1.Wine….Wine oh Wine
Paso Robles is one of the premier wine locations in the world. The wine had its beginning in the late 1700’s when Franciscan Missionaries planted some of the first wine grapes at the Mission San Miguel just north of Paso Robles. They are the home to various well-known wine festivals throughout the year. From Hospice du Rhone in April to May’s huge Paso Robles Wine Festival to the Garagiste Festival of small-lot wines in November, wine is well celebrated here on the Central Coast. You can find many of the happenings at the Wine Country Alliance events page and here at the Paso Robles Event Center calendar page.
- The Weather
With 286 sunny days and a mere 30 rainy days, the weather in Paso Robles would be considered a very comfortable climate for anyone. The average summertime high is 93 and winter low is 35. Although there can be summer days well over 100 and winter nights into the teens, those extremes are few and far between. Making Paso Robles a very easy place to live.
- The Community
Paso Robles a great place to raise a family. If you check the Paso Robles Downtown Mainstreet Association site you can find all of the family-friendly happenings from the Olive Festival in June with free samples of the one and only Olive Oil Ice Cream (try it with raspberry balsamic vinegar, sounds weird but is amazing) to the December Christmas Light Parade. In July the excitement moves to the east of town to the Paso Robles Horse Park for the annual Paso POPs Fourth of July Firework show. Just about every month there is a festival or gathering to celebrate. It is never boring in Paso Robles!
- Location, Location, Location
As any Realtor will tell you, it is always about the location. Paso Robles certainly has the location part nailed. It is halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and just a short drive from the beach or the valley on Highways 46 and 41. Due to the quick drive from L.A. Paso Robles is a hot spot for celebrity activity. Justin Timberlake, Will Ferrell, and Mel Gibson have all been spotted around the Central Coast. Note the photo below (Proof that he was here).
Will Ferrell at Thomas Hill Organics located in downtown Paso Robles
- The History
El Paso de Robles, or just plain Paso as us locals call it, was established in 1857 when brothers Daniel and James Blackburn along with Lazarus Godchaux purchased the Paso Robles Land Grant. The town was originally established at the corner of 10th and Spring Streets and was the location of the first bathhouse, due to an active hot spring. In 1860 Drury James came to the area, purchasing 10,000 acres east of town in the La Panza area. He and Daniel Blackburn then married Blackburn married sisters, Cecilia and Luisa Dunn. It is rumored that the famous outlaw and nephew of Drury, Jesse James once spent time in Paso and at his Uncles ranch. Over the years Paso would become well known for its therapeutic mineral hot springs, Polish pianist Ignacy Paderewski came here in search of a cure for his arthritic hands, the Pittsburg Pirates came to enjoy Spring training and Marilyn Monroe famously honeymooned here with Joe DiMaggio following their San Francisco wedding. But what brings people here today? Surprisingly, it isn’t much different.
- Free Beans in the Park
It has been a tradition for nearly 90 years on the second Saturday in October, Paso Robles Celebrates its rich history with Pioneer Day. Following the parade that starts at 10 am beans are served in the Downtown City Park free of charge. You can bring your own pot to take home or grab a bowl and enjoy them in the park. The recipe is closely guarded, but it is said to include:
- 1,200 pounds of beans
- 500 pounds of beef
- 100 pounds of bell peppers
- A pinch of seasoning (35 pounds)
- A dash of salt (40 pounds)
- And a lot of water!
The Beans are cooked in huge kettles from a whaling ship. Some hold 100 gallons of beans each!
- The Job Market
The job market here on the Central Coast is growing. The unemployment rate seems to maintain near 3.9% and has a mean hourly wage of $23.43, which is only 2% lower than the national average with management jobs having the highest hourly wage at $48.29. 67% of the jobs located on the Central Coast are white collar jobs. Average income for the Central Coast is just over $89,000.
- The Amazing Farmers Markets
Just about any day of the week, you can get farm fresh produce at one of the many farmer’s markets located throughout the North County. The North County Farmers Market page has a complete list of times and locations. Not to mention the famous Thursday night Farmers Market in Downtown San Luis Obispo, that offers fresh produce from local farmers as well as Cal Poly. Every Thursday (weather permitting) from 6pm to 9pm Higuera Street transforms into a giant outdoor market, with not only produce but local vendors and restaurants joining in.
- Awesome Hotels
Paso Robles is a great place to live and a fabulous place to visit. There are several highly acclaimed hotels such as the Hotel Cheval, which is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Paso Robles, just one block from the Downtown City Park to the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, located just outside of town in a lovely vineyard setting.
- The Hot Springs
Paso Robles has always been known for its healing mineral waters. You can enjoy these warm luxurious waters with a stay at the famous Paso Robles Inn or by the hour at the River Oaks Hot Springs and Spas for a mere $15 per person weekdays or $18 Friday thru Sunday.
Bonus: Since we wasted number #7 on boring statistics I will give you an extra post…
- The Food
Downtown Paso is home to many wonderful restaurants, any foodie would be right at home. There is Buona Tavola, and it’s Northern Italian cuisine, Rachel Ray visited the San Luis Obispo Location for her show Rachel Rays Tasty Travels or you can go French at Bistro Laurent. For a more casual laid back atmosphere stop in at Pappy McGregor’s Irish Pub for some amazing grub. In the summer months, the Lava Lave burger is to DIE for. It includes seared sushi grade ahi steak + sesame seeds + charred pineapple + crispy jalapeño + sesame ginger slaw + sriracha aioli= delicious! Monday thru Friday they offer $10 lunch menu 11am-3pm and Happy Hour from 3pm-6pm. It is definitely a must go eatery! I’m going to take you to the south of Paso to the town of Templeton for your next stop. Pier 46 is a small, let’s call it quaint, seafood market and cafe. It has only a few inside tables and a lovely outdoor patio eating area so grab a table when you see one available if you plan on staying. Hands down the BEST seafood that you will probably ever have. The clam chowder is AMAZING, Fish and chips AMAZING, and the Fish Tacos, again are AMAZING!
It is hard to get a bad meal in Paso Robles, from pizza to international cuisine they can all be found for a short walk around the park but for amazing seafood I highly recommend the drive to Pier 46, besides it’s on the way to the HWY 46 Wine Trail, make an afternoon of it and have some fun.
Amy Wilson is a Licensed Realtor in Paso Robles, California. If you have any real estate or travel questions about the Central Coast she is always available to help!
(805)610-8855
Amy Wilson, Realtor 