A slice of SLO County.

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“.

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.

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

With only a little more than a month left of summertime, it’s time to get off the couch, turn off “America’s Got Talent” (I know, it’s hard), and get outside while the weather is still warm enough to wear shorts. I’ll even give you an easy way to get started — Thursday evening Farmer’s Market in downtown SLO.

If you live in or near San Luis Obispo, you’ve no doubt been to the event, even if it was just to get a quick dip of frozen yogurt at Bali’s, forgetting it was Thursday, and getting frustrated with all the foot traffic in the way of your car!

“I just want some fat-free Vanilla frozen yogurt topped with strawberries and granola!”, you rant. BUT, why not park your car, take a stroll along the bar-be-cue scented streets, get your face painted like a tiger (you know you want to), buy some fresh tomatoes, sunflowers, or homemade tamales, and spend some time relaxing with the people that make up the community that you love?

SLO Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday from 6-9pm on Higuera Street in downtown SLO.

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What’s your favorite thing about SLO Farmer’s Market? Leave a comment and see what others have said! In the meantime, enjoy this video from Visitor Television.