Buellton, CA: Buellton Brew Fest

The 2nd Annual Buellton Brew Fest kicks off Santa Ynez Valley’s Craft Beer Week on Saturday, May 11 at River View Park. Tickets are now available for $35 advance purchase and $45 from May 1-May 11, the ticket includes a commemorative tasting glass, lunch, live music from Burning James and The Funky Flames, and unlimited tastings. The Festival sold out in pre-sale last year during its inaugural year.

The Buellton Brew Fest’s festivities will feature over 25 breweries breweries, including local Craft Breweries Figueroa Mountain, Firestone, and Tapit; and regional favorites Stone Brewing, Ninkasi, and Trumer Pils showcasing the best in craft beer. Local restaurant Avant will provide lunch to all attendees, with additional food and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

The Buellton Brew Fest is the first Craft Beer Festival in the Santa Ynez Valley, and a popular event in an area known for its wine but gaining major attention for Craft Beer. With awards from the Great American Beer Festival on its walls, Firestone Walker Brewing, and Figueroa Mountain Brewing call the Santa Ynez Valley home. Tapit, with its Gold Award for their IPA from the Great American Beer Festival is right up the road in San Luis Obispo; it’s clear that the Central Coast of California is solidifying its place among the top regions for Craft Beer.

Holly Holliday, with the Buellton Brew Fest states, “After a phenomenal Inaugural year, it’s awesome to see the excitement continue to build in this area for beer and the art of craft beer. We look to continue to bring the best of the best to the Santa Ynez Valley, in order to inspire future beers to come. This event is beer at its best, we’re proud of that.”

More information can be found on the web at, http://www.Buelltonbrewfest.com, and tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite or through the Buellton Chamber of Commerce.


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Nojoqui Falls County Park

Nestled just a few miles south of Solvang, CA is a hidden gem for travelers who love a short hike in the morning to get the blood pumping before breakfast.

Nojoqui Falls County Park is home to a spectacular water fall reminiscent of those found in the tropical forests of Hawaii. Dropping nearly 100ft over a rock cliff, the water spray provides a cool, misty shower that perks up hikers under a canopy of trees and canyon walls.

From the trailhead, the hike is a short 1/4 mile to the falls, with an easy elevation gain. The trail follows the creek and at one point crosses over via footbridge.

Dogs are welcome, provided that you keep them leashed and pick up after them.

Moss and maidenhair fern covers the waterfall, creating a scene that reminds you of paintings of water nymphs, elves, and other creatures from the middle ages. If you're quiet enough, you might even hear the pan flute of a centaur.

Parking is free, but camping will cost you.

Hours: 8:00 AM to Sunset
Camping Reservations: (805) 934-6211

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Buellton, CA: Firestone Walker Brewery Restaurant

With the popularity of craft brewing reaching new highs throughout California, comes the quest to build the perfect brew pubs, beer bars, and brewhouse restaurants.

And with that said, Firestone Walker Brewery may have built the perfect restaurant in Buellton, CA to showcase their award winning ales alongside the finest eats in the Santa Ynez Valley.

When one steps through the doors of the Tap Room Restaurant, richly appointed with oak tables and brushed stainless steel bars, they are brought into a dark, airy, pub with the sounds of music and chatter, vintage posters and decorations reminiscent of 1940's film noir.

Upon taking our seats at a table upon the balcony, we were treated to a basket of warm sourdough and butter. I started with a glass of Firestone Walker's Double Barrel Ale, the company's flagship brew, an English style pub ale with a balance of roasted malt and hops, that continues to bring the brewery awards and accolades.

Our server then brought us crab cakes, which we were told continue to be a popular appetizer among the restaurant's regulars. Light and fluffy, seated over a pour of rice wine vinegar aioli, and accompanied by a side of mixed mizuna, carrots, and diakon radish slaw, it was an experience that combined the best of Maryland and Central California onto one plate.

But we were here for two of the Taproom's favorite main courses, the Seared Ahi Tuna and Daniel's Pork Chops. Seasoned with herbs, then crusted with parmesan, and splashed with a red wine reduction, Daniel's Pork Chops were thick sliced and every bite welcomed our mouths with moist, tender, chewing and a full, rich flavor of the "other white meat". Meanwhile, the Seared Ahi Tuna, was seared rare, adorned with sesame seeds, and accompanied with wasabi-aoli snow peas and a red onion slaw.

Guests can order the brewery's beer sampler, consisting of your choice of any four of Firestone Walker's many brews on tap. We particularly liked their Double Jack IPA, pairing well with the pork chops, and the Walker's Reserve Porter, pairing up with the ice cream-topped brownie and raspberry sauce.

Firestone Walker Brewery Taproom Restaurant
620 McMurray Road
Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 686-1557 x 18

Hours:
Dinner: Sun-Thu: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Dinner: Fri-Sat: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Lunch served in bar: Fri-Sun: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Website: http://www.firestonebeer.com/

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