Photos courtesy of slocountyarts.org.
I’ve been in love with California’s Central Coast since my first encounter in my teens. San Luis Obispo is an old favorite but it took a recent invitation to remind me it was time to revisit this attractive college town halfway between Orange County and San Francisco. Though it’s the perfect gateway to Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Hearst Castle and so much more, SLO has plenty to offer on its own that’s often missed by visitors. I took the opportunity to check out the burgeoning arts scene, natch.
I got a sneak preview of the SLO Museum of Art’s new exhibit called “Conundrums,” consisting of works by Alicia Adamerovich (though Oct. 18). The artist describes her work as “abstract rather than surrealist.” I’d say it’s a blend of both, as well as impressionist. SLOMA also has free family art activities the second Saturday of each month. First Fridays, the city’s free monthly art walk, includes exhibits at local galleries and live music.
The performing arts are alive and well on the coast. San Luis Obispo itself is home to SLO Rep (whose production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing” runs through Jun. 28), the 1940s Art Deco styled Fremont Theatre (Kenny G appears Jun. 17), Central Coast Comedy Theater, the Improv Playground, the Miossi Cultural & Performing Arts Center, the Palm Theater (alternative cinema), Central Coast Gilbert & Sullivan, and Opera San Luis Obispo, as well as various events at Cal Poly. The Central Coast Renaissance Festival recalls the good old days June 18-19, while SLO’s Live Oak Music Festival is in tune June 19-21 this year. Info: slocountyarts.org.
The History Center of SLO County, housed in an original Carnegie Library across from the art museum, is an architectural marvel. In addition to a fascinating 15-minute video on the county’s history, you’ll find everything from mortars and pestles of the Chumash and Salinas people to such 19th century toys as the stereoscope image viewer. And don’t forget the popular Downtown SLO Farmers Market, still held Thursday nights 6-9 p.m.
My host for this excursion was the newly renovated 139-room Courtyard by Marriott. This comfy, freeway-convenient hotel is pet friendly as well as non-smoking, and includes a pool, a fitness center, a bar, and a Bistro offering coffee, breakfast and dinner. Although the general manager promised “no surprises for our customers” during a tour of property, I discovered one—you won’t want to get out of the shower, it’s so fantastic. In fact, I told them when I checked out, “If you find it missing, it’s because I took it with me.” Info: www.marriott.com.
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