In Santa Barbara, we’re proud of our diverse history, which spans multiple cultures and centuries. The Chumash, the indigenous people who dwelled in the central and southern coastal regions of California from San Luis Obispo to Malibu and Simi Valley, play the biggest role in Santa Barbara’s history and influence our environmentally conscious mentality to this day.
With their advanced maritime skills, the coastal Chumash navigated the seas travelling along the coast to the now-called Channel Islands to visit, trade with, and inhabit these regions. Their ocean expertise distinguishes them from most other inland tribes; they invented the tomol, a raft-like boat made of sealed wood planks, with which to trade and travel. The Chumash’s artisan and practical skills, such as intricate basket weaving; creating stone cookware; building tomols, homes, as well as other structures; and finding dietary and functional uses for the region’s abundance of acorns, allowed them to live off the land and sea—hunting, fishing, and making use of its resources. The sea was a vital part of Chumash life, and the indigenous people of our region were deeply spiritual and held many values, such that they built their lifestyle around these cornerstones of their culture: sustainably living off the land and balancing their impact, while also contributing back to nature.
When the Spanish made contact with the region and began to colonize the area, the Chumash population dramatically decreased due to the introduction of devastating European diseases and living under the Mission system. The Spanish’s arrival marked a dramatic shift and threat to the Chumash way of life and culture, which Mexican and American rule further compounded. Though much smaller in population than at the Chumash’s peak, we are fortunate that many descendants still call Santa Barbara home, and we celebrate and support their thriving culture and history today.
We encourage you to explore and experience a bit of the rich Chumash history and culture in Santa Barbara and its environs during your next stay from public art displays mere steps from our hotel to an afternoon painting session offered at a beautiful Chumash-owned vineyard in Santa Ynez!
By Foot:
Start your exploration of Chumash culture in Santa Barbara at the Syuxtun Story Circle. From our hotel, walk toward Stearns Wharf, turn right and walk along West Beach’s sidewalk where you will encounter an elaborate, twenty-foot, collaborative mosaic of which the Santa Barbara Independent’s Matt Kettmann says, “while based on stories from a millennia-old oral tradition and specific events of the past, [the Syuxtun Story Circle] is full of messages for the present and a symbol of hope for the future.”
Likewise, step into Chumash history at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum with their “Historic Path” exhibit, which features a Chumash tomol and artifacts that speak of a life at sea. Located at the Santa Barbara Harbor, the Maritime Museum is a few blocks further from the Syuxtun Story Circle.
Hanging out downtown? Stroll over to the 600 block of Garden Street to admire the Chumash sidewalk art in front of 630 and 617 Garden. While headed north on State Street, take a right on Cota Street and a left on Garden to find these gorgeous paintings underfoot.
Further Afield:
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History houses an unrivaled collection of Chumash artifacts and an in-depth, year-round Chumash Hall exhibition. Located just behind the mission at 2559 Puesta del Sol, this collection, which explores this culture from the past to the present, is a must see.
Get a glimpse of the intersection of Spanish and Chumash culture at the Santa Barbara Mission. Here, an exhibition of sculptures, created by the Missions’ resident Chumash, which are some of the only and largest sculptures crafted by Native Americans in existence, awaits. The Mountain Lion sculpture located on the south side of the Lavanderia on the Mission’s front lawn is free to view and an exceptional example of Chumash carving skills and style. Remember, when you visit the mission, that the Chumash contributed to much of what you see with their skilled handiwork.
Worth the Drive:
Visit the Painted Cave State Historic Park to view original rock paintings created by Chumash. These early rock paintings are nestled in a cave and depict figures and animals. Take 101 North to Highway 154, and turn right on Painted Cave Road. On the left side, look for a cave about “two miles up a steep, narrow road.” – Painted Cave State Historic Park
The Chumash lived in harmony with nature and this mindset continues to influence our city today. In recognition of Earth Day this month and the Chumash’s sustainable practices, celebrate it with a fun, free, and unique event at Chumash Earth Day, located at 100 Via Juana Rd, Santa Ynez, California 93460.
Try winemaker Tara Gomez’s Kitá Wines at her Lompoc tasting room to sample the infusion of Chumash history into wine through stories, subtle notes, and sustainability. You can also sign up to attend a fun, Santa Ynez vineyard event, such as Paint in the Vineyardwith Kitá at Camp 4 Vineyard on April 29 at 11 am with Gypsy Studios.
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100% Yogyakarta, performed at Concert Hall Taman Budaya, 2015, Courtesy Goethe-Institut Indonesien, Photo: Berto Gesit
The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara is no stranger to providing meaningful engagement with the cutting-edge art of our time, but the museum’s latest scoop surely puts this stylish exhibition space head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to modern interactive video installations and performance art.
Helgard Kim Haug, Stefan Kaegi and Daniel Wetzel - who together make up ‘Rimini Protokoll’, a cutting-edge Berlin-based artist collective - have been working as a team since 2000. Their work in the realm of theater, sound, radio plays, film and installations focuses upon gaining unusual, ground-breaking perspectives on our modern everyday reality.
The Rimini Protocol: City as Stage exhibition is running until April 30, featuring two major works: 100% City - an immersive interactive video installation at MCASB’s main location; and Home Visit USA - a participatory performance taking place at various private residences throughout Santa Barbara County. Both pieces explore self-determined representations in our increasingly globalized world.
The artists are inviting audiences to actively delve into concepts about how we define local community and national identity. Using statistics, political mechanisms and personal stories, the artists are calling attention to how our multifaceted portrayals of ‘place’ are formed.
100% City is an expansive video installation that highlights a series of the artists’ previous performances in 28 cities across the globe. In these performances 100 everyday citizens from each city express their views on integral themes like aging, warfare, migration and relationships.
Alternatively, Home Visit USA is a participatory work in which small groups of people gather together at private homes around Santa Barbara County to experience cultural exchanges with strangers.
The perfect choice for an arty European-style getaway, the Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara blends the historic beauty with the architectural sophistication of contemporary design. Offering hip, affordable accommodation for style-minded guests, the hotel is positioned just one block from the beach – an ideal location that borders the legendary ‘Funk Zone’, the city's artistic epicenter.
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For those who are visiting Santa Barbara for the first time, be aware that there is more to this beautiful beach town than well ... the beach! The mesmerizing blue waves and sunny skies often overshadow our majestic mountains, but the rolling hills and high peaks contain some of the most beautiful hiking spots around. If you’re looking for stunning Santa Barbara views and to work up a sweat while you’re at it, we’ve got the inside scoop on three top places to start your adventure. Trust us when we say, the view at the top makes the journey worth it.
Remember to make the most out of your hiking experience by grabbing a picnic basket, filling it with a local Merlot and equally delicious gouda, and enjoying a picnic at the top!
1. Lizard’s Mouth
As one of the more playful hiking trails in the area, Lizard’s Mouth offers boulder climbing while taking in beautiful views for those in the mood to explore! This hike is less than a mile and moderately strenuous. Just take care to follow the trail, wear solid hiking/running shoes, and watch your step as you make your way over the small slopes. Once you arrive to the boulder area, feel free to explore the mini caves, hop from boulder to boulder, and get in a great cardio workout as you weave in and out of the trails.
Trail Head: Head up highway 154 and make a left on West Camino Cielo. Follow the winding road for roughly three miles. The trailhead will be on the left-hand side just a few hundred feet before the Winchester Gun Club. If you reach a point where the road becomes unpaved, you’ve gone too far. Otherwise, park on the side of the road, get out there, and enjoy a sunny day of rock scrambling!
Link to trail map: http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/lizards-mouth-santa-barbara/
2. Romero Canyon
Located in Montecito, this hiking trails receives 5 ruffs from canine companions. Though not too steep, this trail consistently gains elevation on a gradual incline for roughly three miles. At the beginning of the trail, the lush trees and plants provide a thick blanket of shade, but as you continue the climb, you’ll notice the blue sky peeking through the trees with less shade as you near the top. Since there are many different sub-trails on this hike, you can decide which way you want to go on the spot, but looking at a map ahead of time is beneficial. Once you reach the three-way fork near the top of the trail, we recommend making a right and following the trail back to your car. That loop is roughly six miles, however, as soon as you turn right, the trail changes from an incline to a gradual decline for the rest of the way, letting you enjoy the magnificent views during your descent.
Trail Head: Hop on 101 South, and exit on Sheffield Drive. Keep in mind this is a left lane exit. Make a left to go under the bridge, and make an immediate right. Follow the wind up the road and make a left on East Valley Road and an immediate right on Romero Canyon road. Follow Romero Canyon road until you reach the fork, then make a right at the fork. Turn right on Bella Vista road, and keep driving for a quarter of a mile. Once you reach the stream crossing, park the car on the side of the road. The trail begins at the metal gate on the dirt road.
Link to trail map: http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/romero-canyon-trail
3. Tangerine Falls
Don’t be fooled by the name. Although there used to be a waterfall during the days of abundant H20 in Santa Barbara, it has all but dried up at this point in time. We, also, haven’t found any tangerines. However, don’t let that deter you from exploring Tangerine Falls. This trail is the perfect place to work out your glutes due to its steep incline. There are two ways you can start this hike. At the trailhead, you’ll notice a path on the left that begins with a gradual incline through the trees, and a trailhead on the right that automatically begins with a steep incline. We recommend starting on the right-hand side and working up a sweat as you quickly gain altitude. Don’t worry, the hike to the top is no more than a mile and a half; but, once you reach top, the sweat will be worth it. While taking in stunning views of Santa Barbara and its environs, you’ll be glad you made the trip. When you are ready to head back down, follow the dirt road for a quarter of a mile and make a left on the first trail you see on the left-hand side. This trail descends gradually, so that you can enjoy the beauty of the trees and plants around you. You’ll even cross a cute little stream, which provides a relaxing space in which to take in your surroundings.
Trail Head: Take 101 South, and exit at Olive Mill Road. Make a left, and keep following the road as it turns into Hot Springs Road. Make a left on Mountain Drive. Drive one mile and park your car once you hit the stream crossing. When you see the Cold Springs Trail, you’ll know you’re in the right place!
Link to trail map: http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/tangerine-falls-in-the-los-padres-national-forest/
Safe Hiking Pro Tips:
-Make sure to bring lots of water for you (and your pup) and drink it often.
-Give yourself enough time and daylight to complete the trail.
-Bring a flashlight just in case the sun starts to set.
-Wear solid running or hiking shoes.
-Make sure to take breaks if/when needed.
-Bring a map! Not all trails have cell phone reception.
-Don’t hike by yourself. Go with at least one other person.
-Don’t stray from the trail. Sometimes it is easy to get lost.
-Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the Santa Barbara sun.
-Bring snacks!
-Tell a friend where you’re going hiking, so that way someone knows of your location.
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Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is where The American Riviera celebrates modern food and tastes. Full of fun and funky boutiques and tasting rooms, the Funk Zone will liven up any trip to Santa Barbara and make it sing with food, shopping, and one of a kind experiences.
LES MARCHANDS’ NEW BRUNCH
Les Marchands is a beacon of taste run by citizens of the world who LOVE wine and good food. Famous for their bar, and their wine and charcuturie pairings, Les Marchands is expanding into brunch so that you can start your day with truly amazing cuisine.
HELENA AVENUE BAKERY
Sharing a space with Funk Zone mainstay The Wine Collective, Helena Avenue Bakery is devoted to making artisanal breads and pastries the right way. Every item on the menu is handmade and utterly delicious, whether you pick a hearty loaf of sourdough or a croissant that is as buttery and flaky as it is light. Helena Avenue also has a Picnic Counter so that you can find the perfect accompaniment to your trip to the beach.
LAMA DOG TAPROOM
Wine is elegant and refined, but sometimes what you really want is a cold glass of beer. Lama Dog is here to fill that gap. A perfect space to sit with old friends or to make new ones, Lama Dog offers 20 diverse beers on tap and features a revolving cast of speciality bottles, so that you can find the perfect accompaniment to a sunny afternoon in Santa Barbara.
A refined trip to Santa Barbara deserves a refined stay. The Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara--One of USA Today’s Top 10 Art Hotels--is the perfect complement to the wine, artisanal foods, and shopping you’ll find in the Funk Zone and beyond. Book your stay today!
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assume vivid astro focus, àngeles veloces arcanos fugaces, 2014, Roller disco installation at Faena Art Center, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Courtesy the Artist. Photo: Carolina Bonfanti
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB), which is located just a short walk, drive or bus ride away from our cozy, boutique hotel, brings intriguing art installations to town. This August, that trend continues, as the museum opens its doors for an incredible, interactive exhibition called avalanches volcanoes asteroids floods.
Created by colorful New York/Berlin-based artist collective assume vivid astro focus (avaf), avalanches volcanoes asteroids floods’ runs from August 14th through January 1st of 2017 at MCASB.
This installation examines “our collective anxiety around natural disasters” by creating an engaging and tactile experience for museum-goers. This will be accomplished through the use of an array of multi media, including printed rugs, hanging fabric, theatrical backdrops, wall coverings, and more. Guests are encouraged to meander through this stimulating setting and interact with it by laying on the ground, listening to music, “rearranging elements, and creating their own performances using the provided materials and environment.” This looming addition to the museum will be like few others before it.
Check out this ground-breaking exhibition for yourself on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00am to 5pm, Thursdays from 11:00am to 8:00pm, and Sundays from noon to 5:00pm (the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Admission to the museum is free, though donations are welcome.
You'll need a comfortable home base for any exploration of Santa Barbara’s incredible art scene, and there is no better choice than our gorgeous, boutique hotel. With a selection of chicly decorated rooms, a range of convenient amenities, and a prime location in the heart of Santa Barbara, we’re sure we can make your visit a special one. We look forward to welcoming you to town!
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Santa Barbara boasts a robust Mexican-American community, whose culture and influence permeates our town. From our famed tacos to mariachi masters and more, our city’s riches include a plethora of experiences from México, a country of which California was once a part. Though California joined the United States in 1850, our ties to México remain strong; one of our Sister Cities is Puerta Vallarta, MEX, and each year Santa Barbara hosts friends and does exchanges with representatives from this popular vacation getaway spot.
Start by delving into large collections of Mexican folk art, ranging from pre-hispanic to current day, including artifacts such as Talavera from Puebla and Alebrijes from Oaxaca at Casa Dolores. The Botiller Adobe—the only remaining two-story adobe in the city—houses this museum, which is also known as the Center for the Study of the Popular Arts of Mexico. Explore every part of the house to appreciate the history that resides within.
General Vallejo's Sahumandor (perfumer. Maker unknown, Mexican, c. 1823-43. Pure silver. Gift of Pearl Chase. 50.60.10.2. Courtesy of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
Check out the Santa Barbara Historical Museum’s “The Story of Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Under Mexican Rule” exhibition to brush up on our history as part of Alta California. Of particular note is General Vallejo’s chair and several oil paintings of notable persons. Considering that this exhibition is permanent, feel free to stop by at your leisure during their open hours.
The Buenaventura Pico Adobe, located at 920 Anacapa Street on the grounds of El Presidio de Santa Barbara, is a Mexican-period adobe. View the exterior of this historic structure to get a sense of our city in the 1830s under Mexican rule.
While Fiesta–our famed festival, which runs from August 3–7—is known as Old Spanish Days, many of the sights, sounds, and tastes you will experience are Mexican in origin.
Courtesy of Old Spanish Days- Fiesta
Catch Las Noches de Ronda, a nightly celebration taking place from August 4–6, 8 pm, at our Santa Barbara County Courthouse sunken gardens, which features many of our residents performing traditional dances. Of particular note are the Mexican Folklórico dances, a style of dancing which features colorful costumes, heel stomping, and references to folk tales.
Take part in the heart of Fiesta as you stroll through the colorful el Mercado de la Guerra, located in de la Guerra Plaza downtown. Tacos, tamales, and fresh fruit await the hungry traveler. Mexican crafts and souvenirs, such as dresses, Lucha Libre masks, sombreros, and more are available for purchase. Live entertainment, often featuring Spanish-language vocals and local acts, starts in the morning and continues well into the evening. Acts will be announced in late July. For more information, click the link below!
Courtesy of the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival
The 21st annual Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival returns to the Santa Barbara Bowl on August 6th. Co-founded by prominent Mexican-American city leaders Salud Carbajal and the late Alberto Pizano, the mission of the festival is to promote and preserve the tradition of mariachi music. Mariachi music was developed in the 19th century in México and often features stringed instruments, trumpets, and vocals; distinctive decorative costumes; and rhythms similar to polkas and waltzes. By bathing in the beautiful mariachi melodies, you will also support advocates for creating a brighter future for Santa Barbara’s Latino youths, as this festival also serves as a non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships to Latinos in our midst.
While La Super-Rica, a taquería lauded by Julia Child and recently immortalized by Katy Perry in her song “This Is How We Do,” is perhaps our most well-known eatery, a multitude of other tasty Mexican restaurants flourish here.
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food to enjoy during your stay, pop into one of downtown’s hidden gems and an award-winning taco shop: Lilly’s Taquería. Here, explore the world of tacos, including more adventurous options such as labia, cabeza, oja y mas (Beef lip, head, eyes and more) as well as more typical meat offerings and vegetarian option for the herbivores.
Can’t fathom a stop in Santa Barbara without some Mexican Food on Milpas? Try Los Agaves. Indulge your taste buds with their specials such as Molcajetes to Mole Enchiladas or simple tasty fare such as fajita burritos or taquitos and tacos. A local favorite, this Mexican restaurant has a short wait at peak times, but it’s well worth it!
Maria Rendón's "Snowman"
Upon returning to the hotel, we recommend contemplating artworks by local resident and México City native, Maria Rendón. Her contemporary, abstract paintings explore “the impression of what is not there” and “what is there” and how transitory our world is. Be sure to see her piece “Snowman” which cascades down from above our stairway as part of our MCASB “Shift, Stretch, Expand: Everyday Transformations” exhibition.
For those who would like to read news in Spanish, Santa Barbara’s bilingual paper El Latino is available online.
We hope you enjoy experiencing Santa Barbara’s Mexican-American culture!
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Summer in Santa Barbara is an absolute paradise. The long, warm, salty days and temperate nights are filled with surfers, travelers, locals, and nomads alike looking to find adventure in our beautiful city. This summer promises a selection of intriguing events that are bound to give you your fill of fun, sun, mouthwatering excitement, and more.
Zoo Brew: June 4
Photo Courtesy: Santa Barbara Zoo
Have you ever dreamed of drinking a beer with a lion? Zoo Brew is probably the closest you’ll ever get to making such a fantastical dream real. Grab your friends and head down to the Santa Barbara Zoo to take part in a quirky concoction of animal viewing and beer tasting. With over thirty breweries participating, you’ll taste a plethora of brews from the 805 while hanging out with cute creatures from around the world. Pub food and merchandise will also be available for purchase. Lions, and tigers, and brews, oh my!
Craft Brew Circus: June 11th
This traveling circus is making a stop at nearby Chase Palm Park on its ultimate Craft Brew Tour, which offers a heady mix of live entertainment, insane stunts, yummy food, and enticing brews. Embrace your wild side as you enter the domain of groovy tunes and acrobatic performers. With a ticket for unlimited tastings and a commemorative Craft Brew Circus cup, you’ll want to show off to all of your friends.
Goldroom High Seas Boat Tour: June 17th
For those who haven’t heard of the one and only Goldroom, he’s a deejay with a funky name and some even funkier beats. He’s making his way up and down the California coast this summer on a unique tour called the Goldroom High Seas Boat Tour. You heard that right...boat tour. That means you need to grab that sailor hat sitting in the back of your closet, some sunscreen, and your dancing shoes, and get ready to party with the man himself. All aboard the Condor Express!
Santa Barbara Wine Festival: June 25th
Get out and enjoy the warm summer air with the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum as you partake in their annual Santa Barbara Wine Festival. What better way to mingle with some winemakers, bakers, and chefs than with a glass of wine in hand under the majestic oak trees. As you taste your way through some of the top Central Coast wines, enjoy local cuisine from a variety of food vendors, who are providing their best dishes for your noshing pleasure.
California Wine Festival: July 14th- July 16th
You’re in luck! Santa Barbara hosts this festival to top all festivals this year; the summer reverie commences as thousands of wine enthusiasts, travelers, locals, and dreamers flock to this annual wine-tasting event. With over thirty-five wineries in attendance, you can already imagine the sweet remnants of the pinot noir on your lips. However, there will be much more than wine to satisfy your California cravings. This three-day fest combines food, music, sand, sun, and the salty ocean to give you one of the biggest and hottest outdoor festivals in the state! With events happening at Chase Palm Field and Park, you’re only a few blocks away from the action when you stay with us. Reserve your room today and get ready to taste those reserves in July!
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The stage is heating up this month — Center Stage, that is! The intimate Santa Barbara theater has a wide array of performances in May, from classic ballets to spoken word. Book your stay with us here at Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara to make the most of it all. We’re conveniently located, just minutes away from the theater, with luxurious, eco-friendly accommodations and fabulous on-site amenities including a rooftop lounge and dry cleaning services. For an even bigger dose of culture, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara across from Center Stage Theatre, and their satellite museum right here at our hotel.
Yankee Tavern
Award-winning Santa Barbara theater company, the Producing Unit, presents Yankee Tavern until May 21. Written by Steven Dietz, the play is set in a New York City bar where cynical regulars debate their ideas on some of America’s most controversial current events.
Literary Potpourri
Two Literary Potpourri performances — an afternoon and evening one — will hit Center Stage on May 22. This spoken-word extravaganza presents a new piece from author Christina Winn; comedic relief from P.G. Wodehouse; a story from Nobel Prize-winner, Nadine Gordimer; and even a tale that inspired an episode of the Twilight Zone. The performers will be available after the show to discuss their performances over complimentary cookies and milk.
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We’re extremely passionate about preserving the environment in beautiful Santa Barbara and, here at Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara, we do everything that we can to help. We’re proud to be a one of the few green hotels in the area, with sustainable initiatives literally built into our foundation — energy-efficient double-pane windows and on-demand water heaters; a drip irrigation watering system; and an air-quality improving plant-filled living wall. Amenities including a filtered water bottle refilling station, earth-friendly toiletries, water-conserving showerheads, and complimentary bicycles give you, our guest, the opportunity to make your mark in the conservation movement, as well. And, if you’re visiting us in the month of May, there are plenty of fun green things to do around town. Here are a few of our suggestions!
Do-It-Yourself Bicycle Tours
The Goleta Bicycle Ride is flat, 21.2 miles long ride. This route begins at Goleta Beach County Park, where you’ll pass through quiet residential areas, beautiful lemon and avocado orchards, and finally return to your starting point by riding along the Obern Trail bike path.
For more advanced riders, the 15.9 Mountain Drive Bicycle Ride us for you. This ride takes you 800 feet above Santa Barbara for sweeping views of the city and ocean from Mountain Drive. On a really clear day, you might be able to see the Channel Islands.
Enjoy Locally Sourced Cuisine
Mesa Verde Restaurant is a vegan and organic restaurant that features a Mediterranean-Inspired menu boasting locally harvested ingredients. Be sure to try the roasted mushroom and vegetables burger, which packs in winter squash, carrots, chickpeas, lettuce, tomatoes, cornichons, and cashews.
For those who can’t live without their morning smoothies, make a stop at Ah Juice Organics Cafe where they promise that if they "cannot find an organic source for all ingredients in a dish, you won’t find it on our menu.” Alongside freshly pressed organic juices and smoothies, you can enjoy organic, healthy, whole-grain pastries sweetened with honey and house-made soups and salads served with locally-made artisan sourdough.
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Earth Day is right around the corner! You may be looking forward to the annual festival for the music, food, and activities, however, there is more to Earth Day than a good time with friends and family. The Earth Day celebration originated right here in sunny Santa Barbara back in 1970 after a major oil spill rocked our seaside town. At the time, it was known as the largest oil spill in the country, resulting in devastating consequences for our oceans and beaches. From that moment on, the people of Santa Barbara knew that they had to take an initiative to make sure something so destructive would never happen again. That crucial moment put the future of our city into perspective.
Fast forward a little over thirty years and you’ll end up on lower State Street looking up at our historic, building adjacent to the Funk Zone. That’s right; you’re at the Hotel Indigo Santa Barbara. Here at the hotel, we understand the importance of environmental consciousness, and we take many steps to ensure that we leave as small of a footprint as we can on our environment. Protecting Santa Barbara and all of its natural splendors is one of our top priorities. Learn about a few of our green features below.
1. Living Wall and Green Spaces
While roaming through our hotel to view the art exhibition, head up to the second floor to admire our ever-blooming plant wall. Our living wall, which we call a Vertical Garden, accurately reflects our harmony with nature and the care we take to keep our natural world flourishing. Our drought friendly landscaping saves water in the best ways we know how. You’ll even notice lovely succulents adorning our outdoor terraces; just perfect for our year-round warm and sunny weather!
2. Car-Free Initiative
We take great pride in our environmental friendliness, and we also encourage our guests to help us with our efforts by using car-free methods of transportation. Whether you take a train, bus, or bike, let us know so we can hook you up with a sweet token of appreciation! We also offer complimentary bike rentals so you can see Santa Barbara through a local’s eyes.
3. Environmentally Friendly Bathrooms
Bathing in style doesn’t mean you can’t be green and water-wise. We give you the best of both worlds with our renowned bathing amenities, such as our natural and fragrance free Aveda products as well as our on-demand water heaters. This way you can enjoy a luxurious shower without worrying about a thing. Don’t forget about our low-flow, dual-flush toilets as well as our water-conserving shower heads!
4. Efficient Cleaning System
Our housekeeping services clean thoroughly with as little waste and chemicals as possible. We use select eco-friendly cleaning products, such as an ionized water cleaning system, to refresh our hotel the natural way.
5. Unique, Space-Saving Design
By preserving the historic walls and foundation of our hotel, we established a precedent for an eco-friendly space from the ground up. We incorporated space-saving features, such as wet bathrooms with convertible showers and all-in-one storage closets. The intimate nature of our rooms result in a smaller carbon footprint and provide guests with a cozy yet comfortable stay, whether they are traveling for business or for pleasure!
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