| Templeton, California - If feedlots, cattle, barns and farms sound like
something out of a movie, you've been in the city far too long. But
there's a great little town on Highway 101 that combines the best of city life
with country charm and rolls it into a parcel of land known as Templeton. With
wine-tasting, gourmet chocolate, fresh cooked meals utilizing local produce and
cute little boutiques and gifts shops, Templeton is a recommended stop on your
next journey along California's Central Coast. Places such as
Jack Creek Farms offer
events throughout the summer and autumn, and nearly all involve
food.
Located midway between Atascadero and
Paso Robles (home to the Mid-State Fair which attracts 300,000 annually) in San Luis Obispo County
or halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Templeton is located in the
heart of a wine-growing region. Surrounded by rich agricultural land, almonds,
cherries, apples, grains and dairy products are part of the income base for
farms situated on semi-flat to hilly land. Templeton is one of three
unincorporated areas in San Luis Obispo County that has land available for
development with the most rapidly increasing product being grapes. Many wineries
on the roads winding through the neighboring hills offer tasting and wines
sales.
Retaining its historical character with many of
the old buildings restored, Templeton is the only town along the El Camino Real
named for a person rather than a saint. Named for a San Francisco financier's
son, Templeton, it was founded in 1886 when C.H. Phillips of the West Coast Land
Company sent R.R. Harris to survey 160 acres south of Paso Robles. The Southern
Pacific Railroad came through the area and residential lots and 5-12 acre parcels
were plotted for development. At the time it grew into a town, it was the
largest community in the region. As the end of the line for train passengers coming from the north,
tourists had to stop in Templeton and transfer to stagecoaches heading south to
San Luis Obispo, not far away. With a variety of travelers that included some
unsavory characters, Templeton gained a reputation for its saloon brawls and
wild & rough street scenes. In 1897 a huge fire burned most of the business
district. The town was never rebuilt to its former glory but because of its size
and age, the character is preserved better than most surrounding cities and
communities templetonmuseum.org
At an elevation of 721 feet above sea level, the climate is mild with an average
rainfall is about 15 inches. The average temperature in January is 60 Degrees
during the day and 41 Degrees at night. In July, the daytime high averages 95
Degrees with nights dropping to 55 degrees, thanks to the ocean breeze. The
average rainy season runs from mid-October to mid-April, with frost occurring
occasionally.
Located a 30 minute drive from the Pacific Ocean, both to the west and south,
Templeton is approximately 35 minutes by car to Hearst Castle in San Simeon. It
is also only 22 miles to the popular Lake Nacimiento that includes over 166 miles of shoreline
and water sports that include water skiing, fishing and camping. Just north of Lake Nacimiento is San Antonio Lake. In the center of Templeton
is a three acre, tree-covered county park with a bandstand and municipal
swimming pool.
Events: Templeton includes annual events such
as a wine & chocolate festival, bike ride, old-fashioned Halloween and Christmas
celebrations, and rodeos and horse shows nearby.
Atascadero < Templeton >
Paso
Robles
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Cowboy Christmas
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