San Luis Obispo County, California  (May 21, 2015)– San Luis Obispo County, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California’s naturally beautiful Central Coast, offers many new reasons to visit this summer and fall, from new and renovated hotels to fascinating tours.  As part of the ultimate California road trip, San Luis Obispo County features culinary, cultural and coastal attractions and activities. Stay for a weekend or plan a week with all the activities and new accommodations highlighted below.  For more trip planning information on the Central Coast, which was named among Lonely Planet’s 2014 Top 10 US Travel Destinations (#4), check out www.visitsanluisobispocounty.com.

Packages & Deals

INTRODUCING THE NEW MORRO BAY  ADVENTURE PASS!

Guests can make the most of their experience in Morro Bay, California by purchasing a Morro Bay Adventure Pass. This three-day pass is full of activities, which include bicycle, kayak and stand up paddle board rentals, boat cruises, golf, wine tasting and much more for a discounted rate. Individual, couple and family passes are available for purchase online at MorroBay.org/AdventurePass. www.morrobay.org

RUSTIC ROMANCE AT THE MADONNA INN, SAN LUIS OBISPO

This historic landmark – famous for its elaborately themed rooms – will soon complete installing an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station so green-minded drivers can recharge for free. To welcome endless summer nights the hotel is offering the “Rustic Romance Package.” Starting at $884.19, it includes a scenic horseback trail ride, overnight stay in one of the celebrated themed rooms, bottle of champagne, personalized mini-heart cake, one-hour couple’s massage, $100 dining credit from Gold Rush Steak House and more. www.madonnainn.com

NEW FAMILY PACKAGES FOR  AVILA LIGHTHOUSE SUITES AND PISMO LIGHTHOUSE SUITES

Bring the whole family to explore the ocean and enjoy a “Kids Sea Life Package”. Starting at $249 in Avila Beach and $179 in Pismo Beach, the package includes overnight accommodations in a suite with plenty of room for the whole family, complimentary breakfast each morning, one dolphin-shaped backpack filled with a stuffed sea animal, ocean life coloring book and other ocean-oriented items, along with one complimentary kids admission to the Central Coast Aquarium. Enjoy the feeling of satisfaction knowing that you’re helping to support a precious community resource and education center, because with each package sold Martin Resorts will donate $5 to the Central Coast Aquarium.

Hotel Renovations and New Attractions Openings

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT, ATASCADERO GRAND OPENING

Opening late spring 2015, this 130 all-suites, four-story hotel will feature over 5000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, perfect for events and conferences. The outdoor area will include a patio, pool and fire pit with ample seating to enjoy the wonderful view of rolling oaks. The restaurant and full bar on site will feature farm to table offerings paired with local wines and brews. As with all SpringHill Suites guests will enjoy complimentary hot healthy breakfast and Wi-Fi. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sbpsh- springhill-suites-paso-robles-atascadero/

AYRES ALLEGRETTO VINEYARD RESORT PASO ROBLES GRAND OPENING

Gracefully spanning across 20 breathtaking acres this new Tuscan-style resort is scheduled to be completed in July 2015, featuring 171 guest rooms, a full service restaurant whose menu showcases the earth’s seasonal offering, luxury boutique spa, 5,000 square feet of meeting space and over 30,000 square feet of event space. This is one of the most environmentally conscious projects of its kind and will look to pursue the prestigious SLO Green Building Certificate of Recognition. www.ayreshotels.com/

THE INN AT THE COVE, NEW PISMO BEACH HOTEL

Martin Resorts has introduced the grand opening of a new Pismo Beach hotel, The Inn at the Cove. Previously, Best Western Plus Shelter Cove Lodge, the parent company Martin Resorts has transformed its facilities into an upscale boutique hotel. Phased renovations began in 2013, where all of the rooms were refreshed with new bedding, wallpaper, carpet, draperies, and flat screen TVs. The bathrooms were completely renovated and feature granite countertops.  The lobby was reconfigured and renovated and a poolside breakfast room was created from previously underutilized space.  All of the guest room balconies are rebuilt and the bannisters were replaced with cabling for an unobstructed ocean view.  The 52-room oceanfront hotel is located on the cliff top in Pismo Beach and has its own half mile of spectacular oceanfront, including bluff-top walkways, a sheltered cove and secluded beach, and intimate seating areas from which to enjoy the views.  Guests can enjoy upgraded amenities like binoculars for viewing sea life from their balconies, full-length mirrors, plush robes, and yoga mats available at the front desk. www.innatthecove.com

SPYGLASS INN PISMO BEACH RENOVATIONS

Reserve a quiet sanctuary at Spyglass Inn, offering 82 newly renovated Shell Beach hotel rooms, many of which feature private patios and balconies with ocean views. Guests now enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 37″ flat screen TV, and their own cozy fireplace, where they can sip on local Edna Valley Wine. Other exquisite amenities include pampering bathrobes, upscale Molton Brown bath amenities and Keurig coffee makers with gourmet coffee. www.pacificahotels.com/spyglassinn

9 IRON INN, CAMBRIA OPENS ITS DOORS

Just a year ago the 9 Iron Inn opened its doors for business and was recently awarded the Best of Cambria Award for Best Bed and Breakfasts. Previously known as the “Blue Whale Inn”, the 9 Iron Inn was completely renovated covering the wallpaper with tongue and groove pine and cedar wood. From the wood on the walls to the colors of paint, and the rope accents, every room now looks like a western log cabin. Each room has its own distinct color, theme and personality.  From the honeymoon suite to the cozy cottage and rustic cabin, you are sure to find the perfect hideaway to call your own. www.9ironinn.com/

LA CUESTA INN SAN LUIS OBISPO COMPLETES RENOVATION OF NEARLY $1M

Hotel Management company, Ledgestone Hospitality, LLC, announced an extensive property revitalization celebrating the hotel’s 30th anniversary. The property upgrade encompasses all public spaces of the hotel, including lobby, breakfast room, and hallways. The 70 guest rooms have been upgraded with new custom design furniture, contemporary artwork, modern lighting, luxury linens, and new drapery adding elegance and functionality. Each room is now equipped with a writing desk and ergonomic chair, offering convenience for both business and leisure travelers alike. Local photography adorns the hallways, highlighting the beauty of the area. Corridor and guest room ceilings have been textured in a “mission” style reflecting the rich cultural history of San Luis Obispo. New carpet and tile throughout public spaces add a contemporary feel. The breakfast area is spacious and modern with an outdoor balcony.  www.lacuestainn.com

NEW PASO ROBLES HORSE PARK OPENS

This new, top of the line facility is positioned on a 67-acre property surrounded by rolling hills and oak trees, and is scheduled to open in May. In its first month open it will host two weeks of shows, May 20 – 24 and May 27 – 31, with 500 top competitors from the West coast. The facility features a 300’x500’ turf field, utilizing special GN1 Bermuda hybrid grass specifically formulated to minimize the impact on the horses competing on it, and the four sand arenas feature the latest in geo-German textile footing. Every detail from the minimal use of asphalt and concrete, to the wash rack areas and the stalls, were created with horse and competitor safety and comfort in mind. www.pasorobleshorsepark.com

LAZY ARROW ADVENTURES REOPENS WITH NEW ACTIVITIES

Lazy Arrow Adventures on the Camatta Ranch offers unique outdoor experiences on their family-owned, 32,000-acre cattle and exotic animal ranch. The ranch features hands-on tours of the 250 exotic animals and fossil trolley tours of the over 6 million year old fossils hills. Also available are campsites for motor homes and camping groups. For bus tours, family reunions and organized groups they offer BBQ and stage shows on the quaint Camatta Stage! Four guesthouses are available for visitors to relax and live the true country life. Guests who stay at the ranch can participate in daily ranch life, like bottle feeding baby goats, picking up chicken eggs and harvesting heirloom vegetables from the garden. Reservations are required for your unique outdoor experience. www.lazyarrowadventures.com

 

Restaurant, Specialty Food, Golf and Winery News

NEW RESTAURANT SLATED TO OPEN IN PISMO BEACH

Old Custom House Inc., the restaurant division of Compass Health Inc., is opening the eatery at 175 Pomeroy Ave., the site of the former Pierside Seafood. The family-friendly restaurant will feature outdoor decks and panoramic ocean views. A bar and grill called Wooly’s, will occupy the downstairs space. A separate seafood restaurant and bar will occupy the upstairs.

THE PASO ROBLES GOLF CLUB RENOVATION

Paso Robles Golf Club has completed a multi-million dollar renovation and is now open to the public. By creating the best playing conditions, including smooth, fast greens, Paso Robles Golf Club is the talk of the Central Coast. The club has attracted the most dynamic team of professionals in the area. They are leaders in the field of golf course maintenance, tournament and event management, golf instruction, and customer care.

See for yourself why Paso Robles Golf Club has become the fastest growing golf destination in San Luis Obispo County. www.pasoroblesgolfclub.com

BRISTOLS CIDER HOUSE OPENS IN ATASCADERO

Atascadero has a new game in town! Bristols Cider House is a fun and unique venue, offering the chance to sample over eight different artisanal ciders all produced from locally sourced apples by cider maker Neil Collins. Neil, hailing originally from the cider country in Bristol, England, has produced cider on the California Central Coast since 1994. Sample a flight of ciders or enjoy a pint while listening to some great music on the jukebox, or take home your favorite cider in bottles or growlers. Inspired by thirst – Rooted in tradition. www.bristolscider.com/

BARRELHOUSE BREWING CO. EXPANDS TO SAN LUIS OBISPO

BarrelHouse Brewing Co. will open a new 2,000-square-foot taproom located in the heart of San Luis Obispo’s (SLO) historic downtown. The design will feature an incredibly unique fusion between their current Paso Robles location and a classic speakeasy. The new taproom will pour 15 unique beers on tap, some of which the brewery has been working on for the past two years and have not yet been offered to the public. Beers will range from light blonde ales to barrel aged stouts. They will also be showcasing many sour ales that have been up to two years in the making.  www.barrelhousebrewing.com

FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN BREWING CO. TO OPEN IN ARROYO GRANDE

Craft beer enthusiasts will soon have a new spot to sample their favorite brew. Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. will open a taproom and brewery in Arroyo Grande. The 6,500-square-foot taproom in Arroyo Grande will feature craft beer, beer floats and cocktails, craft sodas, a restaurant menu and Figueroa’s Mug Club, which offers a host of benefits to members who pay a $150 annual fee. There will be light entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. Decor at the taproom and brewery will include historical photographs and memorabilia, paying tribute to the local community. www.figmtnbrew.com/

NEW  DOC BURNSTEIN’S ICE CREAM LAB DEBUTS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO

San Luis Obispo County’s legendary artisanal ice creamery Doc Burnstein’s recently opened up their new “Ice Cream Wonderland” in downtown San Luis Obispo. As with its Arroyo Grande location, visitors can enjoy the fun and wacky flavors made in Doc’s lab, while watching the train travel through tunnels, around the giant ice cream waterfall and through the wall of ice cream flavors. They can also watch ice cream being made through a floor to ceiling window into the lab, which is expected to produce about 20,000 gallons of ice cream per year. www.DocBurnsteins.com

PASO ROBLES OPENS WAVE OF NEW RESTAURANTS, TASTING ROOMS AND WINE TOURS

Paso Robles – named Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year – continues its culinary renaissance with a variety of new restaurants, tasting rooms and wine tours:

  • New Peruvian Restaurant Mistura Opens in Paso Robles

Mistura, a modern Peruvian eatery, recently debuted in Paso Robles.  Aptly named “mixture” in Portuguese, Mistura’s menu offers a fusion of Native Pre-Columbian and Incan heritage with Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Spanish influences. Chef Nicola pays homage to traditional Peruvian cuisine by incorporating native Andean ingredients into his dishes along with locally-sourced free range meats, sustainable seafood and fresh organic produce. www.MisturaRestaurants.com.

Embark on a two-hour scenic Tour, Taste & Tailgate (TT&T) Tour Adelaida’s iconic Westside vineyards. This unique experience allows adventure seekers to explore the winery’s 150-acre estate and taste the wines in the vineyard in which they are grown. With magnificent views of the estate vineyards: Viking, Anna’s, Michael’s and the legendary 50-year-old HMR Vineyard, the oldest producing Pinot Noir Vineyard on the Central Coast. Reservations Required; $50 per person; $40 Club Members http://www.adelaida.com/

This three-hour excursion begins with a circumnavigation of the historic ranch in a restored 1984 Land Rover Defender. See the pond, wildlife corridors, and all 281 acres of vineyards. Take in the Lion’s Ridge view, stop under the famed Ancestor Tree to taste the current vintage of the Estate Reserve Ancestor. Continue to the state-of-the-art, gravity flow winery and be guided through the winemaking process. A final stop at the Member Lounge for a private tasting of current release wines completes the experience. Tours take place Saturday & Sunday 10am. Reservations Required; $45 per person; $35 Club Members. http://www.halterranch.com/

  • Next Door Bistro Debuts in Paso Robles

The new Next Door Bistro in downtown Paso Robles fits right in with the region’s farm-to-fork culture, offering inventive, comforting meals made from scratch by Chef Drake with fresh local farmer’s market ingredients. Guests can either eat indoors surrounded by the bistro’s refreshingly simple décor, or on the outdoor patio while enjoying the Paso Robles sunshine. Sharing a space with Di Raimondo’s Italian Market & Cheese Shop at 822 13th Street, the restaurant is a rustic, old-world style eatery open every Thursday through Monday. https://www.facebook.com/nextdoorbistropasorobles

  • Spearhead Coffee Opens in Paso Robles

Java junkies have a new specialty coffee shop downtown to get their fix in.  Spearhead Coffee – a specialty wholesale and resale business with coffee creations for sale – just opened near the square. Owned by three friends – Joseph Gerardis, Matt Klomp and Jeremy Sizemore – the store imports its green coffee beans from communities and countries overseas. Coffee drinkers can enjoy a brew to go or inside the artsy café. www.SpearheadCoffee.com

  • Lusso Della Terra Cellars Opens New Downtown Tasting Room

Last month Winemaker Ed Cholakian opened his new tasting room for Lussa Della Terra, which means “Luxury of the Land” in Italian. While relatively new to Paso Robles, Cholakian is a long-time wine lover who began creating wine in his house and garage seven years ago. After relocating to Paso Robles, he quickly fell in love with the area and knew it was the perfect destination to open a tasting room. While Cholakian also produces Sangiovese and Zinfandel wines, the tasting room will specifically feature Lusso Della Terra Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made with grapes from Paso Robles, Napa and Sonoma. www.LDTCellars.com

  • Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery Now Open in Paso Robles

Located in the heart of the Willow Creek district, the new Pelletiere Estate Vineyard & Winery opened January 2015, producing Italian varietals in honor of the current owner’s and predecessors’ Italian heritage. Family-owned and operated, the vineyard is committed to gentle winemaking techniques and sustainable farming. The recently renovated Farmhouse offers chic country getaway accommodations with French doors opening onto a private multi-level deck overlooking the vineyards, as well as three bedrooms, two bathrooms and charming kitchen. www.Pelletiere.com

Wine Country Event Updates

PASO ARTSFEST ADDS HEARST CASTLE SUNSET RECEPTION & ART TOUR

Celebrating the arts every Memorial Day Weekend in the Paso Robles City Park, this year the PASO ARTSFEST free main event takes place May 23, featuring an Outdoor Fine Art Show & Sale, a Wet Painting Sale & Auction, hands-on interactive art experiences all over the park, exciting musical guests, dance performances and many more entertaining and artistic surprises. As part of the weekend, the festival will offer a special Hearst Castle twilight reception and art tour, on May 24, of the historic landmark’s vast collection of European and Mediterranean art. Individual tickets will be not be available sale until May 1. To get your ticket today, purchase an All Access Pass. www.pasoartsfest.com

Sunset SAVOR The Central Coast, California’s premier food, wine, travel and lifestyle event, revealed details surrounding its all-new opening night experience, Strings at Sunset, to be held at Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Thursday, September 24, 2015. Featuring theatrical performances from award-winning artists String Theory and DJ Violinist SPAGS, attendees will also enjoy wine pairings from the 2015 Sunset International Wine Competition winners, celebrity chef tastings, and more. For more information visit www.savorcentralcoast.com.

For International Travelers and Tourists

HEARST CASTLE OFFERS MULTI-LANGUAGE FEATURES

Visitor Maps and interpretive information about Hearst Castle are now available in eight languages including Spanish, Simplified Chinese, German, French, Portuguese, Italian, Hebrew and Russian. The maps are available free of charge at the castle ticket office.  hearstcastle.org/

CA HIGHWAY 1 DISCOVERY ROUTE TRAVEL SHOW: ON THE ROAD WITH JO

The new “On the Road With Jo” Travel Show features the 101 mile California Highway 1 Discovery Route – 10 Destinations, 1 Fantastic Vacation. Each episode offers a dynamic local perspective of the unique and meaningful activities throughout Coastal San Luis Obispo County. Local host and Cayucos resident Jo Wemple takes you on such adventures as hummer and biplane rides, historic wine tours, culinary, art and history tours, as well as the many Stewardship Travel adventures. www.Highway1DiscoveryRoute.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO WINE COUNTRY NEW SLO WINE TRAIL ITINERARY AND MAP

In May 2015, the San Luis Obispo Wine Country Association will roll out their new map which will feature easy go to itineraries for tourists and travelers. Each itinerary is broken down by a variety of wine experiences and suggests the perfect wineries for your individual preference. www.slowine.com

For more information on planning a trip to San Luis Obispo County, go to www.VisitSanLuisObispoCounty.com.

About Visit San Luis Obispo County: Visit San Luis Obispo County is the destination marketing organization for San Luis Obispo County, promoting the area as a preferred tourism destination for regional, national and global visitors through advertising, marketing, public relations and group sales. Highlighted by its culinary, cultural and coastal aspects, San Luis Obispo County is internationally recognized as a premier wine, food and life-style destination on California’s Central Coast. Visit San Luis Obispo County has a member base comprised of over 500 tourism industry-related businesses including lodging properties, restaurants, wineries, golf courses and retail stores. Visit http://www.visitsanluisobispocounty.com for story ideas or to request a county Visitor’s Guide. For more information, please contact us at 805.541.8000 or kyleej@visitsanluisobispocounty.com.