Base: Skyview Motel a funky, inexpensive place in Los Alamos. There are other places to stay in Los Alamos and Buellton. I'll post separately about that.
Friday night February 5 - we'll hang out at the Skyview. There is a kitchen, so we can make a simple dinner of pasta and salad or something along those lines (or maybe sandwiches? Ideas?)
Saturday February 6: wine tasting during the day... I am thinking the Foxen Canyon area but, we could also go to Mosby (all Italian varietals) Palmina (also all Italian varietals) and maybe a third stop at Alma Rosa (delicious Pinot Noir.) Krista and I will put our heads together for the perfect winetasting day.
In Buellton, down the road a stretch (11 miles or something not too bad) Days Inn Buellton (This is where Miles and Jack stayed in "Sideways" - I've stayed there. It's OK. It's a Days Inn.) Marriott Santa Ynez Valley Definitely the nicest place to stay in Buellton. Pea Soup Andersens I've never stayed here, but if you like canned pea soup this is the place for you. Plus handy billboards will mark your progress from LA or SF to this spot.
There are lots of places in Solvang too, if one of these does not appeal.
We are on the fence for this years event, and will have to wait til we are closer to the 5th of Feb.. Thanks for doing the event this year regardless, Shannon. W&R
Posts: 3854 | Location: Monterey Peninsula, California, USA | Registered: 07 September 2003
We might like to do the whole Saturday thing, depending on what the "free" babysitter's plans are. We'd probably just drive up and back since it's close enough to home. I'll start doing some begging.
~Rebecca~
Posts: 123 | Location: Ventura, CA | Registered: 12 April 2006
Sounds like you guys are going to have a great time. Sorry we can't be there this year.
Deborah Horn In a previous life I was an Umbrian sunflower farmer. I want to do a past life regression and stay there. ----------------------------------- www.petsburg.com My blog: Old Shoes - New Trip
Posts: 5590 | Location: St. Louis, MO | Registered: 04 September 2001
We are planning to attend but will not be a for sure till closer to the date. I think heavy appetizers would be good for Friday night. that is one of our favorite meals .
Originally posted by Shannon: What should we do for dinner on Friday? I'll work on the other details with Krista this weekend.
Heavy appetizers maybe? Everyone bring their favorite small bite? And a couple of desserts?
Just suggestions - I am up for anything the group wants. I know we will always have lots of wine!
I have a bunch of those plastic plates you get at winetastings with an opening for your wine glass. I also have a bunch of wine glasses boxed up. Shall I bring those?
Just checking the weather report for next weekend in Santa Barbara County, and it looks like there will definitely be rain - or "showers" as they put it. I guess that's better than if they said "rain" or "thunderstorms".
So, I guess we had better prepare to be indoors in the tasting rooms rather than outside overlooking the vineyards. Oh well, there's always the wine to keep us happy!
Larry has come down with the Cold From Hell (I think we've all had it this Winter) and is running behind on his reviews, so he's not heading to SLO for another week or two. He thanks everyone for the welcome, and perhaps we'll both make it to a future one.
Awww, Amy, I'm so sorry we won't be able to meet Larry. I hope both of you feel better soon.
Shannon, I will be in Paso for a couple of days before coming down to Los Alamos, so I can get there anytime. Probably about 3 or whenever they will let me check in.
I am going to make my old standby - sundried tomato and kalamata spread with goat cheese on baguette bread. I may also get some cheeses for a cheese plate. In fact, count on that!
Let me know if I should stop for anything in Paso while I am there. I will probably stop at TJ's in Templeton on my way to Los Alamos, so I can pick up whatever else you can think of there.
Shannon's right. It is the cold from hell. Mine's still in the "getting worse" stage, and Frank mentioned a scratchy throat this morning, so I think we may be no-shows.
Damn. I was really looking forward to seeing everyone and to winetasting in a new area!
Well i am sorry but we too are going to be no shows. I now have to work till 3pm on friday (which is a good thing ). With the rain and other factors, we have decided it best not to go. I, like Chris, was really looking forward to this area of wine tasting, since we have not done it. Have fun and will see you Sat. night in SD. I hope all of you feel better!!
I have been watching this thread, and am terribly sorry to see so many not feeling well. We are still in the coughing stage, so understand. Drink lots of water ... and whatever else you can find.
I hope at least a few will make it this weekend, and for those who do ... enjoy.
Wendy and Rob
Posts: 3854 | Location: Monterey Peninsula, California, USA | Registered: 07 September 2003
Charity, we have already made reservations and people are coming from afar, so no we cannot postpone. There can always be another one if someone wants to set it up. If Palma and Brad and Nancy would rather not come then maybe we shouldn't do it, but I think they all are planning on coming.
There is wifi at the Skyview Motel! This place is super cute. The "rec" room has lots of tables and great views. We definitely need to do another one of these up here - there is a party room included (with pool and ping pong!)
Waiting for Palma and Brad, then we will start to eat and drink.
Slow Travel Talk 
