Page 74 - SLO Visitors Guide Summer 2024

74 SUMMER 2024 slovisitorsguide.com
Templeton is the epitome of small
town charm. Originally founded
in 1886 as the last station on the
southbound Southern Pacific Railroad,
the town hosted horse drawn stage-
coaches that met the trains and gave
passengers a ride to San Luis Obispo to
connect with the next stagecoach to
their destinations. Even after the rail-
road extended the rails south to Santa
Margarita in 1889, Templeton remained
the shipping point for local crops and
products bound eastward and to boats
in shipping ports on the coast. Grain,
wood, charcoal, fruit and cattle, driven
from as far away as Kern County, arrived
in Templeton for the next destination.
Many of the buildings from the late
1800s are still lining Main Street and
housing unique shops, wineries and
restaurants serving everything from
hearty country breakfasts to dinner for
every taste and the Templeton Histori-
cal Museum Society.
Attractions
Fresh farm to table
adventures
Templeton is an ideal starting or
end-of-day spot for touring the back
roads on the way to or from your fa-
vorite wineries. Small farms along oak
lined winding roads have produce
stands offering fresh vegetables, fruit,
eggs and more.
Farmers market
The Saturday morning Farm-
ers Market from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
at the Templeton Park. The park is
located at 550 Crocker St. Find fresh
vegetables, fruit, bakery goods, meat,
fish, nuts, honey, olive oil and hand-
made crafts.
Dining & Drinks
Chulos Cafe & Cantina
Chulos offers an extensive menu,
featuring American cuisine with a
Latino touch, not to mention a wide
selection of artfully created coffee
beverages. The sophisticated dining
Templeton
experience includes Nouveau-Latin
dishes and handcrafted cocktails.
Truly a hidden gem. 335 Posada Lane
chuloscafecantina.com, (805) 434-3044
McPhee’s Grill
Fresh seafood, wood grilled steaks, &
gourmet pasta served in a converted
old saloon with contemporary country
decor. 416 S. Main St., (805) 434-3204
Pig Iron
A new restaurant serving high-end
California comfort food, award
winning cocktails, and a brunch most
would die for. Open for lunch and
dinner, come find out what all the talk
is about! Follow on Instagram:
@pigirontempleton. 508 S. Main St.,
pigirontempleton.com, (805) 400-4542
Templeton Market & Deli
Hometown deli with delicious
homemade salads, sandwiches and
fried chicken. Serving breakfast, lunch
and dinner. Huge selection of snacks
and beverages, including local wines.
Open daily 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 390 S Main
St., Templeton, (805) 434-2345