MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2024
Welcome to the august 2024 edition of our newsletter!
Explore the best of San Luis Obispo County this month with our handpicked highlights! Whether you’re craving a scenic hike, a delectable meal at a local restaurant, a tasting at a top-notch winery, or an exciting event to add to your calendar, we’ve got you covered. Our selections are sure to inspire your next adventure in this beautiful region. Dive in to discover what makes SLO County a true gem on the Central Coast.
HIKE OF THE MONTH
HARMONY HEADLANDS
Harmony Headlands State Park in Cayucos, CA, offers a beautiful coastal hike that’s both accessible and rewarding. This trail is a must for those who want to experience the natural beauty of California’s Central Coast without the crowds. It’s an easy to moderate hike that showcases the region’s stunning landscapes, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
The main trail at Harmony Headlands State Park is an out-and-back path that spans approximately 4.5 miles round trip. The trail takes you through a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, coastal scrub, and grassy meadows, while ending with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The hike is relatively flat, with an elevation gain of about 100 feet, making it a comfortable trek for most hikers. However, be prepared for some uneven ground as the trail is unpaved and can be rocky in sections.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll be treated to stunning views, especially as you approach the coastline. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; the area is home to a variety of birds, including hawks, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a whale off the coast during migration season. The landscape also features a variety of native plants, including coastal sagebrush and wildflowers in the spring.
While the trail is well-maintained, it’s important to watch your step, especially after rain, as the path can become muddy and slippery. The coastal breeze can be strong, so dressing in layers is advisable. Sun protection is also key, as the trail offers little shade.
The trailhead for Harmony Headlands is easy to find. It’s located off Highway 1, about halfway between Cayucos and Cambria near Harmony. Look for the small parking lot on the ocean side of the highway. The entrance is well-marked with a sign, and there’s a short walk from the parking area to the start of the trail. Parking is free, but it can be limited, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Harmony Headlands State Park offers a peaceful escape into nature, with sweeping coastal views and a relatively easy hike that rewards you with the sights and sounds of the Pacific. Whether you’re looking for a serene walk or a place to enjoy a picnic with a view, this trail is a perfect choice for anyone exploring the Central Coast.
Tips for Hikers
- Timing: The trail is open year-round, but mornings and late afternoons are the best times to hike, especially during the warmer months. Early morning hikes offer cooler temperatures and a better chance of spotting wildlife.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as parts of the trail can be rocky and uneven.
- Water: Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. There are no water sources along the trail, so be sure to stay hydrated.
- Respect the Environment: The area is a protected state park, so remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace. Stick to the designated trail to preserve the surrounding habitat.
- Facilities: There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so plan accordingly before you arrive.
RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH
the porch
The Porch is more than just a place to eat; it’s a gathering spot, a home away from home, and a testament to the hard work and vision of its owners. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee or settling in for a leisurely meal, The Porch offers a warm, welcoming environment where you can relax and enjoy the best of what Santa Margarita has to offer.
The Porch in Santa Margarita, CA, is a beloved local spot known for its warm atmosphere, delicious food, and the dedication of its newest owners, Nikki and Trevor. In its 15+ year history, The Porch has become a cornerstone of the Santa Margarita community, offering a welcoming space where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink. These days Nikki and Trevor have continued that spirit of community that embody the charm and spirit of Santa Margarita, making The Porch “the best its ever been”.
Nikki and Trevor are the heart and soul of The Porch. Their passion for good food and community is evident in everything they do. Nikki, with her background in hospitality, ensures that every guest feels welcome and well cared for. Her friendly demeanor and attention to detail have helped make The Porch a favorite spot for many.
Trevor, who has a deep love for cooking, brings his culinary expertise to the table, crafting dishes that are both comforting and creative. His commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients is a big part of what makes the food at The Porch so special. Together, Nikki and Trevor have created a café that reflects their love for Santa Margarita and their dedication to their craft.
The menu at The Porch Café is a delightful mix of comfort food and innovative dishes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast offers staples like pastries and toast alongside burritos and breakfast sandwiches, and Coastal Peaks Organic Coffee. Lunch at The Porch offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and burgers, each crafted with care. The Porch Burger, made with locally sourced beef and topped with house-made pickles, is a fan favorite, and the fish and chips are some of the best in Northern SLO County.
In addition to the regular menu, The Porch offers elevated bar bites that reflect the creativity of Trevor and the kitchen. From Bacon Wrapped Dates to Steak Frites, Grilled Pork Ribs, and Crispy Wings, the bar bites keep the menu exciting for regulars and newcomers alike.
WINERY OF THE MONTH
MITCHELLA WINERY
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or new to the world of wine, Mitchella Winery offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Paso Robles and its renowned AVA.
Mitchella Winery, located in the heart of Paso Robles, CA, is a family-owned and operated boutique winery that offers visitors a taste of the region’s rich viticultural history. Established by Angela and Darren Mitchell, Mitchella Winery combines a passion for winemaking with a dedication to sustainability and the production of high-quality, handcrafted wines. The winery is situated on a scenic property that provides panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills, characteristic of the Paso Robles AVA (American Viticultural Area).
Paso Robles AVA, known for its diverse microclimates and soil compositions, is one of California’s most acclaimed wine regions. Spanning over 600,000 acres, the AVA is home to more than 200 wineries, making it one of the largest AVAs in California. The region’s varied topography, which includes everything from valley floors to mountainous terrains, creates a unique environment where a wide range of grape varieties can thrive. The Paso Robles AVA is particularly known for its Rhône-style wines, as well as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Mitchella Winery takes full advantage of the Paso Robles AVA’s unique terroir, producing wines that reflect the distinctive characteristics of the region. The winery’s estate vineyards are planted with a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Viognier. These varietals are carefully cultivated to express the true essence of the Paso Robles region, with its warm days and cool nights that allow grapes to develop intense flavors while retaining balanced acidity.
The winery’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in its vineyard management and winemaking techniques. Mitchella Winery employs organic farming methods, minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers to protect the health of the vines and the surrounding ecosystem. This approach not only enhances the quality of the grapes but also ensures that the land remains productive for future generations.
In the tasting room, visitors can sample a range of wines that showcase the diversity and complexity of the Paso Robles AVA. The tasting experience at Mitchella Winery is intimate and relaxed, offering guests the opportunity to learn about the winemaking process and the unique attributes of each wine. Among the standout offerings are the Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its rich, full-bodied character, and the Syrah, which displays bold flavors of dark fruit and spice. The winery also produces a selection of Rhône-style blends that highlight the versatility of the Paso Robles terroir.
Mitchella Winery’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines has earned it a loyal following among wine enthusiasts and critics alike. The winery’s limited-production wines are highly sought after, making a visit to Mitchella Winery a must for anyone exploring the Paso Robles wine region.
SPECIAL EVENT SPOTLIGHT
crusin’ weekend in atascadero
CRUISIN’ WEEKEND is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Atascadero’s culture and community. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a music lover, or just looking for a fun night out, this event offers something for everyone. With its combination of classic cars, live entertainment, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, CRUISIN’ WEEKEND continues to be a highlight of the summer season in Atascadero.
This year Crusin’ Weekend kicks off with Hot El Camino Cruise Nights (one of Atascadero’s most anticipated summer events), turning the historic El Camino Real into a vibrant showcase of classic cars and community spirit. This annual event, held in August, celebrates car culture in the heart of downtown Atascadero, drawing enthusiasts from across the region.
This year the festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday with a dazzling array of vintage and custom vehicles, each one meticulously polished and presented. From muscle cars to hot rods, the cruise night offers a feast for the eyes for anyone with an appreciation for automotive craftsmanship as the classic cars take to the streets in a parade-like procession captivating both participants and spectators.
The festivities continue on Saturday with the Mid-State Cruizers Car Show taking place at Atascadero Lake Park from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This is any car lovers chance to check out the interior and exterior of the antique cars on display, with the owners often more than willing to share the stories and history behind the car and its care.
Later Saturday evening Cruisin’ Weekend goes out with a bang with its 8th annual Dancing in the Streets. Featuring five bands across two stages, local food and drink vendors, and community entertainment this is a party not to be missed!
EVENT CALENDAR
Events for September
2nd
Oceano Seabreeze Market
Live on the Rocks: Labor Day with Moonshiner Collective
Los Osos / Baywood Farmers Market
West Coast Swing Party at Avila Beach
Events for September
3rd
Oceano Seabreeze Market
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for September
4th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
Jazz Wednesdays
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for September
5th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for September
6th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
YOGA SERIES: Care for your Back & Body with Laura
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
SLO Concerts in the Plaza
A Town Art Hop
“Dining Around the World” Winemaker Dinner Series | Germany
Karaoke Party at Milestone Tavern!
Events for September
7th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
Catch of the Central Coast
Templeton Farmers Market
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for September
8th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
FAMILY FREE DAY: The Magic of Plants!
Family Fun Fair
Events for September
9th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
Los Osos / Baywood Farmers Market
Events for September
10th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for September
11th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
Jazz Wednesdays
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for September
12th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for September
13th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
YOGA SERIES: Care for your Back & Body with Laura
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Bracero Social Club at Libertine Brewing Company
Karaoke Party at Milestone Tavern!
Events for September
14th
Oceano Seabreeze Market
Templeton Farmers Market
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for September
17th
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Rodrigo y Gabriela LIVE at The Fremont Theater
Events for September
18th
Jazz Wednesdays
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for September
19th
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for September
20th
YOGA SERIES: Care for your Back & Body with Laura
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Family Fun Fridays! A FAMILY Dance Class
Karaoke Party at Milestone Tavern!
Events for September
21st
Templeton Farmers Market
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Makeshift Muse MISSION PLAZA MARKET
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
MC Magic LIVE at The Fremont Theater
Events for September
22nd
5 Element Tea & Wisdom Course: Seasonal Living from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Out & Savvy Lesbians Brunch
Events for September
24th
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for September
25th
Jazz Wednesdays
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for September
26th
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for September
27th
YOGA SERIES: Care for your Back & Body with Laura
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Karaoke Party at Milestone Tavern!
Events for September
28th
Templeton Farmers Market
Gems by the Sea
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for September
29th
Gems by the Sea
Barrel Room Concert Series: The Blimp Pilots
Barrel Room Concert Series: The Blimp Pilots
Events for October
1st
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH | GRAPE HARVEST RETREAT
Paso Robles Farmers Market
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
2nd
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH | GRAPE HARVEST RETREAT
Jazz Wednesdays
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Events for October
3rd
A WINEMAKER’S DUDE RANCH | GRAPE HARVEST RETREAT
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Events for October
4th
Central Coast Railroad Festival
YOGA SERIES: Care for your Back & Body with Laura
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
Karaoke Party at Milestone Tavern!
Events for October
5th
Central Coast Railroad Festival
Templeton Farmers Market
Free Docent Tours at SLOMA
Sunset Hike and Vineyard Tour
NEXT MONTH
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading our newsletter! ❤️
We’ll be back next month with even more ideas to hike around SLO County; a new restaurant and winery of the month; another extra special recipe from Chef Candice Custodio; and more special events you don’t want to miss!
See you next month!