One Scoop of Motor Oil

I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream!!! Motor Oil, Rooster Tracks, Sour Green Apple Sorbet, Cherry Pie, Caramel X-plosion, Merlot Raspberry Truffle, Lemon Chiffon, Elvis Special, Mint Fudge Oreo, and Cinnamon Candy Hearts. These are a few of my favorite flavors scooped up by Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab, a unique ice cream shop with three California locations in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo and Orcutt. Doc B's is a Disney-esque frozen food eating experience for the child in all of us. This simply scrumptious sweet shop may create the silliest flavors of ice cream on earth. Melted molded sprinkle ice cream walls offset by glowing ultraviolet catawampus shelves compete with a mad scientist theme while a miniature toy train runs circles around customers, decor befitting Willy Wonka on a sugar binge. Feeling down? Treat yourself to this gooey wonderland... It's just what the Doc ordered!

Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab

Morro Rock

Mariner Park

The air was moist and the ocean calm with sea otters drifting leisurely atop briny waves. Boats safely anchored floated serenely on liquid resembling crystal blue glass. Morro Rock sits solid and Buddha-like in this safe harbor. Long ago its seaward side was dynamite blasted to make the breakwater. Morro Rock was named by explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo during his 16th Century voyage and the first glimpse will take your breath away. Wow!!! That is one massive ROCK!! Drive closer and you will get a true idea of the scale of Morro Rock, the last in a chain of extinct volcanoes, covering 50 acres at its base and towering 576 feet above the entrance to Morro Bay. See those little specs at the rock's base? Those are tourists campers and cars allowed to park, hike, and surf up close. Strong winds often make the beach area perfect for windsurfing and kite flying enthusiasts. Morro Bay's charming Embarcadero has many fine restaurants and shops with a mariner theme. For excellent fish and chips I recommend Giovanni's Fish Market with its casual outdoor atmosphere and view of the rock. And don't miss the Shell Shop, my personal favorite still drawing crowds after 61 years in business. If you love earthy succulent plants and elegant garden statuary the Garden Gallery is the shop for you. Wherever you wander you will find friendly fishermen and easy going locals who have time to chat in this cozy seaside paradise.

Morro Bay California the Home of Morro Rock

Alligator Pear

Zutano, Topa Topa, Hass, Mexicola, Rincon, Bacon, Spinks, Lamb, Fuerte, Pinkerton, Anaheim, Creamhart. These are not exotic travel locations or decadent libations, they are names of avocado cultivars. Pear shaped fruits who's pebbled, thin, blackish-green skin hides an edible buttery textured flesh around a single ovoid seed. Prized as natures super food, high in monosaturates, studies show avocados help to reduce blood cholesterol. You can accelerate the ripening of avocados by placing them in a brown paper bag along with a banana at room temperature. Avocado oil is a favorite among cooks who desire its health benefits as a salad dressing or for high-heat cooking. What do you call an avocado that's been blessed by Pope Francis? Holy Guacamole!

Avocado Health Benefits

California Rare Fruit Growers

Jocko's Nipomo

Historic Jocko's! Some would say the best steak house on the California coast. A restaurant with years of staying power and a permanent line out the door. This is a prime meeting place for the carnivore foodies. Where fellows bond over the perfect oak coal open pit seasoned beef. They exchange shouts of glee as the first perfectly cooked morsel is consumed. A cherished family pinto bean recipe and golden garlic toast will accompany your baked potato, salad, relish tray and steak. And yes, complimentary ice cream and coffee are offered for dessert. If you don't already have dinner reservations, plan on waiting until 8:45pm for seating. Don't be scared away by the restaurant's cinder block exterior. This is definitely the eating place to visit any time you are in the Nipomo area. For early risers a hearty breakfast of ham steak and eggs is popular and at lunchtime the Jocko burger is a local favorite. Afterwards take out bags are graciously given to weary chewers who leave content having eaten their fill of succulent aged steak. A down home western setting with lots of local dim lit bar flavor and savory open pit custom meat cuts. The perfect place for birthday's or retirement parties this local legend is a "must eat here before you die" restaurant destination. So why don't you "Come in an monkey round" sometime.

Call for Reservations (805) 929-3565

The History of Jocko's

Avila Valley Barn

It's a fruit stand. No, it's a farm. No, it's a petting zoo. Really,... it's a gold mine! The Avila Valley Barn is all these things and more. What began in 1985 as a simple home grown veggie stand has blossomed into the funnest kid pleasing place around. Barns filled with yummy eats: BBQ corn, homemade fudge, sandwiches, pies, ice cream and lots and lots of pickled, fresh and canned veggie concoctions. Things your grandma used to love to make! Grab a bag of animal food and feed the baby goats, calfs, donkeys, or llamas. Ok, raise your hands, I mean hooves, if you're up for some spumoni ice cream!

Avila Valley Barn