Marriott Santa Ynez Valley is the First Certified Green Hotel in Santa Barbara County

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY MARRIOTT FIRST HOTEL TO RECEIVE
“GREEN BUSINESS SANTA BARBARA COUNTY” CERTIFICATION
~Media & Public Invited to Press Conference & Certificate Presentation on November 18, 2009 at 11:00 AM

Buellton, Santa Barbara County, California—Santa Ynez Valley Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel wanted to do it's part to help preserve our planet for future generations. Marriott General Manager Mike Hendrick invites the public to join staff and Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County members to a press conference and certificate presentation at the hotel on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 11:00 AM. The Marriott is located at 555 McMurray Road at the intersection of US Highway 101 in Buellton, the gateway to Santa Barbara County wine country. Complimentary refreshments and tours of the hotel will be offered.
The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott is the first hotel in Santa Barbara County to complete the Green Business Program process—a county-wide collaborative effort of local governments, special districts, non-profits, utilities, chambers of commerce, and waste haulers (Info: http://www.greenbizsbc.org/) . Helping the environment by cutting back on the Solvang area hotel's carbon footprint, the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott's chief concern in going green was to help preserve our planet for future generations.
Hendrick states, “I am very excited about our drop in energy and water consumption, our savings in trash, our new car pool program, our new free lights, and our new bulk soap and shampoo program. I feel these efforts will change the way hotels do business. If you or your business is not seriously considering doing this program, you are wasting money.”
Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel staff embraced the Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County and looked at all aspects of the property’s operation for ways to improve efficiency and minimize impacts to the environment. Measures undertaken include energy efficiency, water conservation, introduction of bulk soap and shampoo dispensers in guest rooms to reduce plastic bottle waste; as well as upgrading lighting throughout the hotel and installing controls on vending and ice machines to reduce energy use. Landscaping around the property is monitored closely for water efficiency and new native and water wise plants added. Recycling programs are in place throughout the hotel, including kitchens. Employees are encouraged to rideshare and runs a monthly raffle for participating staff.
ABOUT US: The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott is the area’s largest full-service hotel offering 149 guest rooms including 27 suites; all non-smoking. Over 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space accommodates up to 400 guests. The Starting Gate Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily; Starbucks Coffee in the lobby opens daily at 6:30 AM; the Winner's Circle Pub serves cocktails and casual diners weekends. Hotel facilities include an outdoor heated pool & whirlpool spa; health club; sauna; tennis & racquetball courts, gift shop, free parking, Hertz car rental office, 24-hour business center,and free wireless Internet access throughout the property. Opened in 1986, the hotel is owned by Kang Family Partners LLC, managed by Harrell Hospitality Group under a franchise agreement with Marriott International and rated AAA 3-Diamonds and Mobil 3-Star. For complete information on rates, reservations and services, call 805-688-1000 or visit http://www.santaynezhotels.com/certified-green-hotel-santa-barbara-solvang-ca.htm

Toby Keith Live in the Santa Ynez Valley

This Thursday night the Santa Ynez Valley welcomes Toby Keith for an unforgettable live concert at Chumash Casino! Country star Toby Keith has sold millions of concert tickets and well over 25 million albums! If you have your tickets - come see him sing hits like "Should've Been a Cowboy", "Who's Your Daddy?", "Beer for My Horses", and more! The concert is sold out, so if you don't have your tickets visit Stub Hub to score some. Visit The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Event Calendar for all the latest events and things to do in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Cycling In Solvang, CA While The Tour de France Hits The Hills

If you’re a cycling fan, you probably saw the yellow jersey slip out of George Hincapie’s hands yesterday. It was a very bad day for Hincapie, and in my opinion a disappointing ride by Garmin. Today I watched Alberto Contador, from Team Astana, grab the yellow jersey by taking over the hills and switching up the Team Astana dynamics. Lance Armstrong finished very strong, finishing up in second overall. With only five stages left in the Tour de France, I have found myself craving to get back in the saddle and taking some long cycling rides in the Santa Ynez Valley.

I don't know about you, but I have been noticing quite a growth in the cyclists I see riding along Santa Rosa Rd and Hwy 246 this past month. I think our community is realizing how lucky we are in the Santa Ynez Valley to have such perfect cycling routes and weather conditions.

I come from a strong cycling background. My grandfather, Bernard Miles, was a professional cyclist in New Zealand and won many races, including first place in the 1937 Christchurch to Waimate Cup. My husband, Sam, is an strong triathlete and just finished his first Ironman 70.3. My family has been extremely fortunate, and has had the Air Force move us through many cycling mecca’s including Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and the Santa Ynez Valley.

When we first moved to the Buellton area, it did not take very long for my husband and I to uncover all the pristine cycling routes in the Santa Ynez Valley. Once we did, it seemed we couldn't wait for the weekend to roll around to try our "new route"! Sam hoped for hills, and I hoped for vineyards with tasting rooms! However, we were surprised there were not more people cycling these "hidden gem" cycling routes. When we cycled in Boulder, Colorado Springs, or Fort Collins you could count on the foothills being full of cyclists.

However, we have noticed the cycling scene has changed quite a bit around Solvang, CA. Now we regularly see new groups, professional cycling teams, and cycling singles heading out towards the vineyards to take in challenging rides and the lush landscape. Sure the Tour de France brings the excitement out in all of us, and gets us all geared up to climb the hills. But I really think our "hidden gem" of cycling routes has been discovered. The Santa Ynez Valley community has opened their arms and welcomed out of town cyclists, the Tour de California, Professional Cycling Teams training seasons, and Chris Carmichael’s Carmichael Training Camps. We have become known as a "Cycling Friendly" community. We not only share the road in the Santa Barbara wine country, but we enjoy sharing our towns with the cycling community and encourage our cycling friends to experience the wealth of rides we offer from easy rides to challenging hill climbs.

If you haven’t had a chance to take a ride in the Santa Barbara wine country, I encourage you to check out some of my favorite Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, and Buellton cycling rides here.

Michael Jackson's Public Viewing Canceled

Many of our guests this week came to the Santa Ynez Valley to pay their respects to the great music artist, Michael Jackson. It was announced earlier in the week there would be a public viewing for Michael Jackson at his Neverland Ranch, located in Los Olivos which is just 9 miles from the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott hotel in Buellton. Unfortunately for his fans, this viewing was canceled yesterday. We will keep you posted if any memorial for Michael Jackson at Neverland Ranch, in Los Olivos is announced in the future.

2009 Stars, Stripes and Syrah Winetasting Event near Solvang, CA

There is lots going on this holiday weekend in the Santa Ynez Valley!

This weekend marks the annual 2009 Stars, Stripes and Syrah Winetasting Event

This Santa Ynez Valley wine tasting event is a great way to spend the holiday weekend sampling some of the best local wines of the Santa Ynez Valley, near Solvang, CA. They also feature great appetizers that will keep you tasting all day long. The event begins on Saturday at 11am and lasts until 4pm. For only $35 a person you can sample wines at the 13 wineries, nibble on tasty appetizers, and receive a souvenir wine glass. Also, if you can't seem to fit in all 13 wineries on Saturday, you can bring your glass to the tasting rooms on Sunday to finish up where you left off!
If you have not been down to the Santa Ynez Valley yet, it is a great time to experience the beauty of the vineyards. More information: http://www.santaynezwinecountry.com/events.html or call 1-800-563-3183


(See participating
members listed below)

• Alexander and Wayne • Arthur Earl • Bridlewood Estate Winery
• Buttonwood Farm Winery • Casa Cassara • Daniel Gehrs Wines
• Lincourt • Lucas & Lewellen Vineyard
• Mandolina • Presidio Winery • Rideau Vineyard
• Scott Cellars • Sunstone Vineyard & Winery

Mother's Day Buffet Brunch

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday, and it is a great time to reflect on how thankful we should be for our Moms, Wives, Grandmothers. Mother's Day is a day to reflect and take a trip down memory lane of life's little moments that your Mom made special for you.
Maybe it is remembering how proud she was when you pinned on Bear Cub for Boy Scouts, or the day she bandaged up your knee for the third time this week after falling from your bike, or how she listened intently after your first breakup.
Memories are very special, and make sure you show your mom your appreciation this Mother's Day. A simple card, fresh flower, or spending some time with mom are all great ways to show your love.

Maybe you want to save her from a day of cooking in the kitchen, and treat her to some family time at our Mother's Day Buffet Brunch at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott. Our own, Chef Ofelio, has been making Mother's Day memories at the Santa Ynez Marriott for over 20 years. Chef Ofelio has created a very special menu this Mother's Day to honor all the Moms, Mamas, Grandmas, and Nanas. Join us this Sunday, at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, only 3 miles from Solvang on Hwy 246, to celebrate the special women in your life.

http://www.santaynezhotels.com/dining.html

Sunday May 10, 2009

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

~BREAKFAST SELECTIONS~

Seasonal Fresh Fruit and Juices

Omelet’s & Belgian Waffles Made to Order

Eggs Benedict

Blintzes

Homemade Quiche

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Crisp Bacon and Maple Sausage links

Biscuits with Country Gravy

Breakfast Pastries, Breads & Rolls

~COLD BUFFET~

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Station

Smoked Orange Glazed Salmon

Antipasto Display

International and Domestic Cheeses

Variety of Fresh Greens, Salads and Garden Vegetables

~HOT BUFFET~

Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef au jus & Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Chef Carved Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce

Chicken Marsala with Marsala Mushroom Sauce

Basmati Rice Pilaf

Red Skin Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Gourmet California Seasonal Vegetables

~DESSERTS~

“Made to Order” Cherries Jubilee & Bananas Foster

With Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream

Decadent Cakes, Pies & Petit fours

Sugar Free Desserts

Chocolate Fountain with Fresh Fruit and Marshmallows

Freshly Brewed Starbucks Coffee & Specialty Hot Teas

Glass of Champagne included for Adults

$32.95 for Adults

$30.95 for Seniors

$21.95 or Children 6-15 years

No Charge for Children 5 years & under

~Tax and gratuity not included~

Reservations Recommended, 805-688-1000

555 McMurray Rd

Buellton CA 93427

Easter Events in the Santa Ynez Valley

One of my favorite events during Easter is Solvang's Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Children try to outsmart the Easter Bunny as they search for those elusive eggs in beautiful Hans Christian Andersen Park. The free egg hunt begins at 10 a.m. for kids ages 2 to 12. I recommend coming at least 30 minutes early for parking. For more information call (805) 688-PLAY (7529).

After the egg hunt, come stop by the Santa Ynez Marriott in Buellton, CA as we will be having our Annual Easter Day Buffet Brunch. Our own Chef Ofelio has created a special menu for this joyous occasion! Just to give you a little sampling of what Chef Ofelio has created this Easter : Eggs Benedict, Shrimp, Salmon, New York Strip, and made to order desserts...and that is just naming a few!
This is a big event, and we highly recommend reservations by calling 805-688-1000.
You can also view the full menu at http://www.santaynezhotels.com/dining.html
The Easter Buffet begins on Sunday, April 12th from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Adults $32.95 Seniors $30.95 Children 4-10 $21.95 Children 0-3 are free with an adult