Photos of Central Downtown Paso Robles at Dusk

I Love Downtown Paso Robles at Dusk

The sun is no longer bright and the signs of the businesses around the park are beginning to light up. People walk in the park because in summer and early autumn it's cooler than in the daytime. On this October 1 walk, even the moon was making an appearance. Below is a popular attraction, the Park Cinemas Theater.

Park Cinemas Theater, Paso Robles, © B. Radisavljevic

Here's a slightly different view available as both poster and postcard from Zazzle.

Poster: Park Cinemas Downtown Paso Robles, CA PosterPostcard, Park-Cinemas, Paso Robles, CA Postcard

Parking in Downtown Paso Robles Around the Park

Good luck with that. The more popular Paso Robles becomes, the harder it is to find a parking place with a block or two of the park. At night on weekends it's almost impossible. Very few businesses supply parking, so most parking is on the street. I circled the park twice and even contemplated parking at the library and walking three blocks to get to Studios on the Park Saturday night. I finally found a place two blocks away on Park and 11th Street in a handicapped space (Yes, I have a placard) beside the park. As I walked toward my destination, I saw others still looking for a parking place.

Parking is scarce in Paso Robles on Saturday night, © B. Radisavljevic

An Old-Fashioned Sweet Shop

Got a sweet tooth you want to indulge while strolling around downtown? Try Powell's. Last time I looked it had all the candy bars and sweet treats the stores used to carry but are hard to find in stores now. I thought they'd stopped making them until I visited the Powell's SLO Sweets Candy Store.  Evidently the name is in transition. You'll find the store on the corner of 11th Street and Pine. It's in an historic building that used to house the Municipal Bathhouse around 1905.  Do you see the moon lurking behind the palm tree?

The Candy Store, © B. Radisavljevic

Pine Street at Dusk

There isn't room in this post to show you all the buildings on Pine Street between 11th and 12th across from the city park. I will show you these. As you cross Pine Street on 11th, you will be in front of the Park Cinemas. (Top photo) Walk west toward Studios on the Park and these are some businesses you will pass.

Red Scooter and Good Times (hidden behind tree) © B. Radisavljevic 

The Red Scooter is a deli open for breakfast and lunch. I've never tried it. After checking out their menu, I just may try it soon.  I've had lunch several times at the Good Times Cafe and been satisfied. It resembles a fifties burger hang-out. Or you could eat at the Paso Robles Inn across from the park on Spring Street for a more formal atmosphere. The food there is delicious. If you walk around the streets surrounding the park you'll find almost any kind of food you desire being served at one of the many restaurants on 11th Street, Pine Street, and 12th Street.

Walk a bit further on Pine Street past Good Times Cafe and you'll be in front of Pappy McGregor's Irish Pub. If you eat there you can choose sidewalk dining or eat inside. I've haven't eaten there since it was the Crooked Kilt years ago. It's only a few yards more from there to Studios on the Park -- my destination for the evening. I was not looking for food, but for a feast of art for my eyes.

Pappy McGregor's and Studios on the Park on Pine Street, © B. Radisavljevic

Souvenirs from Downtown Paso Robles

Clock Tower Downtown Paso Robles Postage




These are some other scenes you will find downtown very near the park. At Zazzle you will find even more Paso Robles designs. There are also more  product options for these designs. 

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Poster: Sidewalk Dining in Paso Robles, California PosterClock Tower Downtown Paso Robles PostcardPostcard: Superior Court, Paso Robles, California Postcard

The Paso Robles City Park at Dusk

Since the park covers two city blocks in the center of downtown, I will not even attempt to get all of it in this post. Its most famous landmark is the historic Carnegie Library, now the home of the Paso Robles Historical Society. Did you see the statue of Paderewski in front of it? Paderewski loved Paso Robles. We outgrew the original library and build a new one. Tour the new library here. It's across the street from the park and shares a building with the City of Paso Robles City Hall.

Historic Carnegie Library in City Park, © B. Radisavljevic 

The other structure most Paso Robles locals think of in connection with City Park is the bandstand. It's used for special events and for the summer concerts in the park. It's also where some teens hang out in the afternoon. I'll devote an entire post to it soon. But to close this post I'll just give you one shot of it. See how tall the trees are in comparison? To the left is a glimpse of our brand new playground. We will also devote a future post to that.

If you don't live in Paso Robles, what first impression do you get of it from these photos of our downtown?


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Photos of Paso Robles Inn at Dusk

The Paso Robles Inn and Coffee Shop Are Local Landmarks

The Paso Robles Inn buildings are located on Spring Street across from City Park. They are difficult buildings to photograph as a unit without any parked cars or traffic getting in the way. 

The Coffee Shop is the most distinctive because of its shape. (See final photo at end of post.) The Steakhouse is popular with locals and tourists alike because of its delicious food. We like to eat there on special occasions. Many locals hang out in the Cattleman's Lounge upstairs above the Steak House.

 The Paso Robles Inn is often displays its NO VACANCY sign as it did on this busy Saturday night at dusk. That's the red sign at the right.

Paso Robles Inn and Steakhous at Dusk, © B. Radisavljevic

Do You See Clarabelle Cow?

She's at the right side of the photo near the entrance to the inn lobby. She's been there since the Cow Parade ended last May. They auctioned off all the donated cows and Clarabelle Cow is now at the Paso Robles Inn as long as they both shall last. See the details and professional photos of Clarabelle and how she was created.

Clarabelle Cow in Front of Paso Robles Inn Near Entrance, © B. Radisavljevic

Here's my not-so-professional photo of Clarabelle in the middle of February 2017 after she'd been out in the rain a bit. It looks as though she's outgrowing her wine barrel coat. How can that happen? I guess she ate too many of those grapes.

Clarabelle Cow in Front of Paso Robles Inn

See the iconic Paso Robles Inn Coffee Shop below.

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This post is for Day 4 in the Ultimate Blog Challenge It's not too late to join.

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Photos of a Catalpa Tree in October

Fruits Hanging from Catalpa Tree in October

One thing I love about living where there are so many trees is watching their appearance change from season to season. I showed you what the catalpa tree below looked like in bloom a few months ago. Last night I was walking in the Paso Robles City Park again and found two catalpa trees. Both had the hanging fruits you can see now.

Hanging Fruits of the Catalpa Tree in Downtown City Park, Paso Robles, © B. Radisavljevic

The spring blossoms are gone. The heart-shaped leaves have not yet turned to gold. That will happen before the leaves fall. I hope to get back to photograph the tree then. Read more about the catalpa tree's characteristics on the Cal Poly website.  The pods you see hanging above are some of the very longest found on trees. Although the website states the fruits are three inches long, I can tell you many of these were at least twice that long. Perhaps you can see why the catalpa tree is nicknamed the bean tree, though the fruits are not edible.

You can see why the catalpa tree is also called a bean tree. © B. Radisavljevic

The tree above is closer to the center of the park near the Historical Museum housed in the old Carnegie Library. You can see that a few of the leaves show signs of the approaching color change.

The Whole Catalpa Tree in Autumn

Here's my photo of the entire first tree (at least that which I can see from one side.) As you can see, it's a tall tree. It often grows as high as 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide. I had trouble getting the entire width into the photo. You can see how tall the tree is compared to the man walking beside it. It also grows fast -- up to two to three feet a year. It can live up to 150 years.

Please pin this photo to your Pinterest page to share it with others. 

This is my post for Day 3 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge for October.

Studios on the Park Brings Art to All Ages

How Much is that Guitar in the Window?

On my visit to Studios on the Park, our Paso Robles local art hub, I noticed this guitar in the window. There was a sign: "Win this guitar," but with no details as to how to win it.

 Electric Guitar for Some Lucky Winner  Photo © B. Radisavljevic

If you've never been to Studios on the Park, a peak past the reflection in this window will give you a glimpse. The art on the walls ranges from paintings to mixed media.  The doorways you see lead to individual artist studios and galleries. You will often have an opportunity to meet the artists in their studios.

After I took this picture, I went back inside to find out how one might win this guitar and how long the opportunity would last. I discovered that the guitar is a custom-made Gary Kramer electric guitar. Find out more about its construction and history here.  Proceeds from ticket sales went to support art programs for both children and adults. Find out more about these art education programs. 

Reflections on Studios on the Park

I have enjoyed visiting Studios on the Park for many years now. I've met many talented artists, seen their work, and watched their demonstrations. If you're interested in art and you're in Paso Robles on a weekend, you simply need to see what's happening there. A wonderful time to visit is the first Saturday night of each month. That's when you can experience the magic of Art After Dark. Don't miss it. 

I have increased my understanding and appreciation of art through my many visits with artists at Studios on the Park. As I reflect on those visits I see that the   artists I've met are very much like me in wanting to express their talent in a unique way. They use all kinds of media to carry their message. I use words and a camera.  I'm not very good at drawing or painting. 

It's not the particular talent we have that's important, but how we develop and use it. I don't have to create paintings or mosaics or sculptures to appreciate the skill that goes into making them.  It is enough to watch the artists in action and listen to them explain what goes into creating. What a wonderful opportunity those at Studios on the Park offer to anyone who wants to create or learn more about art. We are fortunate to have it in our town. 

Harold Spencer at Work in His Studio in April 2015, © B. Radisavljevic

Go and meet the artists while you can. Resident artists come and go. Some have left this world for the next. I'm so glad I met Harold Spencer before he died last year. Read his obituary to see the caliber of artist you can meet just by walking into Studios on the Park. His work is still on display in his old studio. I used to visit him there often to watch him work and talk to him. I miss seeing him now when I visit, but even living artists you can meet today may have moved by next month or year. 

As a regular visitor to Studios on the Park I've watched as artists develop and grow. Some have changed styles many times. I walked in one day and it seemed almost all the painters were creating abstract art. I'm not sure why.   Others experiment with new media, styles, or themes independent of what the other artists are doing. I'm getting to the place now where I almost don't need to see the artist's name to know whose work it is among the past and present resident artists.  Past residents often place their work in the monthly exhibits. 

Become a regular visitor. Then you will notice who's coming and going and catch up on studio gossip, as I did last night. Most of all, you'll keep up with the Paso Robles art scene and have a good time. So don't miss Art after Dark on October 7. There will be lively music, fine wine, and refreshments -- if you look around. It's a great introduction to Studios on the Park.  See you there. 

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This post is for Day 2 in the Ultimate Blog Challenge  It's not too late to join.

The Sensual Bearded Iris

The Bearded Iris Is a Sensual Flower

Many flowers are beautiful or glamorous, but I can't think of one that is as sensual as the bearded iris. The City Daily Photo Bloggers theme this month is sensual so I will feature my photos of the bearded iris. This is also Day 1 of the October Ultimate Blog Challenge, and I've decided to participate. 

How Can an Iris Be Sensual?

To be sensual, something needs to appeal to the physical senses. There can also be an element of sexuality in something sensual, but there doesn't have to be. I think irises have it all. Bearded irises have a delightful fragrance. They come in an array of colors. Their texture is smooth and silky. Their beards tickle when you touch them. 

Wear my Irises

elegant flower blue iris Slip-On sneakers


I decided to show off some of my irises on T-shirts. Click through on any of the shirts to see the other styles and colors you can choose. I added the shoe that someone else designed because I thought it was beautiful.

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Light purple with pink irises T-ShirtHoody with White IrisesLight purple with pink irises baby bodysuit

Modesty Enhances Sensuality

Like a beautiful but flirtatious woman, the iris leaves much to the imagination. You don't see all of an isis at once. It actually emerges from a rather ugly bud that looks a bit like a distorted onion. It would be hard to imagine by looking at the bud how sensual the flower might be. 

Would you guess it would look like this? Yet even with its flags unfurled, it does not reveal its golden center. The spider is looking for it. If you don't see the spider moving when the video starts, just click through to YouTube. 

In the photo below it appears the spider found what it was looking for. Look closely in the center. The spider is storming the inner sanctum of the iris in search of the pollinating insects which are attracted to it. 

Below you can see an insect that will soon be trying to pollinate the iris it has chosen.

Notice how modest the iris is as she keeps her private parts covered until she is ready to show them off.  Only the pollinating insects and their predators are allowed in under her folded petals.

Next time you see a bearded iris, touch it, smell it, and feast your eyes on all it reveals. It may be more sensual than you gave it credit for.

What do you like best about the iris?

See how City Daily Photo Bloggers worldwide have interpreted this month's theme of sensual.

Sky Photos from Charolais Corridor Trail at Dusk

Back on the Charolais Corridor Trail for a Photo Walk

Life has prevented me from doing much walking in these past few months, but tonight I couldn't stand being confined and so I walked. I drove to the trailhead of the Charolais Corridor Trail across from Larry Moore Park in Paso Robles, camera in hand, as the sun was beginning to set. The weather was just right for a walk. 

Sundown from Charolais Corridor Trail, © B. Radisavljevic

Photos of The Sky from the Trail

I will show these sky photos in the order in which I took them so you can imagine you are walking with me. All photos, watermarked or not, are my intellectual property and may not be used without my written permission.

As I started my walk along the trail, a solid band of clouds was just in front of me above the treetops. As you will see later, the color deepened as the sun got lower and disappeared.

A Band of Clouds across The Sky Over the Trail, © B. RadisavljevicAs you 

As you look at these photos you will notice I love tree silhouettes against the sky, as in the photo below.

Golden Stripe of Sunset behind Tree Silhouette, © B. Radisavljevic

I also like unusual cloud formations like this one. I saw it from many different angles as I walked. It was always in front of me or off to the right of the trail. Here it appears to be disappearing into the oaks below it.

V-Shaped Cloud Formation on South Side of Trail, © B. Radisavljevic

The trail runs between two housing areas: Riverbank on the north side and the rural properties, many of them small farms, that face onto Oak Lane on the south side. The palm is in one of the yards in the Riverbank tract.

Palm in Yard Across the Fence Along Trail with Clouds Behind, © B. Radisavljevic

I was not alone on the trail tonight. Two families passed me with their dogs. I thought the boy was going to have to carry the little black dog. It was stubbornly refusing to keep walking. Finally, it decided to follow, but only after much urging.

Company on the Trail, © B. Radisavljevic

These large trees are on the side where the small farms are. I love their silhouettes as the sky darkens.

Whisps of Clouds behind Tree Silhouettes, © B. Radisavljevic

This is the same band of clouds I showed you earlier, but now some time has passed. Both its color and shape have changed a bit.

Band of Clouds Across Trail Is Turning Pink, © B. Radisavljevic

There are many more pictures I could have shown you -- over a hundred -- but this is enough to give you an idea of what you missed. This last photo was taken after I returned to the entrance. The trees are on the end of Riverbank Lane, near where I parked. If you live in Paso Robles and haven't walked this trail yet, it's very manageable -- even for those with disabilities. It's mostly level, and you can see it is paved with concrete. Walkers do need to watch out for cyclists, though. I often encounter them here.

Back to Where I Started as It Begins to Get Dark, © B. Radisavljevic

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North Up the Cuesta Grade at Sundown: Photos

Photos On the Cuesta Grade between San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles

The last time we went to San Luis Obispo, we returned as the sun was beginning to set. The sunset was gorgeous. We watched the sky show all the way home. I only wish we'd washed the windshield before going up the grade. 

Shortly after We Started Climbing. Still in San Luis Obispo. © B. Radisavljevic

Here is some of what we saw, but no photos do that sky justice. 

 The Sky Photos Coming up the Cuesta Grade

 These are some of the other photos I took as we climbed the grade to get back to Paso Robles.

Passing through Santa Margarita, © B. Radisavljevic

I think we are still in Santa Margarita, but we could have gotten to Atascadero. © B. Radisavljevic

Getting Close to Paso Robles, © B. Radisavljevic