Solvang Visitor's Guide 2009 - (Page 22) dozen that provide training, breeding services and boarding facilities for alpacas—the amazing gentle cousins of the llama that provide beautiful soft fiber for garments and blankets. Bicycling (road and mountain) is a popular sport and leisure pursuit with several 25/50/100-mile cycling races and pleasure rides held throughout the year, including the Individual Time Trial stage of Amgen Tour of California in February (www.tourofcaliforniasolvang.com). Many professional cycling teams, including seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, train on valley roads and mountain passes. Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours breeds miniature donkeys and mules and welcomes visitors (2599 Baseline Ave., Ballard, 6882275). The Santa Ynez Valley is recognized throughout the equestrian world for its impressive horse ranches emphasizing quarter horses, thoroughbred and Arabian breeds, as well as world-renowned training, breeding and veterinary facilities. Bella Cavalli Farms, a full service equestrian center, specializes in western pleasure, cutting and reining horses (688-7108). Flag Is Up Farms is home of Monty Roberts, the original “Man Who Listens to Horses” (6889709). For more info: Santa Ynez Seein' Spots Farm Valley Equestrian (www.syvea.org, 570-2350) or Santa Ynez Valley Arabian Horse Association (www.syvaha.com, 686-4580). Association Surf & Sand To satisfy surf and sand urges, head 11 miles south of Buellton, just off US Highway 101 to Gaviota State Park, marked by a magnificent railroad trestle that crosses Gaviota Creek. This oceanfront park is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and camping. Anglers and scuba divers use the pier on the west end of the beach and surfers use its boat hoist to access the Santa Barbara Channel. Ambitious hikers can climb to Gaviota Peak offering a spectacular view of the Pacific coastline and experience a hot sulfur spring along the trail (968-1033). offers riders of all ages and abilities customized routes, support and specialized bike rentals and equipment year-round; as well as hotel/tour packages (3630 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 888-557-8687, 6869490). For free bike maps and routes of this world-class cycling destination, access www.sbbike.org. Savor the Flavors & Scents The local Farmers Market appears every Wednesday, rain or shine in downtown Solvang from 2:30-6:00pm (First St., between Mission and Copenhagen Dr., 962-5354). Seasonal farm stands offer fresh produce throughout the valley—plus some opportunities to “pick your own” at Apple Lane Farm (1200 Alamo Pintado Rd., Solvang, 686-5858); Morrell Nut & Berry Farm (1980 Alamo Pintado Rd., Solvang, 688-8969); Greenhaven Orchard/Dittmar Farms (2275 Alamo Pintado Rd., Solvang, 264-7100); and Restoration Oaks Ranch Blueberries Santa Ynez, 682-7800), Classic Organic Farm and Produce Stand (2323 Old Coast Hwy., 4 miles south of Buellton off Highway 101, 714-4420), all offer local delights. Clairmont Farm Lavender Company Equestrian Action Ready to saddle up and go horseback riding? Featured on the popular TV show “Best of America by Horseback” and honored as one of the best places for trail riding in the USA, Rancho Oso Guest Ranch & Stables offers guided rides for the public, ages 8 & up (off Hwy. 154 on Paradise Rd., 683-5110). Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch near Ballard is a fascinating breeding facility for 34-inch and under horses that welcomes visitors daily for free viewing (686-4002). 22 W W W. S O LVA N G U S A . C O M | (Hwy. 101, 5 miles south of Buellton, 689-9014). Los Olivos Homegrown/Stonecrest Farms Garlic W W W. S A N TAY N E Z VA L L E Y V I S I T. C O M MARK DOLYAK (corner of Grand Avenue & Jonata, Los Olivos, 448-1140); Summerset Farms (3450 Baseline at Hwy. 154, offers free tours of estate-grown 6+ acres of top-quality scent and medicinal lavender with a variety of products for sale and a free picnic area (2480 Roblar Ave., Santa Ynez, 688-7505); as well as Andre Organic Lavender Farm (Santa Rosa Rd., 1/4 mile off US Hwy. 101, Buellton, 350-0593). Rancho Olivos (2390 N. Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez, 686-9653) offers free tours, tasting and organic olive oils for purchase. Global Gardens retail store offers locally grown olives, oils, gifts and olive oil tasting daily (2477 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, 693-1600). http://www.syvea.org http://www.syvaha.com http://www.tourofcalifornia-solvang.com http://www.tourofcalifornia-solvang.com http://www.sbbike.org http://WWW.SOLVANGUSA.COM http://WWW.SANTAYNEZVALLEYVISIT.COM
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