San Luis Obispo WineriesA weekend among the San Luis Obispo wineries is a must for anyone traveling through the central coast. Nestled among the rolling green hills inland and the rugged central coast beaches, the San Luis Obispo wineries have been producing world class wines for decades.Today, there are about thirty wineries in SLO (pronounced "slow" by the locals), from quaint, family-run smaller production wineries to full-size facilities and vineyards. These wineries and offer a fantastic selection of world-class wines, from Chardonnays to Cabs! I was lucky enough to live in SLO while I was in college, so I know where all of the good spots are, and can tell you exactly what is worth visiting. And believe me, there is a lot worth visiting! What to do (when you're not tasting wine)
San Luis Obispo is a picturesque college town, complete with friendly locals, great family owned restaurants, and charismatic bars.
Higuera Street is the main thoroughfare, and runs right through the middle of town. Most things you will want to see will be on or near this street, including the Frog 'N' Peach Pub and Moe's BBQ, a couple of local favorites (type them into google to get addresses and directions, or ask anyone in SLO). On Thursday nights at 6pm locals and tourists alike come head to Higuera St for the San Luis Obispo Farmers Market, one of the best and busiest farmers markets on the central coast. Bands, barbecues, arts and crafts, all kinds of various foods, and of course fresh grown produce are all available.
Head west on Hwy 1 to Morro Bay, a charming little beach town with great seafood. The rolling hills on the drive to Morro Bay are pretty all year round, but they are spectacular from November to May, when they are at their greenest.
Where to stay in San Luis ObispoThere is a great variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and inns throughout the area. Try the Apple Farm Inn for an old-style cozy room with a fireplace, and one of the best breakfast restaurants in town.
Another favorite is the
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
, where you can stay in a romantic bungalow and soak in one of the secluded natural hot springs. This hotel is located in Avila Beach off Hwy 101, just a few minutes south of San Luis Obispo.
The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach is another great hotel. You can get a room with ocean view, and they have a great restaurant and bar overlooking the sea. It's a beautiful setting for a central coast wedding in the summer time.
Where to eatFirestone Grill is my personal favorite restaurant in SLO. Get their tri-tip sandwich for lunch; it is famous for good reason: thin-sliced tritip covered in home-made bbq sauce, stacked high on a bun, lightly toasted with a bit of butter...it might be my favorite meal in California. It's on the corner of Higuera and Osos St.For dinner try McClintock's and enjoy some great BBQ, central coast style. You will leave full. There is one in Pismo Beach off the 101, and one in downtown SLO.
Wine tasting in townWhile you are exploring the town, there is a good tasting room to check out right in the downtown area.Central Coast Wines
The best San Luis Obispo wineries
Baileyana Winery
Tolosa Winery
Cerro Caliente Cellars
Saucelito Canyon For information on the rest of the San Luis Obispo wineries, directions, and lots more good wine info about the central coast, visit
www.slowine.com.
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Head a few miles south on Hwy 101 to Pismo Beach and get some clam chowder, or to
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