SLO County News BlogGolf, Wine, Real Estate, Business & Travel NewsSLO Daylight Wine TrainSaturday, April 30, 2005Beginning May 27, L.A. residents will be able to board the San Luis Obispo Daylight Wine Train -- a private vintage railcar called the Overland Trail -- destined for San Luis Obispo's Amtrak station.The railcar, owned by Bill and Debbie Hatrick will be attached to regularly scheduled southbound and northbound Amtrak trains and will depart monthly from Los Angeles. During the journey, guests will eat hors d'oeuvres and sip wines from a local winery. Wolff Vineyards will be the first winery to host the on-board tasting, Raeside said. Other interested wineries include Tolosa, Edna Valley and Talley. After arriving in San Luis Obispo, passengers will be taken by vans to the Lamplighter Inn & Suites, where they will spend two nights. Small group vans will take visitors to wineries. For information about the San Luis Obispo Daylight Wine Train, visit www.overlandtrail.com. Read article at: All aboard SLO's Wine Train The Tribune, Julie Lynem To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. Sandy Madison - Pismo Beach Real EstateFriday, April 29, 2005 If you've recently started to consider buying or selling a home in San Luis Obispo County, call someone who knows the market and knows how to handle the process as quickly and smoothly as possible - and who genuinely cares about your needs and your dreams - Sandy Madison, RE/MAX Ocean West, Grover Beach, CA. You can find Sandy online at Pismo Properties - San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande Real Estate. There's no better feeling for Sandy than finding that perfect house... that you transform into the perfect home! Sandy is eager to share her wisdom and expertise, resulting from twenty (20) years of experience serving the Central Coast of California. She understands that buying or selling a home can seem overwhelming and stressful and ranks among the biggest events in your life. Licensed in 1986, Sandy Madison sat for and passed the Broker's exam in 1989. Her professional real estate career on the California Central Coast began with Coldwell Banker, then moved to RE/MAX in 1989, where she has served since – except for three brief years when she worked with Blacklake Realty as a broker handling new and resale homes. Sandy has served as President of the Arroyo Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce and is a current member of the Beautification Committee. She has also served as President of the Pismo Coast Association of Realtors, as well as MLS Chair, Representative at California Association of Realtors meetings, and as a Representative to the National Association of Realtors. Sandy has spent many years on the governing board (Session) of her church, and is a frequent volunteer in her community on the beautiful Central Coast. When time permits, Sandy enjoys playing bridge, attending San Luis Obispo County’s offering of outstanding live theater, jazz and films, and spending time with her granddaughter. Contact Sandy today and find out why Sandy is known in San Luis Obispo County as "the woman who takes the worry out of real estate!" Sandy Madison, REALTOR® RE/MAX, OCEAN WEST 1566 West Grand Ave. Grover Beach, CA 93433 (805) 235-0905 www.pismoproperties.com Pismo Properties - San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande Real Estate. May declared Wine Month in SLOThursday, April 28, 2005The Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association next week will declare May wine month. Seventeen area restaurants, wine shops and grocers will feature Paso Robles wines to mark the occasion.Mayor Frank Mecham, along with representatives from the association, Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce and the Paso Robles Visitor and Conference Bureau, will make the announcement May 2 at a luncheon at Paris restaurant in downtown Paso Robles. The proclamation of Wine Month comes at a busy time for Paso Robles winemakers and growers. More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the 23rd annual Paso Robles Wine Festival and the 13th annual Hospice du Rhône, which showcase the region's wines. This year's wine festival is in memory of Tom Martin, a winery owner and hotelier who died in early April. The festival begins May 20 with its annual Wine Festival Golf Tournament at Hunter Ranch Golf Course. Wine connoisseurs will be able to learn more about their favorite wines at the May 21 event at the downtown park. Hospice du Rhone celebrates Rhone wines from around the world. The event, in its 13th year, will be held May 12-14 at the California Mid-State Fairgrounds in Paso Robles. Read more at: May will be all about wine in Paso The Tribune, Julie Lynem To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. SLO Marketplace rejected by votersWednesday, April 27, 2005San Luis Obispo voters appeared late Tuesday to have rejected the Dalidio Ranch Marketplace, but hundreds of ballots left to count leave the fate of the controversial retail project up in the air."If the trend continues, this sends a clear message that San Luis Obispo is not interested in going the way of so many other California cities," said Ben Romo, manager for the campaign against the Dalidio Ranch Marketplace. "They don't want to sacrifice their downtown for projected sales tax revenue." The Dalidio Ranch Marketplace project was previously approved by the San Luis Obispo City Council but a community group was able to gather more than 14,000 signatures to force the issue to go to a special election. The projects seek to bring a Lowe's, Target and other large retail stores to southern San Luis Obispo. The marketplace proposal was the subject of an intense campaign between backers and opponents. Proponents said the development would generate much-needed sales tax dollars for San Luis Obispo at a time when state financial raids are causing many cities to look for alternate funding sources. They also pointed to the construction of the Prado Road overpass as part of the project as another positive aspect of the development. In addition to 650,000 square feet of retail space, the project also included development of four acres of condominiums and townhomes that the developer has said might sell for about $300,000. However, opponents of the Dalidio family's plan, a group called Save San Luis Obispo, claimed that the project would actually cost the city money since the city would be repaying the developer for the Prado overpass and other infrastructure construction. They also feared that the new stores on the outskirts of town would take away shoppers from downtown businesses. Opponents also said the project would create unavoidable traffic problems due to the additional 20,956 car trips per day that the shopping center is expected to create. Read entire article at: Marketplace rejected The Tribune, Leslie Griffy and Matt Lazier To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. SLO Housing Prices Keep GrowingTuesday, April 26, 2005March blew in some surprising housing figures, putting San Luis Obispo County at the top of some of the state's sales and appreciation charts.The price of previously owned homes sold in San Luis Obispo County shot up more than 27 percent in March compared to the same period a year ago, according to figures released Monday by the California Association of County home buyers paid a median price of $493,400 last month, or $106,280 more than they did a year earlier. Still, March's figure was down about half a percent from February's record $496,430. Meanwhile, the number of homes sold soared to 317 in March, an increase of nearly 80 percent above February's sales. It was also the greatest monthly percentage sales increase of any region reported by the Realtors' association statewide. The city of Arroyo Grande also made the association's top 10 list for the greatest median home price increases in March compared to the same period a year ago. New and resale homes there jumped 52.5 percent to $681,750, up from $447,000 a year ago. Read entire article at: Home price climbs 27% in past year The Tribune, Leslie E. Stevens To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. Lamplighter Inn in SLOMonday, April 25, 2005 Enjoy a unique San Luis Obispo experience at the Lamplighter Inn & Suites. Ideally located on Monterey St., just minutes from historic downtown. Accomodations include clean, comfortable rooms; HBO; in-room coffee; free, high-speed DSL; free local calls & deluxe continental breakfast.The Lamplighter Inn & Suites Welcomes you to San Luis Obispo, located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California's scenic central coast. The Lamplighter Inn is just blocks away from the downtown area, unique shopping, the Government Center and excellent restaurants are all located within a comfortable walking distance. We are also just 1 mile away from the Cal Poly Campus and performing Arts Center. The Historic Hearst Castle is just 45 minutes away. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Lamplighter Inn - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Cayucos Sunset InnSunday, April 24, 2005 Escape to a charming bed and breakfast in Cayucos, California. Cayucos Sunset Inn offers fine lodging on the central coast that will have you relaxing and enjoying life. Our California bed and breakfast is right by the beach and offers a romantic getaway or a nice retreat for a honeymoon, bridal party, or a baby shower to name a few. They offer 9 casually elegant divine rooms, most of which are two room suites. Enjoy the plush king sized beds, the memorable champagne brunch, or the exquisite chef prepared full breakfast.Not only will you have a hard time leaving Cayucos Sunset Inn bed and breakfast, you will relish the thought of getting back to the inn after a long day at the beach, visiting the famous Hearst Castle, or hiking in Morro Bay. Paso Robles is nearby as are many wineries awaiting your tour. Fish, hike, kayak, boogie board, shop, dine out, and enjoy the slow pace of this beach town. Join us on the central coast where the sun is shining, the ocean is glistening, and the rooms are beautiful and inviting. Cayucos Sunset Inn. The Cayucos Sunset Inn is truly a romantic escape. They take pleasure in turning any occasion into a special one. A romantic getaway? An anniversary? A birthday? This is the perfect destination for that special day. Let them make this an unforgettable experience. Their professional staff will work with you to plan holiday gatherings for small groups. Conveniently located in the cozy beach town of Cayucos, California, half-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Cayucos Sunset Inn is within walking distance to the beach--one of the finest on the Central Coast. Kayaking, surfing and boogie boarding are a few of the many recreational activities to enjoy. Restaurants, antique stores, coffee shops and tennis courts are just a stroll away. The majestic Morro Rock is a few miles away in the historic fishing village of Morro Bay. Here, you will find a championship golf course, the Embarcadero with its fabulous boutiques and restaurants, and the Museum of Natural History. The historic Hearst Castle is 23 miles north in San Simeon, and the Paso Robles Wine Country is within easy driving distance. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Cayucos Sunset Inn - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Pierpointe Inn in CayucosSaturday, April 23, 2005 At Cayucos Pierpointe Inn, experience European Elegance on the beach in beautiful, scenic Cayucos, the heart of California's Central Coast, between Morro Bay and Cambria.Choose from 14 elegantly decorated suites. Enjoy rich luxurious appointments of hand-crafted woods, antiques, oil paintings and beautiful fabrics. "European Elegance" best describes the style and ambiance of Pierpointe Inn. Included in your stay with us is a Deluxe Continental Breakfast, afternoon wine, cheese and other refreshments, and our scrumptious evening desserts will give a sweet conclusion to your day. Each suite has been individually designed and thoughtfully furnished. Amenities include a large screen TV with DVD/VCR, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. There's even an electric towel warmer! All suites feature a romantic fireplace, private balcony, oversize whirlpool tub, and either a panoramic ocean or mountain view. Pierpointe Inn guests also enjoy a rooftop sundeck and large outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. Fluffy robes and beach towels are provided. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. PierPointe Inn - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Cayucos Beach InnFriday, April 22, 2005 Come stay with Cayucos Beach Inn and enjoy some of the more important things in life... a clean, healthy environment... quality time with family, friends, and you family pet... and an opportunity to get back to nature.Cayucos Beach Inn opened its doors in 1999 and quickly earned a triple diamond rating from the Automobile Club. We are located one block from the ocean and just a short stroll through a park. We offer a choice of 37 delightfully decorated rooms averaging approximately 375 square feet of living space. Two of which are completely accessible to the physically challenged! Customer service and housekeeping are top priorities here. Managers and owners are very involved with providing and maintaining a quality environment each day that guests can count on. Your comfort is important to Cayucos Beach Inn, so all rooms have either king or queen-size pillow-topped mattresses with triple sheeting, the perfect thing for a great nights sleep. Outdoors, you'll find clean and cool ocean breezes. Cayucos beach is a south facing beach, meaning it has much less fog than surrounding areas. If you like cooking outdoors, they have gas BBQs and a picnic area... and they'll do the cleanup! Pets are eagerly accepted at this Inn. They have a dog walk area and a dog wash area. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Cayucos Beach Inn - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Month's worth of SLO Wine FestivalsThursday, April 21, 2005Time to roll out the barrels for a month's worth of festivalsWhen you're lucky enough to live in a laid-back coastal region like SLO County, it's easy to put off making a commitment, isn't it? After all, local wine events seem as common as surfboards and Birkenstocks and most offer ticket sales at the gate, so why bother ordering advance tickets? Well, you'll have to reconsider if you plan on attending either of these two upcoming wine festivals. Because anyone who enjoys wine will have to buy tickets ahead or risk missing out on an experience of a lifetime. And I'm not bloviating - even the French have lauded our local winemakers John Alban and Mat Garretson for their achievements in promoting Rhône wines worldwide. San Luis Obispo's newest four-day food and wine spectacular was created by the SLO Vintners' Association Executive Director Grant Raeside, who describes it as "adult trick-or-treat." Wednesday through Sunday, May 4 through May 8 San Luis Obispo Vintners' Wine & Food Festival and Roll Out the Barrels Passport to Wine Country, prices listed per person; $195 for the package of four events (save $25), or you can buy events separately. For tickets and information, visit www.slowine.com or call 541-5868. May 4, Downtown's Cooking features 35 restaurants and food purveyors serving food and wine, $40. May 5, Barrels in the Mission Plaza offers barrel samples with foods from local specialists and the Louie Ortega Band, $10. May 6, Vintners' Awards is Oscar's night at Embassy Suites, honoring leaders in wine and food, sponsored by Central Coast Magazine, $125. May 7–8, Roll Out the Barrels provides VIP entrance at participating wineries for special wine tastings, food and/or live entertainment; $45 per two-day passport. Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14 Hospice du Rhone, two-day package price, including four Rhône wine seminars and all tastings: $695. Tickets a la carte: Friday's Rhône Fete lunch, which always features Chef Laurent Grangien of Bistro Laurent, $75; barrel samples and library tasting, $75. On Saturday, luncheon by Chef Maegen Loring of The Park and live auction, $100; the grand tasting, $75; farewell barbecue by Chef Tom Fundaro of Villa Creek, $100. Friday: winemakers' dinners take place at Bistro Laurent, Paris, Villa Creek, and Robert Hall Winery in Paso Robles, or Orchid at the Inn at Morro Bay. Saturday: an Australian winemakers' dinner is at Paso's 1215 restaurant. All are priced separately and reservations must be made through the restaurant. For seminar details and ticket reservations, visit www.hospicedurhone.org, or call 784-9543. Read entire article at: There's no place like Rhone New Times, Kathy Marcks Hardesty Pismo KiteboardingWednesday, April 20, 2005What you'll see flying 30 feet above the Pacific Ocean this weekend isn't a bird, a plane or Superman -- it's a kiteboard.Dozens of them will float over Pismo Beach from Friday to Sunday at the third annual kiteboarding exposition organized by Kinsley Wong, founder of Xtreme Big Air and Big Air Paragliding. Wong, a Pismo Beach resident, caught the kiteboarding bug a half-dozen years ago. He described the extreme sport as "wakeboarding without a boat. You can fly high like paragliding and do all the tricks like snowboarding. You can surf without paddling -- it's the best of everything." It's a dangerous sport, Wong acknowledged, but an exciting one. He expects 300 to 400 professionals will show up this weekend, starting Friday afternoon, to show off their skills and tricks. About 15 vendors will be on hand to demonstrate the equipment and answer questions. He hopes the event showcases Pismo Beach and draws more tourists to the area. "We have the best beach. It's the best place to go kiteboarding," Wong said. For more information check out www.xtremebigair.com. Read more at: South County Beat The Tribune To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. Burton Inn in CambriaTuesday, April 19, 2005 The Burton Inn is centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles along one of California's most scenic coastal routes, Highway 1. Located in the heart of Cambria's East Village, this perfect romantic getaway is just steps away from all the premier shops, art galleries, antique stores and gourmet restaurants.The Burton Inn is sure to be one of the most delightful places to stay while you discover the grandeur of Hearst Castle, sample award-winning wines from the Paso Robles wine country, or visit San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Cayucos and Big Sur. Nearby, experience Cambria's beautiful rugged coastline with a leisurely stroll along the Moonstone Beach boardwalk and watch a dazzling sunset. Cambria history embraces the Burton Inn guests with 19th century elegance. This gentle retreat into a bygone era dates back to 1865, when it was built by a local prosperous farmer, Rufus Rigdon. Later and English couple acquired the property, and built in 1975 the stately Burton House next door. Eventually, both buildings became what are known today as the delightful Burton Inn. The Burton Inn is a model of old world charm with modern convenience. Twelve comfortable suites contain spacious sitting areas, private baths and numerous thoughtful ambiences - all augmented by attentive service. One of the highlights is a richly carved, wood-paneled library embellished with antique leaded glass windows. Much of the library's cordial atmosphere was created by the master artist whose designs grace majestic Hearst Castle. Restful sounds belie the downtown East Village location as Santa Rosa Creek accompanies the merry serenade of froggy baritones. The Inn invites you to savor the atmosphere, beautiful vistas, and gracious hospitality of Cambria's small town charm. Enjoy the simplified elegance of twelve delightful suites individually decorated creating a romantic and relaxing retreat. Impressive oversized rooms illuminated by large windows overlooking aromatic gardens, Santa Rosa Creek vistas or Burton Drives charming downtown East Village. Lavish private bathrooms in each suite adorned with marble onyx vanity and deep tub. Sumptuous beds lull to sleep our guests into golden slumbers. Due to the popularity of this prestigious bed & breakfast advance reservations are recommended. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Burton Inn - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Baywood's Back Bay InnMonday, April 18, 2005 Back Bay Inn is lodging on Morro Bay in the nature preserve community of Baywood Park. Los Osos surrounded by Montana de Oro State Park, Sweet Springs Bird Sanctuary, Morro Bay State Park, Morro Bay Golf Course and Bird Sanctuary, Los Osos / Baywood Park is the perfect base camp for hiking, bird watching and biking adventures. Enjoy Biking and Hiking trails that follow the rugged Central California Coastline, with views beyond description. Back Bay Inn is the Central California Coast’s most romantic getaway. It is small, private and located right on the water at the quiet south end of Morro Bay in Baywood Park. All 13 rooms at the inn command spectacular and inspiring vistas of the back bay’s mirror-like waters and the beautiful coastal mountains of Montana de Oro State Park. Your room will feature either a cozy fireplace or a private view lanai and will provide the ideal backdrop for a perfect romantic vacation. Each of the 13 individually decorated rooms at Back Bay Inn has been specifically designed to ensure your comfort, privacy and a totally relaxed "at home" feeling. Choose a second floor room with an exclusive private view balcony or fireplace, or a first floor room with a private lanai and bay front entrance. Our beautiful Central Coast offers just about any activity you could possibly want. Within minutes of your room are guided hiking tours, self-guided nature walks, live theater and world-class musical entertainment, seasonal events, golfing, bicycle rentals, kayaking, sport fishing, whale-watching, horseback riding, shopping, Hearst Castle tours, fine dining or wine-tasting tours in our picturesque wine country. Although you will enjoy seeing prolific shorebird life not 50 feet from your room, a short walk or drive will take you to many protected natural sites where you can marvel at over 150 species of birds and dozens of other wild animal species that call this place home. Nature lovers- Bring your camera and get ready for a real treat! Back Bay Inn is uniquely situated in the midst of the Morro Bay Bird Sanctuary and National Wildlife Preserve and is flanked by two State Parks. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Back Bay Inn - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Avila's RenaissanceSunday, April 17, 2005The renaissance taking place in Avila has been a longtime coming for business owners and residents, who have watched the town evolve from an oil cleanup zone to a place where tourists and locals play together on the sand.In the past year, construction has picked up, and on any given day, crews are busy working on a host of projects that will house restaurants, shops, apartments, homes, a grocery store, hotels and a new Avila Community Center. Avila Lighthouse Suites, a 54-unit hotel developed by Martin Resorts, will be among the first to open in late summer at First and Front streets. Other projects slated to open this year include the Port San Luis Marine Institute -- a museum, community center and aquarium - at Avila Beach Drive and San Juan Street. Construction of the Gillespie Project, which has 3,000 square feet of commercial space and six apartments, and Brett Whitaker's Courtyard at Avila -- a mixed-use development with nine condo units -- is under way. Rob Rossi's project called The Landing -- 14 residential units and 14,000 square feet of retail space -- will begin construction this summer. John Wilson's Oceans 17, with 790 square feet of commercial space and 15 condos, could be under construction in May. Meanwhile, the Avila Grocery, developed by Rudy Bachmann, should be ready for a tenant in mid-June. In all, there will be about 70,000 square feet of retail space -- including restaurants -- 70 to 100 new lodging rooms and about 145 new residential units, ranging in price from about $500,000 to more than $1 million. The rebuilding of Avila is expected to wrap up in about three to five years, making it a year-round destination for vacationers. When it's over, it will have a style all its own. "It's going to have that Key West, Caribbean look to it," said John Sorgenfrei, owner of the public relations firm Tom Jones & Associates and member of the Avila Business Association. In the late 1990s, residents and county planners developed a vision for Avila that would retain its edge. It was the kind of town where bikers at Mr. Rick's bar on Front Street rubbed elbows with millionaires, said county planner James Caruso. "People didn't want it to be Laguna Beach," he said. The Avila now under construction isn't necessarily offbeat, but it isn't stamped out of a mold either, residents say. Read entire article: Avila's Renaissance The Tribune, Julie Lynem To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. SLO Wine & Food FestivalSaturday, April 16, 2005Wine in all its guises will be on tap May 4-8 during the San Luis Obispo Vintners' Wine & Food Festival.The five-day event expands the vintners' annual Roll Out the Barrels weekend, which remains part of the festival. The added venues are part of stepped-up promotional efforts and activities engineered by the association's first full-time director, Grant Raeside, hired in July. "I was brought in 10 months ago to promote wineries in a bigger way and bring in other partners -- restaurants and retailers," he said. "We expanded Harvest Festival in the fall and found many more people came from out of town. That's exciting to the hotels and tourism crowd." The association has budgeted more than $30,000 for the festival, with almost the entire amount provided by local sponsors, such as hotels, banks, title companies and media, Raeside said. "When our first guest comes in and has a great time, they will put us on the profit side of the equation." And those guests will have a lot to choose from. Downtown's Cookin' kicks off the festivities -- a sip-and-shop event in downtown San Luis Obispo, where for $40, ticket holders can visit more than 35 participating restaurants and retailers offering wine or culinary treats. The following night takes on a Latin flavor during Barrels in the Plaza. Food demonstration, wine sampling and live music by Louie Ortega will fill Mission Plaza in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Cost is $10 for a wine glass and three tastings. Friday night, the vintners association will toast its stars in a Hollywood-style awards ceremony honoring local wineries, wines, sponsors and volunteers. Roll Out the Barrels caps the festival with two days of wine tasting and appetizers available at open houses hosted by at least 20 San Luis Obispo and South County wineries. Cost for a two-day pass is $45 if purchased in advance. Additional information and tickets are available online at www.slowine.com or by calling 541-5868. SLO Beefs up May wine festival The Tribune, Leslie E. Stevens To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. Spyglass Inn in Pismo BeachFriday, April 15, 2005 Among the most luxurious and sophisticated Pismo Beach hotels, the Spyglass Inn is first in its class when it comes to chic Central California accommodations.The luxurious accommodations at the Spyglass Inn Pismo Beach, a destination for relaxation, business meetings and family gatherings. Guests return year after year to visit the nearby attractions of Hearst Castle, Lake Lopez, California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo, and the Missions and museums of San Luis Obispo County. There are a variety of sights and sounds to entice you along the protected California coast. Our Pismo Beach California hotel is close to the Oceano Dunes, a California State Park that encompasses the most expansive natural dunes left along the Pacific shoreline. When you stay at the Spyglass Inn you will be also close to the popular Hearst Castle, award-winning wineries, sunny California beaches and the many attractions San Luis Obispo County has in store for you. After a long day of driving through the scenic bluffs of Pismo Beach unwind in your spacious guest room, gazing out at the Pacific Ocean from the warmth and comfort of your private balcony. After working up an appetite at the pool or spa retire to the Spyglass Inn Restaurant to sample the menu dining on our heated, outdoors deck with a breathtaking view of the ocean. Wake up to an ocean view each morning from one of our newly renovated oceanfront guestrooms and suites with a private balcony or patio overlooking the water. You'll enjoy the relaxing country lodge decor and quiet ambiance. Recently remodeled, the Inn offers quiet guest rooms, with wonderful views, in-room coffee, and refrigerators. For your relaxation, enjoy our pool & spa. Ideal for groups, the Spyglass Inn has excellent Banquet facilities and a Conference Room for group meetings. The Spyglass Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dine inside or out on our heated oceanview deck! The lounge offers a relaxing oceanview setting as well. Reserve your private guest room at the Spyglass Inn Pismo Beach Hotel for the finest accommodations in Central California. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Spyglass Inn - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Sea Crest Resort Motel in Pismo BeachThursday, April 14, 2005 Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco lies an ideal vacation or rest stop at one of the most beautiful beach areas along the Pacific Coast. Here at Sea Crest Resort Motel, located in Pismo Beach, the average temperature is a comfortable 68-78° year round and few places can match the smog-free environment... A bit of Hawaii on the California Coast.Sea Crest Resort Motel offers a full-sized pool heated to 78-degrees all year as well as three 103-degree whirlpools for your enjoyment. Activities around Sea Crest include bathing at uncrowded, sandy beaches, surf fishing, skin diving for abalone and lobster, digging for Pismo clams, salmon fishing - or you may take a walk along the new pier for spectacular views of white breakers and dynamic cliffs. A barbecue area, shuffleboard, and a glass enclosed sun deck are but a few of the amenities at Sea Crest. Nearby there are golf courses and tennis courts open to the public. Local gourmet restaurants offer seafood and other popular entrees. Visit the new on-site Marie Callender's Restaurant for delicious meals at reasonable prices. You may dine in either the antique narrow-gauge railroad room, or the elegant nineteenth century nautical dining area. You won't want to miss the variety of side trips... the world famous Hearst Castle, 1 hour north, and the charming Scandinavian Village of Solvang, an hour south of the resort. The famous Pismo sand dunes are nearby; and bass and trout fishing is available at the many lakes throughout the Los Padres National Forest. There's truly something for everyone at Sea Crest, family owned and operated since 1972. As a family we say "We Care." Luxury and elegance prevail in our beautifully decorated 160 guest rooms. All rooms have large beds, and color TV's. Elevators provide easy access to the 4-story building, and there are facilities for the handicapped. Jacuzzi suites include a private jacuzzi and king-sized beds. The Sea Crest now offers the chance for you to have that very special day with us. We have a special section that is perfect for weddings. It over looks the Pacific Ocean and local landscapes. In addition, Sea Crest features a conference center with 3,000 sq. ft. available for receptions banquets, seminars and special events, to accommodate from 25 to 300 people. Sea Crest Resort looks forward to your stay... Come hide away with us! Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Sea Crest Resort Motel - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Sandcastle Inn in Pismo BeachWednesday, April 13, 2005 Welcome to the Sandcastle Inn on the sand in Pismo Beach. The Sandcastle Inn offers sweeping panoramas of California's Central Coast. Enjoy the view from many of our guest rooms, spa and sundecks.Whitewashed exteriors and contemporary design provide an understated elegance with the romance of a Mediterranean villa. This is an Inn designed to enhance your relaxation. Guests return year after year to enjoy the ocean and the dramatic views of the Central Coast as well as the nearby attractions of Hearst Castle, Lake Lopez, California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo, and the Missions and museums of San Luis Obispo County. Pismo Beach is a wonderful place to visit and the Sandcastle Inn is a warm and inviting place to stay. The hotel offers several room types to fit the needs of our guests; from a room with one king bed to a family suite. Attractive rooms and suites feature a decor designed to enhance your comfort and relaxation. Many of our rooms enjoy views of the dramatic central coast. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Sandcastle Inn - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Cottage Inn in Pismo BeachTuesday, April 12, 2005 On the Bluffs of Pismo Beach, California, the Cottage Inn by the Sea offers visitors romantic country warmth and a style with all the quality touches of fine modern inn.Situated in the beautiful Oceanside setting of Pismo Beach, the Cottage Inn features country decor, wonderful views, an inviting sundeck, pool and spa right on the bluffs overlooking a dramatic stretch of the pacific. Convenient to all the varied attractions of San Luis Obispo County, the Cottage Inn in Pismo beach is perfect choice for an overnight visit or an extended stay on the Central Coast. When you stay at the Cottage Inn on Pismo Beach you will enjoy a stretch of prime beachfront, where flip-flops are the shoes of choice and surf wear is the dominant fashion. When looking for lodging in Pismo Beach, choose the Cottage Inn by the Sea. The Cottage Inn features 79 warm, English country furnished rooms with fireplaces, in-room refrigerators, microwaves, coffee, iron/ironing boards, hair dryers, robes, high-speed internet access and extended movie channels. This Pismo beach hotel is an exclusively non-smoking hotel where the rooms are charming and relaxing with a comfortable, country decor. Many visitors looking for Pismo beach lodging choose the Cottage Inn so they can enjoy the fantastic views of the dramatic central coast. Enjoy the beautiful pool and spa with views of the coast. Each morning guests enjoy a deluxe complimentary continental breakfast with gourmet coffee. Convenient to all the varied attractions of San Luis Obispo County, the Cottage Inn is perfect choice for an overnight visit or an extended stay on the Central Coast. Miles of beaches offer ocean-goers an array of water sports including surfing, fishing, kayaking. Sports enthusiasts appreciate bicycling, horse back riding and the central coast's acclaimed golf courses. This spectacular beach enjoys a beautiful ocean front setting central to Southern San Luis Obispo County. With a population of approximately 8,500, this friendly seaside community enjoys a very mild climate with temperatures that range from 60 to 80 degrees (F) year round. Pismo Beach features many special events throughout the year including, a Custom Car Show, 4th of July Fireworks, Western Days, Clam Festival and Marching Band Review. In addition, the city is home to two Dixieland jazz festivals. Pismo Beach is also the home of the migrating Monarch Butterflies who come each year from the end of October through February. When choosing a Pismo Beach hotel, look no further than the Cottage Inn by the Sea. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Cottage Inn - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County San Luis Bay Inn in Avila BeachMonday, April 11, 2005 Enjoy San Luis Bay Inn.Located high on a bluff overlooking the coastal town of Avila Beach, the San Luis Bay Inn offers something for everyone. The resort's Mediterranean decor adds color and warmth, while the exterior provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and it's surroundings. Enjoy all the sights-explore by day in the mild and pleasant weather. At night you can relax and enjoy the sounds of the waves rolling onto the beach. Our Spacious One and Two-Bedroom Suites include Full Kitchens, Dining Area, Living Room With Queen Sofa Sleeper, Separate Bedroom With King Size Bed, and a Spacious Bathroom With Whirlpool Tub. Each Suite is Equipped With a Complete Set of Kitchenware, Two Televisions, Vcr, Private Balcony, and Much More. The resort has an awesome activities department whose sole purpose is to ensure guests have the best vacation ever. Our full time concierge is dedicated to helping each guest make the most of their vacation on the Central Coast. Bicycle Rentals, Game Room, Golf Course, Health Club, Massage Service, Outdoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Volleyball. The Central Coast Has Something For Everyone. For the Outdoor Enthusiasts San Luis Obispo County Has Numerous Hiking and Biking Trails - the Resort Offers Complimentary Mountain Bikes To All Guests-. If the Open Sea is More Your Style Avila Beach Offers Kayaking, Surfing, Sailing, Whale Watching, and Sport Fishing. Fist Timers To the Central Coast Must Check Out Historic Hearst Castle Located in San Simion. While Cruising Up Beautiful Highway 101 Dont Forget To Check-Out Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, and Big Sur. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. San Luis Bay Inn - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County SLO's Sands Suites & MotelSunday, April 10, 2005 Sands Suites & Motel in San Luis Obispo is proud to present 70 clean, comfortable, cheery rooms while you visit San Luis Obispo, CA. Their friendly helpful staff is dedicated to making your stay here a pleasant one because they want you to come back.This three diamond AAA rated hotel is conveniently close to Cal Poly University, state and county offices, the old Mission and historic downtown, and a short walk away from restaurants, lounges and lots of shopping. This location on the central coast of California makes a stay at Sands Suites & Motel ideal for access to a wide variety of attractions and adventures. You'll appreciate the many extras like a wet bar, microwave, refrigerator, sofa bed, two phones, two remote control color TV's with VCRs, AM/FM clock radio, two roomy armories, plus ice bucket and real glasses. The meeting room for up to 150 people can be subdivided and set up to suit your group's specific needs, for classes, reunions, receptions, seminars and workshops. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Sands Suites & Motel - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Draw SLO Tourists with WineSaturday, April 09, 2005San Luis Obispo Vintners hopes to raise $1 million from local governments and business groups to promote one of the county's unsung tourist drawsIf you donate, they will come. That's the belief of San Luis Obispo Vintners, which plans to ask South County and coastal governments, chambers of commerce and tourism associations for money to form a wine tourism fund. "Everyone agrees tourism is good, but the wine tourist is better than the average visitor because he spends almost twice as much," said Robin Baggett, president of the vintners group and owner of Courtside Cellars and Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo. The vintners will ask about 20 groups for donations. The goal is to collect at least $1 million and use the money to hire an independent marketing firm that will create a campaign to draw visitors. SLOV currently has about $300,000 in its budget for promotions, Baggett said. Read the entire article at: A South County toast The Tribune, Michaela Baltasar To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. SLO Splash CafeFriday, April 08, 2005Splash Cafe in San Luis Obispo is now open for business.The eatery at 1491 Monterey St. serves the same seafood fare, but now offers breakfast, new menu items and dessert. The restaurant is serving its popular clam chowder, which helped make the Pismo location a hit, as well as home-made pastries, croissants, personal pizzas, specialty salads and organic chocolates. Individual pizzas come in regular flavors such as pepperoni and cheese, and gourmet flavors such as grilled shrimp or smoked salmon and goat cheese. They are also making their own bread for clam chowder bread bowls and hope to bake bread for their Pismo restaurant, said owner Joanne Curtis. The 3,200-square-foot cafe will sell organic chocolates -- Sweet Earth Organic Chocolates -- made by Curtis' brother Tom Neuhaus. Neuhaus is also a professor at Cal Poly, where he teaches a chocolate-making class. As well, the cafe has brightly painted murals by Lin Mercer. The walls at the Pismo Beach restaurant feature paintings of well-known spots in town. Curtis hired about 40 employees for their new location, making their total workforce about 95 employees. The cafe, which is in the old Bishop's Burgers building, has longer hours. It is open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 9:30 p.m. on weekends. All prices have remained the same. Splash Cafe makes waves in San Luis The Tribune, Dawn Rapp To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. 1/18 are Millionaires in SLOThursday, April 07, 2005The tri-county region is home to about 31,000 millionaires who have $175 billion invested in stocks, bonds, real estate and other sources, according to a recent study by Chicago-based private bank Northern Trust Corp.Completed in January and made available exclusively to the Business Times in early March, the study puts an actual number next to the notion that the region from Paso Robles to Westlake Village is a land of wealth. When spread across the entire tri-county population, the study suggests that one in every 16 households has $1 million or more to invest. The tally excludes home equity and wages, making the revelation more telling of just how much money traces back to tri-county addresses. But for Scott Lafferty, president of Northern Trust's Santa Barbara market, the millionaires' study is not for gawking at this region's wealth, but for better serving the millionaires who hold it. "We are in the advice business," Lafferty said. "The most important thing we do is provide advice." Northern Trust sent the study to a random national sampling of 18,000 readers of its financial report, Market Signals. Rebecca Hayne, a Northern Trust spokeswoman, said only half of all Market Signals subscribers are Northern Trust clients. The two-page survey asked questions about retirement, retirement financial planning, how concerned a respondent was about certain market conditions, if they currently receive financial advice and how much money they have in the market. Northern Trust divided its survey results into three categories: households with $1 million in "investable assets" or more, with $5 million or more and $10 million or more. Northern Trust found that in California, there are more millionaire households in Los Angeles County than any other county, approximately 145,000. Orange County ranked second. San Diego County, Santa Clara County and Alameda County comprised the rest of the top five. Ventura County ranks 10th, Santa Barbara ranks 15th, and San Luis Obispo County ranks 20th among all California counties. In Ventura County there are 15,687 millionaire households, approximately one per 16, and they have $85 billion invested. One in every 15 Santa Barbara County residents is a millionaire, as the study found 9,623 in the county with $61 billion invested. The smallest county, San Luis Obispo, also has the fewest millionaires, with 5,501 who have $29 billion sloshing around the marketplace. One in 18 households can lay claim to the millionaire title. What concerns the wealthiest of tri-county denizens? The study said California millionaires are more concerned with rising health-care costs than any other potential source of wealth erosion. Personal and family health issues ranked second, and inflation ranked third. That's definitely the case for one of Northern Trust's Hope Ranch clients. The 78-year-old man, who to maintain his privacy did not want to reveal his name, said medical bills are taking their toll. "Health care is certainly the unanticipated problem we are facing," he said, referring to himself and his wife. For example, the man said Medicare covers the majority of his medical expenses, but he also pays $850 per month for a supplemental medical plan with Blue Cross of California. That plan is getting more expensive every year, he said. While the man said he isn't too worried about inflation, another Northern Trust client, who also lives in Hope Ranch, has decided to put all of her and her husband's investable assets into Treasury inflation-protected securities, or TIPs. A 56-year-old retiree, she came to Santa Barbara with her husband in 2000 after careers in telecommunications on the East Coast. They first bought a home in Santa Barbara's Mesa neighborhood. But by selling that house, selling their home in New Jersey and cashing out stock options in the companies they worked for, the couple bought a Hope Ranch estate. But it wasn't all paradise. "The truth is, when the economy went south, so did our investments," she said. Many of the stock options they did not exercise to purchase their Hope Ranch home have been rendered worthless by the telecommunications bust of the new millennium. Now, she said they count their pennies. They have their expenses down to the nickel, and figure their investments have to make up the gap between their monthly expenses and what their pensions bring in. The nasty stock option experience has left both of them wary of equities in general, she said. "We are not going to be stuck with the vagaries of the equity market again," she said. Given the number of millionaires who have retired in the Tri-Counties, Northern Trust's forecast does not seem odd. The firm is predicting this region will continue to mint millionaires. For households with $1 million or more to invest, Northern Trust found the fastest growth in the Tri-Counties in Ventura County. Between 2003 and 2008, Northern forecasts the number of households with $1 million to $5 million to invest will increase 9.3 percent, to nearly 14,210. Northern estimates there will be 8,330 millionaire households with $1 million to $5 million for investments in 2008 in Santa Barbara County. In San Luis Obispo County, that same category will grow by nearly 500 households by 2008. Study tallies 31,000 millionaires in region Pacific Coast Buisness Times, Kevin Kreutz To see more of The Pacific Coast Business Times, or to subscribe to the journal, go to www.pacbiztimes.com.com. (c) 2005, The Pacific Coast Business Times, Santa Barbara, CA. VIA on SLOWednesday, April 06, 2005Whales, elephant seals, and monarch butterflies vie for your attention with wineries, missions, and spasWith Monterey and Santa Cruz just north and Santa Barbara immediately south, San Luis Obispo County has major competition when it comes to persuading people to stop and stay a spell. Yet there are plenty of reasons to tarry—the accessible, scenic coastline and pleasant small towns hold a wide variety of things to see and do. For example, animals both huge and tiny are in season during SLO winters. Monarch butterflies gather by the multitude along the coast; perhaps the best place to see them is along Highway 1 at the south end of Pismo Beach. You'll often find docents in the eucalyptus groves, or you can wander at will. These groves have the added advantage of proximity to Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, where there's a six-mile stretch of drivable beach, much of it suitable for the family Turnpike Cruiser—although soft sand can, in places, make a car sink to the hubcaps. map of San Luis Obispo County Elephant seals gather along the county's northern coast. Good places to see them are the vista points beside Highway 1, where you can get close to the noisy, mannerless giants. The best vista point is 4.4 miles north of the Hearst Castle turnoff. You'll find explanatory signs and, probably, blue-jacketed docents. The biggest animals of all, whales, migrate by the coast from December through March; you'll find good places from which to watch whales all along the shore. The north county stretch of Highway 1 follows an especially scenic route and takes you to Hearst Castle—which just was named No. 1 U.S. Monument in Conde Nast Traveler magazine's Readers' Choice Awards. Hearst's estate is big, extravagant, and laden with anecdote-rich showbiz history. If Hearst Castle represents romanticism of a kind, California's missions have come to represent for many a romanticized version of the state's past. SLO has two: San Miguel and San Luis Obispo. Despite their architectural similarities, they are so different from each other in atmosphere that to see one is not to see both. San Miguel, looking very Old California—it's easy to imagine Helen Hunt Jackson's Ramona showing up at vespers—seems off by itself in both time and geography even though the freeway ramp is a few yards down the street. In contrast, Mission San Luis Obispo, in its leafy urban plaza, has an air of constant readiness for an inspection by the archbishop. That plaza is in the middle of the city of San Luis Obispo, part of a handsome downtown area that's made for walking. There are several historic buildings and an impressive array of quality architecture in a small area—along one short stretch of Monterey Street you'll see the mission, late-19th-century commercial buildings, an expansive Moderne county building, and the jukebox Deco Fremont Theater. SLO is a college town (California Polytechnic State University) with the amenities that implies—some nice bookstores, cafes, and an easy atmosphere. For example, the Thursday evening farmers' market is more of a street picnic than a traditional market. Booths offering barbecue and ethnic eats outnumber vegetable stands. Massage therapists knead people. Advocates of causes expound. On our visit, a brass band marched through, creating a Charles Ives-like counterpoint with a rock band. Almost directly west, on the coast, Morro Bay presents an odd juxtaposition of man and nature. The town landmark, 576-foot Morro Rock, rises from the water opposite a faceless power plant boasting some impressive smokestacks. The town's waterfront is an almost Fisherman's Wharf-like collection of tourist-oriented eateries and businesses. But it borders a handsome bird sanctuary harboring egrets, herons, pelicans, terns, kingfishers, loons, and cormorants, all apparently ignoring the works of man. Sea lions and otters share the sanctuary. We watched as an otter floating on its back dismembered a crab while fending off attacking gulls. Treat yourself to a stroll along the water on a paved path adjacent to the built-up area. You'll find a particularly nice beach drive and walk at Cambria's Moonstone Beach. It's a lovely stretch of shore, with tidepools, rocks, and waves placed as though by artists. While you're there, visit Cambria. This small town must have an ordinance requiring buildings along Main Street to be quaintly, if somewhat self-consciously, picturesque. It's an environment rich with galleries, boutiques, and antiques shops. In addition to a scenic coast and unusual wildlife, San Luis Obispo's natural resources include a climate that favors wine grapes and mineral-laden natural springs with waters available at a number of spas. Several dozen wineries have tasting rooms. One stretch of road good for wine-tasting is 46 east from Paso Robles. It not only offers a number of nice wineries, but at Cholame you'll find the crossroads where James Dean was killed when his Porsche hit a Ford. There's a marker by the tree in the Jack Ranch Cafe's parking lot just before the fatal intersection. Mineral water may be good for what ails you and, at the very least, can be pleasantly relaxing. In his 70s, fabled pianist Ignacy Paderewski was soothed by the waters now available at Paso Robles Inn, a handsome, upscale successor to the resort he visited. Another spot worth considering, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, is a luxurious accommodation that also offers a quality soak by the hour for those who want the waters but not the whole spa experience. San Luis Obispo VIA, John Goepel, January 2001 Growing SLO CropsTuesday, April 05, 2005Annual production figures show an increase in the value of SLO County agricultural crops to a record $539 millionThe value of San Luis Obispo County crops grew nearly 5 percent last year to a record $539.4 million, according to annual production figures released Monday. It was a showing that pleased county Agricultural Commissioner Bob Lilley. "The statistics for agriculture look very positive," he said. "Despite all the ups and downs over time, the future looks really bright." Agriculture is one of the county's leading industries, with an economic impact of well over $1 billion, including support businesses and salaries. While wine grapes continue to dominate county agriculture production, cattle and bell peppers snared the spotlight in 2004. Cattle jumped from the fourth most valuable crop in 2003 to the No. 2 spot behind wine grapes. The beefy animals brought in $54.4 million, up 21.6 percent for the year. "It's been an excellent year for everybody in the cattle business," said Dick Nock, longtime San Luis Obispo County cattleman and industry spokesman. The popularity of protein-based diets such as Atkins and South Beach has pumped up consumer demand at the same time a temporary ban on cattle from Canada has restricted supply, he said. The result was higher prices. Read the entire article at: Growing an economy The Tribune, Leslie E. Stevens To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. San Luis Creek LodgeMonday, April 04, 2005 San Luis Creek Lodge is a charming San Luis Obispo inn with the amenities and feeling of your favorite California bed and breakfast.With only 25 rooms in three distinctive buildings on one small campus set back away from street noise, you may rest assured that your privacy and comfort are certain, for business or pleasure. San Luis Creek Lodge is uniquely special among centrally-located San Luis Obispo hotels and inns, with luxury amenities and upscale rooms at affordable prices. Business or pleasure? Your choice, or you can have both. Our free DSL Internet gateway and phone support, plus spacious rooms for small meetings or work, meet your business travel needs. Or, if you just need a comfortable, quiet room with all the amenities of home, our unique rooms with their superb beds will satisfy your wants (see the list of amenities below). Formerly known as Morgan's Mansions, no San Luis Obispo hotel, motel or inn is better located to make our guests' stays enjoyable and productive. Located near Highway 101 ramps and not far from California Highway 1, we are close to San Luis Obispo's wonderful, walkable downtown district, and you can get there on the public trolley that stops in front of our door. The trolley will make frequent stops at the 1772 Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the Thursday Farmers Market, and wonderful restaurants and entertainment as well as other San Luis Obispo bed and breakfasts and hotels. The main street to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo State University is a couple blocks away, making San Luis Creek Lodge a perfect Cal Poly hotel for friends and family of students or for a Cal Poly alumnus returning to visit the alma mater. Our San Luis Obispo inn offers the services of most San Luis Obispo bed and breakfasts (including the breakfast) to help make your visit to Cal Poly university pleasant. Choose us as your Cal Poly hotel for the comfort and convenience we offer close to the university. If you are looking for a California central coast hotel motel, San Luis Obispo is the perfect location. And San Luis Creek Lodge is the perfect California central coast hotel to use as your base to explore spectacular San Luis Obispo County. Our superb location near Hwy 1 and the 101 make your California weekend getaway hassle free as you head out to Hearst Castle (less than 50 miles) or San Luis Obispo wine country (about 20 minutes) or the beaches at Morro Bay (12 miles), Pismo Beach (12 miles) or Avila Beach (9 miles). Our special San Luis Obispo inn is located right at the hub of the county and all these adventures and attractions. Our upscale guest rooms are found in three architecturally rich Mansions in our unique San Luis Obispo hotel. Each room features upscale furnishings, luxury fabrics, imported tile, nine-foot ceilings, and dual sink bathrooms. Every day, enjoy a complimentary breakfast in our morning room and on Wednesday share a Marguerita with us in the afternoon. In addition, we offer luxuries you won't find in most San Luis Obispo inns, hotels or bed and breakfasts. If you are looking for a pet friendly hotel motel, California can be tough. But San Luis Creek Lodge is a special California dog friendly hotel that offers pet owners an upscale setting that is definitely not second class. No other San Luis Obispo hotel or inn, or even California central coast hotel, offers more inviting pet friendly lodging. Each of our three distinct mansions celebrates a different style and era, but all are packed with modern conveniences like free wireless DSL Internet gateway, microwave and widescreen TV. If you prefer something special for a California romantic getaway, choose a room with a fireplace, spa tub, or a balcony overlooking San Luis Creek. If you are a business traveler on a budget, choose a more basic room in our conveniently located San Luis Obispo hotel and still get the built-in comfort and convenience of our extraordinary amenities that make us an outstanding California business hotel. A hot or cold breakfast is served in our charming GateHouse lounge from 7 to 10 a.m. everyday. Our well-stocked table stands up well against any California bed and breakfast. We feature fresh-baked coffee cake from the Edna Valley Bakery, quiche, scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs, bagels with cream cheese, yogurt selection, breads, slow-cooked oatmeal, Starbuck's coffee & teas, English muffins, breads, granola, cereals, whole fresh fruit, three kinds of juice, peanut butter, jams and jellies. We invite you to try one of the most special hotels in San Luis Obispo on your next visit to San Luis Obispo-the San Luis Creek Lodge. Whether you are looking for a California luxury hotel for your California romantic getaway or a comfortable and convenient location for your next business meeting on the California Central Coast, San Luis Creek Lodge is one of the best San Luis Obispo hotels for you. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. San Luis Creek Lodge - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County SLO Quality SuitesSunday, April 03, 2005 At the Quality Suites - San Luis Obispo, you can look forward to coming home to a luxurious, spacious suite after a busy day. Our 138 suites (most featuring king size beds) are equipped with a full range of services and amenities. The microwave and refrigerator make it easy to prepare a meal—or just unwind with a movie.Guests of the Quality Suites - San Luis Obispo enjoy pampering touches and first-class service. Awaken to a complimentary breakfast each morning, complimentary refreshments each evening, and a poolside barbecue most every night of the week. Start the day with a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast. Choose from a variety of breakfast options to savor indoors in the breakfast room, or on the patio. The breakfast menu includes eggs, pancakes, potatoes, sausage, bacon, toast, cereal, coffee, juice, and much more! Offered daily 6:30 am to 9:30 am (7 am to 10 am during weekends and holidays.) Unwind in the evening at our Manager's Reception, where you can socialize with friends and enjoy complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks in the cantina from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. It's the perfect end to a day of business or sightseeing. The Quality Suites is an ideal meeting place for smaller groups. We offer two contemporary meeting rooms, state-of-the-art technology and delicious catering. You can always count on Quality Suites meeting expertise to help execute flawless business and social events with ease. When you stay at the Quality Suites, you're never far from downtown, and all of the area's incredible attractions. Tour picturesque vineyards, the famed Mission San Luis Obispo, or see a show at the performing arts center. San Luis Obispo is also midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, expanding your sightseeing opportunities. Make Reservations at Coastal Concierge - your connection to only the best San Luis Obispo County has to offer. Quality Suites - Luxury Accommodations in San Luis Obispo County Old School Wine Tasting in Avila BeachSaturday, April 02, 2005The Santa Fe Schoolhouse is being brought to life in Avila Beach.Local businessman John Salisbury, who purchased the building in 2000, is transforming the century-old structure into a wine-tasting room slated to open in May. "We've pretty well renovated the whole building," he said, adding that the only original pieces are the molding, the frame and the floor. However, Salisbury said restoring the aging structure off Highway 101 is more than just about his business. It's part of a larger movement to preserve the town's roots, he said. Salisbury began restoration efforts on the building five years ago and has focused on bringing it up to code. Along with seismic retrofitting, the schoolhouse is getting new wiring and pipes. To increase access for the disabled, he's widened the building's doors and customized its public restrooms. Though an official opening date has not been set, Jennifer Rucks, Salisbury's daughter and tasting room and marketing co-manager, said the goal is to open in time for the San Luis Obispo Vintners Food and Wine Festival scheduled for May 4-8. The schoolhouse will feature a wine bar, which will offer wines from county vineyards that do not have their own tasting rooms. Local wines will be sold by the glass, bottle or case. Plans are also under way to set up a produce stand in front of the building, where small growers can sell directly to customers. A second Farmers Market in Avila -- exclusively for local farmers, fishermen and wine growers -- and weekend summer barbecues are also a possibility at the site. The refurbished schoolhouse is a small piece of a bigger picture for a growing Avila Beach. Downtown Avila is in the process of a major overhaul, and several mixed-use projects are being proposed or already in development. Read the entire article at: Where tasting will be old school The Tribune, Mariecar Mendoza To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. SLO County Foreign TourismFriday, April 01, 2005Local businesses are taking advantage of the sliding dollar by attracting foreign visitors and trying to place SLO County products abroad.A rising number of foreigners visiting the Inn at Morro Bay has led general manager Sam Ebeid to pack his own bags -- to attend a major travel trade show in New York during May. Ebeid hopes to pick the brains of tour operators there, representing more than 120 countries, to learn how to attract more foreign travelers to his Central Coast resort. He attributes the upswing that he's seen the past three months to diminished concerns about terrorist attacks and one simple fact: Foreign money buys more here. Throughout San Luis Obispo County, business owners are feeling the effects of a U.S. dollar whose value continues to slide against most foreign currencies. Because it's cheaper to travel here -- and buy wine and other products in the states -- local businesses catering to foreigners say the weaker dollar has generally been positive. Like Ebeid, some local business executives are positioning themselves to benefit. Bill Watkins, executive director of the UC Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project, predicts the wine, agricultural and tourism sectors will perform better over time: "It should help them become more competitive." Nationwide, foreign travel to the states has grown solidly during the past 14 months. So far this year, for instance, foreign visitors number 35 million people, up 11 percent from the same period last year. And while travel has not rebounded to the levels being experienced in Monterey or Santa Barbara, the weak dollar -- coupled with the popularity of the Academy award-winning film "Sideways" -- has brought opportunity, said Kendi Root, corporate regional director of sales and marketing for the Boutique Hotel Collection. Its holdings include Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, Apple Farm and The Cliffs Resort. "There's a better reason to stop through as a driving destination," Root said. "We are definitely starting to see that, and that's exciting." Those in the local wine industry say the falling dollar has helped bring more competitive opportunities with exports but hasn't solely ensured American wines will sell well abroad. Read the entire article at: SLO County tourism and exports The Tribune, Laurie Phillips To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. 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