Summary: Arguably the heart of the Central Coast wine country, Paso Robles is the big little town that could.
Home of the Mid State Fair, entrance to a highway boasting many wineries and leading to the Hearst Castle, don't let Paso Roble's modest size fool you.
This town is full of many surprises and hosts a very proud and spirited community. There are a lot of special events downtown at the park, or you can head out for a glass of wine at one of the local wineries. You'll also find plenty of shopping around town. But watch out for the heat in the summer, it does get warm.
Paso Robles is a hub for many of the main roads through the Central Coast. From here you can take 46 West to Cambria and the Hearst Castle, 46 East to Bakersfield, and 101 South to San Luis Obispo. Both West and East 46 (two different exits from 101) take you to a nice variety of wineries.
Quick Facts : Elevation: 712'
Population: 24,297
Median House Price: $232,000
Paso Robles was incorporated on March 11, 1889
Business
There always seems to be new building going on in Paso Robles. While building permits are limited in the county, the east side of Paso Robles is an ever expanding housing area with new housing developments, schools and parks ever expanding.
Paso Robles has invested in an excellent airport that is jet capable. Unfortunately, the larger carriers stay in San Luis Obispo, which is constantly being dragged kicking and screaming into airport expansion projects. The airport once hosted an active jet charter company, but is now mainly used smaller aircraft. The local wineries are large businesses that do bring in more commercial aircraft.
And it's hard to underestimate the impact the wineries have on the community. From employment to hosting a thriving tourist industry, there's obviously a lot of money brought into the area by the wineries and supporting businesses.
Paso Robles also has a strong farming and ranching background, which can be explored at the local Pioneer Museum and is celebrated at the annual Paso Gathering. Or you can get more up close and personal with the newly commissioned Agritourism opportunities.
There are a lot of small service and manufacturing scattered around Paso Robles, and a very active Chamber of Commerce to support those businesses.
Paso Robles is also home to the California State Youth Authority, where a number of juvenile felons is brought in. The community not only hosts the facility, but is actively involved in the rehabilitation of these young men, with volunteers visiting and hosting special holiday events.
History:
Activities:
There's a lot to do in the area. Paso Robles has excellent museums, small but growing theatre productions, special events, and of course the winery.
Paso has a group of vey active associations who host most of the events that happen in the area. A vintners association, downtown association, and chamber of commerce manage most of the events. In addition, the local wineries host dinner parties, concerts, and tastings.
The largest event must be the Cruisin' Paso Car Show. Adults and children alike line the streets to see the parade of 800 cars before heading downtown to party.
Paso Robles is home to a number of special winery events. A wine festival, zinfandel tasting, and harvest wine tour are the largest, but many wineries host events of their own.
The Mid-State Fair is over a week of special events and has a budget that makes other County Fair hosts jealous. It runs July 27 - August 7 in 2005 and hosts a list of poular singers among other performances.
The Pioneer Museum is a good place to start to learn the history of the European settling of this area. Famous people have visited here to enjoy the peaceful environment, wonderful food and wine, and the mineral springs, which weren't that active until the last earthquake. Ignacy Paderewski is the person you'll here the locals talk about the most. This man that was famous as a concert pianist and statesman purchased Rancho San Ignacio. In 1922 he planted 200 acres of zinfandel and petit syrah grapes and his wines were as famous as his music.
Shopping:
Paso Robles has an interesting mix of old business areas and new box stores. Near City Park in the area of 10th and Park street are the older, more traditional brick and mortar businesses. Here you'll find boutique stores, restaurants, and service businesses.
Further east across an overpass, you'll find the larger box stores like Walmart and Pennies.
Summary:
There are a lot of small service and manufacturing scattered around Paso Robles, and a very active Chamber of Commerce to support those businesses.