SANTA YNEZ RODEO

TRAVELCOMMUNITY
Written By Holly Greenway

Santa Ynez, CA

Ramble Roadtrip to Old Days Santa Ynez

We hit the road on a Saturday morning, leaving the Santa Monica Mountains behind with cowboy hats packed and anticipation buzzing. The 101 stretched north, sunlight bouncing off the coastline, the drive itself already part of the experience.

We stopped in Santa Barbara at Dune Coffee Roasters for iced lattes. The café was bustling with locals and surfers drifting in and out. It felt like the perfect prelude to our western weekend.

By the time we pulled into Santa Ynez, the Old Days parade and street fair were already in full swing. Music spilled down the streets, kids darted between booths, and everywhere we looked were cowboys and cowgirls in their best boots and freshly shaped Stetsons. The town was alive, and we had arrived just in time.

Rodeo Day One

Our first stop was The Hardt Studio, a craftsman’s workshop we’d been admiring from afar, run by Jacob Herhardt and Blair Moritz. As we walked up, our dear friend Victoria Bailey was singing her sweet cowgirl songs, the soundtrack of the day. A rider on horseback passed casually by, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, adding to the dreamlike charm of this special place. Inside, we were greeted by our friends Taylor and Kari of Raine Fine Jewelry. Taylor’s glowing smile and warm welcome filled the space as she worked her magic with their permanent jewelry, a little sparkle to match the joy of the gathering.

The studio itself was curated perfection. Vintage furniture, worn leather chairs, one of a kind boots, and shelves filled with treasures made the space feel like home.

From there, we drifted into the market across the street. The town was buzzing, energy building toward the rodeo later that evening. We ran into more of our friends: photographer Lauren Purvez and Brittany Raymond of South of Somewhere Vintage, both radiant with excitement. Inside Brass Tack, the beloved local vintage shop, we reunited in the most perfect of settings. We browsed racks of artfully curated finds, our friend Brittany Hamilton landing the piece of the day, a vintage fringe Native American–style suede top, perfect for the rodeo and the afterparty.

Of course, no rodeo weekend is complete without new hats. At KJ Murphy’s we picked out Stetsons and watched as the hat shaper worked his craft. Even though we had seen it before, the novelty never wears off.

By now our hearts were full, but our stomachs were rumbling, so we headed to Mattei’s Tavern with our group of four. Mattei’s is a reimagined historic landmark straight out of another century. Wood-burning fireplaces, a grand bar, hidden rooms, and a menu that does not miss. We started with matcha served in vintage pressed glasses, a treat-yourself moment that set the tone. Burgers followed, one of the best we’ve had.

We popped into our Airbnb, a guest house in a quiet Santa Ynez neighborhood that was so idyllic it felt unreal. After freshening up, we pulled on our cowgirl best and headed to the main event: night one of the Santa Ynez Rodeo.

The stands were already buzzing when we arrived, friends Ava, Dylan, Toni, and Chris waving us over with 805s in hand. We cheered through bronco riding, drill team cowgirls, calf roping, and of course our favorite, the crowd pleasing barrel racing. The crowd roared, the sun sank, and the whole evening felt cinematic.

When the last ride was over, the night was just beginning. Maverick Saloon, right across the way, was alive with rodeo-goers. Neon lights, clinking glasses, and a live band playing 90s country filled the air. The dance floor was packed, strangers and friends alike two-stepping and singing along. It was the kind of place where time stops, where everyone is simply happy to be exactly where they are.

We ended the night with laughter and late-night conversations before finally making our way back to our Airbnb, cowboy boots in hand, ready for day two.

Highlights & Discoveries

  • The Hard Studio: Jacob and Blair’s space, filled with vintage treasures and community magic.

  • Raine Fine Jewelry: Taylor and Kari lighting up the day with their permanent jewelry.

  • Brass Tack: The best vintage finds, with Brittany scoring the suede top of our dreams.

  • KJ Murphy’s: Picking out new Stetsons and watching the hat shaper work his art.

  • Mattei’s Tavern: A meal to remember, where the historic western atmosphere and meals in the lobby bar made it feel like stepping back in time.

  • Maverick’s Saloon: Live music, dancing, and the kind of energy you wish you could bottle.

Rodeo Day Two

Day two began with light hangovers, diner breakfast in Solvang at Ellen’s Danish Pancake House, and a little window shopping before heading back for another round of rodeo. The magic was still there, though softened by the knowledge that the weekend was winding down. We did our best to soak it in one last time. The horses, the dust, the cheers of the crowd, before the sun began to set.

With reluctant hearts, we said our goodbyes, packed up, and pointed the car back south toward the Santa Monica Mountains. Old Days Santa Ynez was everything we had hoped for: friends, music, community, and a taste of western tradition that feels timeless. Until next year, Santa Ynez. You were a dream.

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Holly Greenway
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