One of the hottest (figuratively speaking) places to be during this time of year is Pismo Beach, California.  While I’m sitting in fifty-degree weather, vacationers to Pismo are enjoying seventy-degree weather.  Sure, I know, there are other great places to be across the nation.  That is if you have polar bear blood flowing through your veins!  Me, I like to be comfortable.  Pismo Beach weather is ideal for year around fun.  Not just for beach bums, this area is chock full of activities for all ages.  Numerous golf courses dot the hillsides.  Miles and miles of sandy beaches line the beautiful pacific.  With the fun come fantastic places to sit down and enjoy culinary delights.  This mid-coast area of California is sure to blend the country themes of agriculture and family along with the socialite upscale night life known to the west coast.

RVer’s will find the Pismo Beach area filled with RV parks which cater to the RV habit.  One such park is Pismo Coast Village RV Resort (www.rvbeach.com).  Sitting beside the beach and coastline, this park sports over 400 beautifully appointed sites with full hook-ups, internet services, clean restrooms, dining facilities, group activities, and a sparkling pool with lounging chairs for that California sun.  RV owners with big rigs are welcome!  As if that wasn’t enough, Pismo Coast Village RV has a miniature golf course designed to challenge that wannabe golfer in a young heart.  Exciting children’s areas with safe play equipment will keep your youngsters outside and playing until the sun sets.  Games for adults include billiards, arcades (yes, grownups like arcades also), and other local amenities such as boat rental, windsurfing, fishing, golf (for the big boys) and shopping.  For further information contact:

Pismo Coast Village RV Resort
165 S. Dolliver
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Toll Free: (888)782-3224
Phone: (888)782-3224
Fax: (805)773-1507
E-Mail: rv@pismocoastvillage.com

While staying in the Pismo Beach area, plan a few day trips out to view the local sights and sounds of mid-coast California.  Windsurfing is just one of the fun activities to challenge your wits and nerve!  Sailing over undulating dunes of sand dotted with flora and feeling that sea breeze upon your face enlivens the soul and sets it free.  Remember what goes up must come down.  Windsurfing is done at your own risk.  So be safe and enjoy the sport!  In the San Luis Obispo area, golf courses number well over 20 and can guarantee you’ll have an easy time obtaining tee-times.  Dress in layers.  I’ve been on golf courses where I’ve put on and taken outer layers off more than I can count on both hands.  Depending upon which way the wind blows, those breezes can be cool for the thin skinned!  Every golfer knows the game requires concentration.  With layering clothing, you can concentrate on that par shot!

One nice part of traveling the countryside is finding sales!  You never know what you’ll find in quaint shops scattered abroad.  Your best shopping is done on foot.  Walking along the streets and finding a shop tucked in behind a tree is exciting especially when that shop contains hundreds of artisan’s wares.  The mid-coast area has many artists and crafters living in the area.  Fortunate travelers stopping here will find one of a kind paintings, rugs, woven fabrics, blown glassware, and many other crafts.  A couple of hours away in Carmel I’ve been told there are over 150 artisan shops in the resort town.  No wonder I didn’t have time to find that sculpture.  I could only visit ten in one day!  One good note to take down about Pismo Coast Village RV Resort is the fact that you can stay up to twenty-nine consecutive days.  Wow!  That would give me time to visit all the shops I could find.

Culinary experiences in the mid-coast area range from drive-through on the go meals to saucy upbeat nightlife and fine dining.  One saucy place to visit is Grappolo’s.  Located in San Luis Obispo (www.virtualslo.com),  this warmly painted Italian decored restaurant is visited by the locals as well as visitors.    Walking into Grappolo, I was immediately greeted with suspended artisan metal fish and a large sign “Bar” with arrow pointing downstairs.  Chinking glasses and ripples of laughter wafted up through the stairway.  Off to my left was the inviting entrance into the main dining area.  Rustically appointed furnishings and wall accessories caught my eye first and then I saw him.  Tossing dough in the air as if it was a frisbee, the chef prepared to decorate a tantalizing pizza.  Diners watched to see how many throws he had in him.  To our delight he caught the expanding rounded dough every time and received cheers from co-workers as well as those watching.  Having been entertained I was ready to feast.  The menu sports roasted chicken, varying meats grilled to perfection, and Italian base vegetables and condiments.  Prices are reasonable and vary from below $12 to $$.  Large groups should call for reservations.  While you are there check out the art work in the restrooms.  Even the restroom sink is a work of art.   

Grappolo
1040 Broad St. (Higuera St.)
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805-788-0260 

For the RV traveler, you’ve chosen a great place to visit.  Stay awhile and Happy Traveling!