Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/309330
S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 | W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A 27 1 Downtown Santa Barbara First, the waterfront: eight glorious kilometres of shallow, curving beachfront edged by lawns and palm trees, promenades and historic Stearns Wharf, one of the longest wooden piers in the U.S. Highlights include a tour of the courthouse, an elegantly Moorish concoction with a sunken garden and astounding views from its clock tower; the 1827 Casa de la Guerra and Presidio; and a stroll through old El Paséo, originally a series of interconnected shopping arcades and courtyards and still well worth exploring, though the shops have migrated to Paséo Nuevo (across State Street). For accommodation near the waterfront in historic downtown, check out Hotel Virginia, an early hostelry and now an immaculately refurbished Holiday Inn Express. Farther north is the Arlington Theatre and its over-the-top Spanish fantasy decor; and, north again, the ne old "Queen of the Missions," the Santa Barbara Mission. Bonus: two jaunty electric trolleys make walkabouts easy. One runs up State Street, from Stearns Wharf to the mission, another along the waterfront (fares just 50 cents; transfers free). Stop for Mexican food at La Playa Azul Café, Santa Barbara Street – ask for a table on the bougainvillea- smothered patio. Or try Market Wine Bistro Pierre LaFond, on State Street, for people-watching and California cuisine; or harbourfront Brophy Bros. Bar & Restaurant for seafood. 2 Los Olivos Northwest of Santa Barbara, this town of 1,000 was founded when the railroad originally whistled through in 1887. is is where Swiss immigrant Felix Mattei built his famous Mattei's Tavern. e village itself, dominated by wine shops, tasting rooms, antique shops and art galleries, makes for an idyllic walkabout. en drive back to Hwy. 154 and hang a right into the heart of wine country via lovely, meandering Foxen Canyon Road. e surrounding hills are vivid green, patterned with Nexus in 1-2 . . .Wait for It . . . 3 Yes, those lucky ducks in the Nexus lane are clearing airport security faster than you. The Nexus program pre-approves low-risk travellers to cross Canada-U.S. borders – and y domestically – without lengthy song-and-dance from security, customs or immigration of cers. Getting on the list isn't dif cult; just prepare to be patient. 1. APPLY Submit your applica- tion online (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/ prog/nexus), or download a form and mail it. There's a non- refundable $50 fee, and you'll need to provide proof of citizen- ship or permanent residence. Wait: It takes six to eight weeks for processing. During that time, Canadian and U.S. border of cers will review your application, and you'll undergo a criminal record check. 2. QUALIFY Once approved, you'll be invited to set up an interview at a Nexus enrol- ment centre. In Alberta, there are two, at the Calgary and Edmonton airports. Wait. Nexus applications have spiked in the last few years, so you're looking at wait times of several weeks to months to secure your interview. 3. INTERVIEW In this 30- minute session, of cers will review your information, verify your identity and take nger- prints. They'll explain the pro- gram's terms and procedures, and take a photo of your face and iris. Also, they'll break this news: despite your ample hoop- jumping, you may still be subject to inspection any time you enter Canada or the U.S. Passport photos are free for Plus members. Visit any AMA centre. Don't forget your AMA card when you cross the border. You're covered for Roadside Assistance when driving any vehicle in North America. (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) TONDA/MAXX IMAGES, RICHARD CUMMINS/ GETTY IMAGES, RICHARD CUMMINS/MAXX IMAGES, UIG/GETTY IMAGES GERI LAVROV/GETTY IMAGES Aebleskiver, spherical Danish pancakes, at the Solvang Restaurant. Santa Barbara's circa 1827 Casa de la Guerra offers tours six days a week. Founded in 1786, the Old Mission Santa Barbara was the 10th of 21 California missions established by Spanish Franciscans. p26-29SantaBarbara.indd 27 14-04-29 9:15 AM