Blog

Driving Through the Heart of Hokkaido

Japan’s large north island shows a wildly different side of the country, with world-class inns, volcano hikes, soaking in spring water, and a lot of soft-serve ice cream.

Shoreline Park Neighbor Sells for $8.5 Million

Last week’s sales also include a half-built knoll-top estate for $27 million; Cove House’s spec reno behind Eucalyptus Hill; the 1920 Riviera house where trees were illegally cut down; 1958 Lower Riviera two-bedroom with guest apartment; and more.

New Price: Funk Zone Townhome With Two-Car Garage

This luxurious tri-level townhouse—with two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and space for an office—is in excellent condition and move-in ready. And it’s in the heart of the Funk Zone, with beaches, restaurants, tasting rooms, and more just minutes away.

The Biltmore Is Adding a Bunch of Shops

Plus: A big construction project in front of the hotel; Vuori has moved into the Athleta space; “sock-skating rink” on MOXI’s rooftop; protea garden tours in the Santa Ynez Valley; Gregory Alan Isakov to play the Arlington Theatre; explanation for the Rosewood Miramar Beach’s Italian flag.

A New Restaurant in the Former Courthouse Tavern Space

More food news: Azul says it’ll open next week; city officials did the Daisy wrong; “speakeasy” said to be coming to the San Ysidro Ranch; Bell’s raised its dinner price; Sunburst and Dang Burger are 21-and-over till the new liquor license arrives; Bettina’s popular cheesy bread.

Where in Santa Barbara…?

Know where this was shot? Prove it in the comments. (Update: We have a winner!)

The Summer Solstice Celebration Theme Is “Flights of Fancy”

Other recent news: Rain is in the forecast (as is a wet winter in general); verdict in the trial over house bought by Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom; the bitter battle between the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s teachers and leadership; State Street tattoo parlor moved to the Mesa; the history of Isla Vista; more on the former Child Estate; the mission of the U.S. Space Force.

Indoor-Outdoor Living Taken to the Next Level

Noteworthy new listings also include oceanfront on the private lane just past Hendry’s Beach; single-level sprawler across from Lotusland; semi-subterranean near Butterfly Beach; fresh renovation on the Riviera; Eucalyptus Hill fixer; and more.