Marsha Kotlyar Estate Group  |  License #01426886  |  805-565-4014

MK Favorites: Our Team's Favorite Local Spots

September 7th, 2021

 

If you know us, you know our team doubles as our second family. We spend a lot of time together, working towards the collective goal of bringing client dreams to life. But what you might not know, is that when we’re not closing sales or negotiating hard-hitting offers, we spend a lot of time talking about enjoying the best food, coffee and activities in Santa Barbara.

If anyone visits a new restaurant the night before a workday, it’s a safe bet we’ll spend some time talking about it the next morning. Even a suggestion that we order fresh salads into the office will result in a debate on where we should get them from, because Santa Barbara and Montecito have such great options. As you look a little closer, you’ll realize our community not only boasts an award-winning food and wine culture, but an endless bucket-list worthy number of things to do. Wondering where to start? We’ve got you covered.



Here are each of our top local recommendations:



Marsha Kotlyar


the Montecito expert

Favorite weekend activity: Hitting 7 Day Nursery & all the fabulous design shops along Lillie Avenue in Summerland

Best winery: Brave & Maiden in Santa Ynez or Santa Rita Hills Wineries

Favorite kid-friendly activity (that’s also fun for mom): Going to the Montecito Club, or Miramar Beach Clubs, or a walk at the Ennisbrook Trail and the Ellwood Preserve

Best organization to volunteer at: Too many wonderful to name! But I have a special place in my heart for Angels Foster Care, Girls Inc, & Calm4Kids - all 3 serve the children in our community

ALLIE BAXTER


your local guide

Favorite underrated spot most people don’t know about: Weekend brunch or lunch at Cold Spring Tavern

Best place to catch up with friends: Happy hour at Carlitos is always fun, or wine in the funk zone

Favorite place to take family visiting from out-of-town: Every time my parents visit, we always have brunch at Boathouse, have a glass of wine at Deep Sea, visit the Santa Barbara art walk, and lately, we have enjoyed playing bocce at the Miramar

Favorite thing to do outside: I love taking my dogs on long walks through our neighborhood, the beach, or the Douglas Preserve

Brittany Arntz


all about what's trending

Best Friday night date spot: Sakana in Montecito

Favorite local skincare shop: Still trying out new places, but so far I really like The Bacara and Float Spa

Cutest boutique: Angel Boutique

Favorite place for live music: The Santa Barbara Bowl! The Granada Theatre also plays outdoor live music on Tuesdays in the summer, so you can spend your warm evenings with a drink from The Good Lion

Nell Grokenberger


but first, coffee

Best coffee shop: Caje on Haley, order an Iced Vanilla Latte with HOMEMADE almond milk

Favorite local staycation: A drive down the coast to visit family and friends in Pacific Palisades

Top tip for estate sale shopping: Always check for sale banners at the San Ysidro exit intersection on weekends and never hesitate to bargain

Favorite Saturday activity: Power walking from Pierre La Fond to Miramar Beach


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