ALONG COMES MARY

While some may recall Paso Robles, California and its surrounding areas as not much more than cattle ranches and agricultural life, think again. Much like nearby Santa Maria, Paso Robles has come into the wine and travel scene with a vengeance with an adorable downtown, five star restaurants and wine tasting to boot.

Just under three hours north of LA, Paso Robles is an ideal weekend getaway. In addition to their many offerings, its also your gateway to such Central Coast gems as Cambria and Hearst Castle. Read onto discover where I love to stay, wine and dine when I head up the 101!

STAY

The Hampton Inn and Suites was a perfect choice for us to lay our heads down and rest up post-adventures. A great and friendly front desk staff, make sure to mention if you plan to wine taste as they’re more than happy to give suggestions and many times, provide you with a perk or discount. Our room was cozy, with a kitchenette and spacious bathroom. Their complimentary warm breakfast hits the spot perfectly, too.

Just adjacent to the hotel was a shopping center with a grocery store and Target, which is somewhat humorous as Mike and I have come to find that any trip of ours, we always end up having a date night at one. Even in Maui and Memphis. It was comforting to continue that tradition in Paso Robles!

EAT

As someone who is pretty into healthy eating and searching out the best organic restaurants, the Central Coast has become a phenomenal source for such cuisine. Take Thomas Hill Organics, for starters. All meats, dairy, vegetables and fruits are literally from their backyard, with a farm nearby their downtown Paso location. The salads and desserts always boast what is in season, and their entrees are downright works of art. Owner, Debbie Thomas, takes great pride in her restaurants, and now has a 2^nd location in nearby San Luis Obispo.

When you awake and are in need of some serious breakfast, take a drive over to Cambria, about a half hour from Hampton Inn, and treat yourself to a meal at Linn’s Restaurant. When you enter the Linn Family’s restaurant (also home of the Olallieberry), you can feel the strong town ties and connections, and it seems everyone knows eachother’s names. Manager, Aaron Linn, is one of the kindest hosts we’ve met, and be ready to enjoy nearly anything on the menu, even if you are gluten free. Aaron’s mom has Celiac, and they have made it an extra special point to have plenty of choices for everybody. Don’t miss the abalone, too.

PLAY

It may sound cliché, but, no trip to Paso Robles is complete without a stop at San Simeon’s Hearst Castle. A California landmark, the Hearst Castle is such an exquisite and unique piece of California “gold”. With several tours available, I recommend blocking out enough time for at-least two of their tours, one being the Grand Rooms tour.

WINE

We all know my love for Downtown LA’s San Antonio Winery. Lucky for us all, San Antonio also has a location in the heart of Paso Robles. Definitely a different vibe from their historic LA location, San Antonio Paso Robles gives you the chance to see some of their vineyards, and learn more of their roots and how they came to expand to their roots to more locations.

And, for a really unique wine experience, make an appointment at Record Family Wines. Exquisite wines (especially the Viognier’s and Rose’s) and very small productions, Record Family Wines also hosts events each season. Learn more about The Records and visit them soon!

Have you visited Paso Robles? Let me know where you hit up when you arrive on the Central Coast!

(*Disclosure: I attended a media visit to experience some of the businesses and accommodations listed in this article. All opinions are my own and a huge thank you to Travel Paso Robles, Thomas Hill Organics, Linn’s and Hearst Castle.)