Travel for 2 cost breakdown (at the time of writing this post):
- La Quinta Inn and Suites: $120 per night
- Food/Entertainment/Transportation/Souvenirs: $1000
- GRAND TOTAL FOR 2 TRAVELERS – 4 days: $1480
***At this time, we are not endorsed by any outside affiliates. That said – when booking our trips, we have had a lot of success with Hotels.com, Skyskanner, and Tripmasters.
Booking
Toast the Moon always recommends using a passport. We also recommend TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry, because who wants to waste their vacation time in an airport line, am I right? Traveling around the United States is not difficult, but changes are in the air. Please be advised that as-of October 1, 2020 – basic drivers’ licenses will no longer be valid for identification in airports. Sign up for a passport or Real ID now to avoid complications later!
Wide Open – Wild West – Winning Wines
Once you get off of 101 in Paso Robles, everything changes. The air is fresh to breathe, the pace is manageable and relaxed, and you can see real nature, from ground squirrels, to birds, to snakes and spiders, and even bees. The California industry boom left Paso out of the mix. Instead, in this part of the central coast, agriculture is king and vinitourism (wine tourism) is queen.
Paso Robles is located approximately half-way between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. It draws weekenders from both locations who are looking for a getaway only three hours from home. However, due to recent competitions and bigger exports, Paso Robles is hitting the scene as a wine and beer hub for trendy enthusiasts as well.
The wine scene is intimidating! There are 200+ wineries and growing spanning 11 different viticultural areas. Paso Robles is rivaling Napa Valley in many ways!
In my opinion, Napa Valley Cabernets are currently focusing on keeping the fruit forward while staying as full-bodied as possible. Many wineries in Paso Robles lean more towards the earthy and mineral flavors, produce in an eco-friendly way, and honor their environment over production and sales. I LOVE Napa…but Paso Robles is speaking clearly to the new generation. Plus the prices are MUCH more reasonable for the entry-level wine connoisseur.
Further, Paso Robles is home to some of California’s best brewers and distillers. If you have a group with varied tastes, you really can’t beat the offerings for food and drink in Paso Robles.
Along this vein, one of the trendier areas in Paso Robles is called “Tin City.” This three block area is home to 25 local artisans including vintners, brewers, distillers, and restaurants. These up-and-comers are sharing their passions daily in a relaxed and industrial setting.
For a good start on the wine trail – the downtown tasting rooms offer a walkable start to find your favorites. Many of our favorite wineries have a tasting room downtown as well. You can explore without the pressure of driving – or hiring a driver. If you go downtown, make sure to check out Bodegas, Justin, Diablo Pass, and Tudor Wines to get a variety of what’s offered in the region.
Make sure to check out Firestone Walker, BarrelHouse, and Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ when wine and modern California cuisine has maxed-out your taste buds.
And…the Art and Shows!
Looking at the photos, you probably wouldn’t guess that Paso Robles has one of California’s top concert venues, would you? The Vina Robles Amphitheater is leading the pack in sustainability, eco-conscious events, and comfort.
Studios on the Park offers six studios with 15 working artists available for the public to see daily. Not only do you get the opportunity to check out great art, but you have the option to watch it being created.
The newest activity in Paso is called Sensorio. This one-of-a-kind outdoor light installation has become an instant classic.
A 15 acre walk-through artwork, Field of Light is a sculptural composition that covers Sensorio’s rolling hills with an array of over 58,800 stemmed spheres lit by fiber-optics, gently illuminating the landscape in subtle blooms of morphing color. Powered by solar, the stunning exhibition captivates visitors, inviting them to engage with the countryside through an ethereal light-based, sculptural experience. Munro’s work has been called “a light safari in wine country” by The New York Times, “awe-inspiring” by Travel & Leisureand “mesmerizing” by the Los Angeles Times. The Huffington Post said, “It can be hard to describe in words the gifts that Munro bestows on the landscape as his work escapes description in either written or photographic form, it is something to be experienced.”
sensoriopaso.com
Toast the Moon Rating:
- Food and Drink: 10/10
- Culture/Locals: 9/10
- Things to Do: 8/10
- Adventure Opportunities: 7/10
- Cost: 9/10
- Total: 8.6/10 – Cheers!
Enjoy your adventure!
Toast the Moon – Cheers,
Noah and Majhon