Around Town: Cruising Santa Barbara

I had the pleasure of visiting Santa Barbara, California last week.

I spent time in meetings and workshops with my amazing colleagues, but also got to explore multiple venues and participate in some special outdoor activities.

This was my second visit to the quaint coastal town nestled along the Pacific Ocean.

The sunrises and sunsets are outstanding, but what struck me the most — for the second time — were the positive vibes of the people. People there enjoy their time with others, their outdoor rituals and their animals (there are dogs everywhere).

From my first night in town at the Santa Barbara Lawn Bowls Club to the last evening on a sunset cruise, it was nothing short of magical.

There are lawn-bowling leagues year-round, with residents competing in bowling, but on beautiful outdoor greenery instead of indoor lanes. It’s a welcoming community, and everyone wants to make the other better.

I ate at a historic little Italian restaurant called Arnoldi’s Café, an old-school Italian spot with jumbo portions and al fresco dining. The restaurant, which has been dubbed “the most quintessentially quintessential of all Santa Barbara restaurants,” according to local media, opened in 1940.

As I dined, I watched locals play bocce and savored the normalcy of having a three-course meal outdoors during the first week of May underneath string lighting.

The next night, I was at Leadbetter Beach for a picnic. Think chicken legs, beef, vegetables and refreshing libations shoreside.

I so enjoyed watching locals play Frisbee, volleyball and more as I spent time by the shore. People don’t think twice; they jump into action to get their bodies moving and take advantage of the pleasant weather.

And on my last night in town, I was on a sunset cruise from the Santa Barbara Harbor, which as you can imagine ended with me taking as many photos as possible of the Santa Barbara sun going down.

Ending the evening at The Anchor Rose restaurant, which overlooks the historic harbor, was the perfect way to take in all I’d seen throughout the week: the local people and their easygoing ways, the sunrises and sunsets, the outdoor activities, the slower pace of society, the smiles, etc. I could go on and on.

I so loved waking up each morning and running or walking by the water.

I really believe spending time by water washes cares and worries away.

I’m coming back to Northeastern Pennsylvania a little bit lighter (mentally-speaking, that is).

And just like last year when I visited, I remain grateful to the welcoming people who let me spend time in their charming town. Until next time, SB!