Buellton: California's Hidden Gem - Bohemian Vagabond - Jacki Ueng (2024)

Ever heard of a small town named Buellton in the Central Coast of California? I admit that despite being a native Angeleno who has been to Santa Barbara over dozens of times, I had not heard of this hidden gem just 30 minutes north of there. Buellton is a small town with big adventures located in Santa Ynez Valley and the heart of SantaBarbara Wine Country. Unlike it’s busier sister cities of Solvang and Santa Ynez, Buellton has a tiny population just shy of 5000 people. Yet, there’s so many things to do which I’ll share in this ultimate travel guide to Buellton.

Buellton is an ideal 3 to 4 day weekend getaway for those like me who prefer to avoid large crowds. Check your mind out of the busy city and experience off the beaten path food adventures, whether for romance, girlfriend’s getaway or a group wine-tasting tour.

Farm-To-Table Food, Passionate Chefs, Down to Earth People and
Quality Wine off the Californian Coast

The most ideal charm of Buellton is the unassuming, yet incredibly impressive Gastronomic, Wine and Local Brew scene. Farm-to-tablestyle dining is all the rage with Chefs who select meat from local farmers, produce from local gardens or markets. The small community here loves to support each other. The Wineries are quiet, peaceful, unpopulated and absolutely serene and the weather is close to perfect all year round. Locals pride themselves over the craft beers.Play some golf, spend time in nature with animals, explore the city on Segways or play a game of Bocce Ball with the locals.

Buellton: Off the Beaten Path Adventures

An up and coming area where people want to move to

Buellton is the type of place young people as well as those retiring move to for more affordable real estate, a close-knit community and a quality life. All the while still being within driving distance to California’s more buzzing cities.Since 2004, Buellton became one of the fastest-growing towns in central Santa Barbara County. And you’ll easily understand why once you arrive. It is a common rest stop for travelers driving up the U.S. Highway 101 en route to northern California after Santa Barbara. Buellton is the first town after the scenic and undeveloped stretch of about 25 miles through theGaviota Coast. Most that know Buellton will know it for the famous Pea Soup AndersenRestaurant.

But there’s way more to explore if you’re into authentic experiences
in asmall town with big adventures.

Here are the Highlights of my Trip which I will go into Detail in my Top 10 List Below:

• Sipping Rosé at Brick Barn Wine Estate while painting with soothing French Music playing withGypsy Studio Art
• Making friends with Ostriches and Emus at Ostrichland USA
• Getting into a friendly competition during a miniBocce ball tournamentat happy hour by the outdoor fireplace of theHamptons Inn
• Visiting theMendenhall Museum, a personal collection of unique gas station and automobile memorabilia.
• Savoring ajuicy Rib-Eye Steak, tasting the Hitching Post Highliner at the Hitching Post II where the movie Sideways was filmed
• Tasting spirits at the very first distillery opened since Prohibition in Santa Barbara County,Ascendant Spirits
• Renting an electric bike with Pedego to tour the town
• Hopping around Wine Tasting Rooms all within steps of each other in the Industrial Wine Works plaza with dear friends who love wine as much as I do
• Brewery Tour& eating theChef’s Burgerlike there’s no tomorrow atFirestone Walker & Taproom
• Finding the best restaurant in town, Industrial Eats, on Industrial Way

10 Best Experiences in Buellton:

In Adventure, Art, Culture, Quality Food, Outdoors and Wine

1. Sip Rosé and Paint with Local Gypsy Artists

The landscape and weather of Buellton brings in the best environment for lighter wines such as their world-renown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Due to the climate, there are around 50 varietals grown here. The whole Central Coast Valley also brings together that hippie and gypsy vibe that loves art and the free-spirited lifestyle.

Buellton is also where the famous wine and philosophical movie Sideways was filmed.

Brick Barn Wine Estate started in the early 1970s which was originally used as a world class Arabian Horse farm stable created by an Italian Stoneman. 36 stall brick barn housed these extraordinarily sexy horses. Today, Brick Barn Wine Estate has been transformed into a Winery. It’s weather and location works best for lighter wines, perfectly paired with California weather all year round.Also perfect place to host events or weddings!

Take a Tour ofBrick Barn Wine Estatewith the Connoisseur as you taste through each section of the massive wine estate. Stay as long as you wish in their beautifully decoratedtasting rooms. Enjoy some moreRoséas you paint the winery landscape withGypsy Studio Art.

Hire Gypsy Studios Art

Even thoughBrick Barn Wine EstateandGypsy Studios Artare two separate businesses, they often collaborate. Gypsy Studio Art is a popular full-service art studio on wheels that can come to you, wherever you are. Or hire them to come to your private house party!

We used Acrylic Painton our blank white canvas as our friendly Gypsy Artist instructor began to teach us step-by-step instructions on layers to paint on. Everyone’s paintings came out different but that’s the beauty of art. There are no two pieces of art that are every the same. Just as you cannot step into the same river twice.

Gypsy Studios Art focuses on Landscape Painting, “Plein Air”

“Plein air style is our jam. We paint what we see….whatever this particular day is serving up in the way of light and clouds, blooms and branches, dry or lush. It’s the way we capture the moment. It’s how we stay present and grateful for today.

Gypsy Studios is really all about making a space for creative expression in an environment that is real and now and hits every sense with which a human is gifted…it’s about the experience. And, it’s about leaving a painting class or a vineyard painting session with a newfound appreciation for the world we live in and our own unique creative contribution. It’s an exercise in remembering that we are special, important and unique…that we take up an important space on this earth and that we have been designed to be in connection with that space.”

Website:https://www.brickbarnwineestate.com/ https://www.gypsystudiosart.com
Address:795 W Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427 /1669 Fir Ave, Solvang, CA 93463

2. Make Buddies with Ostriches & Emus

OstrichLand USA is a unique farm to visit and experience. You can feed and make friends with Emus and Ostricheswhile learning more about these fascinating creatures! The farm technically sits on both Buellton and Solvang, so these birds wanderlust between 2 cities daily!

Did you know?

• Ostrich eggs are known to be rich and creamy. Especially tasty to use fordeviled eggs and other egg recipes!
• Ostriches can be quite aggressive so be careful as they can peck at you, especially when you are feeding them.

• Female ostriches will sit on their eggs during the day, and the males will at night. What an example of effective co-parenting!
  • The female’s light coloring helps her blend into the sand better during the day. While the male’s darker coloring offers nighttime protection of the nest.
• Male ostriches are quite strategic in protecting their colonies. They will feign injury to lure predators away from chicks and females.
  • And they will fight when needed and can kill with one kick. (Not even a lion will prey on a healthy mature ostrich.)
• Ostriches grow a foot per month until they reach 8 or 9 feet tall.
• They are the only birds with two toes per foot that can propel them to sustained speeds of 35 mph with bursts to 45 mph.

Website:https://www.ostrichlandusa.com
Address:610 E Highway 246 Solvang, CA 93463

3. Master the Game of Bocce Ball!

Bocce Ball is incredibly popular throughout Santa Ynez Valley and every hotel in Buellton has their own courts on the lawn. There are various local teams and tournaments in Buellton that happen throughout the year. And the locals take it incredibly serious so sharpen your skills and don’t mess around!Spend an afternoon perfecting your Bocce throw, similar to bowling but with smaller, lighter balls. Who knows, you may become the next famed Bocce champion! A good place to do this is at the Hamptons Inn which hosts happy hour daily from 5-7pm.

4. Mendenhall Museumof Gasoline Pumps & Petroliana

The Mendenhall Museum is a personal collection of unique gas station and automobile memorabilia. This museum has one of the largest petroliana collections on the West Coast, including gasoline pumps, globes, porcelain gas, oil & road signs, race cars, racing memorabilia, license plates, and more. The collection was started over fifty years ago by the late Jack Mendenhall and is carried on today by his son and daughter in law, Mark and Vickie. Tours are available on a first come first serve basis for $15 donation per person.

Website:http://www.mendenhallmuseum.com
Address:24 Zaca St,Buellton CA 93427

5. Dine at Hitching Post 2 where Sideways was filmed

Hitching post 2 is a Buellton landmark not just because it’s been there for decades. But because the chef pours his heart and passion into the ingredients he puts in the dishes while creating a cozy environment for guests to stay for hours. You may have spotted the owner/chef/wine-maker, Frank Ostini, in the movie, Sideways. Locals hang out at this cozy, rustic, unassuming, all-American Steakhouse regularly. Those that visit also love the Santa Maria BBQ and chill vibes.

Hitching Post 2is that restaurant in Buellton, much like Cheers where everyone knows your name. There’s the main restaurant and then the newest addition as of this past summer. A smaller tasting room “Hitching Post Wine” with a more casual setting. There, people can taste wine, enjoy a full bar or casual dining.

It’s where locals come to catch the game, unwind from their work day or get filled in on local gossip.

Frank, the owner, along with his long-time bud, Gray Hartley, has been producing wine since 1979 in Santa Barbara County. This has led to the inspiration of opening the adjacent tasting room. So do visit, pay your respect to these passionate wine makers and chef. Order the Artichoke for appetizer and Ribeye for main course.

Try the Hitching Post Highliner, their specialty wine, is a Pinot Noir known to be “the best of their fleet“. Along with their Pinot, they are also known for their Rosé, Syrah and Merlot. The winery has 12,000 barrels and produces about 17,000 cases a year.

Website:http://www.hitchingpost2.com
Address:37 Industrial Way #103, Buellton, CA 93427

6. Visit the First Distillery Founded since Prohibition

Ascendant Spirits, founded by Steve Gertman is a fun, unique spirit-tasting experience as part of your must do in Buellton. Wine-tasting and Brewery Tours never get old, but spice things up by tasting some harder liquor! Especially for those that love learning about various types of spirits.

“On California’s Central Coast, most people make wine.
But liquor also loves the Central Coast’s warm days and cool nights.”

7. Rent an Electric Bike through Pedego

Rent an electric bike throughPedego which is America’s biggest and best brand of Electric Bikes. They are stylish, safe and fun to ride with various speeds to choose from. The friendly staff in the store will also give you various route options.The closest store to Buellton is just 10 minutes away in Los Olivos.

8. Hop around Tasting Rooms in Industrial Wine Works

Dive deep into Buellton’s wine and food culture and head on over to Industrial Way. As the street name suggests, this street use to be an industrial area with businesses, warehouses and light manufacturing. But in recent years, Industrial Way has been vamped up and transformed into THEE hip street with:

• Wine-Tasting Rooms
  • Alma Rosa
  • Bottles Winery
  • Buscador
  • Cholame Vineyard
  • Helix
  • Margerum Wine Company
  • Roark Wine Co.
  • Tierra y Vino
• Unique Dining Experiences
  • Industrial Eats
    • The Grand Room attached to the right of Industrial Eats is where you can host your own private dining experience!
  • Figueroa Mountain Brewing Kitchen
  • Bottlest Winery, Bar & Bistro
• A Craft Brewery & Tasting Room
  • Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company
• 2 Distilleries
  • Ascendant Spirit which I mentioned above
  • Dorwood Distillery

In the middle of Industrial way is Industrial WineWorks which is a parking complex with 6 wine tasting rooms, each with their own unique greatness. While they are each independent wineries, the winemakers have formed a tight bond and community that supports one another.

Industrial Wine Works is a very unique area to taste wine. Each winemaker has their own distinct and creative style while all within steps from each other. The winemakers bring their own unique perspective and fresh ideas to the wine scene. You’re sure to taste something very different than what you’ve tasted before. We tried wine from two of the tasting rooms:

2 of the Featured Tasting Rooms I Recommend:

Tip: On the east end of Industrial Way is Route 246 which heads west to world-class vineyards of Sta. Rita Hills,an American Viticultural Area. Heading north takes you to Lompoc or south to Solvang. Buy a Winter Pass, your ticket to fabulous wine tasting at some of the best wineriesthroughout Santa Ynez Valley for only $50 each on SantaYnezWineCountry.com (they will mail the pass to you). Or purchase directly from the Tasting Rooms for $55. Participating wineries are listed here.

Address:140 Industrial Way, Buellton, CA 93427
Website:http://www.evolutionofwine.com/https://www.imaginewine.com

9. Firestone Walker Taproom and Barrelworks Tasting Room

Santa Barbara and Ventura Country’s most famous beer, 805 by Firestone Walker, has a very strong presence in Buellton. Just steps away from the cozy Hamptons Inn Hotel, enjoy a gastronomic, all-American lunch at their restaurant,Taproom.

10. Eat Uni Appetizers and Pizzas at the Best Restaurant inBuellton,Industrial Eats

Not just a Trendy Restaurant..

But also a Community that Loves Art and Culture

Address:181 Industrial Way,Buellton, CA 93427
Website: https://www.industrialeats.com

Where to Stay: Hamptons Inn by the Hilton

The Hamptons Inn in Buellton is not your typical ‘Hamptons’ or big chain hotel as you’d imagine. Situated on untouched rolling hills of Santa Barbara county in the backdrop, the hotel feels boutique with a ‘coming home’ warmth.

Continental breakfast and a friendly, helpful staff is included in your stay. Bocce Ball Happy Hour is offered Monday to Thursday from 5-7pm on their back lawn just steps away from the warm fireplace where guests can mingle with other travelers or find their own oasis.

Hamptons Inn is festive all year long. Just a 3 minute walk to the Firestone Walker Brewery & Restaurant. It’s an easy stumble home after indulging in the yummy food and a few too many IPAs.

How to Get to Buellton and Around Town

Buellton is just a 30 minute drive north of Santa Barbara. To fly in, Santa Barbara would be the closest small airport or LAX as the International airport. Having a car is highly recommended to get around although everything mentioned above is all within a 5-10 minute drive. Or as mentioned above, rent an electric bike with Pedego!

But if you will be consuming libations, obviously take a taxi service like Lyft! Use my referral link for $5 credit to your next ride for new members!https://www.lyft.com/invite/188188188