I’ve been running a small café in Santa Ynez for a couple of years, and while locals love it, attracting tourists has been tough. Last summer, we tried hosting live music nights, which brought in a few more visitors, but nothing major. I feel like there’s so much potential here, but I’m not sure what else we could do to stand out. Has anyone had success in drawing more tourists to their small business?

That’s a great question! I used to help run a boutique in Santa Ynez, and we faced the same issue. What worked for us was teaming up with local wineries for tasting events. Tourists visiting for wine tours would often stop by our shop after hearing about us. Also, listing our business on local directories helped a lot. You might find some useful resources in the Santa Ynez, CA Business Directory (https://www.santabarbarayp.com/) here. It’s great for connecting with other businesses and attracting new visitors!

I was in Santa Ynez a few months ago, and I have to say, it’s such a charming place! The scenery, the wineries, and the relaxed vibe make it a perfect getaway spot. One thing I really loved was how friendly and welcoming everyone was—there’s a strong sense of community. It felt like every small business had its own unique character, which made exploring the town even more fun. I’m already thinking about my next visit!