When walking along the single street that comprises Los Olivos’ picturesque downtown, it is practically a requirement to step inside each and every one of the sets of French doors that adorn the cottage-style shops, after all they’re irresistible! Each store is practically indistinguishable from the next when viewed from the outside: fragrant wisteria arbors enclose around the beautiful white front porches offering serene shaded entryways, and discrete gravel pathways lead to secret rose gardens. Inside, however, these shops could not be more different.
The boutiques offer a panoply of beautiful home wares and piles upon piles of independent books that instruct the likes of how to construct a custom tree house to how to plant an enviable garden, and the town’s signature art galleries provide a wide selection of intricate oil paintings depicting the magnificent scenery. However, the cafes, whose cafe tables spill out on to the streets, and the local wine vendors, whose wineries are just a quick bike ride away, are the true attraction. The various gourmet restaurants offer menus comprised of a meticulously crafted farm-to- table selections, most of whom’s ingredients are bought directly from the fruit stands and fresh outdoor markets down the road.
One of my favorite Los Olivos destinations is a little wine tasting shop called Saarloos and Sons. Inside, ornate moss green and gold-leaf damask wallpaper lines the walls and crystal chandeliers sway from the ceilings. Yet, the beautiful interior design is not the reason I love this one-story paradise, instead my obsession with the gourmet miniature cupcakes purchased from behind glass doors of an antique french dresser is what brings me back year after year. Made to be sampled with a flight of wine, these delectable treats come in a variety of decadent flavors, ranging from blackberry dark chocolate to sea salt caramel…. A.K.A.the perfect snack for a long ride home.
Finally, our car’s tires glided over the soft gravel driveway of Clairmont Farms, a moment I had anticipated since the very moment we had begun to ascend the mountains that morning. The beautiful olive trees that line the winding road projected an array of glistening sun patterns and dancing shadows over my shoulders, welcoming me to one of the most enchanting locations I have yet to visit. Stepping out from beneath the canopy of vibrant emerald leaves, beneath the brilliant rays of warm sunshine, my senses were enlivened by the five acres of fresh lavender that stretched like a sea of purple in the distance. As the wind increased in speed, ripples were sent out amongst the violet buds like a ocean tide, a sight incapable of resisting utter captivation.
