San Luis Obispo, CA: Petit Soleil Bed and Breakfast

For a gorgeous ride through some beautiful rolling hills, start in Bakersfield and head west on CA Highway 58. Gas up in Bakersfield because there are no stops along the way. Take the Highway up through the hills. Giant sweepers with multiple changes in elevation run through pastoral farmland for more than an hour. Cross roads and driveways are few and far between and traffic is always light. Near the end of the highway comes up to the east side of San Luis Obispo.

When you reach San Luis Obispo, otherwise known as SLO, be sure to visit the Bubble Gum Alley. This tourist attraction is known for its accumulation of used bubble gum on the walls of an alley. It is a 15-foot high and 70-foot long alley lined with chewed gum left by passers-by. Located in the beautiful downtown district at 733.5 Higuera Street, it's a must see.

For a great nights rest, visit Petit Soleil, Bed and Breakfast, an unforgettable delight only five blocks from downtown San Luis Obispo. Step inside the cobblestone courtyard and find yourself transported to the rustic charm and colors of Provence. The hosts have tried to recreate a feeling of European comfort and ease, with touches of whimsy, in the newly remodeled Bed and Breakfast. Freshly brewed coffee and a full gastronome breakfast will be served to you each morning in the inviting dining room, or in the sun filled back patio. Every evening you can relax and enjoy a tasting of Local and French wines paired with delectable appetizers.

For more information, call Patit Soleil at 805-549-0321. 

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San Simeon, CA: Hearst Castle Tours

Hearst Castle has long been since regarded as a miraculous place along the exquisite California coastline. A private country estate containing some 165 rooms and situated on 86,000 breathtakingly beautiful acres in San Simeon, California, La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill) is truly a sight to behold. Conceived by W.R. Hearst and constructed by architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle was a playground for the privileged and the few. Members of Hollywood’s A-list, politicians, heads of state and successful businessmen all graced the halls at “the ranch” as Hearst himself referred to this glamorous country house.

Housed within the Castle are countless works of art and antiquity, passionately collected by W.R. Hearst. Spanish ceilings, architectural fragments, medieval tapestries, Renaissance furniture, 19th century sculpture and other decorative arts, such as ceramics, metalwork and textiles all made the long journey from Europe and the Mid-East to the Castle.

These treasures remain on display just as they were during the heyday and splendor of the Castle, now to be enjoyed by everyone who has an interest in beauty, art, architecture and history.

Despite its grandeur, W.R. Hearst welcomed the rich, the famous, the influential and guests from every walk of life to the Castle where he enjoyed hosting parties, screening movies and relaxing by the Neptune Pool. Gifted to the State of California by the Hearst Family, Hearst Castle is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is operated by California State Parks.

A few of the historic locations of the castle are:

HEARST CASTLE POOLS
Two pools can be found at Hearst Castle: the Neptune Pool and the Roman Pool. Each one is truly a sight to behold, and set the stage for lively parties and social gatherings.

WINE CELLAR
Filled with the finest wine money could buy, the Wine Cellar was constructed during the Prohibition Era, and featured gates to protect Hearst’s collection.

THE ZOO
Although no longer in operation, Hearst Castle was once the site for the world’s largest private zoo, holding exotic animals from every continent.

THE GARDENS OF HEARST CASTLE
Discover the lush, serene gardens that were planned and developed as carefully as other parts of the Castle were by Hearst and Morgan.

Reserve tickets online up to 56 days in advance to take a tour of Hearst Castle, a true sight to behold. Find the tours that interest you most, by learning more about the daily Hearst Castle tours open to the public. Hearst Castle offers a 10% discount on the second and third daytime tours booked for the same day, when one tour is booked at full price. Please allow at least one hour between tours when scheduling multiple tours. Visitors may remain on the hilltop between and following the daytime tours to enjoy the gardens and visit the Neptune and Roman Pools at their leisure.

Hearst Castle‎
750 Hearst Castle Rd
San Simeon, CA 93452
(800) 444-4445
hearstcastle.org‎

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