Page 41 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2021 REDISCOVERING CALIFORNIA'S CENTRAL COAST

Montecito We could only guess if they were rich or fa-

We stopped in Montecito first on our way to mous, in this place regular folks who live here
the hotel. When we stayed at the Montecito don’t make a fuss if a famous neighbor takes a
seat next to them. Celebrities love Montecito
Inn those many years ago, we didn’t realize
what an upscale slice of California we were in. because they can feel like “regular” people.
Today, luxury oozes out of every boutique and There’s no celebrity home sightseeing tours
here. Many of the homes of the stars are hid-
eatery on Coast Village Road. Travel + Leisure
named Montecito one of “The 50 Best Places den behind giant hedges and gates.
to Travel in 2019. The citizens of the community don’t just
smooze and eat here. They enjoy its natural
It was mid afternoon as we strolled up and
down Montecito’s tree-shaded social and re- coastal beauty hiking the hills of Montecito,
tail district. We could see why the rich and fa- where they enjoy spectacular views from the
mous adopted this seaside enclave. Today, city of Santa Barbara to the Channel Islands.
There’s over 15 different trails where hikers
Montecito residents include Oprah Winfrey
and Julia Louis-Dreyfus to Prince Harry and can enjoy the local flora and fauna. Montecito
Megan Markle. Here, the famous and regular is also home to stunning stretches of coastline
where they surf, sail and swim. Locals enjoy a
townsfolk shop, dine, and hobnob together.
There were lots of folks hanging out in one of sunset or sunrise strolling with their dogs on
the several of the sunny restaurant patios we Butterfly Beach. No wonder Montecito is
called the American Riviera.
passed.

WINEDINEANDTRAVEL.COM 41