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Check out Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, and Arroyo
Grande California USA!
Pismo
Beach
Pismo Beach,
known as the "Clam Capital of the World", preserves the spirit of early
California with its 23 miles of unspoiled sandy beaches, dramatic rugged
coastlines, and a 1200-foot pier lined with fishing enthusiasts. Ride horseback
along the surf-line, explore pebbled coves and tide pools beneath steep rocky
bluffs, or experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean by kayak. The white,
sandy, uncrowded coastline offers a perfect landscape for kite flying, shell
gathering and sand castle building.
When
planning your next visit to Pismo Beach, don't miss the sight of the regal
orange and black Monarch butterflies. From October through February,
tens-of-thousands migrating Monarchs cluster in the eucalyptus grove at the
Pismo Beach State Park, located on Highway 1 at the south entrance of town. The
butterfly grove is a picturesque setting for strolling, picture taking or
picnicking. It's an ideal location for a unique as well as educational winter
outing for families. Volunteer docents and guides provide tours and information
on site.
Pismo Beach
is a focal point for festive, entertaining events and celebrations every year.
With the annual Clam Festival, Mardi Gras Jazz Festival, Car Show, and
Marching Band Review, fun is inevitable. The Pismo Pier is a popular place for
the Independence Day Fireworks; don't miss the Veteran's Day celebration in
November.
Enjoy Pismo
Beach's near perfect weather by taking-a-wave surfing or body boarding, or
hit the pier (where a fishing license is not required) to latch onto some red
snapper and ling cod. For a thrill try sea kayaking or experience firsthand the
diversified terrain with an adventure tour "hummer" style.
If it's
shopping you'd enjoy, take a carriage ride downtown. A variety of surf and
gift shops, art galleries, and antique stores await you. Prime Outlets at Pismo
Beach, located off Highway 101 and Five Cities Drive, is a bargain hunter's
paradise.
San Luis
Obispo
Nestled among
lush rolling hills and shadowed by ancient volcanic peaks, the charming city of
San Luis Obispo rests. The city of 45,000 is the county seat, a vibrant
city center, and home to California Polytechnic State University with its
magnificent Performing Arts Center, historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa,
and the world-famous Thursday Night Farmers' Market street fair. Tree-lined
streets, a charming shopping district, and historic buildings comprise the
delightful downtown area with its array of stores, outdoor cafes, and coffee
houses.
Thursday
evenings, an open-air Farmers' Market fills four blocks of Higuera Street.
Buy just-picked produce and sample a variety of barbecued specialties from
local restaurants. Arts and crafts booths offer work by local artisans, and an
ever-changing selection of performers entertain-from puppeteers and mimes to
up-and-coming bands.
If downtown
is the heart of San Luis Obispo, then Mission Plaza is its soul. The
beautifully landscaped plaza is the background for many events and festivals
throughout the year-from holiday gatherings and wine-tastings to a sidewalk
painting festival and a celebration of Mozart. San Luis Creek meanders through
the Plaza, providing a diversion for children and quiet solitude for adult
reflection. The Art in Public Places project has generated an explosion of
beautifully crafted labors of perfection throughout the county, and special
pieces are displayed in San Luis Obispo and San Luis Creek areas.
Parishioners
still gather daily for services at the Mission San Luis Obispo do Tolosa,
the fifth in a chain of Franciscan stations in California. Visit the
original padres' residence, now a museum where you'll find Indian artifacts,
glassware, papers, and pictures from days gone by.
Treat the
youngsters to an educational adventure at the San Luis Obispo Children's
Museum, a hands-on environment where subjects such as art, science, health
and the humanities are explored. Especially designed for preschool through
elementary age.
For a bit of
history, The Dallidet Adobe, built in 1853, is a gracious state historical
monument with various original trees and shrubs in the enchanting Mediterranean
garden. Stroll through the captivating Victorian gardens of another historical
treasure, The Jack House, built between 1876 and 1880, and meander about the
beautiful, traditionally decorated renovated house. Since 1925 San Luis Obispo
has been the home to America's first motor hotel, The Motel Inn, located off
Highway 101 at the foot of Cuesta Grade.
Arroyo
Grande
From a
vaudeville show, to 4000 acres of sand dunes, to a swinging bridge. This is
just a sample of the sights awaiting the visitor in the southern part of San
Luis Obispo County. Arroyo Grande is situated two miles east of the Pacific
Ocean and is surrounded by farms and flower-fields. Arroyo Grande maintains a
distinct village character throughout its vibrant downtown shopping and dining
district and offers a wide variety of architecture in its neighborhoods. Unique
and beautiful Victorian homes or contemporary architecture is rich in this
area.
In downtown
Arroyo Grande, spanning the Arroyo Grande Creek, is a rustic swinging
bridge. It's a favorite avenue for children and their escorts to reach the
"village", a cluster of vintage-looking antique stores, gift shops, restaurants
and saloons.
The Arroyo
Grande Valley, the Lopez Lake and Recreation Area offers a warm-water
aquamarine setting while you fish, camp, picnic, hike, sail and enjoy nature.
Attracted by fresh air, splendid views and outstanding recreational
opportunities, more than 500,000 visitors now come to Lopez Lake yearly. The
park overflows with campsites, a marina with launching ramp, boat rentals, a
water-slide (in the summer), group camps, picnic areas and several miles of
hiking trails. Fishing is excellent year-round. Massive trout plants spark
fishing activity between October and May.
Photographers roam the rolling hills of the picturesque Arroyo Grande Valley
seeking to capture that special site. Many wildflowers bloom January
through May. Plant growth is rapid and often luxuriant, especially the canyon
bottoms.
Inland from
the South county beach area, a delightful maze of country roads travel past
fruit orchards, pastoral farmlands, and hundreds of acres of premium wine
grapes.
Cool coastal
air and warm dry days help produce some of California's best wines in the Edna
Valley Arroyo Grande Valley Wine Region. Visitors can savor a variety of
award winning wines among over 25 wineries and vineyards. Make time to partake
of excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals at the tasting rooms
throughout this blissful wine region.
| REAL ESTATE TRIVIA |
| Q |
What is currently the most sought-after amenity in the majority of upscale homes?
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| A |
Technology that "enables" a home with features such as structured integrated wiring and broadband Internet access is the current amenity of choice. |
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