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Monthly Newsletter | May 2024

Welcome to the May 2024 edition of our newsletter!

Welcome to this month’s edition of our monthly newsletter! Every issue, we journey through the scenic landscapes, culinary delights, and vibrant events that make our county truly unique. In this edition, we feature a breathtaking hike that promises to rejuvenate your spirit, a local restaurant where culinary craftsmanship meets comfort, and a winery where the vineyards tell their own story. Plus, don’t miss our special event highlight that captures the essence of our community spirit. Lastly, we are thrilled to present a custom recipe crafted by one of our esteemed local chefs, bringing a taste of San Luis Obispo right to your kitchen. Join us as we explore the best of our beloved county!



HIKE OF THE MONTH

MOONSTONE BEACH BOARDWALK

Moonstone Beach Boardwalk in Cambria, California, offers a quintessential coastal experience that encapsulates the natural beauty and serene ambiance of the Central California coastline.


Nestled between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Cambria is a small, picturesque seaside village, and the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is one of its crowning jewels. This scenic boardwalk stretches approximately one mile along the rugged Pacific shoreline, providing visitors with breathtaking views, an abundance of wildlife, and a peaceful retreat from the everyday hustle.

The boardwalk itself is a well-maintained wooden pathway that allows for leisurely walks along the edge of Moonstone Beach. As you stroll along, the ocean’s powerful waves crash against the rocky shore, creating a symphony of natural sounds that are both invigorating and calming. The area is named after the moonstones that can be found along the beach, small, smooth gem-like stones that have washed up on the shore, enchanting visitors with their beauty and uniqueness.

One of the most compelling reasons to visit the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is its accessibility to nature’s marvels. The boardwalk is a prime spot for whale watching, particularly during the migration seasons of gray whales, which typically occur from December to February and then again from March to May. Binoculars in hand, visitors can spot these majestic creatures from the boardwalk, making for a memorable and educational experience. Additionally, the area is home to a variety of seabirds, sea otters, and seals, providing ample opportunities for wildlife photography and observation.

The surrounding landscape is dotted with native plants and flowers that thrive in the coastal environment. These include sea lettuces, coastal sage, and the vibrant blooms of ice plants. The natural vegetation not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the boardwalk but also plays a crucial role in stabilizing the coastline and providing habitat for local wildlife.

Along the boardwalk, several benches and viewing areas are strategically placed to offer optimal views of the ocean and the surrounding scenery.

These spots are perfect for those wishing to pause and soak in the panoramic vistas, perhaps catching a glimpse of the sunset or sunrise, which paints the sky in dramatic hues of orange and purple.

For those interested in extending their visit, Moonstone Beach offers a range of accommodations from cozy bed and breakfasts to upscale hotels, many of which provide ocean views and easy access to the boardwalk. The town of Cambria itself is just a short drive away and features charming boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants that highlight local cuisine, particularly seafood.

The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is not only a place for physical relaxation but also a venue for mental rejuvenation. The soothing sounds of the waves, the refreshing ocean breeze, and the stunning natural beauty create a meditative environment where one can clear their mind and reconnect with nature.

Moonstone Beach Boardwalk in Cambria is more than just a pathway along the coast; it is a destination where nature’s beauty is on full display. Whether you are an avid nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful spot to unwind, the boardwalk offers a rich and satisfying experience that captures the essence of California’s enchanting coastline.

RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

THE OAK GRILL

Whether you’re staying at Hotel Cerro or just passing through San Luis Obispo, The Oak Grill offers a dining experience that celebrates the local agricultural bounty and culinary artistry of the Central Coast, and worth adding to your list of new restaurants to try in 2024.


Located in the vibrant heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, Hotel Cerro offers a luxurious stay halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

This hotel is not just a place to stay but a destination itself, with sixty-five luxurious rooms and suites that provide picturesque views of the downtown area, surrounding mountains, and the hotel’s Edible Gardens.

The amenities at Hotel Cerro include a rooftop pool, a spa, outdoor furniture, and a fitness center, ensuring a stay filled with relaxation and indulgence​​​​.

Within this charming hotel lies The Oak Grill, a restaurant that embodies the essence of California coastal cuisine, with a focus on sourcing from local bounties and blending international flavors.

The restaurant prides itself on offering mainstay dishes customized with ingredients sourced from the abundant agricultural life of the Central Coast, including hand-picked selections from the hotel’s own Edible Gardens.

The award-winning chefs at The Oak Grill aim to provide guests with a journey of discovery through each taste and drink​​.

We were recently invited to Sunday Brunch at The Oak Grill, and were so impressed with everything from the decor to the delicious food. Every detail, small or significant, was thought through and made for an incredible meal and wonderful experience.

Our Order

Seasonal Berry French Toast
Latte

Berry Apple Pressed Juice
Three Egg Breakfast

WINERY OF THE MONTH

HALTER RANCH

Halter Ranch Winery, nestled in the heart of the Adelaida District of the Paso Robles AVA, stands as a beacon of viticultural excellence and innovation.


Halter Ranch, which sprawls over a vast 2,000-acre estate with 281 acres planted under vine, offers a striking representation of the region’s potential in producing world-class wines. The unique terroir of Halter Ranch, characterized by its calcareous limestone soils and a climate tempered by cool maritime breezes, sets the stage for growing premium Bordeaux and Rhône varieties.

The history of Halter Ranch begins in the late 19th century when the property was part of a 3,600-acre holding owned by businessman Edwin Smith. The modern era of the ranch, however, commenced in 2000 when entrepreneur Hansjörg Wyss purchased the estate. Wyss’ vision was clear – to maintain the historical integrity of the property while turning it into a sustainable, state-of-the-art winemaking facility. To this end, significant investments were made not only in the vineyards but also in building a cutting-edge winery that emphasizes gravity flow processing to preserve the integrity and quality of the wine.

Sustainability is at the core of Halter Ranch’s philosophy. The winery is not just SIP (Sustainability in Practice) certified but also a leader in environmental stewardship within the wine industry.

Its practices include using solar panels to meet a significant portion of its energy needs, employing natural pest management, and preserving large swathes of untouched land to maintain biodiversity. This commitment extends to the winery building itself, which is LEED Gold certified, signifying its construction and operation meet high environmental standards.

Winemaking at Halter Ranch is overseen by Kevin Sass, who brings a thoughtful, meticulous approach to every aspect of the process.

The estate specializes in crafting Bordeaux blends like their flagship Ancestor Estate Reserve, a tribute to the largest coastal live oak on the property, as well as expressive Rhône blends and varietal wines. The winery’s approach is defined by a respect for the fruit’s origins, allowing the unique character of each vineyard block to shine through in the wines.

The visitor experience at Halter Ranch is as enriching as its wines. Guests can explore the stunning landscape through various tours that offer deep insights into the winery’s operations and sustainable practices. The most notable of these is the Excursion Tour, which takes visitors around the property in a restored 1984 Land Rover Defender, providing a unique perspective of the sprawling vineyards and historic landmarks, including the old Victorian farmhouse and the barn.

Moreover, the tasting room at Halter Ranch provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can sample the estate’s diverse portfolio. The room’s large windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, creating an ideal backdrop for tasting sessions. For those looking to extend their stay, the member-exclusive Wine Club offers numerous benefits, including access to limited-edition wines and invitations to special events at the winery.

In summary, Halter Ranch Winery is more than just a vineyard in the Paso Robles AVA; it is a testament to the blend of historical reverence, modern innovation, and deep commitment to sustainability that defines the new era of winemaking in California. It embodies a perfect harmony between nature and technology, producing wines that are as outstanding as the land from which they come.



CHEF’S CORNER

ROSE PETAL PANCAKES

By Chef Candice Custodio

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.

SPECIAL EVENT SPOTLIGHT

On May 3rd & 4th, the homegrown indie-electronic music festival Shabang will take over the picturesque Dairy Creek Golf Course – celebrating its 10th year of successfully putting San Luis Obispo’s art & cultural scene on the map.

Featuring four stages of performances from over sixty artists, the event will highlight both local and internationally renowned DJs and live bands with its biggest edition to date.

This year will feature all-new camping packages for attendees, yoga, workshops, art installations, and pop-ups from renowned wineries, breweries, and local food vendors – making it a perfect weekend escape to the beautiful Central California coast. 


This year Atascadero is celebrating their 8th annual Tamale Festival, and it’s expected to be bigger and better than ever! 🫔

The event kicks off Friday night with Fiesta Friday, which will feature several of the tamale vendors selling tamales, tours of City Hall, and a fireworks show! 🎆

Saturday the main event kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with 100 vendors offering a wide variety of food and drink. You’ll find every kind of tamale from traditional to sweet, and beer, wine, margaritas, and cider.

Throughout the festival you’ll also be entertained by musical acts on three different stages, folklorico dancers, famous dancing horses, a tamale eating contest, and chihuahua and pet costume contest!

To learn more visit Atascadero Tamale Festival, and make plans to come out for the 8th annual Tamale Festival this weekend!


EVENT CALENDAR

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SAVE THE DATE

  • Cayucos & Pismo 4th of July Celebrations
  • Paso Robles Mid-State Fair
  • Atascadero Hot El Camino Nights
  • WhaleRock Music Festival
  • Witches Paddle Morro Bay
  • Cambria Scarecrow Festival
  • Cambria Christmas Market

SHOP SLO GUIDE

Looking for the perfect gift? Consider giving something inspired by SLO!

SAN LUIS OBISPO GUIDE FEATURED ON REDFIN

We were featured on Redfin’s bucket list article for new residents of San Luis Obispo, CA.

Check out the blog article here!

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 bar, 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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