If you want to experience Paso Robles’ cosmopolitan flair without visiting a flea market, consider a trip to the city’s farmers market. There you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and local artisan cheeses. You’ll also find everything from artisan cheeses to seasonal flowers, as well as artichokes the size of bowling balls. If you’re looking for a unique gift, head to Firefly Gift Shop for local creations. The Bijou On The Park is another great option for gifts, featuring everything from clothing to home decor.
In Paso Robles, you’ll find a vibrant craft beer scene and a thriving wine industry. It’s also known as the “Hermione Granger” of the booze world, and is home to several craft breweries. You can enjoy a delicious glass of wine at a local winery or sample locally made beer at a craft brewery. If you’re looking for a great place to spend your day with your family, don’t miss Thomas Hill Organics. This organic restaurant showcases regional ingredients and purveyors. Try their house-made desserts, including sheep’s milk ice cream.
You can enjoy the town’s historic downtown with a wide selection of dining and shopping options. You can also take the kids to the Children’s Museum, located in a restored Volunteer Firehouse. It’s full of interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. The Estrella Warbirds Museum is another unique attraction, focusing on restoring and displaying military aircraft and memorabilia. While you’re in town, be sure to stop by the Paso Robles History Museum, one of the town’s oldest buildings.
If you’re looking for something a bit more educational, you might want to check out Paso Robles Children’s Museum, which opened in 2007. The museum has impressive educational outreach programs and features several interactive exhibits. It offers a School Field Trip Program and a Jack’s Helping Hand lending library. In addition, the museum partners with the Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center and provides private play time for autistic children.
The city has a long history of hot springs, dating back to ancient Salinan Indians. The ancient Salinan people called the area ‘The Springs’ for its relaxing hot springs. In the early 19th century, Spanish missionaries started building baths, and Ignacy Paderewski eventually bought land in the town to plant zinfandel grapes. These hot springs were soon discovered by local settlers.
Wine-loving travelers may want to spend the day exploring the wineries of Paso Robles. Wine tasting is one of the most popular paso Robles activities, and there are more than 200 of them in the city. The town center is home to several wineries and tasting rooms. Many of them are located within walking distance of downtown Paso Robles. Many of these have tasting rooms and offer samples of their wines, so you can try several without leaving the comfort of your hotel.
While Paso Robles is known for its vineyards, it is also famous for its naturally fed hot springs. The River Oaks hot springs are a super-private option, and offer beautiful vineyard views. Paso Robles’ terroir and weather make it an ideal wine-growing area. Native Salinan tribes referred to the region as ‘The Springs’. European and Spanish colonizers discovered the region’s thermal springs as a huge draw.