14 things to do in the magical little town of Los Olivos

On the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, with its wood flooring from the late Eighteen Eighties, western-themed oil work and plaques bearing the names of the historic ranches within the Santa Ynez Valley, you’re feeling as should you’ve landed in one other time. That’s, till you see somebody seize their iPhone 14 Professional to snap a photograph of the picturesque Los Olivos landmark.

The renovation and preservation of the heirloom property, as soon as a nineteenth century stagecoach cease, was accomplished this yr after the Auberge Resorts Assortment acquired it in 2020. Set on 6½ acres of land that homes the city’s iconic water tower, this new model of Mattei’s comes within the type of a buzzy five-star resort. However the homeowners’ mission is to remain “true to the heritage” of the long-lasting vacation spot.

Mixing outdated and new has been a theme in Los Olivos, an enthralling city simply two hours north of Los Angeles that’s identified for its vineyards, lavender farms, orchards and horse trails. You’ll discover a classic fuel pump exterior the Los Olivos Basic Retailer, a rigorously curated store promoting regionally made lavender physique wash and blood orange olive oil. At Olive + Lavender Farms, a contemporary and tranquil farm the place you’ll be able to cease for an olive oil tasting, there’s a 100-year-old stone wall, remnant of the location’s former period as a blacksmith store for the stagecoaches. And whereas visiting one of many greater than 30 wine tasting rooms on the town, you’ll encounter metropolis slickers having fun with sips subsequent to longtime locals.

Los Olivos was established in 1861 as a spot on the stagecoach route from San Francisco to simply south of city in Ballard, then persevering with via L.A. to San Diego. In 1885, Alden March Boyd, a 22-year-old from New York, purchased 157 acres right here for $8,000, constructed a home and planted 5,000 olive timber, naming the property Rancho de los Olivos. Ultimately the city turned often known as Los Olivos.

In anticipation of the Pacific Coast Railway station opening, entrepreneur Felix Mattei purchased the land adjoining to the station in 1885 to construct Mattei’s Central Resort, identified to locals as Mattei’s Tavern. The restaurant and rooms turned a focus of an space common for ranch and farm actions, hayrides and horseback driving, in addition to picnics and swimming within the rivers and lakes.

Through the years, Hollywood has discovered inspiration and evocative areas for tv reveals and movies in Los Olivos. A piece of Grand Avenue, proper within the middle of city, was the townsquare within the made-for-TV film “ Return to Mayberry,” based mostly on “The Andy Griffith Present.”

Alexander Payne’s iconic 2004 darkish comedy “Sideways,” set within the valley, included the scene all of us want we may unsee — when Miles, performed by Paul Giamatti, drinks the spit bucket at Fess Parker Vineyard Frass Canyon. A dinner scene shot on the Los Olivos Wine Service provider & Cafe, nonetheless common immediately, culminates in a scene exterior by which Miles shouts, “If anybody orders Merlot I’m leaving…” — an announcement that has haunted leagues of Merlot winemakers ever since.

Now, tasting rooms, charming impartial retailers and comfy eating places are all simply walkable from the central intersection at Grand and Alamo Pintado avenues. Make use of the city’s historic strolling tour, with highlights that vary from the Berean Baptist Church in-built 1894 to the Los Olivos Basic Retailer from 1903, which was additionally the primary Ford Company within the valley and a fuel station.

You might also spot a neighbor — similar to native Jackie Schafer driving her horse, Dylan, down Grand Avenue. When requested if she’d ridden into city for a sandwich, she replies, “Sure!” And when requested if she retailers at Jedlicka’s Saddlery down the block, she replies, “After all! Guests purchase hats and boots. We purchase these too, and the entire different issues.” Dylan leans over for a pat on the nostril.

This can be a land the place winemaking custom and innovation exist aspect by aspect, with newer native companies tucked among the many outdated and the place proprietors may reside down the block or over the following idyllic hilltop. The hillsides are lined with colourful wildflowers in spring that appear to be buckets of paint have been artfully splashed among the many meadows and timber. Suppose Mayberry meets “Avatar’s” Pandora: a quaint city set in a valley so lovely it’s virtually otherworldly.