I fell in love with Paso Robles on my first trip here three years ago. I was starting my research on the wine book, “California’s Central Coast, The Ultimate Winery Guide: From Santa Barbara to Paso Robles.” Little did my husband Kirk Honeycutt and I know then that one day we’ll become bi-County residents, spending our time between Los Angeles and Paso Robles.

We were fortunate to have found this charming house, circa 1940’s, on the famed Vine Street, a mere four blocks from the historic town square. Once we drive into our Cabernet Cottage we don’t touch our car till its time to return to Los Angeles.

On a typical stay, if we are not up to making breakfast at home, we’ll walk to C & C Bakery for coffee and muffins baked fresh by Connie and Cherie. I’ll swing by and say hello to Karen at Sealed With A Kiss, my favorite shop for cards and gifts, then stop by next door at We Olive, where Roma will regale me with the latest in olive oils. A walk in the park is relaxing and maybe check out one of the wine tasting rooms or browse through Powell’s candy store, a mini wonderland of sweets!

A stop at DiRaimando’s Italian Market to pick up assorted cheeses, crackers and pasta and we are set for an afternoon snack or a mini lunch on our patio. Time for a quick snooze or maybe relax in the garden with a book. Summer time, we’ll get on our ladder and harvest the bounty of apples and apricots (the ones that the deer didn’t get to) and share the crop with friends and neighbors. In the evening, it’s off to the town square again, maybe meet some friends and have a glass of wine at Vinoteca, and if it’s a Wednesday, then we’ll enjoy meeting one of the featured local vintners pouring his/her wines. Then time for dinner … maybe at Matthew’s, Villa Creek, Artisan, Basil, Bistro Laurent…there are so many choices. On weekends, the Paso Robles Inn’s bar rocks with a local band so a quick stop there before heading home.

As we walk home, on summer nights, I stop for a moment in my tracks and take in the vast sky shimmering with countless stars. And on a full moon night, the bench in our garden makes a perfect spot for a romantic moon-watching.

That’s my Paso! And I love being a new resident here. I am glad to share our house that I have so lovingly refurbished. I am sure as you frequent this lovely town, you will create your own memorable experiences.

Enjoy Cabernet Cottage in good health. Mi Casa e Su Casa!!

Mira Advani Honeycutt

Author, California’s Central Coast, The Ultimate Winery Guide: From Santa Barbara to Paso Robles (Chronicle Books)