The Best Small Cities in the U.S. (Santa Barbara included!)

What do Carmel, Aspen, Charleston and Santa Barbara all have in common? They were all rated as the best small cities in the U.S. by ‘Condé Nast’!

Santa Barbara has been recognized as one of the Top Small Cities in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards. Santa Barbara first appeared on the list in 2015.

The destination, which welcomes more than 7.2 million total visitors per year, is one of 15 winners ranked in the category among other top reader favorites.

More than 300,000 travelers took part in the 30th annual survey — a record high for participation — voting on 610 cities and 7,320 hotels and resorts, according to Condé Nast Traveler.

Several Santa Barbara South Coast hotels were named as winners under the survey’s Top 25 Hotels in Southern California category, including The Kimpton Goodland Hotel, Spanish Garden Inn, Belmond El Encanto and Kimpton Canary Hotel.

“We’re honored to be named a top destination for travel by Condé Nast Traveler readers and proud to see so many Santa Barbara South Coast hotels recognized,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, Visit Santa Barbara president/CEO.

“Santa Barbara’s small-town charm and relaxed coastal vibe combined with its sophisticated, well-curated shops and attractions offer visitors and our local community the best in hospitality. Its excellent restaurants, stunning coastal landscape and world-class wine country also have helped create the bucket-list appeal of the destination,” she said.

Santa Barbara and all the winners of the 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards are featured in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler and on CNTraveler.com, which together reach 6.1 million readers per month.

A full list of winners can be found at www.cntraveler.com/rca.

— Natalie Bovee for Visit Santa Barbara.

Full Article:   https://www.noozhawk.com/article/conde_nast_readers_rank_santa_barbara_among_top_small_cities

LOOKING TO LIVE THE MONTECITO LIFESTYLE AND ENJOY ALL SANTA BARBARA HAS TO OFFER? 

Iconic Montecito: Casa del Herrero

Montecito's iconic George Washington Smith estate

Hidden Secret

This off-the-beaten-path experience is truly a hidden gem and one of Montecito's best kept secrets. Casa del Herrero is a historic estate designed and constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture.

Spanish Colonial Architecture with quintessential GWS fountains

Completed in 1925, the home (designed by architect George Washington Smith) is noted as one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in America. It is included on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2009.

The fountains at Casa del Herrero are undergoing restoration to it's former glory. 

The home and gardens are open for public viewing by ticketed reservation only.  Most of the original furniture from 1925 is still in the home, so you can actually feel what it would have been like to live their.

Stunning Spanish tiles and foutains with a high level of attention to detail.

The Steedman Estate is one of the best preserved, historically significant, and intact examples of the ‘heyday’ of Montecito estates in the 1920s. The creation of the property reflects a remarkable synthesis of culture, artistic expression, natural environment, and historical antecedents. 

The estate grounds are meticulously maintained showcasing this architecturally signficant home

Public Tours: Mid-January – mid-December, Wednesdays & Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Group tours available other days. Reservations required for ALL tours. Call to arrange a time: 805-565-5653, or email tours@casadelherrero.com. Virtual tours at www.casadelherrero.com.

Content & Images: Brianne Limani & Casa del Herrero

1387 East Valley Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Get Directions

For more information on George Washington Smith homes in Montecito and Santa Barbara contact Susan Pate.