Experience Pismo Beach and SLO Wine Country with “Harvest on the Coast”

October 27, 2014

Get ready wine fans, SLO Wine Country’s “Harvest on the Coast” is set to begin Friday, November 7^th, 2014 and continue through Sunday the 9^th. This can’t miss event for both wine novices and connoisseurs is filled with a variety of wine tasting experiences ranging from winemaker dinners to tasting room open houses with live music.

Checkout the wine weekend lineup:

Friday, November 7^th – Crafted on the Coast

The “Crafted on the Coast” Winemaker Dinner will take place on Friday evening. This collaborative event will feature six local winemakers and a specially planned undisclosed dinner menu by Chef Gregg Wangard. Wangard is the recipient of the 2014 Tourism Ambassador Award from the Visit San Luis Obispo County Annual Tourism Vision Workshop. He received this award due not only to his excellence as a chef in SLO County, but also to his dedicated community service, supportive actions for the “farm-to-table” movement and superlative marketing initiatives for SLO County.

The much awaited food and wine pairings for the evening will be a true coastal mystery to taste and to solve. Dinner guests are encouraged to guess the correct wine variety offered at each course for a chance to win a grand prize and a complimentary bottle of wine.

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A Safe Family Halloween in Pismo Beach

October 8, 2014

October is in full swing here in the beautiful Central Coast town of Pismo Beach. This joyous month brings pleasant weather and delightful fall happenings to anticipate throughout the community. It also brings a favorite family holiday, Halloween. Children and parents alike will be putting on spooky, sweet and startling costumes to take part in many Halloween activities across Pismo Beach and its neighboring communities.

As you scour the events calendars and make a decision on where to take your little ghosts and goblins this year, consider Pismo Beach and “Pumpkins on the Pier.” The City of Pismo Beach Recreation Division is very excited to be offering a safe and fun Halloween celebration alternative which includes the 10^th Annual Trick or Treat Extravaganza!

Starting at 10:00am on Saturday, October 25^th, 2014, the Pismo Pier will transform into a Halloween spectacular right before your eyes. This family-friendly event encourages children 12 and under to participate in fun and safe Halloween-themed activities.

Come early for pumpkin decorating 500 pumpkins will be given away on a first come, first served basis.  Children will have the ability to choose their very own pumpkins and then delight in the craft of adorning them.

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The Surfing Goats of Pismo Beach

September 30, 2014

Photo Credit: INCREDIBLE FEATURES/BARCROFT MEDIA

They owe it all to Dana McGregor. McGregor acquired his first goat in 2011 as a way to eliminate unwanted poison oak and weeds in his yard. It wasn’t long until McGregor discovered Goatee was a caring and very intelligent animal that would become more than a weed eliminator.

Soon, Goatee would give birth to two kids. McGregor named them Pismo and Grover and strong bonds developed between them all. This is when McGregor decided to share one of his greatest passions with his goats, the love of surfing. Not expecting much, McGregor gave his goats their first surfing lessons. Surprising everyone, the goats took right to the water and it wasn’t long until videos of the surfing goats went viral.

McGregor has helped his goats put their fame to good use in their hometown of Pismo Beach and across the globe. By partnering with charitable organizations, McGregor has been able to provide goats to farmers in places of need such as Haiti and Mozambique.

Here on the Central Coast, the Surfing Goats make frequent appearances at local senior centers, school assemblies, and birthday parties. They will also show up for specialized weed abatement upon request.

Goatee, Pismo, and Grover are a true source of happiness and hope for kids and adults alike.

Learn from the man who taught the surfing goats

McGregor and his team of knowledgeable and friendly instructors provide SUP/surfing lessons and tours to athletes of all ages and abilities here on the Central Coast. Learn the basics of paddling, maneuvering the board, catching a wave, SUP stance, and SUP etiquette.

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Pismo Preserve to be Open to the Public in One Year

September 23, 2014

On Tuesday, September 16^th, The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County closed escrow on the Pismo Beach property that will be home to the much awaited Pismo Preserve. An unprecedented $12.3 million was donated to the project in just over six months. The funds were used to purchase the 900 acres of land and will provide the wherewithal to make preliminary site improvements.

$8 million of funding was provided by State Coastal Conservancy and the Wildlife Conservation Board.

$3 million was from local and regional government agencies.

$1.3 million was donated by the community. The SeaCrest appreciates your donations and support in our successful effort to bring this project to fruition.

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An Authentic Oktoberfest on the Central Coast

September 16, 2014

On Saturday, October 11, 2014, Firestone Walker Brewing Company and the Madonna Inn are excited to present an Authentic Oktoberfest Celebration here on the Central Coast of California.

You will be amazed by the Alex Madonna Expo Center’s transformation, taking you around the world to Munich. A traditionally-styled German beer garden will provide the perfect backdrop for guests to indulge on hearty traditional German food complemented by world-class Firestone Walker brews, or perhaps the food complements the beer. Either way, it’s time to pull out your dirndl or throw on a pair of lederhosen, suspenders, and an Alpine hat for the festivities that will take you back to an old world Oktoberfest celebration.

Choose to attend one of two sessions taking place that Saturday. The afternoon session is from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. The evening session is from 6:30pm until 9:30pm. Both sessions offer general admission tickets for $60 per person and special VIP Reserved Tables for 8 for $500 per table. Limited VIP Tables are available, so reserve your space early!

What do you  receive with your tickets?

• The ability to savor two 16oz Firestone Walker beers of your choice. Explore Firestone Walker beers here!
• You will be served a deliciously unique family-style German meal complete with dessert.
• You will get to enjoy live music by “Trio Internationale” and “What Just Happened.”
• If two beers are not enough, more will be available to purchase for an additional cost.
• Don’t forget to take home your commemorative Oktoberfest stein.

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A Season for Pismo Beach Festivals

September 11, 2014

Fall is upon us here on the Central Coast of California. And with fall comes the exciting sea of Pismo Beach festivals that will soon be taking place. From music to clams, there is a celebration for everyone.

Here are 3 of our most anticipated Pismo Beach festivals this fall:

68^th Annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival

Gear up for three days of family activities, prestigious contests, specialty foods, and fine drinks, starting Friday, October 18^th,2014 at the Pismo Beach Clam Festival.

Friday includes the much anticipated Wine Walk. The merchants of downtown Pismo Beach have teamed up with local wineries for an activity like no other. You will be provided with a wine glass, map, and passport. Follow the map to 13 locations, enjoying snacks and drinks along the way. Collect stamps for your passport at each stop. When done, return the completed passport for acclaimed prizes.

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A Run of a Lifetime: From the City to the Sea in Pismo Beach

September 4, 2014

Whether it’s the mild running weather, gracious support from a generous community, or breathtakingly scenic views, something draws runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to the exciting and challenging 13.1 mile road course known as City to the Sea.

Starting in downtown San Luis Obispo and ending at Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach, participants will get the chance to take in historic buildings, a gorgeous countryside, and the most wondrous coastal views. Plus, they will be supporting the Cuesta College track and field and cross-country teams, ensuring athletes will continue to be able to train and race at one of the best programs in the California junior college system.

Don’t miss the 19^th Annual City to the Sea Half Marathon, 5K and Kids’ Fun Run that will be taking place on Sunday, October 12^th, 2014.

Not sure which race is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at all the fun!

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The Pismo Beach Community to Celebrate the “Harvest of Good Fortune”

August 28, 2014

As fall approaches, the kids are heading back to school, holidays are already on our minds and the sweet smell of the fall harvests is in the air.

The agricultural communities on the Central Coast of California are special. Rich, deep alluvial soil accompanies a maritime climate that promotes cool summers and warm winters, one of the greatest and most unique growing environments in the world. While the nature of this diverse and prolific agricultural potential provides many year-round harvests, fall has become the time of year in which we really enjoy celebrating the industry’s success and history.

One such great celebration is the annual Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival. This year’s theme is a Harvest of Good Fortune. It will be honoring the agricultural industry in the Arroyo Grande Valley and its thriving, lush and diverse crop seasons. Some favorite fall crops include: wine grapes, apples, avocados, cantaloupe, cucumbers, eggplant, figs, lavender, onions, oranges, peppers, pluots, potatoes, pumpkins and tomatoes.

Join in the fun at the 77^th Arroyo Grande Valley Harvest Festival on Friday, September 26^th and Saturday, September 27^th. A short drive from Pismo Beach will put you in the Village of Arroyo Grande, where their agricultural heritage will be celebrated in the most delightful ways.

The list of contests, entertainment, and fun that will take place over the weekend keeps growing with anticipation:

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Pismo Beach Sponsors Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast

August 20, 2014

The Pismo Beach community is an excited and proud supporter of Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast 2014. Be prepared to taste and educate your way through 200+ wines and culinary samplings from over 30 chefs. This two day event features local master chefs, winemakers, brew masters, artisanal food producers and Sunset Magazine’s expert editors, all ready to wine, dine and educate you on the best of the Central Coast.

The Main Event will take place at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch on Saturday, September 27^th and Sunday, September 28^th. In addition to unlimited tastings, you will have the option to meet winemakers, brew masters and artisans as well as enjoy live music and attend seminars.

The event is spread out across several locations on the ranch, each specializing in their own categories of tasting, demonstrating and/or education.

The Marketplace will offer unlimited delectable samples of food and wine. You can also shop for regional specialties to take home including locally produced olive oil and almonds.

The Estrada Garden will be the perfect spot to relax with some brews and bites while listening to Central Coast musicians. Award-winning local chefs will be creating impressive dishes from fresh local ingredients and pairing each sampling with local microbrew beers.

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Run, Walk and Remember at this Year’s Central Coast Cancer Challenge

August 11, 2014

A family-friendly day filled with 10K, 5K and mile-long races awaits on Sunday, September 7^th , in the beautiful downtown of San Luis Obispo. Beyond promoting healthy lifestyles, this annual event is dedicated to the remembrance of loved ones and helping to raise awareness and support for cancer survivors and patients.

Join California’s Central Coast Communities as athletes of all abilities walk, run and compete at the Central Coast Cancer Challenge presented by Dignity Health/French Hospital Medical Center. This event has raised $40,000 since its inception in 2010, helping many people through their journey with cancer by providing such support services as free fitness programs and gas money for transportation to and from appointments or counseling sessions.

The Cancer Challenge team is dedicated to making an ongoing difference. This year’s races will be supporting Hearst Cancer Resource Center at French Hospital Medical Center, Cancer Well-fit and The Maureen “Mo” Clancy Memorial Track Scholarship.

Each race starts at the beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and then takes to the streets of downtown, where the main roads will be temporarily closed to traffic so runners and walkers can enjoy the historic views.

There are several races taking place – any individual, group of friends or whole families will find just the right race to meet their needs and abilities.

 “No Mo Cancer” 10k

A great race on its own or an excellent training tool for a longer endurance event, this race will test your strength and stamina. Go the distance in memory of Maureen “Mo” Clancy.

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