New Year, New...?

2017 is going to be a big year and we are anticipating big things will be happening.

A new year brings so much hope and opportunity for change. We all have a resolution or two, whether you are the type of person that declares it to the world, or you keep it privately stored away in your mind.
2017 brings a fresh start, a new beginning and encourages us to strive for something better, whether it's health, wealth or happiness, we all have something that we hope to do better.

If you're New Years Resolution is getting healthy, we'd love to share with you some of our favorite places to get fit.  Did you know that our little quaint Valley has an abundance of fantastic gyms and fitness studios? We have everything from Cross Fit gyms, Pilates studios, Adult Dance classes, Yoga studios and your good old fashion Gym or YMCA.

We also have a a few large handfuls of incredible personal trainers as well, to help customize your workout and fit in with any lifestyle.

However, if you're not into structured fitness, how about a nice, free workout for you?

Get out and hike one of the many incredible trails in our area.
There's the easy ones, for beginners or parents bringing kids.
And then there's the more advanced, higher intensity hikes
for those really looking for a challenge. 

Whichever you choose, they are all incredibly beautiful,
from beginning to end.

Here are just a few of our favorites:

Nojoqui Falls

 Nojoqui Falls Parks is located just off the 101 Freeway north of the Gaviota Tunnel between Santa Barbara and Buellton. In addition to picnic tables and playing fields, the park offers a short hike to an eighty-foot waterfall. This two-thirds of a mile round trip trail ascends 175 feet up a shaded canyon to the enchanting Nojoqui Falls.

To get to the trailhead: From Santa Barbara, take the 101 Freeway north. Drive 5.4 miles past the Gaviota Rest Area and turn right on La Lata Place, following signs for Nojoqui Park. Take La Lata Place for one mile and make the first left on Alisal Road. After 0.8 miles, turn right into Nojoqui Falls Park. Follow the road through the park to the left and toward the mountains. There are restrooms just in front of the cul-de-sac at the trailhead.  The park is free to the public an dogs are welcome on leash.

         

Grass Mountain

The hike begins not at the mountain’s base, however, but at Midland School just off Figueroa Mountain Road, where you must pick up a free permit for your hike. Grass Mountain is private property, and without the very easy-to-obtain permit you will be technically trespassing. Midland School utilizes Grass Mountain as an educational backyard, and in the spring, students take to its slopes to summit its slanting sides. 

To get to trailhead: From the city of Santa Barbara on the southern California coastline 101 (or from 192), take Highway 154 and drive north for seven miles to and over San Marcos Pass. Drop down the back side and drive 14.6 miles to the junction with "Figueroa Mountain Road in the town" of Los Olivos. Take a right here and drive five miles to "Midland School" sign on your right.     

Gaviota Wind Caves 

 

The Gaviota Wind Caves are a sandstone formation located a mile from the Pacific Ocean in the Santa Ynez Mountains west of Santa Barbara. The hike to the wind-swept caves is 2.5 miles round

trip with 600 feet of elevation gain.

To get to trailhead: From Buellton take 101 South to Gaviota State Beach. After exiting the road at Gaviota Campground you will keep right to go up the hill from the campground entrance. When you reach the top of the hill you will immediately park on the right hand side right next to the mountain lions sign and the above gate.

All of these trails and workout facilities will take less than 10 minutes to get to, no matter where you live in the Santa Ynez Valley, it's almost difficult to find a reason not to get out and be healthy.

However, if you are a more private person, that prefers to workout in the comforts of your own home, why not consider a home that provides all the luxuries of a gym?

 Private pool maybe?

Start your day off with a morning swim?

Then move inside to your indoor spa and perhaps gym?







Check out our listing at 756 Alisal Road in Solvang


I'm just saying, whatever you're looking for... we have it.

How about adding: Move to Santa Ynez Valley to the top of your New Years Resolutions?

If you would like to learn more about our favorite spots, why we LOVE the valley or how you can make the SYV your home too, give us a call, we love to help!