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Monthly Newsletter | November 2023

Welcome to the November 2023 edition of our newsletter!

Welcome to the November edition of our Monthly Newsletter, where we gather the essence of San Luis Obispo County into a cornucopia of local delights, reflecting the spirit of Thanksgiving.

As the leaves turn and the air chills, we are reminded to cherish the community and the abundance it offers. This month, lace up for our Hike of the Month on the majestic Bluff Trail at Montaña de Oro State Park. Savor culinary artistry at Alchemists’ Garden, our Restaurant and Bar of the Month, and sip the rich flavors from Peachy Canyon, our Winery of the Month.

Don’t miss another savory creation from Chef Candice, guaranteed to inspire your festive table. And for an unforgettable experience, join us at “Mishaps, Magic, and Mayhem: The Experience”—an event that promises enchantment and laughter.

Let’s celebrate the harvest of experiences and connections here in our beloved SLO County 🦃🍁🍷🥾🍽️✨

HIKE OF THE MONTH

BLUFF TRAIL

MONTAÑA DE ORO STATE PARK


Montaña de Oro State Park, located just outside of Los Osos, California, offers an array of rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including the 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Among these natural treasures, the Bluff Trail stands out as a serene and accessible experience, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the coastal flora and fauna.

The Bluff Trail is a gentle, well-maintained path that stretches for about 2.5 miles along the park’s rugged coastline. The trail’s flat surface makes it ideal for hikers of all levels, families, and even those in wheelchairs who want to take in the seaside splendor. The journey along the trail is a visual feast: on one side, the ocean extends to the horizon in a vast expanse of blue, its waves crashing against the dramatic cliffs; on the other, the landscape is dotted with the vibrant greens and browns of coastal brush and wildflowers, particularly in the spring.

Interpretive signs along the Bluff Trail offer insight into the local ecology, geology, and history, enhancing the educational value of the visit. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot an array of birds, including the peregrine falcon and the black oystercatcher, along with the occasional sea otter or whale in the waters beyond.

The Bluff Trail also provides access to hidden beaches and tide pools teeming with marine life at low tide, inviting exploration. Each turn along the path offers a new vista: the wind-sculpted shapes of the cypress and eucalyptus trees, the rugged outcrops reaching into the ocean, and the serene horizon that beckons the contemplative wanderer.

In the embrace of Montaña de Oro State Park, the Bluff Trail encapsulates the essence of California’s coastal magnificence — a must-visit for anyone seeking to connect with nature’s unspoiled beauty.

📍 Montaña de Oro State Park
3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos

🥾 4.1 Miles

〽️ 229’

🦮 Dogs Not Allowed

🚵‍♂️ Mountain Biking Not Allowed

🦽 Wheelchair & Stroller Accessible

👪 Good for Families

RESTAURANT & BAR OF THE MONTH

ALCHEMISTS’ GARDEN

Nestled in the heart of Paso Robles, CA, a town celebrated for its wine culture and bucolic charm, lies Alchemists’ Garden—an eatery that is much more than a mere restaurant. It’s a culinary haven that blends the art of fine dining with the magic of alchemy, promising an experience that tantalizes the senses and conjures a spirit of discovery.

From the moment guests step into Alchemists’ Garden, they are enveloped in an atmosphere that echoes the pastoral elegance of Paso Robles. The interior speaks of an enchanter’s touch, where modern design meets natural beauty, creating a space that feels both cozy and enchanting. The garden from which the restaurant gets its name is not merely ornamental; it’s a functional space where herbs and edible flowers bloom, waiting to be woven into dishes that celebrate the region’s abundant produce.

The menu, crafted by visionary chefs, is a testament to creative gastronomy. It showcases local ingredients transformed into culinary gold, featuring a seasonal rotation that ensures each visit offers a unique palette of flavors. From the hand-selected wines that perfectly complement each course to the house-made pastas and artisanal bread, dining at Alchemists’ Garden is a feast for the gourmand.

The allure of Alchemists’ Garden extends beyond its dining room to a bar that is a destination in its own right. The bar at Alchemists’ Garden is a space where mixology meets mysticism. It’s here that the bartenders, akin to modern-day alchemists, craft concoctions that are not only refreshing but also reflective of the celestial. Their rotating specialty cocktails are inspired by the astrological calendar, offering patrons a unique way to connect with the cosmos through the art of libations.

Each drink is carefully composed to embody the characteristics of the zodiac, using ingredients picked from their on-site garden or sourced from the bounty of Paso Robles’ lush surroundings. These astrologically themed cocktails change with the celestial seasons, promising a new experience with each visit. A Scorpio might find a deep, intense cocktail with a sting of spice, while a Libra’s balance might be mirrored in a cocktail with harmonious flavors, achieving an equilibrium as smooth as the scales.

The attention to detail is profound; from the glassware selected to enhance the drink’s aroma and taste to the garnishes that add the final flourish, nothing is overlooked. This dedication ensures that with every sip, guests are not only enjoying a drink but also partaking in a curated celestial event. The bar itself, with its ambient lighting and thoughtfully designed space, encourages conversation and contemplation, making it a perfect spot for both the contemplative solo visitor and the convivial assembly of friends.

For locals and travelers alike, Alchemists’ Garden in Paso Robles is a destination that must be experienced—an alchemical transformation of simple dining into an unforgettable evening that lingers long after the last bite…and drink.

The Alchemists’ Garden
1144 Pine St
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Monday – Friday
5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

(805) 369-2444

WINERY OF THE MONTH

PEACHY CANYON

Peachy Canyon Winery is a celebrated family-owned and operated winery nestled in the idyllic landscape of Paso Robles, California. Founded in 1988 by Doug and Nancy Beckett, Peachy Canyon has been a proud producer of estate-grown wines for over three decades, with a special focus on Zinfandel, which has become the winery’s hallmark.

The rolling hills of Paso Robles, known for their diurnal temperature swings, create an optimal environment for cultivating grapes that yield complex and robust wines. Peachy Canyon sources its fruits from several vineyards, each with unique microclimates and soil compositions, contributing to the distinct character and variety in their wine portfolio.

Visitors to Peachy Canyon Winery are greeted with a sense of warmth and conviviality that is reflective of the Beckett family’s passion for wine and hospitality. The tasting room, a restored 19th-century schoolhouse, stands as a charming emblem of the region’s history and the winery’s commitment to the community. Here, guests can sample a range of Peachy Canyon’s offerings, from their flagship Zinfandels to their Bordeaux-style blends, each telling a story of the terroir from which they hail.

Sustainability is also a cornerstone of Peachy Canyon’s philosophy. They practice responsible land stewardship and are committed to sustainable viticultural practices that not only produce high-quality wines but also protect the environment.

Year after year, Peachy Canyon Winery’s dedication to excellence is evident in the critical acclaim their wines receive, with numerous accolades and awards celebrating their quality and innovation. But it’s not just the critics who are charmed; wine enthusiasts continue to be drawn to the winery for its authentic approach to winemaking, its beautiful setting, and its reputation as a pillar in the Paso Robles wine community.

LOCATION & HOURS

1480 N Bethel Rd
Templeton, CA 93465

Monday – Friday
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

HOW TO VISIT

Reservations:
https://www.peachycanyon.com/visit

(805) 237-1577

Tasting Fee:
$25
Waived with Purchase of a bottle of wine or Club Membership

CHEF’S CORNER

APRICOT & BACON BAKED BRIE

By Chef Candice Custodio

This is a family favorite in my home and has become a staple at our Thanksgiving table. It is so quick and easy but yet so decadent, guests will think you spent hours making it. You can also make them ahead of time (with different topping combinations) and freeze them for when you have surprise dinner guests. Whenever I find Brie on sale, I prepare a few for my freezer! 

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 and Owner of Club SupSup.

SPECIAL EVENT SPOTLIGHT

MISHAPS, MAGIC, & MAYHEM: THE EXPERIENCE

On November 11, “Mishaps, Magic, and Mayhem: The Experience” transforms the quaint Kindred Oaks Farm in Paso Robles into an extraordinary circus of empowerment and enchantment. This annual extravaganza, crafted by Women Making Waves, transcends a mere event; it’s a manifestation of their mission: to inspire and empower, to forge connections, and to create a cascade of change through the collective power of women. Born from the resonating voices of their podcast, where women’s narratives unfold, the experience celebrates the tapestry of trials and triumphs that shape us.

As you step onto the grounds, you’re not just attending an event, you’re participating in a movement. Here, PAUSE meets PLAY in a circus-inspired setting, crafted to awaken the wonder within. Infused with mindfulness and motion, this day-long revelry offers a plethora of activities designed to encourage mingling, self-exploration, and communal joy.

Your journey through this spectacle grants you a treasure trove of adventures. Plunge your hands into the earth at the Gather Garden, engaging in the delicate art of floral arranging. Sip on the essence of the region with a curated wine tasting, or feel the wind in your hair aboard a sidecar motorcycle tour, exploring Paso’s scenic beauty.

Tantalize your palate with culinary delights, each bite a story told by local vendors and a Chef’s masterful creation. Cast your aspirations into the universe with “A Million Dreams” intention setting, and delve into the depths of your creativity with custom crafting activities, ensuring you leave with more than memories.

The echo of live music sets a rhythm for meditative performances, a symphony for the soul. Listen intently to guest speakers and storytellers who weave a rich tapestry of narrative magic. Chronicle your own saga with “Rewrite The Stars” journaling, and as you wander the farm, feel the pulse of its life.

As dusk falls, the farm morphs into a carnival scene straight from a dream. Sip on whimsical cocktails amid tents and tarot, a final toast to the extraordinary.

Proceeds from this grand soiree bolster our #NEXTWAVE leadership program, cultivating the next generation of #wavemakers—guiding them to lead with trust and make tangible impacts.

This is not just an invitation, it’s a call to the wilds of your spirit. At “Mishaps, Magic, and Mayhem: The Experience,” immerse yourself, let go, and become part of a larger wave. Let’s make ripples turn into roaring waves together. Welcome to the greatest show of growth, connection, and empowerment. Join us, and let the magic begin.

Get Tickets

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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 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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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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