Two county historical landmarks distinguish the township of Ballard, less than 2 miles south of Los Olivos on Alamo Pintado Road. Ballard School, 2425 School St., the quintessential “little red schoolhouse,” opened its doors in 1882 and is still in session; Ballard Country Church (now the Loper Funeral Chapel), 2465 Baseline Ave., dates from 1898. Both are open to the public free of charge.
Self-guiding Tours
Free touring maps of Santa Barbara County wineries and locales from the film “Sideways”—several scenes of which were shot in Los Olivos and the Santa Ynez Valley—are available from the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association, Solvang Visitor Center, P.O. Box 633, Solvang, CA 93464; phone (805) 688-6144.
Recreational Activities
Hot Air Ballooning
Sky's the Limit Ballooning Adventures