Happy Hour sans cheese

The Upham has a nice lobby where in the evening they serve complimentary wine. I was surprised there was no cheese or crackers or anything else to accompany it. I know that alcohol is bad, but this is wine country, so why not go all the way and serve crackers and cheese like they did up in Sonoma? I must say though that it was the last best-tasting pinot grigio I've ever had, and given the cost of wine these days was worth it.

Jacaranda Suite

Among the outbuildings at the Upham Hotel was the Jacaranda Suite, where we stayed that night. It was comfortable and spacious and even had a private patio. The bedroom was a touch plain, but worked.

Upham Hotel

Built in 1871, the famous Upham Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Santa Barbara. We've seen it many times and dined there a few times, but this was the first time we actually stayed there. It was great because, as I suspected, there is a whole world beyond the main building featuring gardens and outbuildings. It's a nice world - you just don't see it from the street.

Dart garden - the books

Dart garden, part 2

Dart garden

The famously pleasant Dart Coffee garden, revisited after some five years. What was different was the addition of this yellow house (an art gallery), providing even more seating options. Also, the shop now has restrooms, which is a game-changing improvement. Crossing the street with your coffees is still a bit dicey, but it's a small price to pay for paradise.

Reunion

I must say that the food at Reunion - the restaurant inside the Cabrillo Pavilion - was above average in the departments of being healthy, interesting and innovative. The salad was good but I especially liked the miso garlic noodles. Good food by the beach = a winning combo. This place is actually part of a chain with four other locations throughout Southern CA.