San Luis Opisbo in central California was named the "Happiest Place in the U.S.A." by Dan Buettner, a writer for National Geographic. Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, SLO is the geographic center of the state, and home to a population of 45,000 people. The town's website brags of its " relaxed pace, pristine open spaces and unique cultural attractions... the true, bona fide California experience that earns the city its 'Sincerely, California' moniker." This place is, in fact, the only location in the United States to make the list of happiest places in the world.
If you're wondering what it's really like, though, you'll have to go there for yourself. If that's not possible, then this first-hand account might give you a bit of a feel for it. Here are some highlights:
Hospitality
The writer stayed at the Apple Farm Inn, where she was given cookies upon her arrival, presumably from the Apple Farm Restaurant & Bakery that's on the premesis. Sugar snacks aside, hospitality was a theme, whether it was friendly strangers who were willing to talk or friends greeting each other on the street. One resident from the area said that nobody keeps their cars or houses locked at night.
Food and Drink
Even without counting complementary baked goods, the writer was able to find good, local food to eat, which would make any destination memorable. There are healthy options -- be it the Farmer's Market or a vegan / gluten free restaurant -- and for those looking to indulge, there are plenty of bars. As it turns out, an Irish pub in town named McCarthy's sells more Jameson Whiskey per capita than any other bar in the world.
Activities
As you might expect from a small town, they have kitschy attractions like Bubblegum Alley and open mic nights at a local watering hole, but there's plenty more to take in. The Mission is a popular attraction, and wintasting and cycling are big activities in the area. The website for the area show's that there's no shortage of festivals to check out, or, put another way from someone who lives there, " You walk ten feet and you’ll run into a festival, no matter what day of the week.”
What's not to like? We're pretty sure you'd be happy, too, if you lived there.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
