DAY 1 - Santa Barbara We check into the Upham Hotel & Country House, a Victorian treasure in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Constructed of redwood with sweeping verandas, the 1871 landmark is surrounded by an acre of lush gardens. After a welcoming orientation, we walk a centuries-old labyrinth meditation path, followed by a discussion about our individual goals and hopes for our time together. We then visit the nearby Santa Barbara Mission. Known as the "Queen of the Missions” for its graceful beauty, the mission was founded in 1786 and was the tenth of 21 Franciscan missions in California. We sample some local wines in the garden at our hotel, before heading out to the seaside community of Goleta for dinner and conversation ‘al fresco’ at the relaxing Beachside Grill.

DAY 2 - Santa Barbara After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we take part in a creativity workshop at "Art from Scrap," a local environmental education and recycled art supplies program. We build our own personal ‘shrines’ out of found and discarded objects while sharing our thoughts, dreams, hopes, frustrations and roadblocks in a safe and friendly community of kindred spirits. After a picnic lunch at the beach, we head out on a short invigorating hike in the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains. In the evening, we are treated to a private cooking class with a local chef. Hotel: Upham Hotel & Country House.

DAY 3 - Santa Ynez Wine Country After breakfast at our hotel, we drive out to Santa Barbara’s wine country. On our first stop, we’ll sample--and paint with--locals wines at Artiste Tasting Studios in historic Santa Ynez. In the spirit of the hit movie, Sideways, we visit other intriguing wineries including Foxen, Bridlewood and Sunstone where we enjoy a picnic lunch. Later in the afternoon, we check into the comfortable and elegant Ballard Inn where we’ll have some time for engaging conversation and hors d’oeuvres before heading off to the classic Hitching Post in Buellton for dinner.

DAY 4 - Santa Ynez Wine Country After breakfast in the hotel, we put pedal to foot for a day of wine-tasting and bicycling past oak trees and sun-draped grapevines. Everyone can go at their own pace and vehicles are ready for those who prefer the luxury of horsepower and a car seat. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at a local winery before returning mid-afternoon to our hotel for a short journaling workshop. We freshen up for our last evening together, dining al fresco at Patrick’s Side Street Café in nearby Los Olivos. Hotel: Ballard Inn.

DAY 5 - Ballard/Santa Barbara After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy one last journaling workshop before bidding each other the very best for our own journeys onward.