The Monarchs Are Coming! The Monarchs Are Coming!

The Monarch Butterfies: Returning to Pismo in Weeks!

Pismo Beach is turning a new shade of orange this coming month. Yes, the Monarch Butterflies will be returning to Pismo at the end of October. From late October to February, the butterflies cluster in the limbs of a grove of Eucalyptus trees at Pismo State Beach. A treat for all ages, and a Pismo Beach tradition, the arrival of the Monarchs is a highly anticipated event.

Pismo's official Monarch Butterfly Grove is easily accessible to butterfly admirers. It is located on State Highway 1 at the south boundary of the city limits of Pismo Beach.

Spectators come from all over the Central Coast and throughout California to catch a glimpse of these dazzling Monarchs. Visitors are greeted by knowledgeable and well-informed volunteer docents offering daily talks and information.

Our colony is one of the largest in the nation, hosting an average of 25,000 butterflies over the last five years. The Monarchs that visit Pismo Beach are a special variety. They have a life span of six months as opposed to that of common Monarchs who live only six weeks (we like to credit this to the stress-free Pismo lifestyle). This can be attributed to a unique fat storing system. However, even with an extended life span, those butterflies that leave in March will never return.

Scientists do not know why the Monarchs consistently return to some wintering sites. In North America, those sites range from the Central and Southern California Coast to Mexico. Some scientists speculate that the insects are equipped with genetic homing systems that lead them from their summer sites in the Sierras, Florida, Canada and the Great Lakes Region in North America back to their winter locations.

On the Central Coast, Monarchs winter in Pismo Beach, Pacific Grove and Morro Bay. The Natural History Museum In Morro Bay is an excellent resource for information about Monarchs.

During the season the Docent Trailer opens at 10am and closes at 4pm daily. Daily talks happen at 11am and 2pm, weather permitting. For more information or directions, please call the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce at 800-443-7778. Be sure to visit ClassicCalifornia.com - the Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau's web site for more information about Pismo Beach.

http://www.monarchbutterfly.org/

And if you are planning on making a trip out to Pismo, or wish to stop here on your tour of the California Central Coast, be sure to contact Valentina Inn & Villas of Pismo Beach, CA, located at the heart of the Central Coast, less than two blocks from the beach.

Savor the Central Coast: Sept 29 - Oct 2, 2011

Savor the Central Coast

San Luis Obispo County is Mother Nature's masterpiece. This spectacular highlight of the Central Coast is a symphony of culinary, viticulture and agricultural experiences, with a sonata of attractions like Hearst Castle, California Missions, artisan shops, strolling downtowns, organic farms and a concerto of amazing coastal, rural and mountainous locations that harmonize beautifully to offer a world-class destination. There is much to savor throughout the Central Coast

Which is why Sunset Magazine hosts Savor the Central Coast every year. Midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast event will celebrate the beauty and bounty of this unspoiled region of California in an incredible four-day event. Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast will showcase the talents of the areas winemakers, chefs, lavender growers, and artisanal food producers. Sunset’s expert editors and renowned celebrity chefs will be guiding attendees through culinary tours, winemaker dinners, wine blending seminars, historic excursions, and culinary showcases.
Celebration Weekend attendees will get an exclusive taste of what this exciting event will be all about at the Savor the Central Coast Courtyard, located within the main building of Sunset's headquarters. Dozens of wineries, cheese makers, and many other artisan food producers will be on-hand to represent the bounty and the one-of-a-kind experience that is California's Central Coast.

Explore this wonderful opportunity with the comfort and convenience of Valentina Inn & Villas of Pismo Beach. Located less than 2 blocks from the beach, our beautiful ocean view suites form the perfect backdrop for this event.

~ValentinaPismoBeach.com
~SavorCentralCoast.com
~Sunset.com

74th Annual Harvest Festival This Weekend in Arroyo Grande

Arroyo Grande- A Real Life Bedford Falls
Celebrate It This Weekend

The moment you all have been waiting for has finally arrived. Celebrate small town pride and community values with the 74th Annual Harvest Festival taking place this weekend in Arroyo Grande. The festival kicked off yesterday with the annual Rotary Fish Fry, and follows today with a spectacular parade this morning that features some very talented school marching bands.

The Harvest Festival is a great community celebration that is unmatched throughout the state. Arroyo Grande is one of the few small towns across the nation that has preserved its village core and community spirit. It is truly a piece of history and is worth a visit on your trip to Pismo.

The theme for this year is "Harvesting Community Pride and Celebrating Our City's Centennial".

Check it out today!

Last Chance to Save BIG During the Fall- 40% OFF Weeknights Through September!

Don't Let This Kid Destroy Your Vacation
Come to Pismo During The Fall

What's even better than our low winter rates? Our low winter rates MINUS 40%.

Yes, if you reserve now, you can still take advantage of our September Special-- 40% OFF Weeknights (Sunday thru Thursday) for reservations through Thursday, September 29, 2011.

This is the best time of the year to enjoy prime Pismo weather. Plus, all the "kiddos" are back at school so no one will be destroying your professional, handcrafted... sandcastles.

Call now at 805-773-1234 to reserve your Valentina vacation villa. Or reserve at http://valentinapismobeach.com/reservations.html.

65th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival: October 14-16, 2011

Pismo Beach Clam Festival 2011
Don't Be a Clam... Unless You're Like These Guys

The Pismo Beach Clam Festival is returning for its 65th year. Indeed, Pismo clam lovers and general mollusk enthusiasts will finally be able to enjoy the weekend they've been waiting for all year.

A community tradition since 1946, the Pismo Beach Clam Festival features a splendid array of activities throughout the weekend.

Friday: Wine Walk


Saturday: Parade, music, vendors, Clam Chowder Cook Off, Sand Castle building, hula hoop demo, surf contest.

Sunday: entertainment, vendors, clam digging, surf lessons, special event for "grown ups" Make reservations early for the parade or a vendor booth.

Contact Tommie O'Donoghue at 805-773-4382 or tomio@pismochamber.com for more details.

3rd Annual Shell Beach Art Walk: October 1st

Shell Beach Art Walk
Where Beautiful Paintings Come to Life

What's more relaxing and yet engaging than walking around and admiring fine works of art at your leisure?

This difficult question will soon be answered when you attend the 3rd Annual Shell Beach Art Walk. Stroll along beautiful Shell Beach Road from 2-5 p.m. and admire local artwork. Proceeds will be donated to the El Camino Art Association Scholarship fund to benefit local students. Refreshments will be served at various businesses.

For more information, please call 805-441-8277 or check out their Facebook Event Announcement at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=181445535257121.

Hurry .. Our September Special (40% OFF) is Drawing to a Close!

Greetings from the "Sunny Side" of California
Pismo Beach, CA

Come over to Pismo Beach and enjoy the best weather of the year. That's right... contrary to popular belief, fall is the best time to go to Pismo Beach. Sunny days (more than even summer), less crowds, and tepid water make it the ideal California vacation spot.

And what better reason to make the visit than 40% Off Weeknights now through the end of September at Valentina Inn & Villas. That's a pretty big deal, especially at our low winter rates. Take advantage of this discount today!

Spend your postponed vacation in the California sunshine at this beacon of the Central Coast. Book your stay at Valentina and experience Classic California as Hollywood makes it out to be!

Central Coast Book & Author Festival



Central Coast Book and Author Festival
Bookworms and Sunday Comic Fans Beware!

 The Annual Central Coast Book & Author Festival 2011 on September 18 from 10am-4pm is sure to draw large crowds of bookworms with an eclectic array of authors, independent booksellers, small presses, literary art groups, and non-profit community organizations. The festival offers readings, panel discussions, workshops and a children's area, and will be happening in Downtown SLO at the Mission Plaza.

On Saturday evening, September 17, Jerry Scott, the co-creator of Zits and Baby Blues comics, will make a presentation in the Community Room at the San Luis Obispo Public Library. The presentation will be free-of-charge, and will give the audience a chance to see how this creative genius makes his daily comics. His work published in thousands of newspapers around the world.

All proceeds of this fundraising event support the SLO County public libraries.

For more details, check out: http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com/eventCount/index.cfm?eventid=1266

Pismo Beach September 11th Tribute at Valentina Inn & Villas

9/11: A Day of Remembrance

 

September 11, 2001 was a day that affected everyone throughout the world. It is not only a day that recalls the pain and suffering of the millions of Americans impacted by this terrorist attack, but also a day that commemorates the strength and resilience of the American spirit and to foster healing.

If you happen to drive by Price Street in Pismo Beach today, you will notice an American flag nobly draped beside the Valentina Inn & Villas sign at 911 Price Street across from Giuseppe's. Below the flag is a list of all the victims of the 9/11 attacks to serve for reflection and prayer, not forgetting the family and friends of these victims, as well as those policemen and firefighters who put their lives at stake on that fateful day. United we stand in the face of tragedy, looking forward to a better future.

We hope that you were able to observe at least a few moments of the beautiful televised ceremony that took place this morning at the site of the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. The impact of each name being called out on the microphone and moments of silence, were enough to draw one's breath away.

The staff of Valentina Inn & Villas stands in prayer with the loved ones impacted by these attacks.

God Bless the USA.

Parlate italiano . . . Non c'e problema!

Non siate confusi come lui!
Possiamo aiutarvi per gratis. 

A volte, e' difficile chiedere delle domande quando non si parla l'inglese . . specialmente, quando si viaggia. Attenti viaggiatori . . . adesso ascoltiamo alle vostre domande in italiano. Si, e' vero!

Se volete viaggiare nel bel stato di California, possiamo aiutarvi! Perche' no? L'euro e' molto conveniente per i viaggiatori che vogliono venire negli Stati Uniti.

Valentina Inn & Villas, case vacanza di Pismo Beach, California, si trova sulla costa della California nella regione riconosciuta come <>. Gestito dalla nostra famiglia, trattiamo i nostri ospiti come se fossero famiglia ed offriamo molte amenita' di lusso. Anche parliamo italiano, quindi possiamo aiutarvi organizzare il vostro viaggio nella California.

La Central Coast e piena di attivita' diversa da cui scegliere. La degustazione di vini (Edna Valley e' una regione con fama mondiale per i suoi vini squisiti), il surf, gli escurzioni, e di piu'! Vogliamo che voi esplorate tutta la California, specialmente la Central Coast- la parte piu' bella della California.
Se avete delle domande, vi invitiamo ad inviarci una e-mail a: tonia@valentinapismobeach.com!

Buon viaggio!

California Wine Month Specials are Here!

Get those Barrels Rolling
It's California Wine Month

Here at Valentina, we like to keep our guests and admirers apprized of the newest and latest specials to make your Pismo Beach vacation even better! In case you have not heard, September is California Wine Month, and all the major Edna Valley and Paso Robles wineries and vineyards are celebrating. Here is just a sampling below:

California Wine Month Special Offers

Company Name	Offer Title	Offer Valid
Breakaway Tours and Event Planning	Sunset Special - Savor Paso Robles Wine Tour	09/01/2011 – 10/03/2011
Vina Robles Winery	California Wine Month & Celebrating 10 Years of Winemaking!	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Saucelito Canyon Vineyard	California Wine Month - 2 for 1 tasting	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Clayhouse Wines	California Wine Month Trivia	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Chamisal Vineyards	Special California Wine Month Offer	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Justin Winery	30% off for Wine Society Members!	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Justin Winery	FREE Riedel Decanter when you join the Wine Society!	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Justin Winery	FREE Tasting & 10% off for SLO County Locals!	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Ortman Family Vineyards Tasting Room	10% off Wine Purchases!	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Niner Wine Estates	Two Tastings for the Price of One!	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Niner Wine Estates	September Cheese Flights!	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Tastes of the Valleys	Special California Wine Month Offer	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Pipestone Vineyards	2 for 1 Tastings!	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Baileyana / Tangent Wineries	2 for 1 Tastings!	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011
Harmony Cellars	Complimentary Cookie, 10% off Wine, 30% off Wine for Club Members	09/01/2011 – 09/30/2011

ENJOY!!!

Valentina Inn & Villas of Pismo Beach to Commemorate Sept.11 Victims with Special Tribute



September 11th-- A Day that Will Live in Infamy
And Continue to Inspire Us With Resilience


September 11 was a day that our nation will never forget.

As such, Valentina Inn & Villas of Pismo Beach will be proudly displaying a large American flag on the front of our building. In addition, we will have a list of those that lost their lives in these attacks marked below the flag.

The staff at Valentina Inn & Villas of Pismo Beach hopes our tribute to the victims of 9/11 will encourage people to reflect on this memorable day in history. For us, it is not only a dedication to those who lost their lives as a result of the attacks; it is a way to commemorate America's unstoppable spirit of resilience, patriotism, and dedication to freedom.

We hope to provide a positive and forward-looking way for Americans and others to forever honor and remember the 9/11 victims, survivors, and the many that rose in service in response to the 9/11 tragedy, including first responders, recovery workers, volunteers, public safety officers, and our military.

We are lucky to live in the United States of America - and this privilege didn't come cheap. Our Founding Fathers were not cowards. They made immense sacrifices to establish this Great Nation in freedom - not the least of which was going to war with the enemy of that freedom. All of those who have fought in the subsequent wars and conflicts and those who are fighting today have continued to make sacrifices in order to defend those original ideals. Even now, our civil servants, particularly Firefighters and Police, are making sacrifices to maintain the quality of our lives.

Sunset Western Wine Awards Gala

Western Wine Awards Gala
September 30th on the Pismo Pier

Sunset is coming to Pismo Beach. And we don't mean the spectacular sunset you will encounter at Valentina. That goes without saying.

Join Sunset Wine Editor Sara Schneider and Sunset Editor-in-Chief Katie Tamony for one of the weekend’s most anticipated events. The Sunset Western Wine Awards are recognized as the highest honor for Western winemakers and focus solely on wines produced in the West. Sunset’s panel of professional judges includes Western wine writers, sommeliers, and winemakers. At this festive dinner and awards ceremony, you’ll get to sip the award-winning wines and meet their award-winning winemakers. Hosted by the City of Pismo Beach on the historic Pismo Beach Pier, the event features tantalizing, locally grown fare paired with wines that have been nominated for a Sunset Western Wine Award. Category winners will be announced throughout the evening.

Come to Pismo for this special event!

And while you're in Pismo, be sure to choose Valentina Inn & Villas for your accommodations. Pismo Beach's closest and finest, we are here to make your weekend an even more tasteful experience.

New Laetitia Winery Shuttle Service Offered at Valentina



Here It Is . . . The Laetitia Winery Shuttle Service
NOW AT VALENTINA!


What if you could go wine tasting without even starting up your car? It may sound like a dream to some. But when one of the finest wineries in the Arroyo Grande Valley partners up with one of the best hotels in Pismo Beach, anything is possible.

Indeed, in our endless efforts to stay green, we have formed an alliance with Laetitia Winery in Arroyo Grande to provide all our guests a shuttle service to the vineyards at no cost.

Plus, with every stay at Valentina, guests now receive complimentary wine tasting for two (2) at the winery.

We believe in rewarding our customers for their exquisite choice of Valentina.

Those who have not yet had the privilege of trying Laetitia wine will be in for a treat. Laetitia Estate wines (produced from vines to the barrels in the Arroyo Grande Valley) "encapsulate the moments, sites, and people who pour their lives into ensuring the excellence of every sip." Their remarkable portfolio of Chardonnays, Pinots, and Syrahs are sure to enchant your tastebuds and tame your "wine snob" inclinations.

Sizzlin' Summer Concert Series and Farmers' Market



Show Off Your Moves Like These Folks!
A Good Time is in Store for All

Don't miss out on the free concert series held on Sundays in Grover Beach from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (except for the weekend of August 27-28 which is the Stone Soup Festival). This event is co-sponsored with the Grover Beach Chamber of Commerce and is held in conjunction with a Farmers' Market.

All ages are welcome. Bring a beach chair or a blanket and spend an enjoyable summer afternoon listening to great music.
Jam out to some of our best local performers today!

See below for details:

Sizzlin' Summer Concert Series and Farmers' MarketDates: September 4, 11, 18, and  25, 2011
Time: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (except August 28th)
Bands: See Concert Poster
Location: Ramona Garden Park, 993 Ramona Avenue
Performing September 4th: Up In The Air (Latin)

Located only a couple miles from Valentina Inn & Villas of Pismo Beach, CA.
~http://grover.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=171

Cal Poly Week of Welcome 2011

Cal Poly Week of Welcome 2011
A Week for You to Enjoy as Well

Whether your nest is "being emptied" or you're just sending off one of your precious ones, the start of the academic year can be a difficult time for parents. So make it a little lighter on yourself! Celebrate this lifechanging day by extending your Central Coast stay at the brand-new Valentina Inn & Villas! Who says you need to come back home as soon as you've gotten your college student settled?

And if you reserve your stay now, you can enjoy our exclusive September Special- 40% OFF Weeknights (Sunday-Thursday) after Labor Day. This offer is valid for reservations through September 29, 2011. For more details, click here.

Reserve your Valentina villa today and celebrate the achievements of your Mustang!

For more information about Cal Poly WOW Week 2011:

During this program held prior to fall classes beginning, students are placed in small groups led by two trained Orientation Leaders. They are introduced to life at Cal Poly and in San Luis Obispo through a full range of activities, including: WOW-A-RAMA (mingle with over 3000 other WOW participants), SLO Bound (check out everything SLO has to offer), Awareness presentations (discuss social issues with other students), and Cal Poly Club Showcase (experience dozens of Cal Poly's clubs). For more information about the activities and details to sign up during The Week go to New Student Orientation Highlights. A more detailed version of the schedule will be available on this page at the end of August. Sign up is required to participate in Week of Welcome.

Click here to make a reservation for Week of Welcome.

~ValentinaPismoBeach.com

Valentina Receives Recognition from Solstice for Green Efforts

Valentina
Green Hotel and Vacation Rentals

Valentina has recently received the honor of being named an "eco-spot" by Solstice Green Directory of San Luis Obispo. As an "eco-spot", Valentina is featured on the Solstice Green Directory website, which receives thousand of unique green-conscious visitors.

Valentina has set the new standard for green in the hospitality industry with its revolutionary energy and water conservation efforts.

For example, did you know:

Valentina averages less than 22 cents/sf in electrical every year, almost a fifth of the national industry avg. which hovers around $1.05.

Our natural gas usage is about 15 cents/sf a year, about 33% less than the national average of 25 cents (http://www.nationalgridus.com/non_html/shared_energyeff_hotels.pdf).

And water usage averages 74.8 gallons/unit per day. This is 65% less than the national average of 209 gallons.

For more details, check out http://www.slosolstice.com/blog/1700-eco-spot-valentina