56 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {due west} PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF TEAL THOMPSEN The Lore of Alisal Ranch “There’s definitely been added buzz around ranches in the last few years with TV shows like Yellowstone romanticizing the lifestyle,” notes Lia Barth, Alisal’s communications manager. But far from being trendy-come-lately, Alisal Ranch’s Western roots and traditions are deeply embedded in the past. Back in 1843, the newlyestablished Mexican government granted land nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley to Raimundo Carrillo in consideration for his service. Over the next century, Carrillo, and five subsequent owners, raised livestock here. Then, in 1946, under the ownership of Charles “Pete” Jackson and family, the 10,500-acre working cattle ranch expanded in a new direction. After converting cattlemen’s quarters into guestrooms, the Alisal (meaning “grove of sycamores”) opened for visitors. Evolving from its original capacity of 30, today Alisal Ranch accommodates up to 225—offering a luxury dude ranch experience while simultaneously maintaining cattle operations. “We think of it as the way California once was, and at Alisal Ranch, we want it to always be that way,” observes Lia. “The authenticity you feel here is refreshing. It’s a step back into simpler times but with all of the modern comforts.” Catering to Multi- Generational Families Our extended family (ranging from infants to 85) first made the trek to Alisal Ranch in 1998—for a milestone birthday celebration spanning four generations. Given the diverse needs and interests of our group, this drivable destination presented like a perfect find: For every stage in life, everything in one place. And indeed, Alisal so effectively delivered on the promise that we returned five more times over the next 10 years. For our collective gaggle of kids, Alisal meant brushing baby goats and gathering eggs in the barnyard, taking turns being led around a pasture on a gentle horse and making collages in the arts & crafts room. The cousins happily shrieked and splashed in Not five hours down 101 from the Peninsula, we exit Buellton and pass Ostrichland USA. Solvang’s Danish architecture and signature windmill come into view, signaling that we’re in the final stretch. As we turn onto Alisal Road, the sycamore strands begin to thicken and my breath catches in anticipation. Framed by horses grazing in a pasture, there’s the sign, exactly as I remember it: The Alisal Guest Ranch. Much like crossing into the mystical Brigadoon, entering this property evokes a sensation of time slowing—or even disappearing. Inundated by a flood of decades-old memories, I remind myself to hold tight to and celebrate the present moment. After all, that’s why we’ve returned.
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