I love the unfolding of the fall and winter seasons on the coast. They lay claim to the calm and take in the spirit of serenity of a day in Carpinteria.

Our La Vida feature maps out the rest of the reading in this issue of Carpinteria Magazine. Start at the new Tomol Park trailhead (page 23) on Linden Avenue and walk or bike your way to Viola Fields on the Bluffs.

Just left to the entrance of the state park is a design stop – the Palm Lofts. The historic, reclaimed, and repurposed Henry Fish packing house is an enclave for the arts. The Anderson Collective, a family of artists, boldly offers a contemporary statement. The Lofts also house the media production studio of Venture Visuals, who transformed their space into a work of art in of itself.

Follow the trail as it weaves to the open field views of Tar Pits Park, and you will find yourself right up close to the Past Portraits feature. Three octogenarians-plus string together memories tethered to Carpinteria beach life circa the 1920s. Along the way, keep an eye out for the November return of the elusive Monarch butterfly clustering among the towering Eucalyptus trees leading to the Bluffs.

Retrace a few steps and jet off to the majestic mountain views that will accompany you along the original Highway 101 back to downtown. Before making that ocean-bound turn toward downtown for food and drink, I suggest heading two more blocks to Angels Antique Emporium – the home and business of Wayne Babcock.

The circle of life necessities are in constant evolution at “Wayne’s World” where reuse and reclaim is the foundation of the turn-of-last-century home. Here, you indeed will connect with the past somewhere in time.

Oh, and as for the clichéd small town charm of Carpinteria? Truth be known, it really is alive and well right here in our sleepy hamlet by the sea. I’m glad you could join us this fall and winter season. And, as always ...

Enjoy the read!

Betty Lloyd, Director