San Luis Obispo is a small town located on the Central Coast of California in a valley surrounded by the coastal mountains. Its climate is mild year round. It is termed as mediterranean because of its exposure to the winds coming off the Pacific Ocean making similar to that of the Mediterranean in Europe.
In the heart of the town is the Mission and hence the name of the town and the County.
The Arts
Many artists live in the area. Most towns have private galleries and art association galleries. The coastal region is relatively open and nature is visible from almost any view. The art reflects this country venue. Abstract paintings are done, but the majority of the painting are recognizable enough to make good sovereign and reminders of where you have been.
Major events are the Open Studio Tours in October and the Plein Aire Painting Festival in late September. Art in the Park occurs in Morro Bay every year. Artists' work is displayed in the local wineries and businesses.
The performing arts are growing. The Live Oak Music Festival brings together many songwriters. Several writers live in the county of San Luis Obispo.
San Luis Obispo Symphony Orchestra is very popular. In July and early August every year we have the Mozart Festival, which is one of the most noted events in our county.
San Luis Obispo has two ballet companies: The Civic Ballet and the Gilbert Reed Ballet. The theatre groups are common. San Luis Obispo, Cambria, and other towns in this area have theatre. The most noteworthy theatre is the Marion Theatre at the Alan Hancock College in Santa Maria.
Cal Poly State University and Cuesta College bring students, faculty, and staff together. This enriches the town and the area with other venues also. There are many restaurants for tourists.
Many performances are given in the county and in the recently completed Performing Arts Center on the campus of California Polytechnic State University. Special events happen nearly every weekend in one town or another in the region.
The History and the Natural Environment of the Area
This part of California is in the heart of the missions, ranchos and finally the American settlers. This leads to a rich and varied history for the local historical societies.
The Mission fathers brought from Spain plants and plants from further south in the Americas. Some of the original grapes are used as stock for vines of today. Vineyards continue to be planted even as this article is written.
Both the northern and southern San Luis Obispo County has many wineries. Visitors may partake in the wineries, outdoor recreation, and sight seeing. Restaurants with seafood as the specialty abound. Morro Bay and Port San Luis are fishing ports. The amateur may enjoy Ocean fishing. Near by fresh water lake fishing is also available. Surfing and other water sports are pass times of many.
The abundance of sea life and animals in general gives lots of docents the opportunity to teach school children about the wonders of nature. The Monarch Butterflies in Pismo Beach are just one example.
Whale watching occurs twice a year as they migrate to and from the Gulf of California. The Elephant seals are particularly interesting because of their size and their way of life.
California's Central Coast is extremely rich in the varieties of wildflowers and plant species. It, like the dessert in spring, can be a rewarding sight. It is a Mecca for gardeners and wild flower enthusiasts. The county has strong beginnings and an active group starting a Botanical Garden of over 100 acres.
The surrounding towns and countryside reflect both those of Southern California and Northern California. It seems to be where the two cultures meet. Its valley's have row crops and vineyards. The interior hills are grazed by cattle or are wilderness. Some areas of the County also have horse ranches.
Location
San Luis Obispo, located on the Central Coast, is located less than two hours north of Santa Barbara, and makes a wonderful choice for a vacation for individuals and families. It is located about four hours from San Francisco or Los Angeles, and has an airport for those travelers who do not arrive by car.
San Luis Obispo also serves as a gateway to the famous Highway 1 and the fabulous Big Sur Coast Line.
Coast Country Arts promotes web sites for artists and performing artists of San Luis County on California's Central Coast. To find out more information about site design and promotion contact Web-Action Designs and Consulting at 543-0405 or E-mail Us.
Go to Coast Country Sights for further information about the San Luis Obispo County on California's Central Coast.
Coast Country Arts designs and promotes web sites for artists and performing artists of San Luis County on California's Central Coast. To find out more information about site design and promotion contact Web-Action Designs and Consulting at 543-0405 or E-mail Us.
Go to Coast Country Sights for further information about the San Luis Obispo County on California's Central Coast.
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