Paso Robles, A Kid-Friendly Pit Stop on the 101 (Mother Magazine)
Oh, Thanksgiving travel. While we may welcome the opportunity to give thanks and reconnect with friends and family around a table of turkey and sweet potato casserole, first, we have to get there. For those making the drive between San Francisco and Los Angeles up and down the 101, we offer the perfect halfway stopping point: Paso Robles. Once famous for its almond trees—it was dubbed the “Almond Capital of the World”—this community of 30,000 recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. Simply referred to as “Paso” by locals, Paso Robles, or “Pass of the Oaks,” is known today as one of California’s great wine-producing regions. And there’s plenty to do in this family-friendly town, whether you’re making a quick stop or planning a weekend escape. We spoke with Sierra Christensen, graphic designer, local winery manager, and mama of two boys, ages 4 and 7, about some of her favorite Paso picks. Whether you’re with or without the kiddos, here’s a healthy list of places to check out during your stop.