Santa Barbara

WEEEE! It has almost been TWO MONTHS since I last posted. What is UP with THAT?!

Well, I’ll tell you what’s up! We’ve had almost every relative under the sun come visit (that’s a lie – just parents, a cousin or two and a few friends), but we’ve had visitors every week for 6+ weeks! I guess that’s just what happens when you live in southern California! We’ve also moved (yes, again) to a new spot – Bird Rock! It has a totally different vibe than our last place, but I love it – it’s a quiet spot, one and a half blocks from the ocean. And, if you squish your face against one of our walls, you can actually see the ocean out the window! I’ll post pictures one of these days!

During mom and dad’s visit, we went up to Santa Barbara. LOVED IT!! It was my first time there – cannot wait to go back. Of course, I didn’t take as many pictures as I should have, but here are a few of my favorites.

This was THE coolest thing – a rainbow AROUND the sun! Have you ever seen a 22 degree halo?! Apparently that’s what this is (and they are fairly common)! All the pictures we were able to take of this one was from a moving car, so our angle options were limited. Anywho, you can get the idea with this photo!

I won’t pretend to know the first thing about barber shops, but expert or not, you must admit this little shop is da’ bomb! It’s the Members Only Barber Shop located on Victoria Street, in the heart of Santa Barbara. It’s a self-proclaimed 1800s style men’s hairstyling and grooming shop with a 21st century twist. The website says “Whether you’re looking for a traditional straight razor shave or basic haircut, your unforgettable members experience includes a discount on all services and products, wet bar privileges, and always a fine cigar!”. I’m not a dude, but that seems preeeetty awesome. Even the fellas need a little pampering now and then!

Here are two friends I made on Stearns Wharf. Aren’t their knobby little legs so cute?! This red fire hose was probably the least interesting thing in the area…but I liked it. The birds added charm I guess (though I can’t say the same about their droppings).

Some buoys hanging outside the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company. They were literally pulling living crabs out of a huge tank and chopping them in half in front of a viewing window….so I had to zoom in to get this shot. No way I was getting any closer than I had to! Couldn’t stand to watch that.

One of the best places in town is State Street (as it is where all the action [read: shopping] is)! So many great places to shop and dine in – I was so wrapped up in its awesomeness that I forgot to take pictures! Among my favorites were The Area (apparel), Celadon House (home goods), and Andersen’s Danish Restaurant and Bakery – delicious. It’s said to be “the most beautiful downtown in America” and considering the downtowns I’ve seen, I simply must agree!

Here is a shot of us in a gorgeous park at the top of a large hill…or mountain – such amazing views! It was just a short drive from State Street. I don’t remember the name of the park, but it’s definitely worth hunting down if you’re in town!

There was so much more around to see and do, but this post is already long enough! Have you ever been to Santa Barbara? What did you think?! What was your favorite thing to do (or place to shop or eat)?