Paso Robles: Of Olives, Wine, and Horses

Located in San Luis Obispo County, California, the city of Paso Robles has become a popular area to visit.  From olive orchards to vineyards and wine tasting rooms to horse ranches, the city is one of the jewels of the central coast. 

SLO County resident James P. Sargen, President and CEO of TriActive America (http://www.triactiveamerica.com/) has lived here for more than 15 years.  "In an earlier career, I was Assistant City Manager of Napa.  On arrival in the county, I took one look at Paso Robles and the surrounding wine country and said it was the next Napa or Sonoma," Sargen recalls now.  "I included Sonoma, because that town has a central square. Paso Robles also has a central square where many outdoor activities occur throughout the year." 

Today, what was then a small "cow town" has "evolved into a sophisticated wine country center," said Sargen, smiling as he contemplated the pleasures of Paso Robles.  Yet the city has succeeded in retaining its "warm country feel. The town square remains "the heart of the community, with restaurants, speciality food shops, and boutiques all located around the square or in the streets nearby," adds Sargen.  

Paso Robles' attractions range from wine tasting and art festivals to Christmas parades to picking berries at a real working farm.  The annual olive festival in the summer celebrates the growing olive orchard industry.  Visitors can sample olives from the area as well as olive oil and delicacies such as olive oil ice cream.  The annual Christmas celebration is celebrated on the second Saturday of December.  From carolers to storytellers, musicians and dancers, the streets are adorned for the holidays.

Places to stay include bed and breakfast inns as well as spacious hotels.  For those who love spas, the local hot mineral springs await at several different locations.  And campers won't feel neglected: there's an RV site as well. 

Do you view golfing as one of the joys of life?  Paso Robles can meet your needs with a variety of golf courses. Others in your family may want to browse through the antique shops or check out the water park.  And then there's the annual California Mid-State fair, with temptations such as deep-fried cupcakes and entertainment such as Stevie Nicks and Aerosmith. 

California history buffs will want to take their families to one or both of the nearby missions, San Miguel and San Antonio.  Worthy of its own destination, the world-famous Hearst Castle also is in the area, boasting attractions ranging from gorgeous gardens to majestic architecture.

To learn more, visit these sites:

·    Agricultural activities ranging from berry-picking to horseback riding are highlighted at the Central Coast AgAdventure site: http://www.agadventures.org/

·    The new Ravine Waterpark will delight children and teens (and kids at heart) on a hot summer day: http://www.theravine.com/

·    Try the award-winning olives and olive oils at Pasolivo's Tasting Room, then tour the Willow Creek Olive Ranch: http://www.pasolivo.com/

·    For wine-tasting information, visit http://www.pasowine.com/.  The annual Wine Festival includes live music and tasty food  munchies, making it fun for all members of the family: http://www.pasowine.com/events/winefestival.php

·    Enjoy the tranquility of a hot mineral spring spa at the River Oaks Hot Springs & Spa: http://www.riveroakshotsprings.com/html/spamenu.html or Franklin Hot springs: http://www.franklinhotsprings.com/

·    Golf fans will delight in the scenic fairways at the Hunter Ranch Golf Course: http://www.hunterranchgolf.com/

·    Learn more about the family-oriented activities at the annual California Mid-State Fair: http://www.midstatefair.com/

·    Check out current events in the quaint yet complete downtown area of Paso Robles: http://www.pasoroblesdowntown.org/

·    Learn about the missions: http://www.californiamissions.com

·    Reserve a space on a tour of Hearst Castle: http://www.hearstcastle.com/welcome.asp

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