Enjoying Paso Robles
Verdant Central California in April: a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, an imbibers paradise, a shoppers dream or is it just a once sleepy, cowboy hilled Paso Robles? A few years back I would have gone with a pot of gold and hills of cowboys. Times have changed for the once quiet inland town almost directly at the halfway point between the world’s cinema metropolis, Los Angeles and California’s most elegant and classic City by the Bay, San Francsico.
Fun shopping in the City Center with boutique clothing stores abound. A strolling walk across from a well manicured town square are the stores Kaya and Jayde. Both unique shops have great selections in sizes and items not seen in other shops. Powell’s Sweet Shop is a must stop walk into the past! Even though it is a franchise, the local family run shop is set in the old bath house on the Park downtown. With obvious pride in ownership, the Goodwin family has become an integral part of the community and supports many local events. Great lunch boxes we used to carry as kids, old fashioned candy in jars and a delicate sweet smell that tugs on your heart not to leave, conjure up memories of days long gone yet alive and well in Paso.
Two Susans Antiques is a veritable fun house for the collector. The two Susan’s travel to the Amish country in Lancaster Pennsylvania for auctions a couple of times a year. The pieces are well preserved, thought provoking and the selection from antiques clothes and gloves made me wish my size seven hands were a size 4! The store is well thought out in design and I was told they will be soon be doing special event evenings with wine and goodies! These women know how to shop and adding an evening event is great marketing.
Lunch at Estrella is a refreshing change from the wine, cheese and complex foods the indulgent vineyard dining offers. What better than a great margarita and some spicy food to counter act the rising cholesterol count? At dinner we enjoyed the aforementioned GREAT margaritas, a scallop ceviche as an appetizer as well as yummy shrimp tacos. Friendly service, upbeat atmosphere and a relaxed setting to enjoy talking about where your next day adventure will uncover!
I am looking forward to sharing more of the fun, shopping and wine tasting Paso has to offer!