By Stephanie Finucane

Photo By Stephanie Finucane
	Branch Street in the Arroyo Grande Village offers a quaint step back in time.

"Quaint, quiet, charming," That's how Arroyo Grande native Leslie Rios describes her hometown in three words, in between serving up cappuccinos and lattes at Café Andreini, a popular gathering place in the heart of the Village of Arroyo Grande.

Located mid-way between Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande has nearly 16,500 residents and extends far beyond the confines of the small village center. But the old-fashioned downtown is still the heart and soul of the community. Old brick, stucco and wood frame buildings line both sides of Branch Street. An old concrete box of a jail - the hoosegow - still remains on a hill overlooking the city.

Founded in 1867 by Francisco Branch, the Village of Arroyo Grande got its start as a utilitarian farm town that grew into a booming community with a fire station, post office, small groceries, five-and-dimes, churches and saloons. Today, antique stores, gift shops and small eateries predominate, yet there's still plenty of history in the Village of Arroyo Grande, a Spanish name that means "big ditch," "big stream" or "big gulch," depending on which translation you prefer.

You'll find plenty to do in old Arroyo. Explore the many one-of-a-kind shops, go wine tasting, check out the two museums, wade in the creek that runs through town, picnic on the village green, listen to live music and enjoy a full meal or a light snack. Restaurants in Arroyo Grande serve everything from deep fried turkey nuts - that's right, turkey nuts - to tortellini.

Where to Start
To get your bearings, start your tour at the visitors' center at 117 1/2 East Branch St., where you can pick up maps, brochures and guides to the town's many antique galleries.

By Stephanie Finucane
	The hanging bridge is one of the spots children will love in the Arroyo Grande Village.

Be sure to check out the old swinging bridge, built over the Arroyo Grande Creek in 1875. The 171-foot-long bridge is the only one of its kinds in California, and a visit to the Village isn't complete without a stroll across the wooden span. Try jumping up and down in the center - but not on a full stomach.

Any day is fine for a tour of the village, but if you can, drop by on a Saturday, when the Farmers' Market brings vendors to town with freshly picked fruits and vegetables, an array of plants and fresh-cut flowers, just-baked breads and sometimes, homemade cheeses and tamales. Musicians play in the town gazebo, and local artists often display their work on the village green.

The market runs noon to 2:30 p.m. every Saturday, rain or shine, behind City Hall. Weekends also are the time to visit Heritage House, a local history museum at 126 Mason St., and the Santa Manuela School House, located just across the Swinging Bridge on Short Street. Both are open Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. and are staffed by knowledgeable volunteers from the South County Historical Society. Kids especially love the schoolhouse, where they get to take turns ringing the old-fashioned bell. Don't miss the dunce cap in the corner.

By Stephanie Finucane
Saturday mornings at the Arroyo Grande Village Farmer's Market offer food, flowers and fun.

With more than half-a-dozen antique shops and malls in town, Arroyo Grande has become a prime destination for antiquing. Shoppers also will find men's and women's clothing in the village, original works by local artists, jewelry, designer fabric, furniture and unique gifts.

Village Art, Café Andreini, and Branch Street Deli display paintings, photographs and sculpture by local artists. For wine tasting, drop by Lund's, which has a wide assortment from the Central Coast's finest wineries.

Make sure you walk the entire length of Branch Street, or you'll miss the old E.C. Loomis Feed Store at 415 E. Branch St., where there's a nice collection of clothing, gifts and jewelry in addition to feed and farm supplies. Don't miss the charming Backroads Garden next door, where you'll find an assortment of planters, birdhouses, jewelry, garden art and handcrafted wooden furniture.

A Village Full of Treats
With nearly a dozen restaurants, delis and groceries, the village has something to please the pickiest palate. For Mexican food, try Taco Loco where you'll find traditional favorites - enchiladas, tacos, burritos - plus vegetarian specialties. Gina's features fine Italian food and killer desserts. The Old Village Grill has a wide selection of burgers and hotdogs, and Branch Street Deli serves up sandwiches, salads, plus live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The Klondike is the hands-down favorite with kids, with a winning combination of gourmet pizzas, video games, kazoos and all-you-can eat peanuts. Do like the locals do, and throw the shells on the floor.

By Stephanie Finucane
	Cafe Andreini offers quiet sidewalk tables and great pastries and coffees.

To satisfy a sweet tooth, don't miss the old-fashioned Burnardo'z ice cream parlor, where kids get a kick out of watching the model train wind its way around an elevated track inside the parlor. Café Andreini has a great selection of pastries and for breakfast, consider Village Café - home of gooey sweet rolls smothered in pink frosting.

While most shops and restaurants are along Branch Street, don't neglect to wander down the side streets. You'll find F. McLintocks Saloon at 133 Bridge St., where they serve up turkey nuts, great steaks and nightly specials. While you're on Bridge Street, check out the I.O.O.F. Hall, a sandstone building that dates back to 1902.

Enjoy a picnic on the village green or at Kiwanis Park, where you'll find creek side tables and barbecue pits. Several restaurants offer food to go for your picnic, and JJ's Food Co. makes great deli sandwiches.

For nightlife, there are two old-time saloons, Bill's Place and Ralph & Duane's. Look for the green stripe across Branch Street that connects the two bars. It's left over from St. Patrick's Day revels.

Fun Festivals
The village hosts several special events through the year. There's a big Strawberry Festival over Memorial Day weekend and a Harvest Festival in the fall, in honor of the town's agricultural heritage. Both events include arts and crafts, carnival booths and plenty of good food.

During the summer, there is a series of free concerts on the village green plus and old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. At Christmas time, Santa strolls through the village and the town decks itself in white lights.

Actually, just about any time of year is the perfect time for a visit to the Arroyo Grande Village. The only danger is you might not want to leave.

Writer Stephanie Finucane is a Central Coast journalist who grew up in Arroyo Grande and loves Café Andreini.

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