If the pandemic has you feeling down and you are in need of a socially distant pick-me-up that won’t require you to drive too far or stray too far from home, then this list is for you. Our valley is overflowing with amazing opportunities to explore, inspiring places to adventure, and invigorating new experiences to try.  

1. Wake up early and watch the sunrise along the Santa Ynez River for a soothing start to your day. Those of us who walk the river today do not think much about it, but in the 1940s the Santa Ynez River was thought to have the largest run of steelhead fish south of San Francisco Bay. Prior to the completion of Cachuma Dam in 1953, the steelhead run on the Santa Ynez River was estimated to be as high as 25,000 adults. You can access the river at various points throughout the valley, but the most popular spot to walk is off Alisal Road. 

2. Buy a new book and read it in Hans Christian Anderson Park. Not sure what to read? Let our local bookstore The Book Loft select a book for you. Call them and let them know what you would like and pick it up on your way to the park. Or with prearrangement, they will deliver to homes in the Santa Ynez Valley on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. There is a delivery charge of $5 on purchases under $100. 

3. Drive up Figueroa Mountain and have a picnic. Enjoy the quiet that comes at 4,000 feet above sea level as you enjoy views of the Santa Ynez Valley. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see out towards the ocean in Lompoc.

Photo contributed

4. Take an outdoor yoga class with me. I’m teaching a variety of classes from yoga in a blooming rose garden, to full moon yoga in a vineyard, to a casual yoga and brunch offering at a winery. My classes are for all levels (even beginners) and always incorporate a guided meditation and deep relaxation. Being out in nature enhances the yoga practice for a heightened experience. A recent Swedish study found viewing nature, especially fractals (the organically occurring patterns in tree branches or fern leaves), increased wakeful relaxation and internal focus—two important components of a rewarding yoga practice.

5. Go for a cold water swim at Gaviota State Beach. Experts say when practiced on a regular basis, cold water immersion can provide long-lasting changes to your body’s immune, lymphatic, circulatory and digestive systems that enhance the overall quality of your life. With a few minutes of cold therapy (and a whole lot of grit), you may be able to activate your body’s natural healing powers and promote a greater sense of well-being.

6. Hike to the Wind Caves at Gaviota (a little over 2 miles round-trip). These unique geological formations run parallel to the Pacific Ocean. As the mountains are pelted with salt spray (carried by the wind) and as the salt crystals grow, they displace the grains of sand. Over the centuries, cavities are formed in the rock as the process continues, one grain at a time.

SYV Botanic Garden at River View Park.

7. Stroll through the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden in Buellton, where you can make a wish on the wishing tree, get lost in the willow maze, explore the butterfly garden, and discover the Chumash village. The garden was created by a nonprofit group as a source of “inspiration, a venue for arts and crafts, and a peaceful refuge for visitors of all ages.”

8. Book a private outdoor painting session with The Art Spot. If you want to get creative and do something unique, take a plein air painting class. They offer a private small group class in acrylic or watercolor. They’ll come to you or you can book a class in the vineyard. Just like physical exercise, creative stimulation like painting engages and focuses our minds on the task at hand — and distracts us from feelings of stress and anxiety.

9. Ride your bike to a lovely wine tasting experience at Gainey Vineyard. Make an appointment on their website before you go to ensure yourself a table. Then jump on your bike and head over. Gainey has its entire upper terrace set up with shaded tables spaced 12 feet apart. You can sip wine while gazing at the unparalleled vineyard views and if it’s a hot day you’re in luck — the vineyard recently installed misters to keep guests cool. On weekends, they offer a delectable charcuterie plate that makes a perfect pairing with their wines. No bike? Rent one from Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours.

Farm stands are bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables in the summer. Photo by Cori Lassahn

10. Support our local farmers with your own farm stand tour. Stop by all the different farms in the valley and make yourself a farm-to-table meal with your bounty. I’ve linked their websites so you can check their hours:

• Something Good Organics (Buellton): a wide variety of fruits from their orchard, farm fresh eggs, carrots, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, honey and more.
• Hidden Canyon Ranch & Farm (Lompoc): eggs, flowers, kale, herbs and tangerines. They also offer farm tours for one group at a time that includes a 90-min tour and animal interactions. 
• Clairmont Lavender Farm (Los Olivos): essential oil made on site, mists, bath products, culinary lavender, teas and honey.
• Global Gardens (Los Olivos): pressed olive oil and natural fruit vinegars made locally
• Finley Farms: a wide variety of just-picked fruits and veggies including melons, berries, little gem lettuces, Basil, tomatoes and arugula that sells out every day.
• Summerset Farms (Santa Ynez): pick your own raspberries and blackberries. Walk through the sunflower maze and grab some onions and apples to take home.
• Santa Barbara Blueberries (Buellton): pick your own blueberries from 32,000 pesticide-free blueberry plants of varying ages. They also offer blueberry jams and preserves, pesticide-free raspberries, blackberries, cantaloupes, watermelons, wild honey and other natural products grown on the ranch as they are available. 

The post 10 ways to lift your spirits in SYV during COVID-19 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

By Cori Lassahn

Cori Lassahn strikes a tree pose on the Las Cruces trail facing Gaviota Peak.

Spring has sprung in the Santa Ynez Valley and it’s time to come out of your winter hibernation and enjoy the outdoors.

Our valley is full of day-hike options that feature all kinds of terrain, from easy to difficult. Here’s a roundup of some of the local day hikes:

Las Cruces

This California State Park trail is on the southbound side of Highway 101 past the Vista de las Cruces Elementary School. The trail loops past a sycamore grove, a creek, and up the mountain. If you keep going, you’ll end up with views of Gaviota Beach and can even loop into the Gaviota Wind Caves trail.

Gaviota Peak

Gaviota State Park is 2,775 acres of oak-dotted trails, a natural hot springs, and views of the ocean. This popular hike is busy on the weekends and takes around three hours. You’ll climb the mountain via a main fire break road, which is wide and accommodating for groups. The peak features a round Gaviota elevation marker and 360-degree views.

Seeing the Gaviota Wind Caves and views of the ocean makes a tough ascent worthwhile.

Gaviota Wind Caves

This hike has some steep sections, but it’s worth the ascent to see the multiple caves that have been wind-sculpted. As you hike up, you’ll be able to spot the wind caves above you. They are large, open-faced recesses in the rock. And once you make it there, the caves provide a nice shady respite from the sun, with views of Gaviota State Beach.

Grass Mountain

When the orange poppies are blooming, be ready for a crowd on this trail. The California state flower is a big draw, as it takes over a large swath of the mountain. This difficult hike can be taxing, so be sure to bring lots of water. At the end you’ll be rewarded with wide-open valley views.

Nojoqui Falls

This easy hike is beloved by locals for its ease of access. The youngest and oldest members of your group will be able to tackle this short hike up to the waterfall. Recent mudslides have made getting close the waterfall unsafe, so it’s best to view it from afar.

Tequepis Trail

Tequepis Trail is an 8-mile, lightly trafficked, out-and-back trail near Cachuma Lake. It features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.

Photo by Cale Abbott
The Red Rock hike leads to some of the best swimming holes on the Santa Ynez River.

Red Rock Trail

The Red Rock Trail is an enjoyable three- to four-hour hike that provides you with some of the best swimming holes on the Santa Ynez River. You can head in either direction on this loop. At the midpoint you’ll find Gibraltar Dam. Near the top of it is a picnic area and a large board with interpretive information about the dam.

To get exact locations, directions and maps for each day hike, search Google for each trail name. Certain locations require a day-use fee, so bring cash if you don’t have an annual pass.

Cori Lassahn is a 14-year Santa Ynez Valley resident who loves to hike. She works in marketing for Gainey Vineyard and teaches multiple yoga classes. You can find her at www.vineyardyogasyv.com.

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