3-12; and free for toddlers 2 and younger. Tickets aren't sold past 4 p.m. Parking is free. The museum also has a well-stocked gift store near the parking lot, but for food, shopping and other excitement, you'll need to venture into the sometimes rustic, sometimes well-heeled town of Santa Ynez, where you'll find upscale clothing and furnishing stores that don't cater to tourists as much as the monied locals outfitting themselves and, perhaps, second or third homes. Here are other things to do in Santa Ynez but take note: Some restaurants are closed on Mondays. Dining: I had an excellent roast beef sandwich (chosen from many tempting options) at Panino Sandwich Shop, but there are many other dining options. Locals highly recommended the Baker's Table for bread, pastries, breakfast and lunch, and Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn or Trattoria Grappolo for dinner. If you want a down-home atmosphere, try the Longhorn Coffee Shop for breakfast (it closes at 1 p.m. and the only coffee served is cowboy coffee, black); or for lunch, the nearby Maverick Saloon where the ceiling is papered by dangling dollar bills (children are welcome, they just can't sit at the bar). Pony Cocktails & Kitchen boasts 'all day cocktails and dining' starting at 8 a.m. (although it closes at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays). Coffee: Try Queen Cup Coffee (adjacent to a very cute Lucky Hen Larder sandwich and cheese shop.) Shopping: Several tony options if you're in the market for luxury home furnishings (such as very cool denim placements at $35 each) and/or designer clothing (Santa Ynez General offers both along with candles, soaps and toothpaste — and is a nice non-snooty place to browse). Charlotte's Santa Ynez specializes in unique (and gorgeous) sterling silver and turquoise jewelry and belts, along with other Native American jewelry. And if your head is feeling naked, KJ Murphy's promises a 'premier custom hat experience' and choices that range from authentic cowboy hats to fedoras and trucker hats. Out of the ordinary: In the center of town, the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House promises 'the largest horse-drawn vehicle collection west of the Mississippi' including a stagecoach, farm wagon and fire engine in addition to examples of 'regional saddlery, period apparel, and vintage horse gear.' And just a few miles down the road is Rancho Olivos, an 8-acre olive oil farm that offers an assortment of delicious olive oils, produced from their own olives, along with several vinegars. The balsamic vinegar is outstanding, and the Spanish-style Arbequina oil has a delicious, buttery flavor. I wish I had bought a dozen bottles, but now I have another excellent reason to return.
Health Line
18-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
10 Benefits of Burning Sage, How to Get Started, and More
Burning sage — also known as cleansing — is an ancient spiritual ritual. Certain types of sage have antimicrobial properties and may provide additional benefits. Where did the practice originate? Distinct from cleansing, smudging has been well established as a Native American cultural or tribal practice, although not all groups practice it. We have the traditions of many Native American peoples, including the Lakota, Chumash, and Cahuilla, to thank for its use. Many other cultures around the world share similar rituals. Read on to learn more about the benefits of burning sage and how you can use it to improve your overall well-being. It may be purifying The most commonly used types of sage have antimicrobial properties, which means they may keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay. White prairie sage (technically a mugwort species, Artemisia ludoviciana) is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. White sage (an actual sage, Salvia apiana) is also antimicrobial. And both have been shown to repel insects. It may help relieve the symptoms of some conditions It turns out that sage may help clear the air of lots more than bugs and bacteria. Though scientifically unproven, burning sage is thought to release negative ions, which are said to help neutralize positive ions. Common positive ions are allergens like: pet dander pollution dust mold If this is the case, burning sage may be a blessing for those with asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. However, inhaling the smoke during the cleansing process can aggravate any respiratory condition. Wait until the smoke clears before going into the room. It can be a spiritual tool Burning sage has long been used to connect to the spiritual realm or enhance intuition. In traditional cultures, burning sage is used by healers and laypeople to achieve a healing state or to solve or reflect upon spiritual dilemmas. This may also have some scientific basis. Certain types of sage, including salvia sages and white prairie sage, contain thujone. It may help dispel negative energy Burning sage may also be used as a ritual tool to rid yourself or your space of negativity. This includes past traumas, bad experiences, or negative energies from others. This may help you establish a positive environment for meditation or another ritual. Choosing to sit and let go of negative thoughts in a ritual like this sets your intention and dedication to self-improvement. Choosing to engage in ritual can be the beginning of your change in mindset. It can cleanse or empower specific objects Burning sage creates fragrant smoke, which is central to its benefits. You can use this incense to cleanse yourself or specific spaces. Or, according to some sources, you can cleanse specific objects. This can be useful with new purchases, gifts, or secondhand items. However, any item can be cleansed. If you have any concern with negative history or energy attached to a new or unfamiliar object, burning sage may help bring peace of mind and make the object more sacred to you. It may help improve your mood Tradition suggests that burning sage can literally lift one's spirits to banish negativity. Some research supports this. A 2014 study documented white prairie sage (also known as estafiate) as an important traditional remedy for treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in certain cultures. It may help soothe stress If burning sage can lift one's mood, it could also be a great ally against stress. A 2016 research project for the University of Mississippi established that white sage (Salvia apiana) is rich in compounds that activate certain receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for elevating mood levels, reducing stress, and even alleviating pain. It may improve the quality of your sleep Burning sage has been traditionally used to safeguard against negativity that could interfere with sleep. Some research suggests that sage contains compounds that could help ease insomnia. Classic garden sage (Salvia officinalis) is sometimes burned like white sage. It's also been used to improve sleep and soothe anxiety. It may help boost cognition In addition to dissipating negative energy, improving mood, and strengthening intuition, burning sage might improve your memory and focus. A 2016 review of studies noted that evidence for salvia's cognitive-enhancing benefits is promising, perhaps affecting dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, most of these studies analyzed salvia being taken internally, not burned. More research is needed. It can create an uplifting fragrance For some, this may be the best of all benefits: Sage is a lovely incense with a divine aroma, pure and simple. It also works great as a chemical-free air freshener or odor controller. How to prepare for a cleanse Before burning sage, some recommend setting intentions if cleansing for spiritual, energetic, and negativity-clearing purposes. Remove animals or people from the room. It's also important to leave a window open before, during, and after cleansing. This allows smoke to escape. Some believe smoke also takes impurities and negative energy with it, so don't skip this step. How to cleanse your living space, an object, and more These steps apply whether you're cleansing yourself, your home, or an object. You can cleanse any of these as often as you'd like. Light the end of a sage bundle with a match. Blow it out quickly if it catches on fire. The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke. With one hand, direct this smoke around your body and space while holding the bundle in the other. Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you'd like to focus on. Using a fan or a feather can also help direct the smoke, though this is optional. Allow the ash to collect in a ceramic bowl or shell. Cleanse your home or living space In this instance, direct sage smoke over all surfaces and spaces in your home or living area. Be thorough. Some recommend working in a clockwise direction around your home, ending back where you started, especially for spiritual purposes. Others recommend counterclockwise. Do what feels best for your situation and follow your intuition. Cleanse an object Direct smoke around and over the object of your choice. This can be done to a new item, such as jewelry, furniture, or clothing, to protect or dispel it of negative energy. Items related to negative experiences or memories may also be cleansed. Some people burn sage over special objects to acknowledge the object with sacred meaning. Aromatherapy You can also light and burn sage to improve odor, fragrance, and mood. Simply waft sage smoke in and around your home. You can place the bundle in a fireproof bowl or burner and allow it to smoke for a while. What to do after a cleanse Make sure your sage bundle is completely extinguished. You can do this by dabbing the lit end into a small bowl of ash or sand. Avoid using water, since it may be challenging to reignite sage if it is extinguished by water. Check the end closely to make sure there are no more embers burning. Once it's completely put out, store it in a safe, dry place out of the sun. Are there any side effects or risks? When done correctly and respectfully, burning sage is completely safe, and the effects last after the smoke clears. Be careful with sage when it's lit. If you aren't careful, burns and even fire is possible. Have water nearby. Never leave burning sage unattended. Make sure to put your sage bundle out completely after every use. Setting off smoke alarms is common. Consider this if burning sage in a public building. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to the smoke and have adverse reactions. Always leave a window open while burning sage. Inhaling smoke can be hazardous to your health. The bottom line Burning sage has many benefits as a spiritual practice. Some research supports certain health benefits of sage, such as antimicrobial properties and enhanced alertness, but more research is needed. There is very little research on burning sage as a practice beyond the cultural practice of the ritual.
San Francisco Chronicle
02-07-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Are you blaming Matt Williams for Giants' baserunning woes? Former coach won't have it
The thought was to discuss the art of coaching third base with a past master of that art. It is a relevant topic, with San Francisco Giants third-base coach Matt Williams in hot water with many fans and critics over several recent, ill-fated stay-or-go decisions. I should have known that seeking the wisdom of Tim Flannery would lead down a strange and mystical path, with a few side trips for laughs. Flannery was the Giants' third-base coach under manager Bruce Bochy from 2007 to '14. Flannery's rep: Fearless, but not reckless. Scientific, but soulful. His style? Enthusiastic. He would windmill a runner around third, then chase him home like the guy owed Flan money. Was he good? Three fat diamond rings don't lie. So, the right guy to talk to. But not easy to reach. When he's not on tour with his band, the Lunatic Fringe, Flannery and his wife Donna spend much of their time in a cabin overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in the rugged wilderness an hour's drive North of Santa Barbara. Power is by solar and propane, water is from a well, phone service is limited to texting. Flannery texts a video taken from his porch, of a friendly scuffle between a wildcat and a huge wild pig. Caption: 'Kids will be kids.' He says he is off the grid. 'We got guns and food and beans and surfboards.' I ask by text, Can we talk? His text: 'I can drive to the top of a mountain and call you at 3 o'clock, if that works.' It does, if you don't mind the wind whistling in the background. Or is it the sound of wandering souls? Flannery's cabin is in the wilds near Pt. Conception, the Western-most point in the continental U.S. 'The Chumash call this point the Gateway of the Souls, where all life enters and exits,' Flannery says. 'It's a sacred place. My favorite place in the world.' I look it up later. The Chumash name for Pt. Conception was 'Humqaq,' which means 'The raven comes.' In Chumash mythology, this point of land was the portal for dead souls to enter paradise, but in order for them to find their way, the souls had to discard their earthly eyes and receive their 'celestial eyes' from the ravens. Is it merely a wild coincidence that the most respectful denizen of this sacred place is a man who once directed lost souls towards their heavenly destination by being their celestial eyes? 'Hunter Pence would take off on a stolen base, he would never look, never know where the ball was,' says Flannery, sounding peeved. 'I would beg runners like him, 'Look, if you don't know where the ball is, you gotta promise me that as soon as you hear contact, you look at me, because you've brought me into the equation, let me try to get both of us out of this thing.' ' It was a tough job, coaching third for the Giants, as Flannery quickly learned. Halfway through his first spring training, the team attended a civic season-kickoff banquet. 'I had a couple glasses of wine and I had to go to the bathroom,' Flannery recalls. 'I went in and there was (then team owner) Peter Magowan, and he said, 'Well, you got another guy thrown out today.' And I kind of snapped on him, I said, 'Hey, if you wanted safety-first, you should have hired a school crossing guard.' ' When Flannery signed on with the Giants, he was already a seasoned third-base coach, but he studied hard under Giants legends Joey Amalfitano and Jim Davenport. He learned to play the Giants' quirky ballpark. 'Visiting players came in there, and they're dealing with the cold and the wind,' Flannery says, 'they're dealing with things they're not used to in places like Arizona and Houston, comfort areas, climate-controlled. You can sometimes take radical chances here, because you've done your homework.' Behind every green light or red light was a ton of that homework. If the Giants were in a heavy schedule with no days off and a short bullpen, Flannery would throw a couple extra ounces of caution to the wind to avoid extra innings, which would deplete the bullpen and compromise the team for days to come. Flannery watches the Giants on his solar-powered satellite TV, from his Lay-Z-Boy recliner, and he can feel the heat on Williams. It pisses him off, so recently, via social media, he engaged some of that infamous lunatic fringe of folks angry for the sake of being angry on those apps to join in the spirited debate over Matt Williams. 'I'd had enough, and I explained a few things to people, why you make decisions,' Flannery says. 'What I said to these people online was, 'For the last 15 years, this time of year, you all went on vacations, you all had picnics at the park. Matt Williams has been coaching third while you were going on your picnics, he's coached 15 years, he's probably got a pretty good idea why he sent the runner.' I can have conversation with people about this, but the only ones that really understand are former third-base coaches.' Remembering back, Flannery gets emotional, speaking loudly over the whistling wind. 'You line up nine coaches and you say, 'Who wants to coach third?' and eight guys are taking a step back. Unless you really dig it. There's times it's terrible, it's brutal. My daughter came up to San Francisco (from San Diego), it was her birthday, we were all going to go out to dinner. I couldn't go out, because I screwed up a game and I knew I screwed it up, and they were killing me on radio and TV. I told them, 'I just can't go, I can't go out in public and take this from people tonight. I'm not gonna discuss it with a plumber.' ' So Flannery sympathizes with Williams, who he says is a great third-base coach. He points out that the job is even harder now than when he coached, because pitchers don't hit, and because of the overwhelming presence of gambling, with big stakes riding on every run, even in a lopsided game. Last Sunday, heading to a music gig near Oracle Park, Flannery felt the old tension flooding back, in a good way. 'I loved it, I loved it,' he says. 'I still get, when guys make decisions, when they are in the right place to make the call, and they wait til the right moment, I get off on it. It is such an art.' For Flannery, it was also a physically-demanding job. He says he learned as a paperboy that you run faster when you're chased by an angry dog. So to make sure his baserunner knew the dog was angry, the old dog would chase him home, yelling. From his mountaintop perch on Hamqaq, Flannery screams into his phone: 'YOU'VE GOTTA F----G GOOOO!' I wonder if the crows circling nearby are listening to this strange being, and saying to one another, 'Well, that's one way to get 'em to heaven.'
USA Today
30-06-2025
- USA Today
10 things to do in Santa Ynez Valley that don't involve wine
Horseback riding at the Alisal Guest Ranch is one of the best non-wine things to do in the Santa Ynez Valley – Photo courtesy of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley Tucked between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains in Santa Barbara County, the Santa Ynez Valley is often synonymous with wine, thanks to nearly 300 wineries and tasting rooms (and a little movie called "Sideways"). But there's far more to the region than pinot noir and chardonnay. Just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles (or 45 minutes from Santa Barbara), this sun-drenched stretch of rolling hills, horse ranches, cowboy towns, and one Danish village is full of charm, wide-open skies, and plenty of things to do that don't involve vino. If you're like me, you might need a break from the tasting rooms; if you're like my friends, you have kids in tow who need to be entertained. It's good to have some balance. Here are 10 ways to spend the day around the Santa Ynez Valley without wine, including family-friendly activities, restaurants, and museums in Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton, and surrounding areas. Plus, we offer some hotel recommendations, which you'll need, whether you're drinking wine or not. Advertisement Windmills, Danish pastries, and half-timbered architecture give Solvang its fairy-tale vibe. Wander Mission Drive through the center of town for charming boutiques, clog shops, and old-world bakeries (my favorite for Danish is Mortensen's Bakery). Duck into one of the museums — from the Hans Christian Andersen Museum to the Solvang Motorcycle Museum — or grab an abelskiver before grabbing a photo beneath the windmill in the center of town. Go full cowboy in Santa Ynez The tiny town of Santa Ynez feels like a sepia-toned postcard. Think frontier-style storefronts, dusty wooden boardwalks, and hitching posts with actual horses. But the vibe is elevated with art galleries, coffee bars, and excellent restaurants. At KJ Murphy's Custom Hatter & Mercantile, get a custom-made hat that's shaped to fit your head and styled just for you. Visit the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum to explore the Old West and the area's rich ranching history. Every June, Old Santa Ynez Days features parties, parades, and a rodeo. Learn about the native people and lands This museum and cultural center preserves the rich history and vibrant culture of the Chumash people – Photo courtesy of Mimi Fuenzalida / Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center At the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, go back in time before the ranchers arrived. The museum and cultural center honors the 8,000‑year legacy of the Chumash people. Designed to echo traditional tule 'ap, the LEED-certified building weaves immersive galleries, native gardens, and community‑inspired storytelling into a soulful, thought‑provoking visit. Hit the spa Pampering is part of the valley pace. Find massage services, facials, and relaxing vibes at the Lavender Barn at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern in Los Olivos. The spa at Chumash Casino Resort offers luxe treatments and private cabanas, while small boutique hotels like The Genevieve have more intimate experiences. Think eucalyptus steam, lavender oils, and vineyard views — without the vino. OstrichLand USA is a quirky, fun, and definitely unforgettable experience in the Santa Ynez Valley. Feed ostriches and emus, learn about the giant birds, and snap pics as they strut like runway models with feathers to match. It's part roadside attraction, part educational stop, and an easy hit with kids and grown-ups alike. For more animal fun, visit the farm at Vega Vineyard and Farm, where kids can feed chickens, goats, and more. Hike the trails The rolling hills around Santa Ynez Valley are filled with trails and views for days – Photo courtesy of Lesley Balla Framed by mountains and rolling hills, there's no shortage of hikes around Santa Ynez Valley, from easy walking paths to challenging hikes surrounded by wildflowers and views as far as the ocean. The in-and-out Lake Cachuma Sweetwater Trail offers stunning lakeside vistas, and the easy hike at Nojoqui Falls Park is always a popular choice. You'll find more rigorous trails with wow-worthy views along Gaviota Peak and Grass Mountain. Advertisement At Vino Vaqueros, saddle up for a guided ride through rolling hills, shady oaks, and golden meadows. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, the views and pace are pure California calm. Rides are private and tailored — just you, the horse, and the Santa Ynez sun. If you do feel like sipping wine, rides come with two complimentary tastes after the trek (not during). Guests of the Alisal Guest Ranch can also enjoy horseback riding on the property. Take a hot air balloon ride Sky's the Limit Ballooning offers rides above vineyards, ranches, and coastal mountains around the valley. The two-hour experience (one hour in the air) is peaceful, magical, and a breathtaking way to see the landscape unfold. Keep your eyes peeled for foxes, deer, and other wildlife below. If you stay at the Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort in Solvang, the members-only Ranch Course is a premier setting with ancient oaks lining the fairways and mountains framing every hole. La Purisima Golf Course, located in nearby Lompoc, is a local favorite, boasting rolling terrain and a peaceful, uncrowded feel that's perfect for both casual and serious golfers. Eat like a local Bell's in Los Alamos offers some of the best food in the Santa Ynez Valley – Photo courtesy of Carter Hiyama Each town in the Santa Ynez Valley has its unique character and charm, and the restaurant scene follows suit. A few highlights include Michelin-worthy meals at Coast Range in Solvang, notable Bell's in Los Alamos, and sibling Bar Le Cote in Los Olivos. The latter has an incredible happy hour. A platter of freshly shucked oysters and killer fries are my go-to. Family-friendly stalwarts include Full of Life Foods, where pizza reigns supreme (but don't miss the seasonal menu items). For breakfast pastries, stellar sandwiches, and grab-and-go delights, get to Bob's Well Bread in Los Alamos and Ballard early. Things sell out fast! Seasonal salads, handmade pastas, and pizza are hallmarks of S.Y. Kitchen – Photo courtesy of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley Dinner at Hitching Post 2 in Buellton features Santa Maria-style steaks, hearty side dishes, and a down-home crowd; it's also the most "Sideways" famous restaurant in the valley. S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez offers a unique blend of farmhouse vibes and handmade Italian specialties, including wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads. Advertisement Where to stay in Santa Ynez Valley A stay at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern is a perfect Santa Ynez Valley getaway – Photo courtesy of Lesley Balla The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection: This historic 1886 stagecoach-turned-luxury retreat in Los Olivos boasts a laid-back, elegant country-chic vibe. The Inn at Matttei's Tavern features reimagined cottages and studios with patios, spa, poolside cabanas, fire pits throughout the property, and a fantastic restaurant and bar. Don't miss experiences like a watercolor class under the water tower, making hats and olive oil, and the weekly winemakers' event at the bar, which brings locals and guests together for a lively happy hour. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort: Nestled on 10,500 acres in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Ranch blends the Old West with modern-luxe comfort. Think cozy cottages with fireplaces, a lake for fishing, tennis, plus 50 miles of horseback trails. Nightly rates include breakfast and dinner at any of the three all-day restaurants. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Fess Parker Wine Country Inn: A staple in the heart of Los Olivos, the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn features 19 boutique-style rooms, a restaurant, a garden with firepits, and a heated pool. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. The Skyview Hotel is full of vibes in Los Alamos – Photo courtesy of Lesley Balla Skyview Los Alamos: You'll see the big, yellow sign from Highway 101 beckoning like a retro roadside motel, but the Skyview Hotel is a boutique stay with desert-cool vibes, a refreshing pool, and starlit patios. Meeting fellow guests around the firepits is part of the charm. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Hotel Ynez: A stay at Hotel Ynez is an intimate Solvang retreat featuring firepits, a heated pool, and ample outdoor lounging space. The rooms have clean lines and modern touches. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Santa Ynez Valley Marriott: This Marriott in Buellton offers easy access off Highway 101, ample rooms for groups, and is a popular choice for families traveling through the area.
