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Editorial Escapism in Santa Barbara

Whether you are a foraging foodie or keen to go green you will find plenty to delve into on the American Riviera this winter. During February and March Santa Barbara's mild weather and litany of leg and mind stretching jaunts make it a prime location for scouting stories.

Food for Thought

Foodies on a fast track know tapping into regional cuisine, such as Santa Barbara's famed spiny lobster, always sells. Fork in hand, dive deep into tempting tacos, risqué risotto or a sea spin with a local chef. (February/March). www.santabarbarafresh.com

The region's top haunt for Scandinavian sweets shifts into high gear with a week-long Taste of Solvang food festival showcasing such sinful treats as chocolate covered marzipan with nougat filling, dark chocolate orange sticks, aebleskivers dusted in sugar, almond custard kringles, butter rings, apple strudel, cheese, cheese, cheese and a walking smorgasbord. March. www.solvangusa.org

Maximize real time with local winemakers, avoid the Sideways crowds and cash in on quality touring of the region's top three AVAs. Advanced palates can tap barrel tastings of 40+ boutique wineries via the annual Wine Futures Tasting hosted by the Wine Cask. March and April.
www.sbcountywines.com

Star Gazing

The 22nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival - aka Cannes West - kicks things up a notch with a steady Gulf Stream of celebrities. This informal 11-day event draws top talent; opening and closing events and parties have put visitors up close and personal with Oscar®-winning actors including Jodi Foster, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sean Penn, Charlize Theron, George Clooney, Heath Ledger, Naomi Watts, Whoopi Goldberg, Annette Bening, Kate Winslet, Leonardo Di Caprio, Peter Jackson, Diane Lane and Angelica Huston. (January 25-February 4). www.sbfilmfestival.org

Downtown's "1st Thursdays" Debuts: "1st Thursdays," a new monthly, multi-venue downtown arts and culture event, debuts February 1st during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Beginning February 2007, participating galleries and museums will keep their doors open to the public until 9pm on the first Thursday of each month with special food, beverage and entertainment offerings, making for a lively community evening on State Street in the downtown Cultural Arts District corridor. Highlights include street performers, opening receptions, lectures, gallery talks and interactive demonstrations. 5pm-8pm, February 1, 2007 (and the 1st Thursday of each month following). www.santabarbaradowntown.com

Wild Life

Lead the trend to lessen one's "footprint" on the environment via the new "Green Santa Barbara" program featuring self-guided tours and all things green including architecture, art, transportation, sustainable agriculture, biodynamically grown wines, recycling, nature preserves and ecotourism activities, "green" hotels and tips on how to eat like a "locavore." www.greensantabarbara.com

Whale watching season goes full tilt and no where is the show more spectacular than the nutrient-rich Santa Barbara Channel, a veritable feast and one of the richest feeding grounds on the Pacific Coast. Whale watch at warp speed on the state-of-the-art Condor Express. February - April.

Hook readers on an annual floral hunt kicking off with orchid season. March marks the annual International Orchid Show; combine a romp to local growers' open houses marking a $10 million industry.

Shoestring Digs

Room rates drop up to 20% in shoulder season, ideal for a "Santa Barbara on a shoestring" feature. Factor in solitary beaches, walk-in restaurants and one-of-a-kind antiquing to round out the stay. www.santabarbaraCA.com

Pedal Through Wine Country

The world's top professional cyclists will ride through Santa Barbara County during the 2nd Annual Amgen Tour of California cycling race. Modelled after the Tour de France, the ATOC is an eight day race that spans 700 miles of scenic and diverse California terrain. Enjoy the free family-friendly lifestyle festival, watch time trials and the Stage 5 finish in Solvang February 23rd. Head to Santa Barbara's waterfront February 24th to watch the Stage 6 start on Cabrillo Boulevard and cheer the cyclists on. Arrive early to meet the cyclists and collect autographs as the athletes check-in and prepare for the day's race. Pack your bike or rent one and take a stunning spin along the pro's route traversing Santa Ynez's verdant wine country. Go for the ultimate quad burn via Lance's long time workout route up Figueroa Mountain. www.amgentourofcalifornia.com

Edited by Sarah Wilman

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