San Luis Obispo … The Happiest Place in the USA

According to the Family Travel Forum, top family travel destinations in 2011 will be defined by their entertainment, adventure and fitness attractions for the new era of multi-generational , multi-age family units.
San Luis Obispo, CA, recently named the “Happiest Place in the USA” (Thrive: National Geographic, 2010) and the “No. 9 Best Place to Retire in the USA” (Wall Street Journal, October 2010) offers a cross-section of youth, adult-aged child, adult, and mature attractions for travelers of every age group.
Read below to see the top 10 reasons families will enjoy the charmed San Luis Obispo life in a 2011 vacation, or visit www.SanLuisObispoVacations.com.

The Happiest Place in the USA
According to Dan Buettner’s new, highly-acclaimed National Geographic book Thrive, sunny San Luis Obispo, on California’s Central Coast, is one of the world’s happiest destinations (and the country’s No.1 happiest destination). Due in part to its protected open spaces, outdoor activities, and vibrant cultural arts scene, San Luis Obispo residents are more likely to smile and experience joy and less likely to experience pain or depression.
Fun for “Kids” of All Ages
From the downtown San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum, to the Cal Poly State University campus; from the award-winning wine country to the fine dining and shopping scene and prized golf greens; from ocean and lakes to city and state parks: San Luis Obispo offers the full scope of family fun to keep all ages engaged and entertained.
Outdoor Adventure and Fitness
With more than 6,500 acres of scenic, protected open space in and around the charming city, San Luis Obispo vacations offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, pristine beaches and point breaks, tidepools, dunes, lakes, estuaries, bays and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
World-Famous Attractions
San Luis Obispo is home to multiple national landmarks and quirky, one-of-a-kind sites. Take the family to see out-of-this-world Hearst Castle, the adorable Danish village of Solvang, downtown Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the famous Thursday Evening Farmers’ Market, epic views in Big Sur, the eccentric Nitt Witt Ridge, the surreal Madonna Inn (with the famed men’s “waterfall” bathroom), Bubblegum Alley, and more nearby day trips and attractions.
Modern Amenities, Local Charm
From a small, seven-room bed & breakfast to a 100+ room, three-story hotel, San Luis Obispo provides accommodations to fit the preferences of all traveling families. Many hotels offer free wireless internet, cable TV, complimentary breakfasts, gym facilities and swimming pools, while providing that uniquely San Luis Obispo charm and hospitality.
One-of-a-Kind Events
With the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (March 9-13, 2011), the SLO GranFondo Pro/Am cycling event (October 2011), Sunset’s Savor the Central Coast food & wine event (September 2011), and countless outdoor concerts and festivals for all ages, San Luis Obispo offers an annual calendar of authentic flavors and experiences that can’t be had elsewhere.
Free and Low-Cost Fun
Traveling families will love the high quantity of thrifty activities to enjoy in San Luis Obispo, such as the scenic hikes in and around the downtown area, the quaint creek-side parks and shopping districts, free spring and summertime concerts and art festivals in the Mission Plaza, and nearby jaunts to the numerous beaches and state parks.
Year-Round Family Travel Packages
Many of the San Luis Obispo Vacations hotels offer ongoing and seasonal packages for families. SanLuisObispoVacations.com also offers a monthly giveaway of $500 in accommodations to newsletter subscribers.
Experiential and Educational Attractions
From history to natural history, from viticulture to performing arts, experience a world of memorable activities in San Luis Obispo and return home with a changed perspective or new life hobbies and interests.
Welcoming Community
San Luis Obispo’s unique culture is defined by its warm, welcoming and down-to-earth people. Everyone from the server at a local restaurant to the nationally acclaimed winemaker in the tasting room will engage visitors in warm dialogue and offer a window into the charmed San Luis Obispo life.
For more details about hotel accommodations, events, and attractions in San Luis Obispo, CA, visit: www.sanluisobispovacations.com.

San Luis Obispo International Film Festival Rolls Out Red Carpet for Stars, Screenings & Premieres

And ACTION! Book your stay and buy your tickets for the San Luis Obispo Vacations-sponsored silver screen event of 2011. The red carpet will roll out and the curtains will rise on March 9 – 13, 2011 for the annual, star-studded San Luis Obispo International Film Festival in downtown San Luis Obispo, CA.

Conveniently positioned halfway between San Francisco and Hollywood, scenic San Luis Obispo is the cultural hub of the Central Coast of California, and a made-for-the-big-screen vacation destination for every genre of traveler. With over 30 downtown hotels, including B&Bs, boutique inns, larger chain hotels and economy lodges, downtown San Luis Obispo provides visitors front-stage access to the five-day-long film festival events.

The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival features over 100 original and classic film screenings in multiple unique San Luis Obispo venues, such as the nation’s original solar-powered theatre and the 1940s art-deco Fremont Theatre, as well the encore of Surf Nite with special guests and screenings, and the King Vidor Award Night honoring a top Hollywood personality.

New this year, the festival will also take a close-up on Women in Film: Past, Present and Future, a series of film, panel discussions and hands-on workshops which will highlight the important role of women in the male- dominated film industry. The closing credits will run at a Central Coast winery reception for filmmakers, festival pass holders and special guests.

Film! Wine! Fun!

Saturday, March 5 – Pre-Festival Sneak Preview Night at the Galaxy Atascadero Theatres.  Party with the Stars! Join us as the Red Carpet is rolled out for a sneak peak of a not-yet-released movie and the Opening Night of the brand new state-of-the-art Galaxy Theatres!  The evening includes a reception hosted by local restaurants, caterers and wineries and theatre tours.

Tuesday, March 8 – Pre-Festival Dinner and Movie at Buona Tavola. Enjoy an Italian-themed film in the romantic back patio of one of the finest restaurants in SLO, and a ‘magnifico’ multi-course meal with a variety of local wines. Hosted by owner Antonio Varia. Tickets on sale in mid-January at slofilmfest.org and at Buona Tavola, 1037 Monterey St. SLO

Wednesday, March 9 – SLOIFF Opening night and a celebration of Central Coast Filmmakers work, in venues all over the county. Pre-screening and after-parties and a wide variety of films made by filmmakers in SLO, Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties.

Thursday, March 10 – Enjoy an eclectic mix of films from all over the world, starting today and continuing throughout the festival, and vote for Audience Award favorites! Then sing-along to the Abba-inspired MAMA MIA at the Galaxy Theatres – wear your best Abba outfit and compete in a Karaoke and costume contest!

Friday, March 11 – Filmmakers from around the world will be in attendance at screenings throughout the county, from Shell Beach to Paso Robles. And surfers will be flocking to the Fremont Theatre for the 6th Annual Surf Nite in SLO, featuring an exciting surf film on the big screen and notable special guests, with parties before and after!

Saturday, March 12 – A busy day of workshops, behind-the-scenes panels and films will conclude with the George Sidney Independent Film Awards, followed by the 17th Annual King Vidor Award presentation to a major Hollywood personality, at the Fremont Theatre. Also a new “Chicks ‘N Flicks” award will be presented to a successful woman in the film business.

Sunday, March 13 – See films that you didn’t get a chance to catch earlier in the week. And check out the Movie in a Day Marathon films, made by teams of filmmakers in only seven hours in Avila Beach the day before!

Other important highlights!

• The Monday Club will play host to the CHICKS ‘N FLICKS program sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences – films, panels, workshops and wine tastings will be happening throughout the festival with exciting Women in Film special guests

• Young Filmmakers of Tomorrow Showcases films made by young people, Kindergarten through High School – screenings will be at the Galaxy Theatres on Saturday, March 12

• If you love old movies, you’re going to be spending some time at the new Galaxy Atascadero Theatre – enjoy a series of classics, from Westerns to Musicals to Oscar-winning dramas. Several great classics will also be screened at Vina Robles Winery too!

• Learn how movies are made in entertaining and fascinating panels and workshops happening throughout the festival, and in Q&A sessions after most contemporary films

Festival passes on sale now at slofilmfest.org  805-546-3456
Full Festival schedule will be posted online by February 14.

The 2011 SLOIFF Headquarters will be right in the center of town this year – located just across the street from the Mission de Tolosa at 848 Monterey St., it will be open for ticket and pass sales, information, wine tastings, silent auction and more starting Monday, February 21st!