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A Day In Santa Ynez

california-70053_12801 santa ynez 610 header
(credit: Pixabay)

If possible, a day in Santa Ynez should be extended to two in order to really get the most of this enchanting town. Antique facades from the 1800s show the origins of this cowboy town situated about 150 miles north of Los Angeles, but today's Santa Ynez is just as enchanting if not more so. Check out the following five finds waiting for Angelenos in this rarified wine country located mere miles from seaside Santa Barbara.

santa ynez valley historical museum
(credit: Cydney M./Yelp)

Santa Ynez Valley Museum
3596 Sagunto St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-7889
www.santaynezmuseum.com

Start at the beginning with a look back at how the West was won at Santa Ynez. Back in the late 1880s, stagecoaches traveling between San Francisco and Yuma, passing through this section of California, originally established the Chumash tribe. The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum offers a plethora of exhibit spaces, with the Native American Room, the Jeannette Lyons Costume Room and the Valley Room among them. In addition, the Ellen Gleason Library houses an impressive book and archive collection. In 1978, The Parks-Janeway Carriage House was also built on museum grounds in which to show off what is arguably the best horse drawn carriage collection in the United States.

bridlewood estate winery
(credit: Kristie W./Yelp)

Bridlewood Estate Winery
3555 Roblar Ave.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-9000
www.bridlewoodwinery.com

Santa Ynez is ripe with wineries sure to strike your fancy. While going on a tour of the lot is ideal, when time is of the essence, picking one in particular is the way to go with plans to visit again and try some others. Bridlewood Estate Wintery represents in a big way with fruits of its 105-acre estate tasted in a special room devoted to such leanings. Expect the best in artisan wines from the California central coast with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon the most critically acclaimed of the bunch.

chumash casino resort
(credit: Lena H./Yelp)

Chumash Casino Resort
3400 East Highway 246
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 686-0855
www.chumashcasino.com

It's not a big gamble to expect to enjoy at least a few hours -- or even a relaxing overnight stay -- at this attractive Native American outpost where gaming remains the center of attention. Indulge in the fine all-you-can-eat Creekside Buffet, with choices galore -- from Mexican fare favorites to an abundance of surf and turf, and then some. On Sunday, the brunch buffet features a range of dishes accompanied by live jazz.

Related: Best Day Trips On A Budget Near Los Angeles

Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn
(credit: Aja N./Yelp)

Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn
3539 Sagunto St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-4142
www.brothersredbarn.com

Matt and Jeff Nichols opened this sensational dining spot, their second operation in the vicinity, in 2013 to offer "made from scratch" dishes that rival the best in the area. The atmosphere is enchanting, especially so thanks to wrought iron and rope chandeliers, a duo of burning fireplaces and an exposed wine room, and the menu is as innovative as it is top rate, conceived by the brothers who look to local producers to make sure the offerings are as fresh as fresh can be.

SY Kitchen
(credit: Jackie A./Yelp)

S.Y. Kitchen
1110 Faraday St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 691-9794
www.sykitchen.com

Self proclaimed as an "Italian inspired California farmhouse," the three rooms make up S.Y. Kitchen, a local newcomer as of 2013 that focuses on fresh offerings. Note the plump artichoke on the signage as you enter, a permanent reminder that this veggie is one to order, even as an appetizer to the wood-fired pizza offerings on the menu (try the Diavola, it's unforgettable).

Related: Dog Friendly Getaways Near Los Angeles

Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.
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