It’s spring break season and if you want to take your family or significant other on an adventure, I have the perfect place for you to go to. In between Santa Barbara and Santa Ynes Valley you will find a small town called Buellton, California. Buellton is only 10 miles to the beach and about 10 minutes from the popular Village Square of Solvang. There are so many hidden gems in this cute town, and I was able to experience them, now I am so excited to share them with you!
Where to stay:
First thing you will need to find the perfect place to stay, and I cannot recommend the Hampton by Hilton enough! It’s right off Highway 101, with beautiful hillside views, spacious rooms and only a few minutes away from some of the most delicious restaurants in town and wineries. The hotel also provides daily free hot breakfast and WIFI.
Things to do:
There are plenty of activities to do in Buellton with your family or friends. Plan an unforgettable river horseback ride at SYV Horseback Rides. They offer a variety of horseback rides for adults and children. They even have the cutest “unicorn” named Marshmallow and have a petting zoo you and your littles will enjoy this spring! SYV Horseback Rides is such an amazing company that take former champions in racing, show, rodeo horses, and they rehabilitate them and give them a new life to live. Click here to schedule a ride next time you find yourself in Buellton.
If you want to get creative while enjoying some wine, you need to sign up for the BYOB Sip-n-Spin at Community Clayworks. Ms. Veronica who is the founder of Clayworks makes this experience such a fun one whether you are a beginner or have some knowledge in pottery. She offers classes for kids, beginners, intermediate. If you are looking for something more of a girl’s night out type of event, she has options to host a party. Click here to learn more about her workshops and to book your next class.
Are you into automobile memorabilia, then you need to check out The Medenhall Museum! This was one of my absolute favorite spots to visit, I felt like a little kid in an adult version of Carsland. The Madenhall Museum is a private collection of gasoline pumps, globes, race cars, license plates and other miscellaneous antiques. This collection was started over fifty years ago by the late Jack Mendenhall and is carried on today by his son and daughter in law, Mark and Vickie. You can visit the museum by booking a private tour in advance. Just call (805) 689-2402. There is a $15 donation per person for tours.
Want to feed Ostriches and Emus then head over to Ostrich Land, a central coast landmark that you will not want to miss out on. These birds are rare and unique and quite a sight to see in person. Here you will be able to feed the ostriches and emus, or you can stand back and watch these beautiful creatures. Ostrich Land makes it a fun experience by letting you be up close and personal with the birds all while making it safe environment for all. This is the perfect place to visit with little ones and even friends! You can also go inside their shop to look at some ostrich and emu eggs and pick up some fun souvenirs.
Last you will want to visit the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden. We had breakfast here on our last day and went for a stroll through the garden afterwards. I can only imagine how beautiful it looks in full bloom. They have some cute photo ops but what stood out the most was their wishing tree. People come here from everywhere to put their wishes on this tree. You will find a bag with all the things you need to write down your wish and hang it. Make sure to add this stop to your trip while you are in Buellton and cheers to all our wishes coming true!
I hope that you will love this hidden gem as much as I did and stay tune for part two of Discover Buellton with Me in which I have recommendations on wineries and restaurants to visit while you’re there.
