May 18, 2012
Photo Friday
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Well I am out of town right now, so the Friday photo this week is out of the area as well. Where do you think this is located? Hint…It is Fall there now, heading to Winter.
Did you come up with the answers to our car show inspired pictures from last week? That was a Small Block 350 engine and the car year is a ’55 Chevy.
Enjoy the photo!
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Larry Smyth
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May 11, 2012
Photo Friday
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So, last weekend Morro Bay held their annual car show. I guess that got me fired up to post two photos this week. First, guess what the engine belongs to, and if you know what the engine is, you are a real car guy or gal. Next, is the easy question. What year is the car? That may show your age.
Did you figure out the photo location from last week? That was the community clock in front of the San Luis Obispo Court House located on Osos and Monterey.
Enjoy the photos!
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April 27, 2012
Photo Friday!
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This is not the “Stairway to Heaven.” So where is this located? Hint…..Look downtown SLO.
Were you able to guess the location of our last Photo Friday? The photo was of the Black Horse Coffee statue that is in front of their newest SLO location, which is located on the corner of Chorro & Foothill. Stop by and see them sometime for a great cup of coffee and some fantastic pastries and tell them Larry sent you!
I hope you enjoy!
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April 24, 2012
We’re in the Top Ten
If you have been following our blog, you will already know that San Luis Obispo was voted the Happiest City in the United States. Well now, according the recent “Sperling’s Best Places,” San Luis Obispo ranks thirdon the “Ten Best Places to Live" list. The only two cities ranked higher are Santa Fe, New Mexico and Charlottesville, Virginia.
As I went through the list, I was reminded that, when I was a very young man, I had seen a similar list. On that list the majority of the top ten cities “University Cities.” By that, I mean there is a strong University presence in the city. On the latest list “University Cities” take 7 of the 10 spots. Let’s have a look:
- Charlottesville, VA – University of Virginia
- San Luis Obispo, CA – Cal Poly
- Santa Barbara, CA – University of California at Santa Barbara
- Ann Arbor, MI – University of Michigan
- Asheville, NC – University of North Carolina – Asheville
- Reno, NV – University of Nevada
- Corvallis, OR – Oregon State University
While Atlanta and Honolulu each have universities, they are metro areas and not true “University Cities,” and Santa Fe, we’ll say is in a world of its own.
We are very proud of the fact that San Luis Obispo consistently ranks in the Top 10. For more information on our area go to our web site at www.farrellsmyth.com where you can search properties for sale, rentals, and get lots of local information.
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Larry Smyth
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April 20, 2012
Photo Friday

OK, so here is the first of our “Photo Friday” postings. Can you name this location? Churchill Downs? Santa Anita?.......Maybe not.
I hope you enjoy the photo, and look for the answer next week.
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Larry Smyth
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March 05, 2012
March 2012 Events

March is going to be another beautiful, mild-weather month here on the Central Coast. This month is bringing us daylight savings on the 11th, followed by a little luck of the Irish on the 17th and some fantastic events to enjoy all month long.
| Date | Event | Location |
| March 4 | Annual Wedding and Special Event Expo | Paso Robles |
| March 7-11 | Annual SLO International Film Festival | San Luis Obispo |
| March 9 | "Hollywood to Hearst Castle" | San Simeon |
| March 10-11 | Second Annula Sea Glass Festival | Cayucos |
| March 11 | Dr. Seuss Day | San Luis Obispo |
| March 13-18 | PCCHA Derby and Classic Challenge | Paso Robles |
| March 16-18; 23-25 | Great American Railroad Show | San Luis Obispo |
| March 24 | Parks-4-Pups Dog Jog | Paso Robles |
| March 30 | From the Barrel | Santa Margarita |
| March 30-31 | Cal Poly Wine Festival | Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo |
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November 02, 2011
November Happenings
November is here and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This is a great time to reflect on all that we are thankful for in our lives. Around SLO County we can be thankful for the beautiful mild fall weather we have been enjoying and for all the great upcoming events.
| Date | Event | Location |
| November 4-6 | Rockin' Harvest | SLO & AG |
| November 5 | Classic Car Show | Cayucos |
| November 6 | Chemistry of Cocktails | Grover Beach |
| November 10-13 | Poetry Festival | San Luis Obispo |
| November 11 | "Faces of Freedom Vetrans Day Ceremony and Celebration | Atascadero |
| November 13 | Picture Perfect Sunday at Sill Waters Vineyard- Concert Series | Paso Robles |
| November 18 | Bandfest 2011! "Resonances" | San Luis Obispo |
| November 18-20 | Tall Ship Lady Washington Visits | Morro Bay |
| November 27 | Christmas Street Faire | Morro Bay |
Starting November 25th and running until December 24th, Santa House will be open at the Mission Plaza in Downtown San Luis Obispo. So bring the kiddies for a photo op with Santa! For more info click here. Until next time I wish you and yours wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
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September 30, 2011
October Events
This month is packed full of fall festivities. Starting the month with many of our annual county wide celebrations and ending with some spooky Halloween fun the whole family is sure to enjoy!
| Date | Event | Location |
| October 1-2 | Savor the Central Coast | SLO County |
| October 1-2 | Morro Bay Annual Harbor Festival | Morro Bay |
| October 1 | Cambria Oktoberfest | Cambria |
| October 6-10 | The Central Coast Railroad Festival | San Luis Obispo |
| October 8 | San Luis Obispo Bike Rodeo | San Luis Obispo |
| October 8-9 | Cambria Scarecrow and Harvet Festival | Cambria |
| October 12-16 | California Photo Festival | SLO County |
| October 15-16 | Annual Clam Festival | Pismo Beach |
| October 22 | Golden Oak Festival | Paso Robles |
| October 27-30 | Jubilee by the Sea | Pismo Beach |
| October 27 | Howl-O-Ween Hoopla | Downtown SLO |
| October 29 | Pumpkins on Pier | Pismo Beach |
| October 29 | Zoo Boo HallZOOween Carnival | Atascadero |
| October 30 | 33rd Annual Oktoberfest and Car Show | Los Osos |
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August 25, 2011
Modern Promo Video
A couple of weeks ago, we posted a really cool video from 1949 featuring San Luis Obispo County. The video was called Road to Romance, and produced by Chevrolet to promote the all new 1949 Chevy’s. As you may recall, these types of short videos (films) were made to be shown in movie theaters since television was not wide spread in 1949. No cable, only antenna reception.
This week, we are posting a new video produced in 2011 as a promotion for the City of San Luis Obispo as a tourist destination. Looking at the 2011 version you can certainly see changes in San Luis Obispo, the production value of the video, and the general feeling of the times. The one thing that is really interesting is the fact that the new video, unlike the 1949 version, is not on television, but on Youtube. So you can see that in a 62 year period marketing has gone from movie houses, through television, and now to the internet. We have seen the same thing the Real Estate industry. We have moved from print and sign advertising into the age of the internet as it has been noted that 85% of buyers begin their search on the internet.
Enjoy the videos, and while you are on our Farrell Smyth web site, try a property search, it’s fun and educational.
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Larry Smyth
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August 08, 2011
San Luis Obispo 1949
So where were you in 1949? You really don’t need to answer. Attached is a promotional travel video from 1949 produced by Chevrolet. This is an example of the type of shorts that were shown in movie theaters around the country. In this video, you get to take a look at San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Morro Rock, Cuesta grade and of course that brand new 1949 Chevrolet sedan. Keep in mind this was before very many people had a television, so most people got news from radio and the only videos were in the movie houses. We’ve come a long way since that time in 1949.
Look for more videos in the future!
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August 02, 2011
Last Chance for Summer Fun!
August has arrived! Which means it’s time to make that last end of summer trip before school begins again. Here are just a few of the great events happening around the county this month:
| Date | Event | Location |
| Aug 1st-13th | Annual Central Coast Shakespeare Festival | Paso Robles |
| August 5th-7th | Annual "Rainbow of Gems" Show | Nipomo |
| August 6th, 13th, 27th | Court Street Jazz Festival | San Luis Obispo |
| August 12th-14th | Full Moon Kayak on Morro Bay | Morro Bay |
| August 14th | Central Coast Chili Challenge | Arroyo Grande |
| August 19th | Hot El Camino Night and Mid State Cruizers | Atascadero |
| August 20th | 8th Annual Olive Festival | Paso Robles |
| August 27th | Dune Run-Run | Grover Beach |
| August 27th-28th | Stone Soup Music Faire | Grover Beach |
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June 03, 2011
National Open House Week

It is hard to believe we are already into June, but here we are. Each year the National Association of Realtors sponsors a National Open House Weekend. This year it falls on June 4 & 5. Over 300 state and local Realtor Associations will be participating across the country and around the world. At Farrell Smyth we are jumping right in with several open houses this weekend. For those of you already on our weekly marketing list, the Open Houses are listed with videos, times and dates. If you are not already on our e-marketing list and want to keep current on what is happening in the San Luis Obispo County real estate market, you can sign up her and receive the next market update.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our BLOG.
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Larry Smyth
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June 02, 2011
Summer Kickoff Events

That’s right, it’s June, which means it‘s time to celebrate Dads and Grads everywhere! There’s no better way to celebrate the dads and grads in your life and kick off your summer right, than by enjoying some of these great local events.
| June 4th | Morro Bay Music Festival | Location: Morro Bay |
| June 4th-5th | Greek Festival in Mission Plaza | Location: San Luis Obispo |
| June 5th | 8th Annual Paso Pinot & Paella Festival | Location: Templeton |
| June 5th | Annual Fun Run - Talley Vineyards | Location: Arroyo Grande |
| June 8th | Baywood Park's June Fest Run | Location: Los Osos |
| June 14th-15th | Full Moon Kayak on Morro Bay | Location: Morro Bay |
| June 15th | Festival Mozaic's Evenings with the Orchestra | Location: San Luis Obispo |
| June 16th-19th | The Pismo Beach Classic Car Show | Location: Pismo Beach |
| June 19th | Father's Day BBQ at Eberle Winery | Location: Paso Robles |
| June 23rd-26th | "Roll out the Barrels" Wine Festival | Location: San Luis Obispo |
| June 25th | Annual Lakeside Wine Tasting Festival | Location: Atascadero |
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May 02, 2011
May 2011 Events
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Spring has sprung! Here on the central coast we have beautiful weather rolling in and lots of events to enjoy around the county.

Also be sure to check out some of the great farmers markets happening around the county.
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March 03, 2011
San Luis Obispo Homes Right Here
March 2011 Events
There are many great events around the county this month. Getting started as early as this weekend there is so much to see and do. I hope this month you find yourself lucky enough to attend some of your favorite events!
March 5
Sea Glass Festival
Location: Cayucos
March 7-13
Pacific Coast Cutting Derby
Location: Paso Robles
March 6
Wedding & Special Event Expo
Location: Paso Robles
March 9-13
International Film Festival
Location: San Luis Obispo
March 12-13
Antique & Appraisal Show
Location: San Luis Obispo
March 12
Beer Fest & Chili Cook off
Location: Morro Bay
March 18-20
Zinfandel Wine Festival
Location: Paso Robles
March 18-20
Great American Railroad Show
Location: San Luis Obispo
March 26
Parks-4-Pups Dog Jog
Location: Paso Robles
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