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Monthly Newsletter | January 2024

Welcome to the January 2024 edition our monthly newsletter,
your guide to the very best of our stunning region!

As we step into the new year with fresh aspirations and renewed spirits, let’s embark on an adventure that takes us through the picturesque trails, indulgent flavors, and exquisite wines that define our beloved county. In this issue, we’ll take you on a scenic hike to rejuvenate your senses, introduce you to a must-visit restaurant that promises a culinary delight, explore a renowned winery where the vines tell their own story, and share a delectable recipe to bring a taste of San Luis Obispo into your own kitchen. Let’s make this year one of discovery and appreciation for the bountiful beauty and vibrant community right at our doorstep!

HIKE OF THE MONTH

BOG THISTLE TRAIL
Irish Hills Natural Preserve

The Bog Thistle Trail, part of the Irish Hills Natural Reserve in SLO, offers a picturesque hiking experience through the scenic landscapes of the Coast Ranges.

The Bog Thistle Trail offers an immersive nature experience within the Irish Hills Natural Reserve. With its recent expansion and connection to other trails, it provides a diverse hiking experience suitable for various skill levels and interests.

The trail begins at the Prefumo Canyon Trailhead and winds through the Irish Hills, presenting hikers with stunning views over San Luis Obispo, Los Osos Valley, and the distinctive Nine Sisters, a series of ancient volcanic plugs​​. The trail is well-marked and connects with Mariposa Trail, which is shared with mountain bikes, and Mine Trail, providing various options for hikers to explore the area further​​.

Recent developments have seen the City of San Luis Obispo adding an additional 1.3 miles to the Bog Thistle Trail, extending it further into the upper regions of the Irish Hills and enhancing the hiking experience with new vistas and terrains​​. This expansion is part of a broader effort to improve and extend the network of trails within the Irish Hills Natural Reserve.

The trail itself is part of a larger network within the Irish Hills Natural Reserve, a substantial area in the foothills of San Luis Obispo offering over 7 miles of trails. The reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems and is a popular spot for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts.

The Bog Thistle Trail, in particular, is a moderate hike, with the entire loop around the reserve being 3.4 miles long and featuring an elevation gain of approximately 777 feet. On average, it takes about 2 hours to complete the hike, making it an accessible option for those looking for a morning or afternoon outing. The trail is also dog-friendly, allowing hikers to bring their canine companions along for the adventure​​.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk to enjoy the panoramic views or a more challenging hike, the Bog Thistle Trail and the surrounding reserve offer a valuable escape into the beauty of SLO County.

BOG THISTLE TRAILHEAD
Prefumo Canyon Road
(~1.5 Miles West of Los Osos Valley Road)
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

🥾 3.4 Mile Out & Back
〽️ 777’
🦮 Dogs Allowed (On Leash)
🚵‍♂️ Mountain Biking Not Allowed

RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

FINCA PASO ROBLES

Finca, located in Paso Robles, California, is a casual yet notable dining destination that adds a unique flavor to the region’s burgeoning culinary scene.

Finca stands out as a must-visit spot in Paso Robles, offering a blend of ambiance, tradition, and culinary innovation. Its focus on farm-to-fork Mexican cuisine with big flavors makes it a noteworthy addition to the area’s dining scene, reflecting the evolving tastes and culinary diversity of California’s Central Coast​​.

Emphasizing Baja and Sonora style cuisine, Finca is particularly recognized for its wood-grilled seafood and carne asada. This restaurant offers an array of dishes that capture the essence of Mexican coastal and ranch-style cooking, providing a taste that is both traditional and regionally inspired​​​​.

Nestled in the historic farmhouse of the Old Hometown Nursery in Paso Robles, the setting of Finca is as inviting as its menu. The space has been transformed into a hacienda-styled farmhouse, where guests can unwind on a fire-lit patio or inside the newly designed interior, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal with a cold beer or glass of wine​​​​. The restaurant’s location not only adds to its charm but also places it within the heart of a region known for its wine, which has recently started to gain recognition for its dining options as well​​.

Finca’s commitment to quality and tradition extends beyond its menu. The restaurant is the latest project from the owners of La Taquiza, a Napa-based Mexican restaurant that has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide. This pedigree assures diners of a dining experience that combines authentic flavors with a commitment to culinary excellence​​​​.

FINCA PASO ROBLES
1803 Spring Street
Suite A
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Monday – Saturday
11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WINERY OF THE MONTH

DAOU VINEYARDS

At DAOU Vineyards you can expect to experience an enchanting blend of luxurious wine tasting, breathtaking views of Paso Robles’ rolling hills, and a personal connection to the rich, passionate history of the Daou family’s winemaking journey.

DAOU Vineyards, a testament to the power of dreams and determination, was founded in 2007 by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou in the Paso Robles region of California.

This winery is not just a business but a realization of the Daou brothers’ childhood dream, deeply rooted in their family’s love and values. The story of DAOU begins with their parents, Joseph and Marie, who, after a whirlwind romance in Beirut, Lebanon, raised their family amidst the cosmopolitan flair of the city, known then as the Paris of the Middle East. Joseph turned his father’s carpentry business into a successful enterprise, instilling in his children a sense of entrepreneurship and resilience​​.

However, the onset of the Lebanese civil war in 1973 marked a dramatic turn in their lives. After a missile struck their home, the family endured serious injuries and hardship. By 1975, seeking peace and a brighter future, they moved to France, where Joseph’s newfound passion for wine began to shape the brothers’ destiny. Surrounded by vineyards and centuries of winemaking tradition, Georges and Daniel dreamt of a life in wine​​.

Daniel, who had been experimenting with winemaking in his garage, convinced Georges to embark on this journey with him. They bought a property in Paso Robles, driven by the conviction that they could produce one of the world’s best wines​​.

In pursuit of their American dream, they moved to California in the early 1980s, where they initially embarked on a successful career in technology, founding DAOU Systems. But the call of winemaking never faded. By 1998, having sold their technology company, they were ready to pursue their winemaking dream fully.

Today, DAOU Vineyards stands as a luxury wine brand, recognized for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines and immersive luxury experiences. Daniel, as the winemaker, combines his engineering skills with an artist’s touch to cultivate the purest expression of DAOU Mountain’s terroir. He is dedicated to producing California First Growth Cabernet Sauvignons and becoming an ambassador for Bordeaux varieties on the Central Coast​​.

DAOU Family Estates
2777 Hidden Mountain Rd.
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Open Daily
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

CHEF’S CORNER

ORANGE JUICE SMOOTHIE

By Chef Candice Custodio

Whether you’re participating in Dry January or you’re just looking to kick off the year with something refreshing this Orange Juice Smoothie is absolutely perfect! It is easy and quick to make and it is also a great addition to your daily routine. Take a sip and it may also remind you of one of your favorite juice stalls at the mall. 

PRINT THE RECIPE

Chef Candice Custodio

A Cal Poly Alumni, Chef Candice Custodio is a Los Angeles native now permanently residing on the Central Coast. She has held various positions as an Executive Chef, Restaurant/Menu Consultant, Private Chef, and has been featured on the Food Network’s Chopped. She is currently the Chef at Kindred Oak Farm in Paso Robles, and owner and chef of Club SupSup.

EVENT CALENDAR

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11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Open House

Central Coast Aquarium
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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!

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We love San Luis Obispo County, and created this site as a guide for visitors and locals to explore everything this county has to offer.  Whether you are looking for beaches, wineries, mountains, great food and drink, fun, events, or sunshine, you can find it all in our small piece of paradise.

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