Cheshire Cat Inn, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Restaurants

2012-01-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations are in order for two of our favoriterestaurants in Santa Barbara who are also featured in our winter packages.

Mussels and Fish from Downey's

Downey’s has been designated #2 for food and #1for service in Santa Barbara by Zagat.com in 2011. They also are #2 on TripAdvisor. Fine dining at its finest.

bouchon's Patio

Bouchon’s has just been voted the best overall restaurantin 2011 by santabarbara.com, a local review website. At present they are #4 on TripAdvisor, but Iam sure they will move up soon. California wine dining.

Downey’s has been featured in the Cheshire Cat Inn’s mid-week Great Escape package for almost20 years now and we added bouchon to our Cat’s Grin package about 10years ago. Both restaurants are within walking distance of the Inn and theirwine lists equal the dining experience.

Innkeeper
Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn
Santa Barbara, CA

Visiting Santa Barbara?

2011-11-24T12:15:00.000-08:00

Cheshire Cat Inn, Santa Barbara, CA

Check the Cheshire Cat Inn’s Activities and Location Pages on our web site – for your NEXT trip to Santa Barbara. The Location Page is divided into 3 sections. You need to expand a section for a list, click on your “choice” and you will get the location, address and website for more information. Also check the bottom of the map for walking/driving instructions.

There’s a lot to do – biking, hiking, sailing and of course eating and drinking. Links to all these sites on the Activities Page. Watch for our seasonal list coming SOON!!!!

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

First Thursday In Santa Barbara

2011-10-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

Try to be in Santa Barbara for the First Thursday of every month. You will not want to miss the First Thursday Party. An evening of Arts and Culture downtown Santa Barbara, featuring Art Openings, Live Music, Artists’ Receptions, Lectures, Wine Tastings and Hands-on activities. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of downtown Santa Barbara. The event is from 5.00 – 8.00pm and within a 5 minute walk from the Cheshire Cat Inn. The next two dates are: Thursday November 3rd and Thursday December 1^st. The Innkeeper will have passports for these events.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

FALL AT THE CHESHIRE CAT INN

2011-10-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

Gazebo InThe Back Garden

Flowers Around The Gazebo

Fall is always a beautiful time to visit Santa Barbara and walking around the garden this morning at the Cheshire Cat Inn I realized how fortunate we are to live in such a place. Christine and Abdon are constantly looking for the perfect plants to fit our seasons and climate, and as these pictures show, they have succeeded.

Front Entrance To The Cheshire Cat Inn

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail Continued

2011-10-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is our third stop on the Urban Wine Trail and just for the record, we only take in one or two wineries per week.

Kunin Wines Tasting Room

One of the Santa Barbara Rhone style wines that have always been a personal favorite of ours is Kunin Wines, so we were pleased when they opened up a tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara. It is contemporary in style and has very knowledgeable staff to assist you in your choice of wines. The cost is $10.00 for the tasting and they also sell their wine. They are open form 11- 6 every day, giving you the opportunity to taste the wine just before you dine.

Municipal Winemakers Tasting Room

Next door are the Municipal Winemakers. When you first walk in, you’re not sure that it is a wine tasting room. It looks like a 1950’s office warehouse, but then you realize that this is their décor. They are open 11 – 6 Sunday thru Wednesday and 11AM – 11PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Their tastings are $10.00 and they also sell wine by the glass and/or bottle to enjoy on their patio. They also have cheese plates for $10.00 from our favorite cheese shop, C’est Cheese

Both wineries are located are lower Anacapa, one block from Stearns Wharf

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Gourmet October

2011-09-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Coming to Santa Barbara in October? Our local Conference and Visitors Bureau has outdone themselves this year in putting together a culinary delight for our October visitors. Now in its third year, Epicure.SB is a month long event featuring our best restaurants, wineries, cooking classes and more.

Check out the full menu at epicure.sb and stay with us at the Cheshire Cat Inn

Santa Barbara Winery and Oceana Winery

2011-09-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara Winery Tasting Room

For our second stop on the Urban Wine trail, we went back into the Funk Zone to visit two wineries. The first one is Santa Barbara’s oldest, the Santa Barbara Winery. Founded in 1962 by Pierre Lafond they were the first winery to open in Santa Barbara since the prohibition. We have been pouring their Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc at our Santa Barbara Bed and Breakfast Inn, the Cheshire Cat Inn, for several years. They are open 10 – 5 daily and probably have the best price for tasting on the trail at only $5.00 a tasting. The staff are friendly and you can also buy wine by the glass and enjoy their patio.

Oreana Winery Patio

Directly across the road is the Oreana Winery, just eight years old. They took over an old tire shop and converted it into a winery and tasting room. Open 10 – 5 daily and the cost of their tasting is $10.00. Wine also available by the glass or bottle and they have a patio, which you’ll find hopping on the weekends. They often have special parties, so check out the web site to see when their next event is.

These tasting rooms are located on the corner of Anacapa and Yanonali, 2 blocks from the beach and about 1 ½ miles from the Cheshire Cat Inn

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Santa Barbara Happy Hours

2011-09-05T02:28:00.000-07:00

There is a new web site listing 120 of the Happy Hours in Santa Barbara , (http://www.happysb.com/). You can sort them by time, location and type so you can pre plan before you arrive at the Cheshire Cat Inn.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Wine Tasting Rooms in Santa Barbara

2011-08-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

During the last year or so, there has been an increase in the number of Tasting Rooms opening in the city of Santa Barbara. Many of them serve wine by the glass, so they have become almost like small wine bars. We have decided to visit each one just to see what’s offered and report back to our readers. We will not discuss the wine per se, but just the ambiance, offerings, etc.

View from the Tasting Room

The first and newest we are reviewing, Is the Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room with wines from the Conway Family. They are located upstairs on Stearns Wharf and have been open since July. They offer an unrivaled view of Santa Barbara in a very tranquil and comfortable setting. They have a tasting list of 6 wines for $10.00 or buy a glass or bottle of wine to enjoy the view with. They don’t serve any food, so you might want to bring your own crackers and cheese. Great service with a very knowledgeable staff.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Santa Barbara Studio Artists Open Studios Tour

2011-08-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

If you are going to be in Santa Barbara the weekend of August 27^th and 28^th, you won’t want to miss the 10^th Annual Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour. It is a self-driving tour through various Santa Barbara neighborhoods. The tour features a treasure trove of world-class original art and a view inside Santa Barbara’s leading artists’ private studios. The times are 11:00AM – 5:00PM on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25.00 and for tickets, maps and more information call (805) 280-9178, or visit http://www.santabarbarastudioartists.com/tour.htm. Most of the studios are located within an easy drive from the Cheshire Cat Inn.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

New Santa Barbara Airport Terminal

2011-08-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara has finally joined the modern age and we now have a brand new airport terminal. The original terminal was built in 1942 and has served us well and we are going to miss it. However, they are going to relocate the original building and incorporate it into the new terminal. The airport is only a 15 minute taxi ride from the Cheshire Cat Inn.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

A couple of weekend tour suggestions.

2011-08-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

In between wine tasting and dining in Santa Barbara, you might have some time for a couple of cultural pursuits.

Historic Architectural Walking Tours of Santa Barbara every Saturday and Sunday. Experience Santa Barbara—its architecture and its past—in a unique and personal way. Join a small group walking tour of the downtown area. Led by trained docents of the Architectural Foundation, the tour focuses on architectural styles, significant and historic buildings, and aesthetics, past and present building usage, and landscape history. Discover why Santa Barbara is so often called "The Riviera of America". The Saturday tour leaves from the centrally located de la Guerra Plaza Saturdays at 10 a.m. (rain cancels). The Sunday tour leaves from the entrance of the Public Library Sundays at 10 a.m. There is a $10.00 donation requested per person.

Botanic Garden Docent Led Tours. Garden tours are conducted every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00AM and 2:00pm. The tour takes about an hour and meet the docent in front of the Garden Shop. There is an $8.00 garden admission fee, including the tour.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Butterflies Alive

2011-08-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

A special exhibition not to miss, if you are in Santa Barbara in the next couple weeks, is the magic of Butterflies Alive at the Natural History Museum.

More than 1000 free flying butterflies in a beautiful garden setting. Don’t forget your camera. The exhibition closes on September 11^th and is only about a six minute drive from the Cheshire Cat Inn.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Viva La Fiesta

2011-07-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

The fiesta is upon us again. If you’re planning a trip to Santa Barbara the weekend of August 5th, click on the link Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara. As usual the Cheshire Cat Inn is sold out for Friday August 5^th and Saturday August 6^th, but we still have a few rooms left for Wednesday August 3^rd, Thursday August 4^th and Sunday August 7^th. On Wednesday night there is the La Fiesta Pequeña at the Mission, which is the official opening and on Sunday afternoon there is the West Coast Symphony 45th Annual Free Fiesta Concert in the Sunken Gardens at the courthouse. Both these events are some of the local’s favorites. Of course there are all the Mercados to feast on Spanish and Mexican-American food. Viva la Fiesta

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Cheshire Cat's New Web Site

2011-07-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Cheshire Cat Inn

Finally, the Cheshire Cat Inn launched their new web site, a complete new layout with lots of new pictures. It now gives us the ability to change the picture or content if we upgrade a room or change the décor. When you are on the site, check out the “Location” tab. It gives you walking or driving directions to the restaurants and attractions in Santa Barbara. We will continue to update this feature with new restaurants and attractions and if you feel we should add a business or attraction, please let us know.

It’s been a great summer so far and we are looking forward to the Old Spanish Days Fiesta August 3 – 7.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

2010-08-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

We found a recent article by Leah Etling, Edhat Staff Writer, in Santa Barbara’s online community, Edhat, that we would like to Share with you.

“When we journeyed to Stearns Wharf on a recent overcast summer day to check out another of Santa Barbara's favorite tourism destinations, we overheard one tourist say to another: "It's just like Fisherman's Wharf!"

Our reply, had that exclamation been pronounced in our direction, would have been: "No! It's not! And that's why we love it!"

Rather than be a tourist-only haven and Mecca for schlock (though to be fair, you can purchase kitsch on Stearn's Wharf ... but you can't watch a cheesy movie that reenacts its past), local residents visit the wharf regularly to fish, dine out, take the kids for an ice cream or run to the end.

Here are some of our favorite reasons to head out on the wharf. Just don't call it a pier.

To fish or watch people fish. You can only fish from the very end of the wharf, but there is almost always someone out there trying their luck with a pole. One enterprising resident pelican knows this, and will nip the fishermen on the ankles if he isn't rewarded with a treat If you don't have a fishing pole in your suitcase, you can rent one at Stearns Wharf Bait and Tackle, the last building at the end of the wharf. Read about what it's like to fish at the wharf.

To admire Bud Bottom's famous dolphin fountain. You can't get onto or off of the wharf without passing the local sculptor's piece, celebrating local marine life. (Unless you take the Lil Toot water taxi over from the harbor, which drops you off near the end of the wharf. $4 adults, $1 kids.) The fountain has been there since 1982, and is Santa Barbara's signature artwork. It's not appropriate to jump in it on a hot summer day, although we have seen people try, but tossing in a penny for good luck is certainly OK as you head out to the wharf.

To count the planks. What!? Yes, to count the planks. The very same planks that make it dangerous to wear high heels on the wharf, or no shoes at all, and create the very satisfying clank, clank, clunk sound when you drive your car onto the wharf (which you can do, but be prepared to have your parking pass validated at a local business or spend a few bucks for the privilege of parking on redwood.) Back in 2004 the dedicated staff of Edhat counted the planks on the wharf, and you can see the story about the experience, which also explains why the wharf is not a pier. Another fun thing to count on the wharf is the birds.

To go to the Sea Center. The Ty Warner Sea Center, part of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, includes exhibits about marine life, including seawater touch tanks that are great fun for kids. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for teens, and $5 for kids. If you don't manage to see a whale during your Santa Barbara visit, the Sea Center is a great place to learn about the big creatures that live in the Channel beyond the wharf. The History Museum staff is responsible for the educational placards placed around the wharf railings, which have great information about local tides, seawater-growing plants, the sand shifts in the harbor that change with the seasons, and more.

To snack or dine out. There are a lot of dining options on the wharf, from the casual (Char West or the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company), to the popular patio at Longboard's (an especially great spot to sip a beer on a hot summer day) to the pricier Harbor Restaurant, or the historic Moby Dick's. Burned in a fire in 1998, the best thing about Moby Dick's is arguably the view from its giant windows onto the harbor. A local summertime tradition is to get ice cream on the wharf, and the smell of baking waffle cones from The Great Pacific Ice Cream Company on a foggy morning is especially enticing. Of course, you can also bring your own picnic and eat it on one of the red-umbrella adorned picnic tables that are across from Moby Dick's. Just watch out for those hungry seagulls!

It is a local institution dating back 138 years. Stearns Wharf is the oldest and longest working (wooden) wharf in all of California, according to an article we wrote about the wharf (with much subscriber help) in 2005. J.P. Stearn's, Santa Barbara shipping magnate, built it in 1872. It was built to bring lumber ashore for Santa Barbara's rapid growth as settlers arrived in the early days of our little blue town by the sea, long before it became the worldwide tourist destination we know today.”

Our sentiments too. We love a stroll on the wharf.

Summer Happenings in Santa Barbara

2010-06-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

Summer is upon us and Santa Barbara is again offering plenty of activities for our guest and locals alike.

The Summer Solstice Celebration June 25th and 26th, is always a great event for both visitors and locals.

For musical events check out the schedule at the Santa Barbara Bowl , they have a great line up for the summer months.

If you don’t want to take the drive to the wine country, we now have a Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail within the city. It is fun and there are some great wineries involved. Interested in a Santa Barbara microbrewery? We have those too.

The grand daddy event every year is our Old Spanish Days Fiesta August 4 – 8 this year. Lot’s of entertainment, food and fun for everyone.

For a list of daily activities, check out the Santa Barbara Visitors Bureau’s new web site, where they have an up-to-date list of daily happenings.

Have a great summer and enjoy Santa Barbara, the American Rivera.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Wandering State Street

2010-05-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

Many of our guests arrive after a long drive, and often ask for a suggested short walk just to unwind. We suggest a stroll down State St., only a block from the Inn. It is a great way to acclimate yourself as well as check out some of our local restaurants that are within walking distance from the Inn.

Heading South on State St., the first place you see is Cantwell’s, a local delicatessen/market. Little bit of everything and a nice local wine selection. As you continue down the street, you start to get the Spanish feel of Santa Barbara because of all the red tile roofs and the architecture. On the left you will see the imposing structure the Trinity Episcopal Church, and if you have time try the Labyrinth in front of the Church. Next on your right is the famous Arlington Theater, which opened in 1931. First run movies and concerts are still played at this landmark. Also in this block, check out the restaurant menus for Jane’s, Opal Restaurant and Bar, Downey’s, Carlitos Cafe and Cantina, Café Buenos Aires and many more.

Now you are at Victoria and State. Go right or left if you want to check out more restaurants. Here is your first Santa Barbara Starbucks too. Continuing down State and in the next block you’ll find the restaurants Arigato Sushi and Saigon Vietnamese. Ultimate Bagel and an ice cream store are also in this block. You can’t miss the Granada Theater on your left, recently renovated and now home to The Santa Barbara Symphony.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is the next imposing building on your left and definitely worth a visit if you have the time. On your right is the Victoria Court probably best known for the Soho Restaurant and Music Club, one of the few venues in Santa Barbara offering live music nightly.

Next on your stroll don’t miss the La Arcarda. It will be one of the highlights, as you wander through this mini mall. Petite Valentien, Café Shell and Jeannine’s are the restaurants here and of course our favorite wine store, the East Beach Wine Company, which is now offering daily tastings.

This is just a taste of State Street for our guests and we have walked only ½ mile from the Inn, but it is now time to head back to Santa Barbara’s finest bed and breakfast, the Cheshire Cat Inn for our wine hour, which is between 5 and 6PM.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Santa Barbara Car Free Promotion

2010-04-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Enjoy saving money and reducing your carbon footprint at the same time? Check out the Santa Barbara Car Free web site. They are offering 20% off on Amtrak, 10% off at the Cheshire Cat Inn and many Santa Barbara activities and restaurants are also offering discounts. Even if you do arrive by car, their web site is chock full of ideas on how to be car free once you reach Santa Barbara. Come and enjoy our beautiful city.

Innkeeper Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

April in Santa Barbara

2010-04-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Spring activity calendar is full.

Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival (April 17 & 18) is always fun and informative. Enjoy the Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival (Apr 17) and for flower lovers, the Santa Barbara Garden Club’s Flower Show (April 22 & 23) and be sure to catch the Cheshire Cat Inns first rose blooming this Spring.

For more information go to the Santa Barbara Visitors Bureau’s web site, and plug in your planned dates, and it will give you events based on your personal schedule.

Innkeeper
Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

2010-03-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

25th Silver Anniversary Cheshire Cat Special

$235 + Tax per couple

Celebrating 25 years in business! We are partnering with 2 restaurants in Santa Barbara, also in business for 25 years. Includes dinner for 2 at “The Palace Grill” – Cajun/Creole and a favorite with our guests and lunch at “Carlitos Café and Cantina” – Mexican, a local favorite. Also one night’s accommodation at the Cheshire Cat Inn with breakfast and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres. Valid Sunday thru Thursday until June 30, 2010. Not valid holidays/special events and subject to availability.

Innkeeper
Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Alice in Wonderland Special

2010-03-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

Bring a used ticket stub from the movie ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and receive 10% off mid-week and weekend rates at the Cheshire Cat Inn in Santa Barbara, CA. This offer will be good until May 28.

Santa Barbara International Orchid Show

2010-03-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

Indulge yourself (like being a kid in a candy shop) when you visit the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show March 12 - 14 and view the incredible variety of orchids on display. Pansy-like phaelenopsis, perfume filled catyleas and majestic cymbidiums, to name but a few. Too many to choose from. Also visit the sales area and watch for the demonstrations on orchid care.

Innkeeper
Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Whale Watching in Santa Barbara, CA

2010-02-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

Every year from February 16 – April 15, the Pacific Grey Whales make their way North again from Baja to Alaska and the Santa Barbara Channel offers one of the best viewing platforms for this migration. The mothers and the calves often stay close to the Santa Barbara coast line, which provides for great viewing, and even if the whales are not plentiful, the dolphins will keep you amused.

Last year we took the Condor Express and we had several whale sightings. The Condor Express is a high speed Motor catamaran and offers three 2 ½ trips daily. If you are looking for a more tranquil day, the Double Dolphin, a 50’ sailing catamaran, and the Sunset Kidd, a 41’ Morgan Sailing Ketch, often sail among the whales and dolphins.

Innkeeper
Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Delacroix to Monet in Santa Barbara

2010-02-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

Just a 5 minute walk from the Cheshire Cat Inn to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. This fabulous exhibit continues until May 15th.Some are calling it the most important exhibit ever at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art… Delacroix to Monet: Masterpieces of the 19th Century. 40 incredible pieces are on loan from the Walters Art Museum and Santa Barbara will be the only West Coast venue for the exhibition.

Innkeeper
Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn

Santa Barbara International Film Festival

2010-02-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is in full swing thru February 14 and it’s better than ever. Roger Durling has done it again. Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side) and James Cameron (Avatar) have already been here and Colin Firth (A Single Man) to come. The best part of the festival are the numerous pictures that are available. The hardest part is trying to decide which ones to see. This is the 25th Anniversary of the festival, also the Cheshire Cat Inn's 25th Anniversary in March - watch for Specials on this Blog. We've been a Santa Barbara Bed and Breakfast Inn for 25 years - hard to believe!!!

Innkeeper
Cheshire Cat Bed and Breakfast Inn