Santa Barbara County

The Arroyo Hondo Nature Preserve is located about a half hour drive up the 101 from Santa Barbara. It is mainly comprised of a stunning canyon with a creek that opens into the ocean, although there is no beach access. Arroyo Hondo’s 782 acres offer several great hiking trails and is open to the public on the first and third weekends of the month with reservations required. You can also make appointments with the preserve manager or come to a volunteer day. The preserve is owned by ...

Was it the draw of gray frigid waters? Was it maybe the challenge of crossing a cold bay without a wetsuit? Could it be for bragging rights, contending with the potential of a Great White attack? Maybe they were drawn by the aura of elite competitive athletes, some of whom are their idols. Whatever the reason, three Santa Barbara Swim Club youths traveled to San Francisco Bay over the weekend to compete in the legendary Tiburon Mile open water swim.
Walker Bell, age 13, Paige Brown, age 12, ...

What’s in an avocado? Besides a big pit, the California avocado has … are you ready for this … a whole bunch of “good for you” stuff. For instance, avocados are rich in the fat soluble vitamins K, D and E, and many of the B vitamins including folate, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. They are also a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. And avocados are a natural source of monounsaturated fats which, contrary to saturated fats, will help lower cholesterol and protect the ...

It’s taking the world by storm. Yogurty waves crashing over cities everywhere. Live culture multiplying, manifesting, infesting, exploding in little shops on main streets all over the country. Frozen yogurt businesses are all the rage these days. Wouldn’t you agree?

Yogurtland, located on lower State Street, has all the kiddies in a tizzy. All the adults as well. With its sixteen flavors to choose from and its forty eight fresh toppings to decorate with, it’s no wonder people everywhere ...

Knapp’s castle is a mysterious landmark located atop the Santa Ynez mountains to the North of the city of Santa Barbara. From these old ruins a stunning panorama of the city, coastline, and channel islands can be seen from the road, and an expansive view of the Santa Barbara back country can be seen after a short walk to the ruins.

Knapp’s castle is on privately owned land but open to the public. It can be reached rather easily from East Camino Cielo road. Take highway 154 turn right ...

Nestled away in a Santa Barbara Victorian neighborhood, Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, the “crown jewel” of parks, is an unexpected treasure. The park covers a full block, bordered by Garden Street, Micheltorena, Santa Barbara Street, and Arrellaga, and is a short walk from downtown.

The allure of this garden park is seen from every angle, as it is comprised of carefully planned exhibits of beautiful and unique foliage set into natural patterns and groupings. The gardens are planted ...