Bakersfield Life

Coasting on romance

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     There are lots of ways to say, “I love you,” to your special valentine: a card, a box of candy, flowers, a gift. But how about doing something really romantic this year like taking your sweetheart on a little Valentine’s Day trip to the Central Coast? It’s a great way to put the romantic spark back into your relationship.Where to stay     My vote for the most romantic place to stay is the Ballard Inn and Restaurant, set in the historic township of Ballard, founded in 1880 and named for the proprietor of an original Wells Fargo stagecoach station. Built in 1985, this two-story Victorian style inn oozes romance — from the wide front porch with its white wicker furniture to its garden of constantly blooming white roses.    Each of the 15 guest rooms boasts a different decor. Whether you like frilly and flowery or log cabin style — this inn has it. Room rates include a full cooked-to-order breakfast, wine and hors d’oeuvres and a bed turndown service with homemade cookies. For an additional fee you can surprise your valentine with a generous sprinkling of rose petals and a bottle of locally acclaimed Laetitia Sparkling Brut Cuvee, scrumptious chocolates on the pillows, dimmed lighting and soft romantic music. You can dine in their restaurant, which has been featured in leading food and wine magazines and take an afternoon stroll around town and visit Ballard’s famed “little red schoolhouse,” built in 1882 and still operational.Places to see     The Victorian village of Los Olivos is the most romantic town I’ve ever visited. A century ago, it was served by a stage line and by the Pacific Coast Railway. Many of the town’s buildings and residences date back to the 1800s and new additions have continued the Victorian theme. Grab your sweetheart’s hand and stroll the quaint streets dotted with wine-tasting rooms, antique stores and epicurean restaurants. There are several art galleries, including Judith Hale Gallery on Grand Avenue, which displays metal sculptures unique and amusing enough to make visitors stand in awe.    Let’s not forget the wine. The Santa Ynez Valley is home to miles of vineyards with breathtaking vistas of the valleys and mountains and more than 70 world-class wineries and tasting rooms. Whether you blaze your own trail or take a luxury tour, there’s nothing more romantic than spending the afternoon in the company of the one you love, sipping some of California’s finest wines. Animal lovers delight     If you love horses, be sure to see Flag Is Up Farms in Solvang. This incredible state-of-the-art training and boarding facility is also the home of Monty Roberts, the real-life “Horse Whisperer.” Within its 90-plus acres are lush, green pastures, stables, a quarantine facility, an aqua-treadmill, a training track, covered outdoor round pens and a 24,000-square-foot covered arena. I was able to tour the farm at my own pace without an escort, stop and whisper to the horses (oh, the secrets I told them), watch them being trained, bathed and pampered. I also met Shy Boy, the legendary wild mustang that Roberts tamed.     The Quicksilver Mini Horse Ranch is a fun place for the entire family to visit. From a distance, the minis look like toy horses. Foals weigh approximately 20 pounds at birth and are 20 inches tall. They grow up to 34 inches, which is smaller than many dogs. The ranch sells 25 to 30 foals a year. You can tour the pristine stables, watch a horse bath or just stand at the fence and watch them graze. Just like standard horses they come in a variety of colors, from pintos to palominos! They make great family pets and many are now being used as therapy animals because they’re smart, affectionate and they have longer lifespans than dogs.    As much as I loved the miniature horses, my heart was stolen by the miniature donkeys at Seeing Spots Farm in Ballard. The Marchi family started with two Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys in 1998 and fell in love as I once did with my standard-sized donkeys. There is nothing cuter or sweeter than a baby donkey, miniature or standard, which you can get up close and personal with while walking among the herd. So stop by and say, “Hee haw!”Other places to visit     So you think pigs don’t fly, huh? The Rolling Hills Garden Center is a wonderful place to visit. Not only can you truly stop and smell the roses and all the other beautiful coastal flowers but you can be amazed and amused by the garden art, especially the flying pigs, which are perched in the oak trees. Even if you aren’t into gardening, you’ll enjoy this garden center.     If you like gambling, live concerts or outdoor theatrical performances, drop in at the Chumash Casino Resort. I have to admit that I miss the pull-handle on the slot machines but the machines still have all the bells and whistles when the three cherries come up!      It’s easy to find romance on the Central Coast. The weather is generally mild, good restaurants and fine wines are plentiful, there are any number of things to see and do and you’ll have no trouble finding a wonderful place to rest your head. So let Cupid be your guide and viva  romance! Accomodations Ballard Inn and Restaurant2436 Baseline Ave., Ballard (near Solvang)800-638-2466Flag Is Up Farms901 East Highway 246, Solvang 888-U2-MontyVisitors are welcome seven days a week 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No fee and no reservations required. Quicksilver Mini Horse Ranch1555 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang (between Solvang and Ballard)805-686-4002Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Seeing Spots Farm2599 Baseline Ave., Ballard805-688-2275Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Santa Ynez Valley Guest Magazine has maps and information on events, wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants, accommodations and more. For the latest issue, visit syvguest.com.