Dear and I decided to escape the heat and drive north to Santa Barbara to have breakfast and a walk. We drove up to the top of San Marcos Pass and started down into the Santa Ynez Valley to stop at the Cold Springs Tavern for breakfast. It was so refreshing to have it cool enough that the tavern had a wood fire going.
History of the Tavern
Over one hundred twenty years ago, dusty stagecoaches stopped here at what was then known as “Cold Spring Relay Station” to change teams of horses and allow travelers to rest at this stagecoach stop and enjoy one of the most delicious meals in the Old West.
The Tavern was purchased in 1941 by Adelaide Ovington and her daughter, Audrey. Today the tavern is still a “rest stop” though now the travelers arrive in more modern coaches to enjoy the food and refreshment.
After breakfast we drove further on Stagecoach Road and got some great views of the Cold Springs Arch Bridge and the Santa Ynez Valley.
Then we headed back to Santa Barbara for a walk along the beach and a bird refuge. I’ll post my beach and bird photos another time. Hope you all are having a nice weekend.
Photobucket is holding all my photos from 2007-2015 hostage demanding a ransom that I can’t afford. So frustrating as I try to clean up my posts and delete their ugly squares of black and grey off my blog posts!
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Your road trip sure seems wonderful to me. The scenery and that great tavern…how much fun you must have had!
What a fun day trip!
What a awesome building – I would love to be there!
A place Steve and I must explore next time! How fun is that!
I love that drive! The bridge is amazing, isn’t it? We’ve been saying for years that we want to go to Cold Springs Tavern. I didn’t know they served breakfast. Hmmmm, I think I’ll suggest it to The Professor.
Our chaplain has arrived home safe and sound!
Rustic cabin restaurant…….Santa Barbara……somehow doesn’t go together…..but fun!
I gather you’re feeling better?
cool tavern!
OH MY GOSH! I want to live in that darling structure! Was the food good or just so so? How do you get there…I’ll map quest it! It looks like a great day destination.
Happy trails, Cori G.
Cold Springs Tavern looks like a perfect escape and maybe even from more than the heat. Sort of a step back in time. Intriguing!