Hi there, guys and dolls!  Today I thought I’d share a fabulous post from Bella McGuire’s terrific blog, A Prairie Girl Reads.  She has this great feature called  “Top 5 Places to Visit in a Cozy Town” that I had the privilege to be a part of.  Loretta Simpson, the Santa Lucia Times Society Editor contributed her picks, as featured in my novel, STRANGLED BY SILK.  Just in case you missed it, I thought I would give you a chance to catch it through this blog.  Enjoy, and be sure to take a gander at http://aprairiegirlreads.blogspot.ca/, too!

Poppy Cove  – The dress shop and design atelier at the corner of Poppy Lane and Cove Street in the heart of Santa Lucia. Owned and operated by my two best friends, Designer Margot Williams and Accessories Buyer Daphne Huntington-Smythe, it is the place for the elite to get gorgeous and catch up on the latest gossip.

Antonio’s – A fabulous little Italian restaurant run by Antonio and Maria Chelli located on our main Cove Street. It’s darling with checkered tablecloths, a vine covered loggia, Chianti bottle candles and pasta, pasta, pasta!!!

Poppy Lane Tea Room – A great spot for breakfast or a little nibble. Lana’s homemade muffins, soups and sandwiches in this bright and airy café make it a delightfully perfect place for ladies who lunch.

Avila Square – Right in the center of town, the square has a beautiful fountain and Spanish terracotta and mosaic tiles. It’s the spot for the Saturday Farmer’s Market which is a feast for the senses with colorful produce, charming hardworking locals and lively music.

Santa Lucia’s Fisherman’s Wharf – Another great place to watch the world go by. Located at the foot of Cove Street, there’s something for everyone — the Penny Arcade for the teenagers, the Sand Dollar with fresh take out fish and chips and ice cream delights from the Milky Way. With all the artists offering their wares and busking musicians to accompany the sounds of the ocean waves and fresh sea air, there’s no better way to while away the day from sunrise to sunset.

Hope you enjoyed a little taste of my toddling little town.  You’re welcome to visit and stay awhile anytime.  Just open up a copy of STRANGLED BY SILK and settle in.

Toodles,

Barbara Jean