Raising our glass to Sideways
Fall is here and we’re ready for football, beer, pumpkin spice – and revisiting the movie Sideways and the glimpse into our valley it offered the world, nineteen years later. Since the film’s release in 2004 there has been an interest in visiting the iconic movie locations and seeing the places Miles and Jack explored. This is our guide to discovering The Sideways Experience in Buellton!
Not only is this iconic bbq destination prominently featured in the film, it was also a frequent stop for Rex Pickett, the author of the novel, whenever he visited Buellton. Discover why Hitching Post II is so popular with locals and travelers alike, and sample some of the best oak fire bbq you’ve ever had! Miles fell for Maya here and while we can’t guarantee a love connection, we can promise award winning wines, steak and giant burgers!
The Hitching Post 2 experience offers even more! Enjoy their award winning wines, delicious lunch specials like tri-tip tacos, pulled pork sandwiches and a corn and cheese quesadilla, and unparalleled views of the Santa Ynez Mountains at Hitching Post Wines. Conveniently located right next door to the restaurant
In the film you may remember the guys’ home away from home: The Windmill Inn. Recently renamed to the rather appropriate “Sideways Inn”, it is still the best home base for planning your movie-inspired shenanigans. While we are certain you’d want room #234, all rooms come with access to the Sideways Inn picturesque pool, on site lounge featuring cocktails, local beer and wine and homemade sausages, and a state of the art gym!
If the rustic log cabin exterior and hearty helpings of flame-grilled goodness don’t bring you to AJ’s on their own, surely the cringe-worthy scenes following Jack’s departure from the restaurant with the lovely waitress Cammi will make you want to swing by and experience it first hand!
While hiking back from Solvang, Jack cut through an ostrich farm on his “5 click” journey back to the hotel. Did you know there really is a fully operational ostrich farm in Buellton between those 2 destinations? No Sideways trip would be complete without a visit to Ostrichland USA where you can see amazing ostriches and emus up close, and if you’re feeling adventurous, even feed them.
I’m Not Drinking Merlot!
I’m Not Drinking Merlot!No Sideways inspired trip would be complete without a visit to some of the best wineries in the valley. To satisfy the movie completionists in each of us, you need to plan a visit to Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe in Los Olivos. You’ll also want to visit Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard while you’re in Los Olivos. The multi-award winning wines here need to be sampled, but we would not recommend drinking from the spittoon.
Don’t Stick To The Script
There is so much more to Buellton that didn’t get featured in the movie, so don’t feel like you have to stick to these silver screen spots! Otherwise you might miss out on the Industrial Way Wine Collective, two amazing breweries with plenty of big screens to watch the latest game, and a sprinkling of hidden gems throughout the town if you are adventurous enough to look for them.
If you are planning a getaway (Sideways or otherwise…) you can start creating your customized itinerary using Discover Buellton’s trip planning tool here.
