It's no secret, our hometown of Santa Barbara, CA is one of our favorite little corners of the world, scenically nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. We're proud to call this city home, and are excited to share with you a few of favorite local spots to check out next time you're in the neighborhood. 

S T A Y

Haley Hotel | Recently opened in the summer of 2018, the Haley Hotel is a modern 17 room hotel located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, right off of State Street. Its proximity to the weekend farmer's market, restaurants, coffee shops, and the waterfront and funk zone neighborhoods make it the ideal place to lay your head if you like to be in the middle of all the action. 
The Goodland | If you prefer to be a bit off the beaten path, The Goodland is one of our all-time favorite spots in Goleta, the next town just a few minutes north of Santa Barbara. Its vintage inspired interiors and dreamy courtyard pool are just a few of the reasons to stay at The Goodland; don't even get us started on their incredible restaurant and fresh cocktail bar. 

E A T

Sama Sama Kitchen| Located just around the corner from our shop, Sama Sama is our team's go-to happy hour spot, primarily because of the to-die-for chicken wings. Their Southeast Asian inspired menu and handcrafted cocktails are perfect to wind down after work or a day of sightseeing. Make sure to ask to sit on the back patio if it's open - it's one of Santa Barbara's best-kept secrets. 
Petit Valentien | If you happen to be passing through Santa Barbara on the weekend, make sure to stop by Petit Valentien for some of the best Ethiopian food we've ever had. Owned and operated by a husband and wife team (he is Italian, she is Ethiopian), the restaurant serves French food during the week and authentic Ethiopian cuisine for lunch on the weekends. It's truly a hidden gem that can't be missed.
Mony's Mexican Food | No visit to Santa Barbara would be complete without some solid Mexican food. Don't be intimidated by the line that often trails out the door at Mony's - this hole-in-the-wall taco joint is worth the wait. Their freshly made chips and wide variety of homemade salsas make this our go-to spot when tacos are calling. 
The Lark | Consistently voted as one of the best restaurants in Santa Barbara by both locals and visitors alike, The Lark is named after the sleek overnight Pullman train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910 -1968. The family-style courses on their menu change consistently based on seasonal and local availability, and there is something about the ambiance at The Lark that we can only describe as magical. We'd recommend making a reservation if you plan to go, as it can get crowded!  

A D V E N T U R E 

SB Sailing Center | What better way to see the sights of our seaside town than from the deck of a sailboat or catamaran? Our friends over at the SB Sailing Center will take great care of you on a sunset cruise along the coast, or if you're feeling really adventurous, aboard a day trip out to the Channel Islands. 
Saturday Farmer’s Market | California's central coast is legendary for its abundance of fresh, local produce, and the downtown Saturday Farmer's Market is the perfect scene to sample and take it all in! Local musicians, artisans, and farmers come together for an amazing culinary as well as people-watching experience.
Santa Barbara Courthouse + Parker Clay | We know it may not sound exciting, but the Santa Barbara Courthouse is truly one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in town, and the view from the tower is one that you can't miss! Take a stroll through its hallways and then head across the street to Parker Clay to say hello to us and try on that tote you've had your eye on! 
Butterfly Beach | Hands down, our favorite beach in Santa Barbara. Parking can be a bit tough on the weekends, but if you want to avoid the crowds, just go to watch the sunset on the famous stone wall and snap some photos. 

C A F F E I N A T E 

Helena Ave Bakery | Located in the heart of the Funk Zone, this artisan bakery and coffee shop boasts amazing espresso and delicious light fare options (hello, avocado toast). Its high ceilings and shared space with a local winery make it an ideal spot to stop and recharge. 
French Press & Dune Coffee Roasters | Now serving up coffee and pastries at three locations in the Santa Barbara area, French Press is the ultimate hub for your caffeine fix and grabbing a quick bite in town. Home to Dune Coffee Roasters, they roast their own beans on site from all over the world. If coffee isn't your beverage of choice, they make amazing matcha latte and have kombucha on tap! Grab a spot on the patio to relax and soak up all that Santa Barbara sunshine.

S I P

Potek Winery @ The Mill | One of our favorite tucked away little tasting rooms, this is a perfect spot to sample local wines in the heart of Santa Barbara. Be sure to check out the other local businesses at The Mill, including a brewery, restaurant, and several boutique shops. 
Captain Fatty’s Brewery | Another Goleta gem, Captain Fatty's is our go-to spot for after work craft brews. Their cucumber sour beer during the summertime is an absolute must-have, and they often have local food trucks parked outside to grab a snack or meal while you sip. 

T R E A T S

Brasil Arts Cafe | If acai bowls are your thing, then look no further than our local favorite, Brasil Arts Cafe. Their bowls come heaped with fresh fruit, granola, honey, and whatever else you can dream up to put on there. A refreshing treat after a day at the beach or local hike. 
McConnell's Ice Cream | Founded and operated right here in Santa Barbara, McConnell's ice cream is famous for their down-to-earth ice cream flavors and frozen treats. Our favorites are the toasted coconut almond chip and sea salt cream and cookies. McConnell's is now served at three locations here in town! 

Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Haley Hotel, The Goodland, Cara Robbins Studio via The Venue Report, The Lark, SB Sailing Center, Parker Clay, Helena Avenue Bakery, Captain Fatty's, McConnell's Ice Cream