Chic Montecito Weekend

• Lotusland: Consistently named one of the top gardens in the world. It’s an extraordinary wonderland of plants, with over 3,000 varieties in themed gardens on 37 acres. It is my top recommendation in Montecito — reservations required, no walk-ins allowed and the number of guests per day is limited.

• Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Historical church built in the missionary style. It combines Spanish colonial design with patterns of the Pueblo Indians, and features hand-crafted details.

• Casa del Herrero: 1925 Spanish Revival House Museum with Moorish-inspired gardens. Visit is by private tour only: available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with reservations required.

• Hiking: There are many options. This includes Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead, Saddle Rock Loop and Cold Spring Trail Loop. There is information online about accessibility and difficulty levels for each trail.

• Butterfly Beach: Popular beach in Montecito for a nice beach walk.

• Montecito Country Mart: Breakfast at Merci, lunch at Bettina, dessert at Rori’s and shop at Mate Gallery, a local spot with unique vintage finds. Other shops of note: Hudson Grace, DOEN. Fuel it all with a coffee at Caffe Luxxe.

• Coast Village Road: Walk the road for shops and galleries. Peregrine Galleries is a must for design and jewelry lovers. There is an incredible collection of vintage jewelry, southwestern native finds and an abundance of treasures at any given time. It is a favorite of Hollywood costumers, stylists, collectors and other chic shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind and rare pieces. Stop at Bree’osh for French baked goods and a coffee.

• Upper Village Montecito: Unique shops and food stops. This includes William Laman Antiques, Lost Horizon Bookstore, with a unique selection of rare, antiquarian and used books and the charming San Ysidro Pharmacy and Montecito Coffee Shop. Across the street is local favorite Pierre LaFond for gifts and gourmet foods.

Day trips

Summerland, next to Montecito, is a great place to spend a couple of hours. Have breakfast/lunch at Field + Fort, which is also a stunning design shop. Other spots to visit:

• Sacred Space for the beautiful gardens and spiritual supplies, jewelry, Buddhas and more.

• Godmother’s Books, a beautiful shop set inside a barn building with a hand-selected collection of books.

• Porch, a lifestyle/home store.

• The Well, for antiques and garden furniture. Summerland Antique Collective for a good old-school antique mall.

Breakfast & lunch

• Bree’osh: French bakery with fresh pastries along with breakfast sandwiches and more.

• Merci: Casual spot in Montecito Country Mart with excellent options for breakfast and lunch.

• Montecito Coffee Shop: Local spot for breakfast and lunch classics with patio seating.

• Jeanine’s Bakery: Long-time local favorite for all-American style breakfast/brunch.

• Lilac Montecito: Gluten-free dining for breakfast/lunch and dinner.

• The Revere Room: If you want a fancier spot, head over to Rosewood Miramar for brunch (served daily 7am – 2:30pm)

Lunch or dinner

• Bettina: Pizza and more at Montecito Country Mart — great for lunch or a casual dinner.

• Caruso’s: Rosewood Miramar’s fine-dining, Italian/California establishment for a special dinner.

• Lucky’s: Classic American steakhouse — the place to go for a steak dinner (or lunch).

• Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch: Set inside a 19th-century citrus packing house and serving regional cuisine, great special occasion spot.

• Los Arroyos: For a Mexican food fix, this is the place to go.

• LOCAL: Fresh, local and sustainable ingredients for vegetarians and meat eaters alike - healthy and delicious.