Michael Jackson’s Legacy - Santa Barbara County Rocks
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Its colonial elegance and vineyards are not normally associated with rock music, but Santa Barbara County will rock to the max this autumn.
Hundreds of thousands of fans are preparing to flock to Michael Jackson’s Neverland ranch, in the event the star is laid to rest there. Hotels in the beautiful ranching country typical of Santa Barbara County will be filled with fans making a pilgrimage to pay their respects.
If Neverland remains open as a tribute park, it will put Santa Barbara firmly on the map for a reason other than its elegant colonial county town and the film Sideways, which draws thousands of wine aficionados to the area's vineyards every weekend.
New Noise Santa Barbara music festival
Meanwhile, Santa Barbara is making another bid to attract musos with New Noise Santa Barbara, a three-day festival featuring both new and established bands, which will debut October 8 this year.
With an emphasis on music, technology and the industry’s emerging “green” movement, New Noise Santa Barbara will feature information, education and networking opportunities for the techies, entrepreneurs, artists, managers, agents, producers, lawyers, publishers and fans expected to attend.
Fans drawn by Neverland who miss New Noise 2009 can still catch Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association 'Celebration of Harvest'. And for those who are already on their way, there is the Old Spanish Days Fiesta, which celebrates the city’s colonial heritage over five action-packed days starting on August 5.
Santa Barbara Hotels
Although there are many fancy places to stay in this upmarket corner of California that’s home to Rob Lowe, John Cleese and many other celebs, Santa Barbara does have affordable places to stay. The original Motel 6 (#1), in Santa Barbara’s East Beach neighbourhood, has been stylishly renovated, but still promises the lowest room rates of any national chain.
Another unassuming motel offering simple and stylish accommodations at very affordable rates is Presidio Motel, within walking distance of the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. The 16 rooms are adorned with unique vinyl decals created by local artists, and perks like complimentary beach cruisers and free Wi-Fi add value to already low room rates.
Splurge what you save on accommodation at Olio e Limone, Santa Barbara's best Italian restaurant. Don't miss the salad of burrata, an extra-creamy buffalo mozzarella imported from Sicily. And many kinds of pasta to die for.
Useful links
Motel 6 Santa Barbara - Beach #1
New Noise Santa Barbara, music and digital media conference and festival
Old Spanish Days Fiesta in Santa Barbara
Olio e Limone Italian restaurant, Santa Barbara
Presidio Motel, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Country Vintners` Association Events
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