Our ‘post-Taylor’ life: feeling like a kid again. Still plenty of wine tasting, too
You can divide our life thus far into two periods: pre-Taylor and post-Taylor. Taylor is our active two-year-old daughter. Our lives pre-Taylor? Filled with long days at the beach and wine tasting (we live in Santa Barbara, California, after all), and globetrotting around the world. We love our “post” existence with Taylor, but still try and relive the old days as a family. Yes, life is different and that’s okay. That said, there is only so much park time we can take. After all, isn’t the world one big playground?
While we’re not kicking back in the wine tasting lounge of Sanford Winery and Gainey Vineyard, we still enjoy a relaxed picnic with a bottle of local pinot noir. (Gainey is especially ideal for picnicking.) There is plenty to explore at the wineries with kids in tow, and you can always setup a quick bocce court to keep them occupied. Who doesn’t love cheese, bread and grapes? Taylor likes to spread out the blanket and help us set out all the food. When she starts dancing on the tables, it’s a sign that she and her friends need to wrap it up, and we’re on to the next adventure.
Renowned ever since “Sideways” rocketed it onto the oenophile scene, Santa Barbara County is filled with family fun ideas along with numerous, award-winning wineries in the valley. These range from a stop at the miniature pony farm to pick-your-own blueberries. We all have a new appreciation of our “super food” when we learn first-hand how long it takes to pick a bucket of blueberries! We definitely ended up with more in our bellies than planned…
Lately, it’s our long days at the beach that keep us active—and it’s just so fun and easy-going. Not a lot of time to sit and contemplate the waves lapping at the shore, though. But you start to feel like a kid again yourself: curious to see what crabs are hiding in the sand; wrapping seaweed around our bodies; digging holes; writing our names in the sand; and practicing our surfing moves on the beach. Just soaking up the glory of the day.
Andra Escola is Conference Services Manager for Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Andra has travelled to more than 67 countries. She now enjoys exploring her home town of Santa Barbara. You can find her on the water sailing when not at work. She is raising two-year-old Taylor to have a love of sailing and independence.
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April 17, 2013 at 7:48 am
santa barbara wine tours are the #1 attraction for visitors to Santa Barbara and we are the #1 Wine Tour Company. We run daily wine tours from Santa Barbara to the Santa Ynez Valley. Our wine tasting tours are the best, they are fun, educational, and comfortable. Discover wine tours Santa Barbara style.
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January 6, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Your children look so happy in what they are doing! Who wouldn’t be in SB? I grew up there and there are probably pictures of me doing the exact same thing at that age! Wish I could go back and live there-but it is way too expensive. True shame. Anyway-love visiting as much as I can. I like to show my own kids my childhood stomping grounds and what natural beauty really is! Places like LA doesn’t really have stuff like that so it’s nice to get out of the house and go exploring. Hiking is always a good time and so is teaching them how to paddle board or surf! We are probably heading up in a few short weeks for a weekend getaway. I wish we could stay at the Four Seasons-so gorgeous and right by Bfly but way too expensive! We tend to linger more towards the South Coast Inn (www.goleta-hotel.com). Other side of town but just as nice!
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December 3, 2011 at 1:47 am
Santa Barbara has a better reputation for wine then most thing. It’s highly visited as it should be. Great selection of wine and it doesn’t matter the age, you’ll have a great time visiting for sure. Very cute pictures of the kids by the way! Looks peaceful and a perfect camera moment. I visit Santa Barbara a lot of leisure, it’s by far the perfect getaway. Always stay at the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). Conveniently placed and you really can’t beat the price.
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September 29, 2011 at 4:28 pm
[...] the fabled Napa Valley. And even oenophiles around the world can probably name pinot noir-nurturing Santa Barbara County, thanks to the indie hit film “Sideways.” But I’m always surprised how many people have never [...]
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August 12, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Thanks everyone for your feedback! We’re so glad you’re enjoying Have Family Will Travel.
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August 3, 2011 at 2:02 am
I have a giant tub of those pick your own blueberries from my mom, who also lives in Santa Barbara. They are the best!
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