| | 💋 Hey babes — Happy Sunday! | Well, babes, we've made it to the final stop of our American Horse Country adventure! | And I think I've saved something pretty special for last. 🐎🌊 | For the past four Sundays, we've been exploring some of America's most beautiful horse-country destinations, and we've teamed up with Roadtrippers to help plan each adventure. | We started in Kentucky, discovering the incredible world of Thoroughbred racing and breeding. | Then we headed to Virginia, where we fell in love with historic estates, beautiful barns, and the traditions of hunt country. | Last Sunday, we traveled from Belmont to Saratoga, following the stories of legendary racehorses and the people who love them. | And now? We're heading west! | Welcome to California's Central Coast, where horses, golden hills, vineyards, and the Pacific Ocean come together in one gorgeous road trip. | Think horseback riding along the beach, breakfast at a historic ranch, a little California cowboy history, and a beautiful encounter with wild horses. | You know how much horses mean to me. And after spending the past few weeks dreaming about these incredible places, I can't imagine a better way to finish our series. | Five stops. Three days. And one last adventure through American horse country. | 👇 Saddle up, babes. We're going to California! | Cheers & martinis!
Frances
@GalOffDuty |
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| | | The perfect playlist, iced coffee, your favorite girls riding shotgun, and nowhere to be. Think spontaneous getaways, dreamy coastal drives, charming towns, and those let's-stay-one-more-night moments. | Our latest travel crush? Roadtrippers, your ultimate bestie for making the journey as fabulous as the destination. | Why We're Loving Roadtrippers:
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✨ Less Planning, More Wandering: Roadtrippers Autopilot helps uncover amazing stops without hours of research. | The GFD Take: The best weekends start with a full tank, your favorite people, and a little spontaneity. Pack your weekender and hit the road, babes! | 💕 Start your eligible 7-day free trial of Roadtrippers! |
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| | | Santa Barbara: Horses Meet the Pacific | Okay, can we just start by saying that horseback riding along the ocean might be one of the most romantic things ever? | Our California adventure begins in Summerland, a little coastal town just south of Santa Barbara. | And our first stop is Summerland Beach Rides. | Picture this. | You're on horseback, making your way toward the beach. There's a little ocean breeze, the sound of waves rolling onto the shore, and nothing but beautiful California coastline ahead. | I mean, honestly. Does it get any better? | The company offers guided beach rides for different riding levels, so you don't have to be an experienced equestrian to enjoy the adventure. | And there's something about seeing the ocean from the back of a horse that feels completely different from an ordinary beach day. | No rushing. No distractions. | Just you, your horse, and the Pacific. | For someone who loves horses as much as I do, this is exactly the kind of experience I'd travel for. | 💋 My move: Book a morning beach ride in advance. Rides are weather-dependent and conducted at a walk, so come ready to relax and enjoy the scenery. |
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| | Alisal Ranch: A Little California Cowgirl Dream | Next, we're trading the coastline for the beautiful rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley. | And babes, this is where things get seriously charming. | Welcome to Alisal Ranch, a beautiful guest ranch just outside Solvang. | We're talking thousands of acres of open countryside, oak-covered hills, beautiful horses, and that wonderful old-fashioned California ranch atmosphere. | But with all the comforts of a lovely country resort. | And here's the experience I'd be most excited about. | The ranch offers a signature horseback breakfast ride, where guests saddle up in the morning and ride through the countryside to a historic adobe camp. | Waiting at the end? | A Western-style breakfast around the campfire, complete with pancakes, eggs, bacon, and coffee. | Breakfast after a morning ride? | That's my kind of itinerary. | I'd spend the rest of the day enjoying the ranch, relaxing by the pool, or simply soaking up the scenery. | And I love the idea of ending the evening with a cozy dinner and a glass of California wine. | Because even cowgirls appreciate a little luxury. 😉 | 💋 My move: Spend the night at Alisal Ranch and reserve the breakfast ride through the ranch concierge. The signature ride runs on select days, so plan around it. |
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| | Santa Ynez: Where California's Cowboy Story Comes Alive | One of the things I've loved most about this series is discovering how different horse culture can be from one part of the country to another. | And California has an equestrian history all its own. | Our next stop is the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Parks-Janeway Carriage House. | Now, I know what you're thinking. | A museum on a road trip full of horses and beautiful scenery? | Trust me on this one. | The museum celebrates the history of the Santa Ynez Valley, including the ranching traditions and equestrian craftsmanship that helped shape the region. | And the Carriage House has an incredible collection of historic horse-drawn carriages, wagons, saddles, and riding equipment. | What I find especially interesting is the history of the California vaquero, the skilled horsemen whose traditions helped shape Western riding and ranch life. | Long before the image of the American cowboy became famous, these horsemen were developing sophisticated riding, roping, and horse-handling techniques. | It's such a fascinating part of the story. | And I love seeing how much care and artistry went into something as simple as a saddle or a beautifully made bridle. | After the museum, I'd spend a little time exploring Santa Ynez. | Think Western-style storefronts, charming boutiques, and somewhere cozy for lunch. | 💋 My move: Check the museum's limited visiting hours before heading over. I'd plan an afternoon here and leave time to explore town. |
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| | Los Olivos: Horses, Vineyards & a Little Wine | Okay, babes. I think we've officially found my California happy place. | Horses and wine country? | Yes, please. 🍷🐎 | Our next stop takes us to Vino Vaqueros, which offers guided horseback rides through the beautiful grounds of Demetria Estate Winery near Los Olivos. | And this is California wine country at its prettiest. | Imagine riding along quiet trails, passing rows of grapevines, with rolling hills and oak trees stretching out around you. | There's something so peaceful about experiencing a vineyard on horseback rather than from a car. | The rides are private and guided, giving you time to enjoy the countryside without feeling rushed. | And after the ride? | You can arrange a wine tasting at Demetria Estate. | Because I certainly wouldn't turn down a lovely glass of Pinot Noir after a day in the saddle. | I'd also make time to wander around Los Olivos, a charming little wine-country town filled with tasting rooms, boutiques, and beautiful countryside views. | It's exactly the kind of stop where I'd happily lose track of time. | 💋 My move: Reserve the horseback ride ahead of time, then book a separate tasting for afterward. If you're tasting wine, arrange for a designated driver. |
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| | Return to Freedom: Where Wild Horses Still Have a Home | And now, babes, for the final stop of our entire American Horse Country series. | This one is a little different. | And honestly, it might be the most meaningful of all. | Just outside Lompoc is Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary. | This nonprofit organization is dedicated to protecting America's wild horses and burros through sanctuary, conservation, education, and advocacy. | Here, wild horses that have been removed from their natural ranges can live in protected surroundings, often remaining with their family groups. | And there's something incredibly moving about that. | We've spent the past few Sundays exploring the many ways horses have become part of American life. | We've seen the athleticism of racehorses, the beautiful connection between horse and rider, and the traditions of ranching and horsemanship. | But here, the focus is something even more fundamental. | The horse itself. | Its freedom. Its instincts. Its natural relationships with other horses. | Return to Freedom offers guided sanctuary experiences where visitors can learn about wild horses, observe the herds, and understand the challenges these animals face. | I'd love nothing more than to spend a quiet afternoon simply watching them. | No saddles. No racetrack. No competition. | Just horses being horses. | And I can't think of a more beautiful way to end this adventure. | 💋 My move: Contact the sanctuary well in advance to arrange a guided visit. November is outside its regular scheduled tour season, so off-season visits must be specially arranged and aren't guaranteed. Even if a visit isn't possible, the organization's conservation work is worth learning about and supporting. |
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| | 🌊 The California Coast Is Made for Road Trips | One of the things I love about this final itinerary is how much the scenery changes along the way. | We begin beside the Pacific Ocean, head inland through rolling ranch country, wander into the Santa Ynez Valley's vineyards, and finish among the hills where wild horses are protected. | And the drive itself? | Absolutely gorgeous. | This is the kind of trip where I'd leave plenty of room for spontaneous stops. | A little coffee shop in Solvang. A beautiful roadside view. An unexpected boutique in Los Olivos. | Maybe even a sunset detour back toward the coast. | That's exactly why we've loved teaming up with Roadtrippers for this series. | Because the magic of a road trip often happens somewhere between the stops you've planned. |
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| 👢 What I'd Wear: California Cowgirl Edition | Okay, one last packing list before we wrap up our road trip series. | And California is giving me a little Western style with a coastal twist. | Here's what I'd bring: | A great pair of cowboy boots. Beautiful with denim and perfect for the ranch. | My favorite straight-leg jeans. Classic, comfortable, and easy to wear all day. | A crisp white button-down. A little effortless California polish. | A suede or leather jacket. Because those coastal evenings can get chilly. | A Western-inspired belt. Just enough cowgirl without going full rodeo. | A beautiful hat. For those sunny afternoons in wine country. | And of course, I'd pack proper riding clothes, safe closed-toe shoes, and a helmet for our horseback adventures. | Because looking cute is important, but taking care of yourself around horses is even more important. 😉 |
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| | 💋 Gal Off Duty Tip | I'd give this California adventure three full days, with Alisal Ranch or the Santa Ynez Valley as our home base. | Book the horseback rides first, particularly the beach ride and Alisal's breakfast experience. | Then plan the museums, wine tasting, and scenic stops around those reservations. | And if visiting Return to Freedom is important to you, contact the sanctuary before finalizing the rest of your itinerary. | Most importantly, don't try to squeeze everything into one day. | California horse country deserves a little time. |
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| 🐎 Four Sundays, Four Road Trips, One Love for Horses | And just like that, babes, we've reached the end of our American Horse Country series. | Four Sundays. | Four beautiful destinations. | And so many different ways to experience the incredible world of horses. | From the legendary Thoroughbreds of Kentucky to the riding traditions of Virginia. | From the racing history of New York to the beautiful wild horses of California. | What I've loved most about putting this series together is being reminded that horses connect us to so much more than riding. | They connect us to history, tradition, nature, and the people who dedicate their lives to caring for them. | And whether they're champions on a racetrack, trusted partners on a trail, or wild horses living in protected herds, they all deserve our admiration and respect. | I've always believed there's something special about the relationship between people and horses. | They teach us patience. They teach us trust. And sometimes, they remind us how wonderful it feels to simply slow down and enjoy the moment. | And maybe that's what this entire road trip series has really been about. | Getting out into the world, discovering beautiful places, and remembering the things that make us feel most alive. | A huge thank-you to Roadtrippers for teaming up with us to plan these adventures. | And to all of you who have followed along these past four Sundays, thank you for coming along for the ride. | Here's to more beautiful places, more adventures, and always making room for the things we love. | And yes, there will definitely be more horses. 😉 | Cheers & martinis,
Frances
@GalOffDuty |
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