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Paso Robles, the perfect weekend getaway 

Paso Robles is literally in the heart of California’s wine country so for wine enthusiasts, it is a must. However, there is much more to see and do in Paso Robles.   It has become a hip destination for those interested in wine and food, with more than 200 wineries growing an assortment of grapes and many great eateries to choose from.

Originally famous for its hot springs, you are still able to get a really enjoyable soak when you visit Paso Robles and at the same time check into a Vegas casino online.

It was originally home of the Salinan Native Americans.  Paso Robles was historically famous for its hot springs, and today you can still enjoy a relaxing soak when you visit.

Long ago, it was the home of the Salinan Native American people but it was the Spanish missionaries who initiated the grape vines at the end of the 18th century and has since become a center for the production of top-quality wine.

Paso Robles is a great weekend destination, full of interesting things to do.

Take a walk downtown Paso Robles

Take a relaxing stroll downtown where you will have your choice of many wine tasting venues, great eateries, art galleries and fun boutiques and the architecture is also a sight worth seeing. Take a stroll down to city park and see if anything is taking place there.  In the summer, Thursday evening is when many concerts are scheduled.

Downtown wine tasting venues

Not only is it recommended to visit the many vineyards in the surrounding area but also to visit some of the wine tasting spots in downtown Paso Robles. There are a huge number of tasting rooms that you can visit but here are just a few of them:

Herman Story Wines is on the outskirts of downtown but still walkable. Here they release wines twice a year and this includes different varieties.

Taste in the Alley is very centrally located downtown and is a wine bar where you can buy different wines by the glass.

Bodegas offers wines grown in California but native to Spain and Portugal.  Don’t miss tasting their blended reds which are outstanding.

Oliver Oil Tastings

Olive oil tasting is also something you should do when visiting Paso Robles.   The area has many working olive farms that offer tours and tastings but it is also possible to try a tasting in downtown Paso Robles.  However, once you’ve tasted the real thing, you’ll never purchase olive oil in the supermarket again!

Like wine, fresh olive oil is full of different flavors and aromas and they vary in their pungency, sweetness and tartness levels.  You are able to taste and compare them using small cups.

In downtown Paso Robles you should visit We Olive where you can taste some wonderful California olive oils and that includes some from Paso Robles producers. You can also pick up other interesting products like mustards, balsamic vinegars and tapenades. In the surrounding area there are producers offering tours and tastings. For example, Pasolivo where you can also visit the olive press and Kiler Ridge Olive Farm known for their Italian cultivars.

Take a tour of some of Paso’s Farms and Ranches

There are also other working farms and ranches besides olive farms, that are worth visiting.   If you come in June, you can’t miss a visit to Central Coast Lavender Farm where you will see the lavender in bloom.  Quite a sight.   You can also find some lovely lavender gift products. Another farm to visit is Jack Creek Farms in Templeton, where you can tour the wonderful gardens, and enjoy the different fruits they have growing there. They have some activities for kids too.

Tin City

Travelling a little south of downtown Paso Robles, you’ll reach Tin City. This, “industrial makers market” is for sure worth a visit.  Here you will find local people selling their produce – wines, craft beers and craft ciders.  You’ll also find some interesting eateries. Tin Canteen, known for their pizza and outside water feature and Negranti Creamery where you can not only regular ice cream but also ice cream made from sheep’s milk!

Paso Robles Hot Springs

The hot springs go back a very long time.  The Spanish missionaries were the first to build baths in Paso Robles at the beginning of the 19th century.   Visiting the outdoor spa at the Paso Robles Inn or at the River Oaks Hot Springs Spa is a real treat.

Visiting the vineyards

Paso Robles has more than 200 wineries offering forty different kinds of grapes. In 1797 the first vines were established and in 1882 commercial wine making started.  Today it is possible to visit many of the vineyards and enjoy wine tasting tours.   Below are just a few of the offerings:

A visit to Sculpterra Winery you can also enjoy the sculptures made of many materials by several artists that appear in the gardens on your way to the wine tasting rooms.

At the Niner Wine Estates you get to see the well-known heart shaped copse of trees.   You can also partake in the gourmet picnic lunches and dinners offered as well as the wine tastings, although a reservation is required.

Visiting the Tobin James Cellars winery aims to take you back to a different time. The winery is located at a historic stagecoach stop and has been styled like the Wild West. It has a saloon like tasting room with a beautiful mahogany bar with that all important polished brass rail.

Sensorio Light Show

This is a large-scale art installation which features light.  A must see.   It is a flower filled field of lights.  The flowers gradually change colors in waves as you watch and is totally mesmerizing.

Take a tour of the Pioneer Museum

Learn everything about the history of Paso Robles by visiting the museum and entry is free.  You can see a variety of exhibits from a one-room schoolhouse and a two-cell jail house which includes original features.   Many of the exhibits show Paso Robles western heritage and feature many photos and documents from that period.

Studios on the park

A must for art lovers.   Here you can see art exhibits, join workshops, classes and other activities for the whole family.   There are inside studios and outside areas where you can watch artists doing their work.   There are also gift stores where you are able to make some interesting purchases.   On the first Saturday of each month they also host ‘Art After Dark Paso’, an evening of fun, art, wine and live music.

The very best time to visit Paso Robles is in the spring and fall but it is truly an all-year-round destination.  So, start planning your next getaway and come and visit Paso Robles.

 

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About the author: Access Publishing

Scott Brennan is the publisher of this newspaper and founder of Access Publishing. Connect with him on Paso Robles Daily News on Google, Twitter, LinkedIn, or follow his blog.