Busy Budget Foodie: A Weekend in Santa Barbara

Sometimes, you just have to thank your extended family for living in some pretty amazing places. I may have mentioned in previous posts that Stuart's family lives in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. Known by some as the "American Riviera," this gorgeous area is full of wineries, great food, pristine beaches, warm temperatures, and even celebrities. I never get tired of quick weekend getaways here, and sometimes have to pinch myself thinking about how we get to spend time visiting family in such a beautiful place...for FREE. No $200 per night hotel stay required!

Needless to say, we just got back from yet another great weekend and I realized to my chagrin that I have never specifically posted about Santa Barbara "weekend getaway" highlights or recommendations. So, here are some photos from our recent stays in Santa Barbara along with a short list of a few of my favorite things. I'm sure there are many great spots that I've missed, forgotten, or just haven't been to yet. If you are familiar with Santa Barbara, is there anything you would add to this list? If so please let me know in the comments below - I can't wait to explore!

Food:
Panino sandwich shop (multiple locations - get any sandwich on focaccia bread)
Jeannine's Restaurant and Bakery (multiple locations - get the Chai tea and some cake!)
Crushcakes (multiple locations - great sandwiches, salads, and cupcakes)
C'est Cheese (wonderful downtown spot for breakfast, lunch, or gourmet cheese shopping)
Padaro Beach Grill (casual family friendly spot overlooking the ocean)
The Lucky Penny (excellent for a light lunch in between wine tasting in the Funk Zone)
The Lark (fantastic place for a more upscale dinner, in the Funk Zone)
Montecito Cafe (a nicer dining spot in upscale Montecito)
Louie's California Bistro (located at the Upham Hotel in downtown)
Opal (great yet affordable downtown spot, with dinner entrees starting around $15)
Santa Barbara FisHouse (a nice seafood spot close to the beach)
Robitaille's Candies (a little old-fashioned candy shop in the cute nearby town of Carpinteria)

Activities:
State Street (the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, great for shopping and strolling)
Santa Barbara Courthouse Tower (climb to the top for spectacular views)
Santa Barbara Farmers' Market (Saturdays from 8:30-1:00pm)
Santa Barbara Mission & Rose Garden
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co
The Funk Zone (popular new wine tasting area south of downtown)
Corks n Crowns Wine& Beer Tasting (Funk Zone; Sunday offers sparkling wine/cupcake pairings)
Carpinteria State Beach (the "safest" beach in California, with wonderful views and sand)