Michelle Gross is a Jersey City based multimedia journalist covering all things travel, food and lifestyle. She loves great food, cold beer and her two pugs, Bear and Ted.
From the moment you set foot in Santa Barbara, Calif., there’s no denying you’ve landed somewhere special. Nestled between miles of pristine Pacific coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountain range, with a storied maritime history, beautifully preserved Spanish Colonial architecture and laid back Southern California vibe, Santa Barbara has long been a refuge for celebrities and visitors seeking the idyllic California getaway. Add to that year-round sunshine and world-class wineries, it’s no wonder...