For my work, I’ve been doing a number of NYC trips recently — any extra time outside of work meetings I have been enjoying exploring and getting to re-acquaint myself with this incredible city! This itinerary focuses a lot of time in nature, exercise, nourishing and delicious food, good coffee, and a handful of cocktails — for me this is the recipe I need right now for mom-break-recovery-time.
Blue = What to Eat. Green = What to Do. Yellow = Where to Stay. Pink = Bonus recco’s
Gjelina: vegetable-forward dinner spot (they forage & get everything fresh!); though the highlight was the tomato infused vodka martini cocktail!
Satellite SB: Healthy & hip menu. The “yoga pants salad” is especially delicious (www.satellitesb.com)
Santa Barbara Public Market: Locally sourced food & drink is the focus at this upmarket indoor food hall with a dynamic vibe. I liked Rori’s Artisinal Creamery (within the public market) for a nice cold treat!
Satellite SB: Healthy & hip menu. The “yoga pants salad” is especially delicious (www.satellitesb.com)
The Standard Hotel East Village: In New York for me at least, the goal is always to find a high quality hotel that’s not in the heart of midtown (basically anywhere else other than midtown!), that doesn’t break the bank. This one fit the bill for this trip. Comfortable rooms and easy/convenient location for endless explorations. Cute little (seasonal) garden open to guests where I enjoyed several cups of tea and some reading time. Bonus - pet friendly.
The Standard Hotel East Village: This is on my wish list for returning.
So many highlights (see red pins on maps for desscriptions of each. Some of the not-to-miss-out eats are:
Santa Barbara Public Market: Locally sourced food & drink is the focus at this upmarket indoor food hall with a dynamic vibe. I liked Rori’s Artisinal Creamery (within the public market) for a nice cold treat!
Satellite SB: Healthy & hip menu. The “yoga pants salad” is especially delicious (www.satellitesb.com)
D’Angelo Bread & Bakery: Slightly pricey but delicious sit down breakfast or pastries and bread (https://www.dangelobakery.com/). While you’re waiting for your order can also pop next door for good coffee at Santa Barbara Roasting Company (www.sbcoffee.com).
Lily’s Taqueria: Amazing hole in the wall taco place not to miss..also right next door to D’Angelo and Santa Barbara Roasting Company (lillystacos.com)
Barbareño Restaurant: Dinner date night! Make a reservation (www.barbareno.com). Also optional, but we really enjoyed doing a wine tasting & beer tasting at one of the local wineries in downtown beforehand.
Too many good day hikes to choose from! Several are pinned on the map. My favorite was the Gaviota Hot Springs hike. If you’re up for an arduous but rewarding hike, take the Gaviota Hot Springs-Trespass Trail ($2 parking fee), which climbs over 1,000 feet through wildflowers and blooming agave plants for a dazzling view. If you go counter-clockwise, you’ll be rewarded by the tucked away “hot springs” — lukewarm, crystal clear, sulphuric-smelling and shaded by a single palm, at the very tail end of the hike (pack a towel!). https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/gaviota-hot-springs-and-trespass-trail
Enjoy long beach walks: The beach is full of walkers, frisbee throwers, and dogs going for a dip! You can snag a bike from the bikeshare and cruise along the boardwalk, or just walk on the miles of sand.
Play tennis! Location: City of Santa Barbara Parks & Rec, 1414 Park Pl, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. These courts were the nicest scenery tennis courts we’d ever played on. Twelve courts are available for drop-in play exclusive of scheduled events. We have three lighted courts open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week! Main site for all lessons, USTA youth and adult tournaments and leagues; group rentals available.