Customer Reviews

Hometown Santa Barbara: The Central Coast Book 2009 - 2010

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just moved back to Santa Barbara after living in LA for fifteen years and wanted a quick read that would bring me up to date on what's been happening around town. This was a GREAT find - current, thorough and really interesting. Full of tips on what to see and do, where to eat, shop, explore, etc., but also intriguing (and often amusing) background info on local people and places. And fun to read, too, like sitting down to pick the brain of a good friend who's got the inside scoop on everything. I ended up buying several for Christmas gifts for people who've lived here most of their lives and who I know don't know half of what's in this book.

Finally a Santa Barbara resource book that is both entertaining as well as an excellent reference. Truly a must have for both visitors as well as local residences. I have purchased several and plan to give them as gifts. Of course I'll keep one for myself.

Terrific read!

"Hometown Santa Barbara" is a delightful read that will appeal to everyone from first-time visitors to life-long locals. It is packed with all the information you need to explore this gorgeous Southern California paradise. The chapters are easy to navigate with appealing titles, like "Hungry and Thirsty" and "Athletic." Whether you are a new or a repeat visitor, "Hometown" will have you eagerly planning your trip. If you are a resident, you will reminisce proudly and definitely discover something new about your city. Either way, when it comes to exquisite Santa Barbara, this book wonderfully highlights the beauty and charm of this coastal jewel.

Having first read their Pasadena book I was pleased to see "Home Town Santa Barbara" book come out but I didn't find it nearly as effective, informative, and well put together as Home Town Pasadena. A frustration is that there are almost no maps, only the two on the inside covers of the book. The front inside cover is of the city of Santa Barbara with a few streets labeled and the back cover an overview of the larger surrounding areas from Carpinteria to Orcutt. The text would refer to interesting places but gave no maps as to their location, contrary to the Pasadena book with many map references. The Q & A interviews were not at all relevant. I would give this book only 3 stars and H T Pasadena 5.