Los Alamos (population approximately 1,900). Sometimes, even in such a populated state as California one finds little windows into both the past and the present. Located 2 hours north of downtown Los Angeles, this tiny town is one such destination. It remains rooted in its history yet fully embraces the contemporary.
Charming in its visual appeal, the town encompasses some 7 blocks of restaurants, wine tasting rooms, several hotels, antiques and select other businesses. Well loved at times (especially on the weekends), but usually not as busy as nearby Los Olivos.
Highlights include stopping in for breakfast at what has quickly become a popular stop for visitors to Los Alamos – the family run Bob’s Well Bread Bakery. Pick up some fresh orange juice or their filling breakfast sandwich and meander to the picnic tables in the shade next to the restaurant. Also indoor seating. Good selection of drinks. After a leisurely and long breakfast soaking in the warm sun, head down the street to tiny Bell Street Farm and pick up some picnic provisions including sandwiches to go, or chicken or various cured meats and cheeses and olives.
If your still in town by mid day it may be time for some wine tasting. Head across the street to the unusually located Muni Wine Tasting Room – located on the grounds of the old Alamo Motel. Plenty of windows on this tiny tasting room so you can easily see all those inside having fun drinking a variety of wines or comfortable reclining chairs outside offer a perfect place to park it with a glass in your hand. Somewhat limited hours.
Also worth stopping into include Casa Dumetz Wines and the next door Babi’s Beer Emporium. Other businesses include the Los Alamos Market and the Pico & The Los Alamos General Store. Three places to stay in town – all unique in their own way include the Alamo Motel, Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast and the Union Hotel & Saloon (dates from 1880).
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