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October 4th, 2024

Best of: A California Road Trip Through the Central Coast

  1. Best of: A California Road Trip Through the Central Coast Suzanne Stavert 22:19

Is a California road trip on your Bucket List? Have you been? Have you traveled through the Central Coast of California? This episode focuses on a small area of California just north of Santa Barbara. What a place!

In this episode, I share what we did, where we ate, and what we sipped. It was a glorious road trip curated by my daughter-in-law, Kylie. However, I had a BIG reason for creating this adventure! I discovered Elizabeth Poett through her television show called Ranch to Table. Once I learned more about her unique Gatherings at their 14,000-acre ranch, Rancho San Julian, I knew I had to go!

We created a California road trip to the Central Coast all around this special dinner at Rancho San Julian, which is about an hour north of Santa Barbara.

I share the details of this exceptional dinner, highlights of our meals along the way, and excellent wineries you need to visit! I Love that this itinerary was specially curated for our taste, but once we went, I knew that you needed to hear all about it. Thank you, Kylie, for your incredible eye for detail and for creating such a fantastic itinerary. Here we go!

Highlights:

  • Our exceptional experience at a delicious Ranch Table Event at Rancho San Julian with host Elizabeth Poett
  • Fly into Santa Barbara Airport – It’s fantastic!
  • Travel for a reason
  • Plan in advance
  • The benefits of reserving an Airbnb with a small group
  • Leave room for spontaneity and serendipity in your travels
  • The unique details of our winery tours and dining experiences in the area are incredible! See the links below!

Next on Travel Connections!

A special interview with Elizabeth Poett from Ranch to Table – Publishing November 1, 2024

Suzanne’s Next BIG Trip: South America with Collette! Stay Tuned – There are a few introductory details in this episode! Check out our social media channels to follow along: @suzannestavert on Instagram and @AdventuresofEmptyNesters on Facebook.

Dining on this California Central Coast Road Trip

The Ranch Table

Bar Le Cote

Bell’s

Bob’s Well Bread Bakery

Little King

Peasants Deli

The Hitching Post II

Wineries:

Future Perfect

Liquid Farm

Brave and Maiden

Spear

The Hilt Estate

Sea Creatures

Other Road Trip Episodes Mentioned in this Episode:

Kentucky:

A Conversation About Bourbon with The Experts at Woodford Reserve

Delicious Southern Food & The Kentucky Bourbon Trail – Ouita Michel

Angela Correll: Kentucky Writer, Traveler & Hospitality Innovator

Hidden Gems in Kentucky and Other Compelling Stories

From Montana to Calgary

Best of: Our Road Trip to Banff, Lake Louise & Calgary, Canada

Suzanne Stavert Travel Writer and Podcast Host

Suzanne Stavert is a podcast host, travel writer, brand ambassador, and culinary explorer who inspires empty nesters—and anyone with a sense of adventure—to explore the world with curiosity and joy. She is the creator of AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com, a travel and lifestyle website that has evolved into partnerships with top brands and destinations around the globe.

Suzanne also created and hosts the podcast Travel Connections, where she interviews chefs, entrepreneurs, authors, and travel experts, sharing stories that connect people through travel, food, and culture. Through her company Travel Connections Tours, she leads small-group adventures in Tuscany, combining her lifelong love of Italy with authentic travel experiences.

A recognized expert in the Empty Nester Community, Suzanne has been recently featured on Good Morning America and USA Today and continues to share her passion for meaningful travel across six continents. One continent to go!