Page 36 - SLO Visitors Guide Summer/Fall 2020

Arroyo Grande
The charming village of Arroyo Grande showcases its history through the variety of buildings
and historical landmarks that
line the streets, many housing restaurants, shops and museums.
The shops include antiques, specialty and boutique goods and gifts. Restaurants range from bakeries, cozy cafes and coffee houses, to family dining for every food preference.
Attractions
The Swinging Bridge
The Swinging Bridge in the Village of Arroyo Grande, spanning the Arroyo Grande Creek, is the
only remaining bridge of its kind in California. Originally built in 1875, the bridge was reconstructed in 1995 after it was destroyed by a fallen tree.
Open-air historical experiences
The South County Historical Society maintains several historical buildings throughout the village. The sights include:
• The Santa Manuela School House, a one-room school that held
classes from 1901 until 1957. It was moved to another location when Arroyo Grande Creek was dammed to create Lopez Lake. The school was again moved to Short Street at the South end of the Swinging Bridge in 1999 where it has been completely restored.
• The Paulding History House,
a registered California Historic Resource at 551 Crown Hill Road,
was built in 1889. It was the home of Arroyo Grande’s first medical doctor, Edward Paulding. Dr. Paulding and his wife, Clara, gave birth to daughter Ruth, who became a teacher. Ruth
passed away in 1985 at the age of 93 and willed the house and contents to the San Luis Obispo Historical Society. That organization passed the property on to the South County Historical Society.
Visit the South County Historical Society at southcountyhistory.org more information about the Heritage House Museum, the Barn Museum, the IOOF Historic Hall and other Arroyo Grande historical resources.
Farm fresh
The town is surrounded by agricultural land and small farms that grow fresh, farm-to-fork, fruits and vegetables. Many of these essential farms offer produce and fresh farm goods at roadside stands.
Farmer’s market
If you’re in town on Wednesday, don’t miss the Farmer’s Market
at 1464 East Grand Avenue. Take your pick of fresh local farm fare, vegetables, fruit, fish, flowers and more. If you missed out on the local farm fresh roadside stands, the chances are the same farmers are at the Arroyo Grande Farmer’s Market.
Lopez Lake Recreation Area
Located just 10 miles east of Arroyo Grande, Lopez Lake has
close to 1000 acres of lake surface
for boating, fishing, canoeing and windsurfing. The lake has a launch ramp, tackle shop, and many other amenities for water sport enthusiasts. The oak tree studded open space offers hiking and equestrian trails and is home to more than 175 species of flowering plants, more than 150 species of birds and all
of the wildlife that calls the region home. Quagga mussel inspections are in force. Call (805) 781-5930 for more information about Quagga mussel inspections, camping, boat launching and horse trailer parking.
Dining & Food
Klondike Pizza
Alaskan-themed restaurant located in the basement of a century-old building. Award-winning pizza, burgers, salads, and more. Video arcade, outdoor- dining. Beer and wine. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat & Sun. till 10 p.m. 104 Bridge St., (805) 481-5288
36 SUMMER / FALL 2020
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