Latest news with #Sideways
USA Today
30-06-2025
- USA Today
10 things to do in Santa Ynez Valley that don't involve wine
Horseback riding at the Alisal Guest Ranch is one of the best non-wine things to do in the Santa Ynez Valley – Photo courtesy of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley Tucked between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains in Santa Barbara County, the Santa Ynez Valley is often synonymous with wine, thanks to nearly 300 wineries and tasting rooms (and a little movie called "Sideways"). But there's far more to the region than pinot noir and chardonnay. Just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles (or 45 minutes from Santa Barbara), this sun-drenched stretch of rolling hills, horse ranches, cowboy towns, and one Danish village is full of charm, wide-open skies, and plenty of things to do that don't involve vino. If you're like me, you might need a break from the tasting rooms; if you're like my friends, you have kids in tow who need to be entertained. It's good to have some balance. Here are 10 ways to spend the day around the Santa Ynez Valley without wine, including family-friendly activities, restaurants, and museums in Solvang, Los Olivos, Buellton, and surrounding areas. Plus, we offer some hotel recommendations, which you'll need, whether you're drinking wine or not. Advertisement Windmills, Danish pastries, and half-timbered architecture give Solvang its fairy-tale vibe. Wander Mission Drive through the center of town for charming boutiques, clog shops, and old-world bakeries (my favorite for Danish is Mortensen's Bakery). Duck into one of the museums — from the Hans Christian Andersen Museum to the Solvang Motorcycle Museum — or grab an abelskiver before grabbing a photo beneath the windmill in the center of town. Go full cowboy in Santa Ynez The tiny town of Santa Ynez feels like a sepia-toned postcard. Think frontier-style storefronts, dusty wooden boardwalks, and hitching posts with actual horses. But the vibe is elevated with art galleries, coffee bars, and excellent restaurants. At KJ Murphy's Custom Hatter & Mercantile, get a custom-made hat that's shaped to fit your head and styled just for you. Visit the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum to explore the Old West and the area's rich ranching history. Every June, Old Santa Ynez Days features parties, parades, and a rodeo. Learn about the native people and lands This museum and cultural center preserves the rich history and vibrant culture of the Chumash people – Photo courtesy of Mimi Fuenzalida / Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center At the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, go back in time before the ranchers arrived. The museum and cultural center honors the 8,000‑year legacy of the Chumash people. Designed to echo traditional tule 'ap, the LEED-certified building weaves immersive galleries, native gardens, and community‑inspired storytelling into a soulful, thought‑provoking visit. Hit the spa Pampering is part of the valley pace. Find massage services, facials, and relaxing vibes at the Lavender Barn at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern in Los Olivos. The spa at Chumash Casino Resort offers luxe treatments and private cabanas, while small boutique hotels like The Genevieve have more intimate experiences. Think eucalyptus steam, lavender oils, and vineyard views — without the vino. OstrichLand USA is a quirky, fun, and definitely unforgettable experience in the Santa Ynez Valley. Feed ostriches and emus, learn about the giant birds, and snap pics as they strut like runway models with feathers to match. It's part roadside attraction, part educational stop, and an easy hit with kids and grown-ups alike. For more animal fun, visit the farm at Vega Vineyard and Farm, where kids can feed chickens, goats, and more. Hike the trails The rolling hills around Santa Ynez Valley are filled with trails and views for days – Photo courtesy of Lesley Balla Framed by mountains and rolling hills, there's no shortage of hikes around Santa Ynez Valley, from easy walking paths to challenging hikes surrounded by wildflowers and views as far as the ocean. The in-and-out Lake Cachuma Sweetwater Trail offers stunning lakeside vistas, and the easy hike at Nojoqui Falls Park is always a popular choice. You'll find more rigorous trails with wow-worthy views along Gaviota Peak and Grass Mountain. Advertisement At Vino Vaqueros, saddle up for a guided ride through rolling hills, shady oaks, and golden meadows. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, the views and pace are pure California calm. Rides are private and tailored — just you, the horse, and the Santa Ynez sun. If you do feel like sipping wine, rides come with two complimentary tastes after the trek (not during). Guests of the Alisal Guest Ranch can also enjoy horseback riding on the property. Take a hot air balloon ride Sky's the Limit Ballooning offers rides above vineyards, ranches, and coastal mountains around the valley. The two-hour experience (one hour in the air) is peaceful, magical, and a breathtaking way to see the landscape unfold. Keep your eyes peeled for foxes, deer, and other wildlife below. If you stay at the Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort in Solvang, the members-only Ranch Course is a premier setting with ancient oaks lining the fairways and mountains framing every hole. La Purisima Golf Course, located in nearby Lompoc, is a local favorite, boasting rolling terrain and a peaceful, uncrowded feel that's perfect for both casual and serious golfers. Eat like a local Bell's in Los Alamos offers some of the best food in the Santa Ynez Valley – Photo courtesy of Carter Hiyama Each town in the Santa Ynez Valley has its unique character and charm, and the restaurant scene follows suit. A few highlights include Michelin-worthy meals at Coast Range in Solvang, notable Bell's in Los Alamos, and sibling Bar Le Cote in Los Olivos. The latter has an incredible happy hour. A platter of freshly shucked oysters and killer fries are my go-to. Family-friendly stalwarts include Full of Life Foods, where pizza reigns supreme (but don't miss the seasonal menu items). For breakfast pastries, stellar sandwiches, and grab-and-go delights, get to Bob's Well Bread in Los Alamos and Ballard early. Things sell out fast! Seasonal salads, handmade pastas, and pizza are hallmarks of S.Y. Kitchen – Photo courtesy of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley Dinner at Hitching Post 2 in Buellton features Santa Maria-style steaks, hearty side dishes, and a down-home crowd; it's also the most "Sideways" famous restaurant in the valley. S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez offers a unique blend of farmhouse vibes and handmade Italian specialties, including wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads. Advertisement Where to stay in Santa Ynez Valley A stay at The Inn at Mattei's Tavern is a perfect Santa Ynez Valley getaway – Photo courtesy of Lesley Balla The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection: This historic 1886 stagecoach-turned-luxury retreat in Los Olivos boasts a laid-back, elegant country-chic vibe. The Inn at Matttei's Tavern features reimagined cottages and studios with patios, spa, poolside cabanas, fire pits throughout the property, and a fantastic restaurant and bar. Don't miss experiences like a watercolor class under the water tower, making hats and olive oil, and the weekly winemakers' event at the bar, which brings locals and guests together for a lively happy hour. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort: Nestled on 10,500 acres in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Ranch blends the Old West with modern-luxe comfort. Think cozy cottages with fireplaces, a lake for fishing, tennis, plus 50 miles of horseback trails. Nightly rates include breakfast and dinner at any of the three all-day restaurants. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Fess Parker Wine Country Inn: A staple in the heart of Los Olivos, the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn features 19 boutique-style rooms, a restaurant, a garden with firepits, and a heated pool. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. The Skyview Hotel is full of vibes in Los Alamos – Photo courtesy of Lesley Balla Skyview Los Alamos: You'll see the big, yellow sign from Highway 101 beckoning like a retro roadside motel, but the Skyview Hotel is a boutique stay with desert-cool vibes, a refreshing pool, and starlit patios. Meeting fellow guests around the firepits is part of the charm. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Hotel Ynez: A stay at Hotel Ynez is an intimate Solvang retreat featuring firepits, a heated pool, and ample outdoor lounging space. The rooms have clean lines and modern touches. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Santa Ynez Valley Marriott: This Marriott in Buellton offers easy access off Highway 101, ample rooms for groups, and is a popular choice for families traveling through the area.
Boston Globe
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
My spouse and I are busy all summer. Can we give ourselves a break by backing out of plans with friends?
A.L. / Branford, Connecticut I know the strict etiquette advice is that you must honor your commitments—but, oh, how I sympathize! And I'm sure your friends will, too. We all have such complicated and demanding lives nowadays, who could fail to understand your dilemma? Your friends might even feel slightly relieved to find that they're not the only ones who have to bail out on events occasionally. Etiquette is meant to make social relations more pleasant, not less—so you have my permission to drop out as long as you give your friends a sincere apology and plenty of time to find someone for whom the wine tasting would itself be a stress-reliever instead of a stress-inducer. Do make it a good apology, and schedule some alternate plans with them so that they'll know not to take it personally. If they have a sense of humor, you might want to send them a DVD of the movie Sideways with a note saying, 'This is why highly stressed-out people should not attend wine tastings!' As a former art major now in medicine, I enjoy cultivating friendships with right-brain types. But the words I have come to dread hearing from some of these friends are 'I'm sending you a [vanity-pressed] book of my poetry [screenplay, novel], and I really want to know what you think!' The latest poetry submission was incomprehensible: cryptic, morose, and tangential. I feel I must offer my friend some complimentary reviews but don't want to be disingenuous or look like a dolt by admitting I didn't really 'get' a single poem. How can one navigate this potential minefield? Advertisement G.Z. / Jamaica Plain Advertisement Gentle readers, G.Z. was kind enough to send me a sample poem from her friend's collection, and it was indeed as described. In fact, G.Z., if you wanted to keep your day job in medicine and do a bit of arts criticism on the side, I think you'd be well suited to it. Giving your thoughts on a published work is different from critiquing a rough draft. But you needn't conjure wild compliments that you don't feel. Go with vivid adjectives that neither praise nor damn. 'Cryptic, morose, and tangential' could just as easily be 'cryptic, moody, and impressionistic,' which is probably exactly what your friend intended her collection to be. Lead with that, and then start asking questions: 'So, who were your influences? What effect were you going for with this poem? These two poems remind me of each other; did you write them both around the same time?' Your friend will be so delighted to describe her creative process that she won't even notice that you've avoided a global critique. Advertisement It's much the same as when you're asked to admire a friend's Hitchcock-resembling baby: You say something enthusiastic but neutral, like 'Oh, look at those eyes!' and then start asking, 'Is he an easy baby? Is he a big eater? What's the biggest change in your life since you had him?' When you can't generate great enthusiasm for the product, intelligent questions about the process will do just as well. Miss Conduct is Robin Abrahams, a writer with a PhD in psychology.
Ottawa Citizen
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Davis: Documentary film about Swift Current Broncos bus crash invokes painful memories
There's a scene in the documentary film 'Sideways' where the Swift Current Broncos' soon-to-be disgraced head coach Graham James is being interviewed shortly after the WHL team's 1986 bus crash, which killed four players and scarred the survivors. Article content It's jarring to hear James speak about quickly and heartlessly moving the team forward, past the tragedy and back onto the ice, because everyone now knows the coach was a predator who was sent to prison for sexually assaulting several of his players. James didn't want anyone — particularly psychologists — to comfort his players and discover the hidden secrets that made worse the trauma they suffered from losing teammates Scott Kruger, Trent Kresse, Brent Ruff and Chris Mantyka. Article content Article content Article content Wilkie is the president of I Got Mind, a company that according to its website 'provides valuable educational programming that enhances wellness, strengthens cultures, and increases performance for any team or individual.' Working with Trilight Entertainment, initially there were plans to make a movie about the Broncos before postponing that notion to produce the documentary, develop a podcast and establish a '4 The Boys Scholarship.' Article content Wilkie has been working in the mental health field for 20 years — strengthened on his path by his marriage to Michaelynn and their two children — while working with athletes, coaches, parents, schools and businesses. Wilkie and Soberlak also visited with families following the Humboldt Broncos fatal bus crash in 2018. Article content Article content 'When we go through life there are things we don't like and we try to leave them in the past,' said Wilkie. 'This is everything, front and centre. That's the hard part for a lot of people. They can't be vulnerable to share their story. Article content Article content 'It is uncomfortable to share your story. But there's power in it.' Article content Including Wednesday's showing at the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Regina, there have been sneak previews to help raise money for the projects. According to Andrea Hoffman, one of the executive producers, Sideways will officially premiere Sept. 8 at the Hockey Hall of Fame, with hopes it will be accepted into the Toronto International Film Festival. Article content 'I still can't watch it too much because it's so emotional, knowing the impact it's going to have on people who watch it,' said Wilkie. 'It's a story of trauma and healing for young men and a community who experienced something horrific.
Calgary Herald
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Davis: Documentary film about Swift Current Broncos bus crash invokes painful memories
There's a scene in the documentary film 'Sideways' where the Swift Current Broncos' soon-to-be disgraced head coach Graham James is being interviewed shortly after the WHL team's 1986 bus crash, which killed four players and scarred the survivors. Article content It's jarring to hear James speak about quickly and heartlessly moving the team forward, past the tragedy and back onto the ice, because everyone now knows the coach was a predator who was sent to prison for sexually assaulting several of his players. James didn't want anyone — particularly psychologists — to comfort his players and discover the hidden secrets that made worse the trauma they suffered from losing teammates Scott Kruger, Trent Kresse, Brent Ruff and Chris Mantyka. Article content Article content Article content Wilkie is the president of I Got Mind, a company that according to its website 'provides valuable educational programming that enhances wellness, strengthens cultures, and increases performance for any team or individual.' Working with Trilight Entertainment, initially there were plans to make a movie about the Broncos before postponing that notion to produce the documentary, develop a podcast and establish a '4 The Boys Scholarship.' Article content Wilkie has been working in the mental health field for 20 years — strengthened on his path by his marriage to Michaelynn and their two children — while working with athletes, coaches, parents, schools and businesses. Wilkie and Soberlak also visited with families following the Humboldt Broncos fatal bus crash in 2018. Article content Article content 'When we go through life there are things we don't like and we try to leave them in the past,' said Wilkie. 'This is everything, front and centre. That's the hard part for a lot of people. They can't be vulnerable to share their story. Article content Article content 'It is uncomfortable to share your story. But there's power in it.' Article content Including Wednesday's showing at the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Regina, there have been sneak previews to help raise money for the projects. According to Andrea Hoffman, one of the executive producers, Sideways will officially premiere Sept. 8 at the Hockey Hall of Fame, with hopes it will be accepted into the Toronto International Film Festival. Article content 'I still can't watch it too much because it's so emotional, knowing the impact it's going to have on people who watch it,' said Wilkie. 'It's a story of trauma and healing for young men and a community who experienced something horrific.
RTÉ News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
When Tommy Tiernan when Paul Giamatti - their epic chat revisited
Now that the ninth (!) season of The Tommy Tiernan Show on RTÉ One is done and dusted, let's revisit one of last season's highlights - Tommy's chat with actor Paul Giamatti. Watch the interview in full above. For the unitiated, Giamatti is an Academy Award-nominated actor known for his acclaimed performances in films such as Sideways, Cinderella Man, and The Leftovers, as well as his starring roles in the hit TV series Billions and the Black Mirror episode Eulogy. Once Tommy gets over his shock at Giamatti's arrival, the duo settle into a fascinating and utterly frank chat about the art of acting and negotiating life's ups and downs. It's classic Tommy Tiernan Show. It's a buddy movie comedy waiting to happen...
