Planning your trip: part 5

To finish this week/series off, I'd like to let you know about some "offbeat" things you can see or do while you are here.

There are a number of very nice walking/hiking trails close at hand. One of our favorites is the trail (that's a misnomer...most of it is a paved/boardwalk) from Oso Flaco ("skinny bear") Lake to the ocean.

There are, of course a number of beaches, including the famous Pismo Beach. There is also a lovely little beach in Guadalupe, which is much less crowded.

Guadalupe also has one of my favorite restaurants: La Simpatia Cafe. Let me put it this way: they have the best chile rellenos I've ever had...and I don't chile rellenos much, because of the egg batter...and I don't like gravy...and I've never even heard of chile rellenos with gravy. But they are incredibly good. It's what the locals eat. Going in there is like stepping back in time...with all that it implies, including no web site.

Neither does our local steak place institution, Jockos. But you can read the reviews here. Caution: not much on ambience, but great meat. Make a reservation, but be prepared to wait anyway.

Which leads to a side note. Around here there are two things to know. We have a unique bar b que style: Santa Maria Bar b que. It involves high heat, the tri tip cut of meat, and grilling at some distance from the fire. Often it is served with salsa, but I like it plain. yum.

The second thing is that most (not all) restaurants serve enough food to feed an army. Judi and I routinely split an entree, and get the "extra plate" small charge for a second salad, baked potato, and dessert (that's right...old style, including an antipasta plate).

There are a ton of upscale restaurants in San Luis. You can get a complete list of SLO restaurants here.

But I said "offbeat," and I've wandered into food, so I don't want to imply that any of the restaurants (except Simpatia, perhaps) is offbeat. Let's get back to the topic:

Two more things. Very near where we are, there is one of the largest areas on the Pacific Coast to ride your vehicle on the beach (4wd recommended). You can rent dune buggies, and even camp on the beach if you're so inclined. Find out more here.

Finally, the thing that tops the weirdness meter...figuratively right across the street from our house is a luffa farm. I can't even explain this adequately. Just read about it here. They are nice people, by the way, and it was interesting to visit.

Next week? Where to stay.