What's so great about Santa Barbara?

Having lived in Santa Barbara for over 15 years as well as having the benefit of coming back as a visitor I believe I have a unique perspective on this city of 89,314 folks, many of whom I refer to as friends, most notably the bartender at Brophy Brothers who's name I have forgotten but who always remembers me. This perspective of mine is called upon quite often by those who have never been to Santa Barbara and ask me: "What is so great about Santa Barbara and why the heck (not really their word) do you do this blog?"

To answer this can be difficult since 100 small things make up the answer. But in short here is my list:

1. Perfect Weather without Question. Everywhere in the world people are obsessed with weather. Not here. Why? Because it is perfect and perfect every day. In fact some kids reached their 4th Birthday without having experienced rain because it went that long. (Go Google it for crying out loud if you don't believe me. This isn't some tall tale.)

2. Ocean, Small incredible strip of land, Mountains. Nowhere else in California, Oregon, Washington or on the East Coast has such an amazing landscape. Go have a cocktail on top of the Canary and spin 360 degrees and tell me you aren't amazed at this landscape. Wow.

3. People. This is not LA. This is not Orange County. This is not New York. Leave your attitude at home and relax. People are nice, courteous, appreciative of their lives and generally all around good. If there are doubts, go have a drink at Harry's or Joe's and you will experience the nicest bartenders around.

4. Architecture. This we can thank to the 1925 Earthquake that destroyed downtown allowing businessmen to rebuild to stricter codes. Now even the downtown grocery store resembles Spanish Architecture. It is a truly amazing site to see. Walk through Paseo Nuevo finished in 1990 to get an idea of what I mean.

5. Beaches. Amazing, crowd free beaches are for the taking. All of them are perfect in their own way. Go check them out and let me know what you think.

6. Love for Life. The folks here really do love their lives. And why not, they live in one of, if not THE, most amazing place on the planet. But if you live here or visit you will experience this fact by the amazing festivals that celebrate the seasons throughout the year: Solstice in Summer, French festival, Greek Festival, Irish Festival, Music Festival, Fiesta in August, etc. etc. These folks know how to have a good time.

These are my top 6 reasons. Now why do I do this blog? Why that is easy; because I am the most interesting man in Santa Barbara who else can I trust to give you the skinny.

Godfather of Santa Barbara and why you should love him....

Ty Warner. Hum, sounds familiar but how do I know that name. Well if you live in or visit Santa Barbara my guess is you have heard this name and you have a true appreciation for this man. I think I can go out on a limb and even say the old fogies who don't read this blog love him deep down. But who is he again? Ty Warner is the Beanie Baby King. Well, at least that is how I refer to him. He is the greatest marketer of our time and most people have never even heard of him. And if he had his way he would keep it that way. Ty Warner is famously protective of his privacy. Hat's off to him for that. Who wants to be bothered all the time as a famous person. Besides he already tried to become an actor and that didn't work out so Businessman has its perks of anonymity.

Some of the reasons why you should love, really LOVE, Ty Warner...he is responsible for improving or building the following in Santa Barbara:

1. Four Seasons Biltmore
2. San Ysidro Ranch
3. Montecito Country Club
4. Sandpiper Golf Course
5. Glen Annie Golf Course - technically Goleta (Survives today solely because of Ty Warner)
6. Rancho San Marcos (Santa Ynez)
7. Ty Warner Sea Center

He singlehandedly (Not confirmed since I don't have the time. This is a blog for crying out loud and I have a real job, so get over it.) employs more people in the city than any other individual. For this alone he should be revered.

He is known for his demand for quality and perfection. If I were him and had my name on something, I too would demand such things.

Ty Warner decided to become an Entrepreneur in 1986 after 20 years working for Dakin, now merged with Applause, and strike out on his own. In 1993, Ty came out with the Beanie Babies concept of plush toys and the rest they say is history.

http://world.ty.com/

But, what would a story such as this be if the secret behind the success not be revealed. How did he do it? How did Ty Warner create the most profitable toy company in the entire country and nobody even realize it, acknowledge it, or believe it. Until of course, Ty got a little peeved with the press and showed them his accounting records to set the record straight once and for all. How in the world did he do it?

Well, from what I can tell he had a secret weapon: He had a pipeline whereby he could sell his toys. This pipeline and the ability to supply product through them, these small family owned knick nack shops, allowed him to create a business in the beginning with very little overhead or staff. Genius I say. Total Genius.

And now some 10 years later he branches out into real estate. But not just any real estate, only the creme de la creme.

Check out his property in Kona, Hawaii:

http://www.konavillage.com/

Wow. I spent time here as a child and boy would I love to go back and see what he has done. Wow.

So if you are wandering around Santa Barbara and you happen to run into Ty Warner, smile, nod and be grateful to all he has done. Or better yet go buy one of his plush toys, maybe one where all the money goes to charity. I am sure he would appreciate that. Don't stop him, say hi, or even ask for his autograph, for he is just a man who appreciates his privacy and is content just living the good life in Santa Barbara, so leave him alone.

However, if Ty Warner is reading this and wants to have the most interesting man in Santa Barbara come be his Apprentice all you have to do is say the word and I will be there. Until we meet, my extreme respect. Senor Savvy....

Voted #1 Best Resort in United States/Canada

Readers of Travel and Leisure have voted and the San Ysidro Ranch reins supreme.
Voted number one in the United States and Canada and #4 Worldwide.

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-best-hotels-2010/5

This may be a surprise to some, but not readers of this blog. I told of the amazing updates made by the new owner: Ty Warner (Beanie Baby King) to the restaurant and rooms. While the prices may be astronomical the amenities are amazing and guests are raving. If you cannot afford the rooms at least stop in to the Stonehouse Restaurant for Brunch or the Plow and Angel for a cocktail. Take a walk through the gardens afterwards and see where John and Jackie Kennedy Honeymooned.

One Amazing Place.
http://www.sanysidroranch.com/index.cfm

Full Review by T&L:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels/san-ysidro-ranch-santa-barbara

Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara - Santa Ynez Valley

Recently I was asked for advice about the Santa Barbara Wine Country. Readers of this blog will know that many posts have been written about Wine Tasting and that Wine is close to my heart. The best advice I can give to anyone planning a trip is the following:
1. Go early 2. Designate a Driver, or better yet get a Limo 3. Go over Hwy 154 and stop at Cold Springs Tavern on the way home for dinner. 4. Take your time.
The most beautiful wineries are: 1. Sunstone, 2. Melville Vineyards 3. Sanford
Quaint stops that are memorable are: 1. Foxen, 2. Longoria (Great outdoor patio for lunch) 3. Mosby.

A fun way to do it is to plan your route with the wine map:
http://www.sbcountywines.com/visit/map.html

Or if you are very adventurous take a few days and use the Sideways map:
http://www.santabarbaraca.com/includes/media/docs/Sideways-Map.pdf

Be sure to enjoy the Pinot that Santa Barbara is known for and seek out Seasmoke which is one my absolute favorites.
https://www.seasmokecellars.com/index.asp

You can order a bottle like Miles and Jack (Sideways) at the Hitching Post II.
Tell them Senor Savvy sent you. "The most interesting man in Santa Barbara!"
http://www.hitchingpost2.com/restaurant.html

(** For my list of Top things to do in Santa Barbara visit my Tripadvisor.com list here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i18213-Santa_Barbara_Savvy_only_for_the_Savvy.html **)

Where is Bellosguardo, Santa Barbara?

Bellosguardo,"Beautiful View" in Santa Barbara is a mansion on the coast situated next door to the Santa Barbara cemetary. The property is passed by many tourists unknowingly on a daily basis because it sits perched high on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Estate is owned by Huguette Clark who is 103 and lives in a hospital in New York. The Huguette Clark Mansion is 21,666 square feet on 23 acres and is worth more than 100 Million. Huguette inherited her money from her father William Andrews Clark who some said was worth more than Rockefeller. He made the bulk of his fortune in Copper in Jerome Arizona: the United Verde Copper Mine and in Butte Montana. Las Vegas today resides in Clark County named after him.

Clark's desire was to become a Senator of Montana. He ultimately became Senator under much suspicion and only remained for one term.

Huguette, wed William Gower on August 18, 1928 at the age of 22 at Bellosguardo. As a way of preparing for her big day she donated $50,000 at the time to the city of Santa Barbara to clean up the Bird Refuge across the street. Ironically, She divorced within 3 years. She herself filed for divorce and received no alimony.

Rumor has it that Huguette has not visited the mansion in some 30+ years. This was certainly the rumor I heard back in the late 80's. She ended up living the rest of her years in New York with her mother until her mother died leaving her depressed and reclusive. She preferred to remain alone with her dolls.

Rather than live in one of her many mansions, today she lives her final years in a hospital. I wish her much peace and happiness.

Maybe down the road Ty Warner will buy Bellosguardo and make it into a museum or park that we can all enjoy.




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Senor Savvy, "The Most Interesting Man in Santa Barbara!"

Vacation in France ... and don't even leave SB

This weekend the French Festival returns to Oak Park. This is the 23rd year and will be a huge party. Over 20,000 attendees are expected so arrive early for your Latte and Croissant. Admission is Free. Starts Saturday July 17th and runs through Sunday.

There will be continuous free entertainment on three stages, including cancan, Moroccan belly dancers, grand opera, Cajun and classical groups, folk dancing, Tahitian dancing, jazz, and cabaret music in the tradition of Edith Piaf and Maurice Chevalier. Wandering mimes, jugglers, and accordion players will perform throughout the crowd.

Quite a great day considering you don't have to leave home.

Enjoy.

Belmont Stakes

Today is the last of my posts regarding horse racing until next year. Well, no triple crown this year and the winner of the Derby and the Preakness aren't even going to show up today. But I did tell you that Ice Box would be the favorite and my prediction has proven to be correct. Now you ask, what are the others in order of finish, well here are my predictions:

6 Ice Box
3 UptownCharlyBrown
5 Fly Down
2 Spangled Star

Box 'em and I hope you cash a check.
Cheers and good luck.
Senor Savvy, the most interesting man in Santa Barbara (It must be true, Google it!)

It's Complicated -- Great Santa Barbara Movie

I just saw my favorite actress in the movie: "It's complicated" last night. Meryl is an amazing actress and really shows her amazing beauty in this film. It is truly worth renting especially for a feel for the Santa Barbara area. While many of the sets and areas are not really in Santa Barbara the farmers market, jogging scene, and fly over the city are truly great shots of the city. Don't scrutinize too much since the editors spun many of the negatives and many things appear backwards in the opening shots. But a great film to see Santa Barbara and Meryl Streep..The greatest actor of our lifetimes.

http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/its-complicated-so-n-6090/


http://www.traditionalhome.com/design_decorating/showhouses/set-design_ss1.html

Senor Savvy...Most Interesting Man in Santa Barbara

Belmont here we come

While yes this site is devoted to Santa Barbara, I like to think the many festivities, festivals etc throughout the year add to the excitement of the months. For instance the yearly Summer Solstice parade coming June 26th marks the beginning of summer.
http://www.solsticeparade.com/

But June 5th will be the final for the Triple Crown. And with no horse running for the triple: Super Savvy is out and Looking at Lucky the Preakness winner also out, it is a whole new race. Most people won't even care about it or watch.

Big Mistake.

My pick for the Derby will be back. Probably the rightful favorite. So look for Ice Box to win at low odds. But at least this makes the exacta, trifecta and Superfecta a little easier to figure now that I have told you the winner's name.

Senor Savvy
"The most interesting man in Santa Barbara"

Kentucky Derby

The first Saturday in May is a National Holiday if you live in Louisville Kentucky. But if you are in Santa Barbara you must guide your GPS to the Earl Warren Fairgrounds to place your bets.
http://www.earlwarren.com/

I am not a huge fan of spending much time in this locale. The original betting parlor on the left as you walk in has more character than the main area yet it too is filled with cigarette smoking bettors dying for a drink and a 1 to 5 favorite to yell at to win. But nonetheless this is where you need to go to place your bets.

Now, you ask, who do I bet on in this year's Derby? Well, because I like you I will tell you what I think will happen on Saturday. First the race is going to be extremely "Heavily Pressured" as normally is the case. No real strong favorite so many, many horses will be going off at crazy high odds. So if you have a horse you like and it is at odds of say 10-1 or higher, please put $2 on him/her and hope for the best.

Some live longshots are: Ice Box, Line of David, Stately Victor, Devil may Care, Jackson Bend, Awesome Act, Dublin, and Super Saver.

If you would like some free past performances go here:

http://www.drf.com/tc/kentuckyderby/2010/136.html

I see the race being won by one of the 4 closers, in order of my preference:
Ice Box, Awesome Act, Dublin, and Stately Victor.

My prediction for final outcome is as follows:
1. Ice Box (2)
2. Mission Impazible (14)
3. Dublin (17)
4. Line of David (5)

I am confident that Ice Box will come in at least 2nd, the others are all guesses. Use them in boxes, exotics, and in wheels.

This Saturday is going to be a huge killing for somebody. Bet wisely and have fun.
If you want to bet the Superfecta 2,14,17,5 that would cost you a dollar or $24 to box all 4. Last years $1 Superfecta paid: $278,503.20

Good Luck.
Senor Savvy, the most interesting man in Santa Barbara....