Rockin’ Harvest Celebration: Nov. 4th – 6th



Rockin' Harvest 2011: Nov. 4-6



San Luis Obispo Vintners Association announces their 21st Annual Rockin’ Harvest Celebration taking place November 4th – 6th. Over 60 wineries and restaurants from the San Luis Obispo region are featured in the scenic seaside setting of the Avila Beach Golf Resort. Winemakers, local chefs and wine lovers share the fruits of their labor and passion for the art of winemaking.  Back by popular demand, this year’s auction will once again open up with live music from the Winemaker's Band, ‘The Crushtones’, a group formed especially for last year’s Annual Event.  For locals, and those from out of the area, this is a great time to explore San Luis Obispo and discover the culinary treasures of our unique region.

New this year, SLO Vintners will offer two additional event features in conjunction with the main event.  A limited amount of “back stage passes” will kick off the day at 11AM.  These special guests will get an hour early entrance to the event, and be able to sample special limited reserve wines, poured during this hour only. Early bird tickets are very limited.

Along with the new back stage pass, SLO Vintners wants the event to continue on Sunday.  Come “party like a rock star”! Hit the SLO Wine trail and let the party carry on at participating wineries, where they pull out the wine, food and entertainment once again at their individual wineries. Your ticket into the Grand Tasting from Saturday, gets you into the winery event on Sunday for FREE!!!  All you have to do is wear your all access bracelet from the main event on Saturday and bring your wine glass with you as well on Sunday, and you’ll be ready to rock 2 days straight with local SLO Wineries.

Harvest Celebration events take place all weekend and kick off on Friday night with a variety of winemaker socials and dinners that offer a great value. Wineries and restaurants partner to provide festive food and wine experiences at various winery and restaurant locations in San Luis Obispo. The weekend provides enthusiasts a chance to discover the distinct characteristics of San Luis Obispo while meeting the people that created the wines.

Tickets to the Grand Tasting Event on Saturday are on sale now!  This year private tables are SOLD OUT! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend in SLO Wine Country!

When You Finally Take a Break and Come to Pismo ...

The Majestic Pismo Pier

While you are Googling vacation ideas behind the boss's back at work, hopefully you search your way to this blog, where you can find all the latest events happening in Pismo Beach and the Central Coast, as well as info on ways to make your Pismo Beach getaway that much better.

Idea 1: Take a stroll on the Pismo Pier with that special someone or with the fam. This historic Pismo landmark is unspoiled and gives you a breathtaking view of Pismo paradise. Let your mind glide with the relaxing sound of the waves, and finish off your evening by popping the cork on a bottle of local wine from the highly acclaimed Edna Valley.
In other words, live the Pismo life.

And the Winner Goes to...

Seaside Scribbler Writing Competition

Yes, folks, it's the moment you've all been waiting for. The judges have been hard at work narrowing down the entries and have finally chosen a winner for the Very 1st Annual International Pismo Beach Seaside Scribbler Competition.

The award goes to Dylan W. of Wayne, NJ for his song entry "Pismo Face" based on the Lady Gaga hit "Poker Face".

This entry was a response to the theme: "My Pismo Beach Dream Getaway." Dylan took this contest to a whole new level with a masterfully worked composition and some catchy lyrics. The creative genius of this talented young star may soon go viral. Until then, ... congrats Dylan!

~ValentinaPismoBeach.com

Grab Your Dancing Shoes: Jubilee by the Sea Begins Friday!

Show Off Your Shoulder Spin
at Jubilee by the Sea

The Central Coast's largest dixie, jazz and swing event is coming to Pismo Beach October 28-30. Jubilee by the Sea is one of the best opportunities to attend some great concerts and show your moves as well.

Twenty swingin' bands will get you up off your feet and cause you to uncontrollably shake it like it's 1949. The event is held for three days at multiple venues, including the Pismo Beach Veteran's Memorial Building, Marie Calendars banquet room and tents located at the St Anthony's Fair Ground and "on the beach" at the Addie Street parking lot. Buses run continuously to get you to all of the venues for another great show! Locally catered food and drinks are available at all locations. Head nodding is accepted, though dancing is encouraged.

The question is: are you ready to boogie?

Jubilee by the Sea: October 28-30

Dizzy Gillespie: Attendence Not Yet Confirmed

Attention Swing, Dixieland and Jazz Enthusiasts-- it's time to put on your dancing shoes. Get ready to get your boogie woogie on! The hardwood floors are getting polished. The Jubilee by the Sea is coming back to Pismo at the end of October, and life is gonna be swell once again!

"Jubilee by the Sea" is a world class traditional jazz festival held in beautiful Pismo Beach. This festival has been successful each year since it began in 1976, with fans streaming in from all over the country. It is held for three days at multiple venues, including the Pismo Beach Veteran's Memorial Building, Marie Calendars banquet room and tents located at the St. Anthony's Fair Ground and "on the beach" at the Addie Street parking lot. Buses run continuously to get you to all of the venues for another great show! The event is comprised of 120 one-hour performances, with 20 bands plus guest artists. Locally catered food and drinks are available at all locations. Hardwood floors at all venues for your dancing pleasure!

Three-day tickets, one-day tickets and student tickets are available.

And after dancing your heart out all day, you probably will want to repose at a place that's close to everything. Valentina Inn & Villas is that place. Ideally located less than 2 blocks from the beach, and surrounded by many great local restaurants, Valentina offers spacious amenity-filled suites and FREE secure parking.

For more details, check out ValentinaPismoBeach.com or call 805-773-1234, and be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

Clamming to Tradition: 65th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival

Previous guests include Santa Claus ...
What? It's his only break, y'know? 

What's all this clamor? Another celebration of tradition and fun is settling in Pismo Beach next weekend (October 14-16)?

Indeed. The pro-"clam"-ation of this celebration is expected to bring thousands of excited kids, teens, and adults from here, there and everywhere. Countless activities await you as you enjoy this event with the wine and waves of Pismo Beach.

The Clam Festival Parade will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 10:00 AM. The "Clam to the Past" theme of this parade will make everyone go back to the Fabulous Forties when this great tradition first began.

Featured on Saturday will be the annual surfing contest, parade and clam chowder cook-off, while Sunday will feature a clam dig, surf and bubbles, and surfing lessons.

Join in the fun next weekend only in Classic California. And don't make a wrong turn at Albuquerque!

As for accommodations, stay where the action is. Reserve now at Valentina Inn & Villas, less than 2 blocks from the beach!

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.