Laid Back Los Alamos
So, did you miss me?
Anyway, here we are entering day three of Santa Ynez Valley Week! The town I’m telling you about today was one of the highlights of the trip although it was definitely the smallest place we visited. But as they say, big things come in small packages. So without further adieu I present to you – Los Alamos!
The pic above is of the awesome 1880 Union Hotel. It formerly served as a stagecoach stop and now is a quaint hotel and saloon. We didn’t stay there…we just stopped by to gape in wonder at the history written on it’s facade. Check it out!
It’s the wild, wild west!
Next store was a former gas station that had been turned into an event space called The Station. Peeking inside made me wish I lived closer so I could throw a party here. And I love that they preserved remnants of it’s former days.
Across the street is Gussied Up Antiques and antique store located in a historic Victorian home.
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Now, I love vintage items but hate how antique stores jack up the prices. Usually, when I’m shopping all I think is, “I could get this much cheaper at a garage or estate sale.” Well, this place had awesome stuff at estate sale prices. Oh yes! Oh no! Needless to say, I took advantage of this killer pricing and grabbed me some stuff – mid century salt shakers, vintage postcards, a couple of books…all at great prices!
After shopping like crazy we strolled down the street to Bell Street Farm Eatery and Market.
This charming cafe is only open Friday – Monday and offers a wide selection of locally sourced food and drink. The food looked delicious but after the giant pancakes at Paula’s we were too stuffed. Instead, I grabbed a lemonade and a couple of fresh baked cookies to go – one chocolate chip and one oatmeal cherry. When I had them at the end of the day – OH MY GOODNESS. So, so good. Especially the oatmeal cherry. Cinnamony sweet with a hint of tartness…I’m going to be using dried cherries from now on in my recipes.
And that about sums it up. Los Alamos is a small place but it’s one that’s packed with awesome stuff. I can’t wait to go back.