••• I peeked over the fence again at the Biltmore for another look at the pools under construction. The pair of rustic wooden poles in the shot below make me think it’s going to have a tropical, thatched-hut vibe.
••• The Picklr pickleball complex in Goleta has changed its name to The Grove.
••• The self-guided Ojai Studio Artists Tour is October 10-12—just over a month should be long enough for you to plan a route and figure out where to have lunch.
••• Opening September 19 at Separate Reality: Almost Someplace Familiar, paintings by Santa Barbara artist Sam Avelar. Below: “Sailboat Detail.”
••• From the city: “The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department has begun a multi-week project at Franceschi Park to improve existing trails and walking paths and provide access to more areas of the 17-acre open space park. Crews will construct more than 1,500 linear feet of new trails to connect the parking lot, the Franceschi Bust, the upper meadow, and the existing trail system. […] The project will also improve access to the park’s upper meadow, passing through eucalyptus, towering cacti, and oak trees, with sweeping views of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and the ocean. […] Trail work is expected to continue into October.” More here.
••• Goleta’s Mission Refill announced that it will close on October 30.
••• Montecito Peak has been my favorite hike of late, but every time I do it, I wonder what happened alongside this part of the trail. Any guesses?
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Looks like there likely was a falling out with the Picklr franchisor.
These systems have ironclad contracts and usually don’t let franchisees leave the system without a fight.
Walked by the Biltmore today and noticed huge boulders atop the tiki huts – looks like a tacky ’70s Disneyland Jungle Cruise ride in there. Totally out of place – makes me sad to see this happening to such a landmark and hoping someone will come to their senses.
Don’t worry, given the owner there is a good chance if it opens at all it will be different than it currently appears.
In keeping with the “theme park” Gilligan’s Island vibe, the 10’ + – tall “rock” waterfall adjacent to the lazy river, is fabricated from concrete, with a faux paint finish. Looks like a bad toupee.
The Biltmore was such an iconic and beautiful property. It’s tragic what they’ve done to it. Also, I find that the reporting on Ty’s properties here lacks the signature siteline snark and critical analysis.
Yes ” The Biltmore was such an iconic and beautiful property “. The new palapa ” tiki ” look is totally out of place…. Disneyland goes to Las Vegas. I hear there will be a ” swim up ” bar. And where is the Siteline snark ? I cringe every time I walk by the Biltmore and take a peak at what is going on. Makes me sad.
Preventative trail maintenance like this reduce the effects of erosion from rain and trail degradation.
This area of trail is most likely being widened by trail users so by marking a clear path with rocks and piling limbs and brush it should allow the vegetation to fill back and discourage trails users from short cutting and trail widening and limit the effects of erosion if paired with a proper water bar or drainage route.
Simple but effective.
Good eye! I recall this section being reworked to correct a severely entrenched section.
SAGE Trail Alliance is building the trails at Franceschi. We’re very happy with how its all turning out, worth a visit for sure!
I spend many days a week for my walk along the beachfront in front of the Biltmore. I still love the area but as do many; I cringe as I peek inside the ugly fencing and one day actually walked inside eventually being stopped. I told them I was married there 33 years ago and miss our yearly celebration dinner. I don’t think I will ever want to return…it looks like an amusement park rather than a lovely historical hotel!!!
The Towbes Group is the reason for Mission Refill’s closure. Their unreasonable lease terms have pushed out and purposely prevented viable locally and independently owned businesses from operating in the Calle Real Center. We are going to continue to see national franchises open in the center that meet Towbes’ profit optimization model over community interest or needs.