Here is a picture of Hearst Castle as one approaches the hill on the shuttle bus from the visitor's center.
This is a view of the main residence at Hearst Castle. It is modeled after a Catholic Church in Europe.
The Neptune Pool is an amazing outdoor pool that is part of the Hearst Castle.
The views from Hearst Castle are amazing! One can see the ocean in the distance if the fog burns off.
The Roman Pool is an indoor pool at the Hearst Castle. Above the pool are tennis courts.
Paso Robles in the Central Valley is home to the California Mid-State Fair in July. They have great country concerts here usually, and Joy and I have been to several there including Jason Aldean who performed during our visit in this picture.
The Central California Coast is also known for wineries. Here is a winery near Paso Robles, CA.
The wine cave at Eberle Vineyards in Paso Robles is really cool to check out.
Pismo Beach is a fun place to hang out near San Luis Obispo.
Santa Maria Style BBQ was invented in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County. The meats are cooked on a grate that can be adjusted in height and over a wood fire. The traditional cuts cooked this way are tri tip and sirloin. The meats are accompanied by baked pinto beans, salsa, grilled French bread, and a green salad! This BBQ is at Shaw's Steakhouse in Santa Maria, CA. I ordered the filet mignon instead of the tri tip or sirloin. The meat was amazing!
The Hitching Post is in a small town called Casmalia. Cell coverage is spotty, and there are only a few buildings in the town. They are known for being one of the world's top steakhouses however!
It is well worth the drive out to Hitching Post for dinner. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended! The place starts getting packed right when they open! They also use the Santa Maria style BBQ for their grill.
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