Have you ever dreamed of escaping the harsh winter and basking in the sun of a waRead More
Anyone who’s been to Santa Barbara County knows it’s impossible not to be entranced in Central Coast grandeur – or stop every few moments to snap a picture of the sea and capture the elegance of its Spanish style architecture and rolling hills. Minutes from Santa Maria, and an easy drive from the beloved village of Solvang, and surf town of San Luis Obispo, Orcutt is a hidden, and fast-growing gem. Settled in the heart of California’s heavenly wine country just an hour from Santa Barbara, the charm and unbeatable location of this suburb have made it the darling of the real estate world- home to high-end neighborhoods like Shea Homes at Rice Ranch, and popular with leisure seeking active adults.
A former oil boom town, Orcutt is an intimate community in every way – filled with quaint shops and restaurants, and tourist hubs like Old Town harkening back to California’s wild west circa the early 1900’s, but the best part? It’s a quick jaunt to just about anywhere. From the major retailers, and everyday amenities available in nearby Santa Maria, and oceanside recreation located just 30-minutes away, to journeying the historic California Mission trail, Orcutt offers the nostalgia of a small town with the accessibility of a much larger city (without the traffic!)
Marine layer or clear skies, Orcutt’s is a trailblazer’s dream. Hikers rejoice at temperatures that rarely dip below freezing and hover mildly around 70 degrees in the summer, but when it comes to the best places to lace up their shoes and load up the dog Rice Ranch Park gets the popular vote. Level terrain and options for shorter or longer hikes make for smooth trailing or birdwatching while being surrounded by wildflower scattered hillsides, and dramatic views of the city below. Whether logging miles on horseback or on foot, the moderate inclines of Orcutt Hill Trails let outdoor enthusiasts meander to their heart’s content, and polish off their excursion with an ocean view.
Antique stores, a vintage barber shop, local events including the Bent Axles Car Show, and ample wining and dining – it’s hard not be enchanted by the authenticity of this town. Orcutt boasts an incredible selection of local wine and an even more impressive menu of restaurant options. Italian to Irish pub grub, to Amercian comfort classics, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, it’s a foodie destination as much as it is a classy yet homegrown community that’s hard to overlook.
