Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
LOTUSLAND
In 1941 the eccentric opera singer and socialite Madame Ganna Walka bought the 37
acres that make up Lotusland ( GOOGLE MAP ; info 805-969-3767, reservations
805-969-9990; www.lotusland.org ; 695 Ashley Rd; adult/child 3-18yr $45/20; tours by appt 10am
& 1:30pm Wed-Sat mid-Feb-mid-Nov; ) with money from the fortunes she inherited after
marrying - and then divorcing - a string of wealthy men. She spent the next four decades
tending and expanding this incredible collection of rare and exotic plants from around the
world; there are over 120 varieties of aloe alone. Come in summer when the lotuses
bloom, typically during July and August. Reservations are required for tours, but the
phone is only attended from 9am to 5pm weekdays, 9am to 1pm Saturday.
Summerland
Pop 1450
This drowsy seaside community was founded in the 1880s by HL Williams, a real-estate
speculator. Williams was also a spiritualist, whose followers believed in the power of me-
diums to connect the living with the dead. Spiritualists were rumored to keep hidden
rooms in their homes for séances with the dearly departed - a practice that earned the town
the indelicate nickname of 'Spookville.'
Today, those wanting to connect to the past wander the town's antique shops, where you
won't find any bargains, but you can ooh and ahh over beautiful furniture, jewelry and art
from decades or even centuries gone by. From Hwy 101 southbound, take exit 91 and turn
north, then right onto Lillie Ave. To find the beach, turn south off exit 91 instead and cross
the railroad tracks to cliffside Lookout Park ( www.countyofsb.org/parks ; Lookout Park Rd;
8am-sunset; ) , with a kids' playground, picnic tables, barbecue grills and access to a
wide, relatively quiet stretch of sand (leashed dogs OK).
Grab breakfast or brunch at the Victorian seaside-style Summerland Beach Café (
GOOGLE MAP ; 805-969-1019; www.summerlandbeachcafe.com ; 2294 Lillie Ave; mains $7-14;
7am-3pm Mon-Fri, to 4pm Sat & Sun; ) , known for its fluffy omelettes, and enjoy the
ocean breezes on the patio. Or walk over to Tinker's ( GOOGLE MAP ; 2275 Ortega Hill Rd;
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