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What’s New in San Luis Obispo County

What’s New in San Luis Obispo County is a quarterly news round-up, produced by the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau, which lists new lodging, attractions, exhibits, activities, tours, and other new tourism developments in San Luis Obispo County. For more detailed visitor information about San Luis Obispo County, visit www.SanLuisObispoCounty.com.

Winter 2006/2007

Honors

Paso Robles Main Street Receives National Recognition.  The Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association was recently recognized as a 2006 Accredited National Main Street Program, a designation the organization has attained for the last 17 years. Paso Robles’ Main Street program received the national accreditation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center based on criteria ranging from having an active board of directors and paid professional manager to tracking economic progress and preserving historic Main Street buildings. For more information call (805) 238-4103 or visit www.PasoRoblesDowntown.org.  Press contact:  Norma Moye, (805) 238-4103, mainstreet@tcsn.net.

Promotions

Passport to Adventure. In celebration of the Central Coast Natural History Association’s 30th Anniversary, the organization is sponsoring “Passport to Adventure,” an educational game that offers a $1,000 grand prize. To play, passport holders will visit any California State Park in San Luis Obispo County, seeking answers to 30 questions.  If the answer is correct, they can receive a special stamp in their passport at the Morro Bay Natural History Association, Pismo Nature Center, Spooner Ranch at Montaña de Oro State Park, and Monarch Grove (opens October 28). Passports are free and available at any of the four Central Coast Natural History Association (CCNHA) store locations.  Completed passports will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 grand prize, $300 second place prize, and ten $30 gift certificates to CCNHA nature stores. The “Passport to Adventure” game concludes on December 31, 2006.  For more information call (805) 772-2694 or visit www.ccnha.org.  Press contact:  Denise Lapp Tallman, (805) 772-2694, ext. 101, ccnha@morrobaymuseum.org.

Parks

San Simeon State Park is Expanding. Soon the public will have access to 13 miles of rocky shoreline and sandy beaches that was acquired by California State Parks as part of the Hearst Ranch Conservation Plan.  The area of coastline north of San Simeon Point is now part of San Simeon State Park. California State Parks is conducting public meetings in San Luis Obispo and Cambria to discuss new coastal access and gather input for development of a management plan. This pristine piece of coastal real estate will feature passive recreational use in the not-too-distant future. Press contact:  Dan Eller, (805) 927-2074, deller@hearstcastle.com.

Lodging

Avila La Fonda Hotel Now Open.  Luxurious accommodations are now available in Avila Beach at the new Avila La Fonda Hotel. Located on San Miguel Street, the property features a Mexican village-style architecture, complete with beautiful fountains, a two-story mural and stained glass ceilings. Lodging choices include Casitas (two-room/two-bath suites), Great Rooms (large studio suites) and Spa Rooms.  Special amenities offered are extensive – Jacuzzi tub, fireplace, 42-inch Plasma TV, Bose™ CD player, hospitality bar, gourmet kitchen, complimentary snacks and beverages in in-room refrigerator, and 24-hour concierge service. The second floor of the Avila La Fonda Hotel features a retreat center, library of historical Central California books, and CD/DVD library. For more information call (805) 595-1700 or visit www.AvilaLaFonda.com.  Press contact:  Troi Hoffman, (805) 773-6996, troihoffman@ail.com.

Wrap Up a Holiday at Fogcatcher & Fireside Inns.  The Fogcatcher Inn and Fireside Inn in Cambria are offering guests a special “Holiday in the Pines” package from November 27 through December 22.  The package includes a two-night stay, with the second night at 50 percent off, Sunday through Thursday; and 20 percent off, Friday and Saturday.  The offer is subject to availability and is not offered on holidays. Rates begin at $163.50 per night, plus tax.  Guests on the package will receive keepsakes of a holiday ornament and Holiday Wish Book full of discounts at local shops and restaurants, plus a chance to win raffle prizes.  The Fogcatcher Inn and Fireside Inn are located on Moonstone Drive and offer stellar ocean views. For reservations and more information, call (800) 720-0223 or visit www.PacificaHotels.com.  Press contact:  Maitée Rossoukhi, (805) 957-0095, ext. 118, mrossoukhi@pacificahotels.com.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, Paso Robles Completes Suite Addition.  The addition of 31 suites to the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, Paso Robles, brings their total room inventory to 91. The new suites are designed to accommodate families and extended stay clientele, and feature a separate living room, cooking surfaces and the new Simply Smart bedding collection.  Also added were 1,100-square feet of conference space.  The property is located at 2455 Riverside Avenue in Paso Robles. For more information call 1-877-HIXPASO or visit www.hixpaso.com.  Press contact:  Karen Palmer, (805) 238-6500, ext. 200, kpalmer@atascaderobestwestern.com.

Mission Inn of Pismo Beach Set to Open.  In November 2006 the Mission Inn of Pismo Beach, featuring 120 spacious rooms and family suites, is scheduled to open. Many of the rooms have ocean views. All guest rooms have custom-made Restonic beds, refrigerators, microwave ovens, coffee makers, flat-screen TV’s, safes, doorbells, polished granite countertops, and free wireless and Internet access. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary full breakfast buffet.  Other highlights of the property include an outdoor pool and large patio with an ocean view, fitness room, business center, laundry, gift shop, conference and banquet space, and a beer and wine tavern. Parking is free.  For more information and reservations call (805) 773-6020 or visit www.MissionInnPismoBeach.com. Press contact:  Terence Concannon, (805) 773-6020, tconcannon@missioninnpismobeach.com.

New Moonstone to Castle Package by Limo. Guests at Moonstone Hotel Properties in Cambria – Cambria Pines Lodge, Creekside Inn, Pelican Cove Inn, Sea Otter Inn, Sand Pebbles Inn, and Blue Dolphin Inn – can now enjoy a special guided trip to Hearst Castle.  The Hearst Castle Package includes one night’s lodging for two people, two tickets to the “Hearst Castle Experience” tour, two tickets to the large format film, “Hearst Castle, Building the Dream,” playing in the National Geographic Theater, a gourmet picnic lunch for two, and a viewing of the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, all via a dedicated tour shuttle provided by The Wine Wrangler.  Rates begin at $225 for two people. For more information and reservations call (800) 966-6490 or visit www.moonstonehotels.com.  Press contact:  Malei Weir, (805) 239-0020, mw@mooncatcher.com.

Oak Hill Manor Bed and Breakfast Adds a Putting Green. Guests staying at the Oak Hill Manor Bed and Breakfast in Atascadero can step off their patio and practice their putting skills on the recently opened 9-hole putting green.  The green includes a variety of challenging slopes and distances, plus a U.S. Open-depth rough.  For more information call (805) 462-9317 or visit www.oakhillmanorbandb.com.  Press contact:  Maurice and Risë Macaré, (805) 462-9317, macare@oakhillmanorbandb.com.

Dining

Linn’s Restaurant Set to Reopen in 2007. Linn’s Restaurant in Cambria, which sustained heavy damage due to fire in April 2006, is scheduled to reopen in January 2007. In the interim, Linn’s has opened Linn’s Gourmet Goods behind the restaurant in the Cambria Gardens and Arts development. Also, new to Cambria is Linn’s Easy As Pie Café, featuring restaurant favorites chicken pot pies, homemade soups, salads, and BBQ specialties served in a quick fashion in pie pans for in-house dining and take out. Both outlets will remain when Linn’s Restaurant reopens. For more information call (805) 927-1499 or visit www.linnsfruitbin.com.  Press contact:  Aaron Linn, (805) 909-9651, aaron@linnsfruitbin.com.

Novo Restaurant Reopens Their Doors. After nine months of extensive earthquake retrofitting to the building that houses Novo Restaurant, the downtown San Luis Obispo dining favorite has reopened to the public. Although the restaurant logo and decor has changed, Novo is still dedicated to fresh, innovative global cuisine. Located at 726 Higuera Street, Novo Restaurant offers a unique setting consisting of five patios with spectacular creekside dining. The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, brunch, and take out, plus catering.  For more information call (805) 543-3986 or visit www.novorestaurant.com.  Press contact:  Michele Lutz, (805) 927-5007, mlutzy@yahoo.com.

Breakfast is Served at Pelican Point Restaurant. Breakfast is now being served at the Pelican Point Restaurant in its oceanfront dining room Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The restaurant will continue to offer a Champagne Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every week. Known for its fresh seasonal specials, the Pelican Point Restaurant is located in the Best Western Shore Cliff Lodge, 2555 Price Street, Pismo Beach.  For more information call (805) 773-0000 or visit www.pelicanpointrestaurant.com. Press contact:  Chantal Lavoux-Guy, (805) 545-7900, ext. 111, chantall@martinresorts.com.

Wine Country

New Tasting Room Hours at Dunning Vineyards Estate Winery. Visitors to the Dunning Vineyards Estate Winery in Paso Robles can enjoy complimentary wine tasting in the tasting room, which is now open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Dunning Vineyard’s features limited production, award-winning estate wines – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, VinDeCasa, and Chardonnay.  For more information call (805) 238-4763 or visit www.dunningvineyards.com.  Press contact:  Jo-Ann Dunning, (805) 238-4763, dunningvineyards@tcsn.net.

Midlife Crisis Winery Tasting Room Goes Solo. Wines on Pine, a cooperative tasting room in downtown Paso Robles that opened in fall 2005, is now the exclusive tasting room for Midlife Crisis Winery. With the expanded space, Midlife Crisis Winery is planning to host special events, educational seminars and art shows. Located at 1244 Pine Street, Suite A, Paso Robles, the Midlife Crisis Winery Tasting Room is open Thursday through Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call (805) 237-8730 or visit www.midlifecrisiswinery.com.  Press contact:  Jill Mittan, (818) 885-1895, jill@midlifecrisiswinery.com.

Paso Robles Wine Country Launches New Ambassador Program.  The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is offering annual memberships in The Cluster, the region’s new ambassador benefit program. Similar to a wine club, the program offers a host of benefits – most notably discount advance tickets to the region’s three annual events, a quarterly newsletter with industry insider information and gifts – and provides members with tools they can use to serve as ambassadors for Paso Robles Wine Country. For more information call (800) 549-WINE or visit www.pasowine.com.  Press contact:  Stacie Jacob, (805) 239-8463, sjacob@pasowine.com. 

Arts & Culture

California Cabaret Theatre Celebrates Christmas. The California Cabaret Theatre will be performing “Oh No, A Christmas Show!” (a.k.a., Every Christmas Story Ever Told!), December 3, 10, 11 and December 16 through December 23 at the Avila Beach Golf Resort in Avila Beach. The 90-minute show starts at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.).  Ticket price includes hor’s d’oeuvres, and a cash bar featuring San Luis Obispo County wines is available.  For more information call (805) 489-4426 or visit www.CaliforniaCabaretTheatre.com.  Press contact:  Erik Stein, (805) 489-4426, jaxeric@earthlink.net.

SLO Vocal Arts Ensemble Celebrates 30 Years.  During their 30th Anniversary year, the San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble will perform the “Joyous Sounds of Christmas” at the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa on December 9 at 8 p.m. and at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo on December 10 at 3 p.m.  For more information call (805) 541-6797 or visit www.vocalarts.org.  Press contact:  Elaine Genasci, (805) 541-6797, egenasci@charter.net.

Attractions

Estrella Warbird Museum of Paso Robles Spreads its Wings. In the final phases of construction is Freedom Hall – a new 4,900 square foot exhibit hall and gift shop.  Freedom Hall features a replica of a vintage airfield tower at the entrance and a gift shop will welcome visitors as they enter the museum. The new building will house uniforms, memorabilia, original artwork, historic photos, and displays from members of the U.S. armed services from World War I through the Iraq War.  The Estrella Warbird Museum is located at 4251 Dry Creek Road in Paso Robles, and is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call (805) 238-9317 or visit www.ewarbirds.org.  Press contact: Betty Miller, (805) 238-9317, ewarbirds@hotmail.com.

Christmas at Hearst Castle®.  During the holiday season, The Assembly Room, The Refectory, and The Morning Room will feature lavish decorations of hand-made garlands, brilliant red poinsettias, and two 18-foot Christmas trees fully decorated with lights and traditional ornaments. From November 13 through December 1, Hearst Castle staff will be decorating the rooms. On December 1 the decorating will be complete for the public to enjoy during the daytime Experience Tour.  Experience Tour prices are $20 for adults and $10 for youth (ages 6 to 17).  For tour reservations call (800) 444-4445 or visit www.hearstcastle.com. Press contact:  Dan Eller, (805) 927-2074, deller@hearstcastle.com.

San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum Looking to open in 2007. The new San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is scheduled to open in late spring 2007.  The completely rebuilt museum will be located at 1010 Nipomo Street in downtown San Luis Obispo, and will have double the space for permanent and rotating exhibits. The Museum’s “town square” will feature a 17-foot-high clock tower climbing experience, a ride on a trolley and child-size replica of San Luis Obispo’s Thursday Night Farmer’s Market. Children ages 4 and under can play and explore in an expanded early childhood learning space, complete with a larger-than-life size replica of BRIO’s wooden toy engine.  For more information call (805) 545-5874 or visit www.slokids.org.  Press contact: Roy Mueller, (805) 545-5874, rmueller@slokids.org. 

New Websites

Dana Adobe Launches Newly Designed Website. The Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos (D.A.N.A.) has launched a newly designed Website, featuring easier navigation and richer content.  Designed by volunteer Grant Nordwall and his children – Jubilee, age 15, and Josiah, age 13 – the site provides a central source of information on Rancho Nipomo Dana Adobe history, upcoming events, education, docent opportunities, and media relations.  Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos is a private, nonprofit public benefit corporation, whose primary function is the stewardship and restoration of the Dana Adobe, which was established in 1837. For more information call (805) 929-5679 or visit www.danaadobe.org.  Press contact: Paul Mangione, (805) 929-6825, paulm@mangionepayne.com.

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