Professional & Fine Art Photography by Christopher Petro | California's Central Coast

What's Up With All the California Eucalyptus?

Californist March 21, 2016

Every Californian knows about the thousands of eucalyptus trees throughout the state (especially Southern regions). Let's discuss the absurd origins and costs associated with introducing a poisoning invasive species into the state ecosystems. Let's talk about bad ideas.

Road Trip: The Grand Californian Tree Tour

Californist March 16, 2016

In this edition, we tour and discuss The Grand Tree Tour. Here we'll visit the tallest, the most massive and the oldest trees on earth, all located, of course, in our California backyard.

Rites of Passage: California's Most Iconic & Famous Drives

Californist March 14, 2016

The most important, famous and iconic drives for any Californian. Rites of Passage.

Great Central Coast Breakfasts

Californist March 9, 2016

Our favorite breakfast haunts for the Central Coast. Where to go, what to get and breakfast going tips from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo. Our favorite destinations.

The Californist Does it on the Beach

Californist March 7, 2016

The beach lovers piece. The Californist looks at local and favored California beach friendly items for your beach going adventures. We love these beach bags, boardshorts, sunscreens and beach entertainment designs.

A Bottle of Suds: The Best Central Coast Bottle Shops

Californist March 2, 2016

Our favorite bottle houses across the Central Coast, from the Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay and Atascadero.

Thanks to calbevlaw.com for the excellent craft beer image.

Feet in the Sand: Best Places to Camp on California Beaches

Californist February 29, 2016

So you want to pitch your tent next to the crashing waves. It's tough to find these days, but the Californist has put together a list of places that will let you pitch a tent next to the beach.

Locations in the following areas:

Southern California

Central Coast

Northern California

Our Favorite California Libraries - Cool Places for Great Minds

Californist February 26, 2016

A Californist list of our favorite public and private libraries. Libraries from all over the state of California are represented in this list that features unusual aesthetic, historical or architectural beauty.

Our Favorite Central Coast Mexican Grills

Californist February 24, 2016

Some of our favorite locally owned and operated hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurants with phenomenal food. These places are incredible.

California Garden Designer Spotlight - A Profile on Thomas Dolliver Church

Californist February 19, 2016

You have to admire this intrepid pioneer who helped move forward the fertile bedrock of the modernist California Style. Nationally recognized and lauded for his vision on elegant simplicity, livable gardens and native planting. His gardens were designed within the framework of practicality and aesthetic durability traits that likely exist within your own backyard today

Pismo Beach Preserve - The Rad New Backyard for the Central Coast.

Californist February 17, 2016

And update on the happenings of the fantastic Pismo Beach Preserve. All 900 acres of oak and chaparral glory for the good of the Central Coast kind. Pismo is certainly on the road to awesome.

It's Friday, You Just Left Work And You Need Weekend Music.

Californist February 12, 2016

The best Friday-worthy music for your liberating commute home. FREEEEEeeeeeeeddooommmm....

California's Best Botanical Gardens - Our Favorites List.

Californist February 10, 2016

Our favorite botanical gardens, ranging from higher priced to free. Including the following:

Huntington Library and Gardens

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

UC Davis Arboretum

San Francisco Botanical Garden

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

Best of San Luis Obispo County Salsa - Reviews

Californist February 8, 2016

Reviewing San Luis Obispo County salsa's. The best I could track down. All tasted with Have'A Corn Chips.

F. McLintocks - Medium

Chris' Moms Salsa

Running Dog Ranch - Spicy

Misty's Salsa

San Luis Salsa Co. - Original

California Neo-noir Films - Movies that Glow

Californist February 5, 2016

Mostly California movies that wear that California neon-noir film aesthetic like a glorious synthesizer badge of honor.

Blog & Writing Mission

Californian’s are the lovers of nature, of exploring the great unknowns, the contemporary, innovative designs and unique spaces. Get away from the beige stucco boxes. Seek the places, designs, foods and cultural mileposts embodying the best of California.

The Californist aims to present favorite hot spots, tastes and experiences worthy of our readers time.

We are a west coast cultural repository. An enthusiast for anachronism and mid century design. We'll also examine things not made or found in California, but nonetheless echo its call.

Nature

No question a primary motivation for most people moving to California. The diversity of California wilderness is phenomenal. Here you get what most entire countries bring, yet within a single state. From craggy snow-capped Sierras, to endless oceanic horizons, expansive deserts and towering redwood forests. California maintains 9 of the 59 National Parks and they're visited by millions worldwide, every year. We also have 118 state parks and countless county and city parks. Protecting, promoting, expanding and maintaining public lands is a passion for the Californist.

Food Culture

Living in California means embracing its southern boundary. Mexican culture underpins everything throughout California. The colors, patterns, familial pulses infuse California with a unique American-Mexican heritage. Mexican food is a way of life here. We embrace hole-in-the-wall establishments and the bare knuckle hard earned localism that has created the Californian Mexican food mythos. Embrace the mom and pop cash-only shops where the noble effort of ordering in Spanish is worth the challenge.

Craft beer also has a strong west coast role, running stride with the formidable California wine industry. We embrace this beer haven emergence. You'll find local craft beers in every California region, including San Diego with Ballast Point, Petaluma with Lagunitas, San Luis Obispo with Firestone Brewing, dozens of local craft breweries in nearly every city.

The various troves and varieties of California cuisine, from food trucks, restaurants and dishes you make yourself fuel the colorful California appetite.

Design

The patterns, contrasts, grammars and styles of Californian design march with undeniable vibrancy. Rugged Southwest style collides with geometric Mexican and Asian palates. Where a fearlessness for sparkling hues and simple natural and mid-century modern conveys honest sophistication. Sleek, crisp lines holding the energy. Think: thrift store Pendleton's, Mexican serape throws and the strong, honest edges of a teak and steel Nelson bench.