What's New in San Luis Obispo County

From New Tours at Hearst Castle to New Winery Ampitheaters, it's all about Pure Play this Summer on California's Central Coast

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- San Luis Obispo County, located halfway between San Francisco and L.A. on California's wildly beautiful Central Coast, offers many new reasons to visit this summer, from renovated hotels and hip new restaurants to fascinating tours and a new renowned vineyard amphitheater.  Here are just a few of the latest visitor industry developments, and you can find out more at Visit San Luis Obispo County's exciting new website www.VisitSanLuisObispoCounty.com – featuring everything from regional overviews and events to activities and trip ideas.

DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES UNDERGOING MAJOR RENAISSANCE: WAVE OF NEW TOURISM BUSINESSES

Downtown Paso Robles, the heart of one of California's leading wine regions, continues its ongoing renaissance with a wave of tourism developments:

Wining and Dining Developments

The James Beard-nominated Artisan restaurant just opened its new location at 843 12^th Street last month, directly on the main square.  A few doors away is new Spanish/Latin American eatery La Cosecha Bar + Restaurant, featuring regional ingredients prepared by celebrated chef Santos MacDonal. 

Nearby two brewpubs debuted: Paso Robles Brewing Company (PRBC), where beer fans can taste homemade, local and nationally acclaimed brews from 21 taps, local ciders and wines; and BarrelHouse Brewing Co, a 17-barrel brew house featuring a bottling operation, lavish beer garden and live music.

Paso Underground tasting room features limited production wines from four of Paso Robles' rising star winemakers – from Aaron, Clos Solene, Edmond August and Turtle Rock Vineyards. Clautiere Vineyards Renovated Tasting Room, just completed an extensive renovation of their large barn, including a state-of-the-art sound stage. Wine lovers can experience a new 90-minute guided vineyard and food pairing tour at Ancient Peaks at Santa Margarita Ranch, home to Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast, featuring an intimate hands-on look at growing wine from the ground to glass, followed by a special wine and food pairing experience. 

Hotel Renovations

The La Quinta Inn & Suites recently announced a year-long expansion scheduled to start summer 2013. Changes include 37 new rooms, some of which will include luxurious Villa Suites with special features such as full-sized balconies, fireplaces, and full kitchenettes.  Paso Robles Inn is scheduled to complete a multi-million dollar renovation this month, including new paint, décor, guestroom furniture, soft goods and spa tubs.

Shopping and Entertainment

The region's hottest new music venue, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, recently opened with top-tier global entertainment. Perched on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside in Paso Robles, the intimate, 3,300-seat boutique venue features a historic California missions style with state-of-the art features.

The new General Store Paso Robles offers artful provisions for picnic, pantry and home with a heavy focus on local products, while Euro-sleek AnBe Boutique features beautiful and unique jewelry, handbags, home accessories and clothing. 

For more details on the above developments click here for a full version of the release.

OTHER DESTINATION NEWS

Hotel Happenings

Many hotels throughout the region reported major upgrades, including Cambria Landing Inn & Suites in the charming seaside town of Cambria, which completed a $1 million hotel renovation in May, celebrating its new look with a special 25 percent discount on all rooms until Dec. 31, 2013.  The Rose Garden Inn in San Luis Obispo recently debuted the largest spa in the area, including two new waterfalls, a steam volcano, large heated pool and new landscaping.   The new Valentina Suites Hotel, Pismo Beach's newest hotel, just opened less than two blocks from the beach with fully equipped gourmet kitchens, adjacent living and dining areas, and beautiful views.

Tour & Attraction Activities

Now through Labor Day weekend 2013, Hearst Castle® is offering a "Designing the Dream" tour, giving smaller groups (maximum 15) a live interpretation of Neptune and Roman Pools, Guest House "Casa del Mar," the North Wing of Casa Grande and the Dressing Rooms at the indoor Roman Pool.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more details on the above developments click here for a full version of the release.

For more information on planning a trip to San Luis Obispo County, go to www.VisitSanLuisObispoCounty.com.

SOURCE Visit San Luis Obispo County