We’ve been here before — perched on the edge of a zip line platform high above a valley floor, ready to jump. But for the first time, my husband and I are on side-by-side lines. When our harnesses are securely hooked to the line, the gate opens, we count down from three and we are off!
At 3,360 feet, the first of Highline Adventures’ three zip lines is longest and considered the most scenic. The third line, 2,650 feet long, comes in at a close second for views of the expansive Santa Ynez Valley and Buellton. Far below and beyond are mountains, woodlands, vineyards and 8 acres of protea fields. I’m a little sorry that we are zipping by at 60 mph.
Completing each zip is an experience. We go from 60 to zero in a nanosecond — not unlike the feeling of an aircraft carrier landing I experienced 20 years ago. “Guests come off Line 3 with their hearts pounding,” Highline Adventures owner and CEO Jeff Hartman says.
The Santa Barbara native developed the zip line and other family-friendly attractions because there were none in the Buellton area. Building the longest and fastest lines in the state wasn’t the plan, but “our engineers designed each line to fit the terrain, and the numbers followed.”
Buellton, a four-hour drive from North County, once was primarily a pit stop for those traveling the busy Highway 101. But the town of 5,200 has come into its own and gave us plenty of reasons to stay for a long weekend:
- Highline Adventures — Includes zip line, ropes course, protea fields tour, aerial net park and backcountry tours in a 4×4.
- Ostrichland USA — Get up close and personal with these fascinating birds — 80 ostriches and 20 emus — that are raised for their eggs. Wear sturdy shoes and arrive early to feed the birds because by late afternoon, they’ve had their fill.
- Nojoqui Falls Park — Pronounced na-ho-wee, this lovely 85-acre park offers a peaceful, shaded respite, thanks to laurel forests, valley oak and coast live oak. It’s a 10-minute hike to the impressive 160-foot waterfall, still trickling in mid-September.
- Mendenhall’s Museum of Gasoline Pumps & Petroliana — A massive private collection of gasoline and automobile industries memorabilia and antique cars. Reservations required.
- Vega Vineyard and Farm — What wine-tasting should be. Spend an extended lunch hour enjoying a pairing menu on the picture-book, shaded patio and garden. Kid- and dog-friendly. Meander through the vineyard to find a playground, family game area, feeding zoo, picnic tables and general store.
- Hitching Post 2 — A popular restaurant because of its connection with the 2003 film “Sideways.” Author Rex Pickett penned, in the bar, much of the book that became the film, in which the restaurant and other local sites are featured prominently. Hitching Post Wines owner, former Alaska fisherman and inveterate storyteller Gray Hartley kept us entertained between bites of Santa Maria-style barbecue and locally grown vegetables. Save room for over-the-top desserts, made in-house three times a week.
- Industrial Eats — Come before 5 p.m. to beat the crowds at this repurposed warehouse with communal dining. Be prepared to spend time choosing from an extensive menu and listings on the wall. The pizza oven brings forth unusual and excellent pizzas (gluten-free available). Common to see patrons eyeing others’ selections, like the popular barbecued brisket sandwich.
- Ellen’s Danish Pancake House — Come early, come hungry because this happy eatery is abuzz by 9 a.m., no doubt due partly to generous portions. A winner: the blueberry pancakes, of course, and numerous omelets.
- Santa Ynez Valley Marriott — The first in Santa Barbara County to be a Certified Green Hotel, the SYV Marriott is ideally situated close to Highway 101, convenient for exploring Buellton and surrounding areas. The friendly staff and spacious lobby and suites (with microwave and fridge) make it the perfect lodging for families. Pet-friendly.
