A slice of SLO County.

Whether you’re new to SLO County, a long-time resident, or just visitng for a change of pace, can you really say you’ve experienced the “SLO Life”? You’ve probably gone hiking up Bishop Peak or spent the day at Montana De Oro, played in the waves at Pismo Beach or strolled through the Arroyo Grande Village. You may have even experienced the community at SLO Farmer’s Market, tasted the wine at one of the many local vineyards, or gone water-skiing at Lopez Lake. If so, then you’ve experienced some of the SLO Life. But not all of it… not by a long shot.

Many of these things are what SLO County is known for; relaxation, community, adventure, and a slower life that lets you take things in and truly appreciate them. But have you done it all? Have you watched live theater at the Great American Melodrama, sang karaoke at Mother’s Tavern, or experienced the great food and personal service at Alphy’s Broiler? Have you gone horseback riding on the beach in Oceano or watched movies in the Sunken Gardens park in Atascadero? How about a special getaway at the Lighthouse in Avila Beach or a long, scenic bike ride down Bob Jones trail… have you done that? Ever watched a rodeo at the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles or seen the Monarch butterflies flock to their sactuary in Pismo Beach?

You’ve probably done some of this, and if you’ve lived in SLO County for a long time, then you may have even done most of it. But I’m willing to bet that you haven’t done all of it. And even if you have… have you done all of it lately? There is so much that this county has to offer; many even call it a Dream Town. This New Year, get out there and experience the highly sought after “SLO Life”, even if only to rediscover the things about it that made you fall in love in the first place.

We live in a place that many would consider paradise. With beaches, lakes, and mountains all just a short and scenic drive away and an ideal climate almost year-round, it’s no surprise that San Luis Obispo is the destination for many looking to vacation or retire. In fact, Sunset Magazine recently named San Luis Obispo the second best dream town in the West, citing landmarks, climate and local traditions among the top contributing factors for the accolade.

Locals have long enjoyed the hikes at Bishop’s Peak, strolling downtown near the Historical Mission, picking up fresh produce every Thursday from the Farmer’s Market, and weekend wine tasting trysts at the many nearby vineyards. Pack in the lazy days at the lake, playing at the beach, and the friendly laid-back people, and it’s obvious why, “San Luis Obispo is the most Californian place in all of California“.

Image Credit: emdot

SLO Farmer’s Market usually makes for a laid-back Thursday evening in the streets downtown, however, last night was a bit different. With the Week Of Welcome inaugurating all of the new Cal Poly students, a Mariachi band and Folklorico dancers celebrating the Mexican Independence Day with booming music and colorful dresses, and an interactive dance party on a big screen in the middle of the street, things were a little more lively than usual.

Higuera Street was alive. The street strollers still enjoyed the fresh flowers and produce,caricature drawings, and unsurpassed local BBQ, but hey had a few more people than usual to make their way through and around. The energy could be felt all throughout downtown, with costumed Wowees, the “free hugs” guy gifting, well, free hugs, and overflowing sidewalks and streets. It almost felt like a mini-Vegas in downtown SLO.

This week’s Farmer’s Market frenzy was just the beginning,though, now that Cal Poly is back in. So if you’re looking for a little more excitement during your week, that’s the place to be on Thursday night!

More and more residents in SLO County are leaving their cars in the driveway, turning instead to alternate modes of transportation to get around town and commute to work. With gas prices on the rise since the beginning of summer, public transportation and carpooling have increased around the county, according to a report today on SanLuisObispo.com. But what about walking and riding a bike?

In a comment left by one local reader on the site, those habits have increased as well, “Walter, owner of Wally’s Bicycles, has told me he has been selling lots of commuter bikes. The perception seems to be that the only form of transportation is by automobiles. Maybe with more media coverage about commuting by bike, motorists might be more aware of bicyclists and be less aggressive. I began commuting to work by bike three months ago.” And perhaps that is the key to encouraging even more commuters to consider other options; making the conversation louder.

While riding a bike, walking, or even taking the bus to work is not practical for everyone, it certainly could work for many local residents who live in close proximity to their workplace. If non-automotive modes of transportation are embraced by a few, talked about in the local media, and encouraged by the community, we just may see a new and thriving trend in SLO County.

———-

How do you commute? Have you changed any of your transportation habits over the past year?