It’s a four hour drive south down Highway 101, but once you arrive in San Luis Obispo (SLO), the SLO lifestyle makes it all worth while – relaxed, down to earth and just plain easy. If you time your trip right, you’ll be there when the local wine celebration called Roll Out The Barrels is in full swing. The 2010 event happens from April 29 – May 2. The “SLO life” is a great scene to explore.

Roll out the Barrels is an organized weekend of great wine and food. Choose from winery visits, winemaker dinners and the delicious pairing of SLO vintners and local food producers. In addition, stroll the streets of downtown – a combination of Art Deco architecture, converted Old West buildings (now cafes, antique stores, galleries and places to taste wine) and Victorian “painted ladies.” Hike and bike if you’re so inclined – parks and trails are everywhere. The green hills and Mediterranean climate of the Central Coast are alluring. Vistas are endless. There’s a weekly bash at the Thursday Night Farmers’ Market. And don’t forget Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

Quality Suites is an economical choice offering most everything you need – complimentary breakfast, wi-fi and DVDs and within walking distance of downtown. Settle into one of the two-room suites, then set out to discover SLO. You can stop at any number of bakeries and coffee houses, or go straight for the wine tasting rooms.

Essentials: Getting There: San Luis Obispo is 220 miles (about a four hour drive) south of San Francisco on Highway 101 (located at the intersection of Highway 1). Fly direct from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.