1. Cover Photo - This is the second most important reason we switched over to Timeline. We have thousands of great Avila Beach pictures that we want to share with you and we feel this is the perfect way. We will be changing this photo at least once a day but sometimes twice or three times a day to reflect the current happenings in Avila Beach! Make sure to check back often to see many different pictures of everything that Avila Beach has to offer. If you would like a chance to see your own Avila Beach photo on our Facebook page, please email it to us or post it on our wall. Make sure that you own the rights to the picture and let us know that we are allowed to use it for our cover photo.

2. Our Logo – Since we plan to change our cover photo so much, we will rarely be changing our logo so you are never confused if you are on the correct Avila Beach page. Please note that we might change the color from time to time to reflect a special event or holiday.

3. About Us - Here you will find a quick link to our website and a link to all about Avila Beach and who we are.

4. Post & Share – Feel free to post your Avila Beach pictures or video, share an Avila story or event, or ask a question.

5. Pinned Post – This post is designated by the orange flag in the upper right and is a important post that we want everyone to see when they visits our page. It will change often to highlight something special in Avila Beach.

6. Recent Post – This is our most recent post we have made.

7. Jump to – You can use these dates to not only jump to thousands of our posts but to go beyond and see key moments in Avila’s history.

8. Message us – This is the number one reason we switched over to timeline. Feel free to message us with any questions or comments you have or even some picture or video you would like to share.

9. Avila’s Apps – These used to be our custom page tabs that have been redesigned for the new apps. You will find the three most popular apps along with all the photos. Don’t forget to click the arrow to show 8 more apps. Here are some of our apps and descriptions.

• Photos – See all the photos we have uploaded plus all the fan photos that have been uploaded to our page.
• Welcome to Avila – Here you will find some general information about Avila Beach and more about who we are and our rules for posting on our page.
• Guides & Website – Here you will find links to all our popular and important pages on our website as well as fun ways to explore all the 200+ pages on our website.
• Beach Cam – Control the same downtown Avila Beach cam that’s on our website right on facebook.
• Events Calendar – See the most current popular events from our full Avila Beach events calendar.
• Interactive Map – View our interactive map of Avila Beach and explore Avila from the sky.
• Our Feeds – View our live feeds from other social networking sites like Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and our blog.

10. Your Friends – See which of you friends are connected with our page and which ones have checked into Avila Beach.

11. Friends Post – Here you will see a random post from one of your friends that posted about Avila Beach.

12. Fan Posts – There is the full list of postings that fans have made on our page. Make sure to check it out to see lots of great pictures and content.

13. Our Friends – You will see 5 random businesses/organizations that support us and our website. Please note if you click “see all” you will see all the pages we have connected with and some sponsors.

We feel overall these new changes will you stay connected better to us and give us all a place to share our love for Avila Beach. But if you are still feeling a bit overwhelmed, relax and try sending us a message through our page and we would love to help you through it.

]]> http://avilabeachpier.com/blog/2012/03/12/our-facebook-page-got-an-upgrade-to-timeline/feed/ 0 http://avilabeachpier.com/blog/2012/01/19/free-avila-beach-facebook-timeline-cover-photos/ http://avilabeachpier.com/blog/2012/01/19/free-avila-beach-facebook-timeline-cover-photos/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:49:42 +0000 Jay http://avilabeachpier.com/blog/?p=386 Facebook has recently made some changes and is currently adding timelines to everyone’s profile. Since there is so many people that love Avila Beach and request to use our photos for their profile pictures all the time, that we decided to offer some of our pictures to be used by anyone as their Facebook Cover Photo! We didn’t add any branding to the pictures and you are not required to do anything to use them. They are just perfectly sized pictures for you to use to share your love of Avila with everyone.

If you need to sign up for your timeline or want to find out more information, check out the Facebook timeline page.

Here is the pictures we currently offer. You can also check out our Avila Beach Timeline Cover Photos Album on Facebook. We will be adding more into it over time.

Once you find a picture you want as your cover photo, this is all you need to do to us it…

• Click on the picture you want to expand it to full size.
• Right click on picture and select “Save image as…” or “Save picture as..” Make sure to save it somewhere on your computer you will remember it.
• Upload the picture on to your timeline cover photo. If you need help, check out this facebook guide.

If you are having any problems or and comments, please feel free to email us at info@avilabeachpier.com

Enjoy!

Avila Beach went through some changes this past year and now has a handful of new businesses.

This Little Fishy (Children’s Beach Boutique) – This store has recently opened in the new landing shopping center and has already become my new favorite store for stuff for my one year old daughter. You will find lots of cute clothing, footwear, toys, gifts, beach necessities for children up to 12 years old. This Little Fishy on Facebook - Pic

Del Sol –  This place is a perfect fit in Avila Beach considering that we get the most sun of all the Central Coast beaches. You will find clothing, nail polish, hats, jewelry, hair clips, sunglasses, etc that all comes alive and change color in the sun! Del Sol on Facebook - Pic

Cuvee Champagne Bar & Restaurant – This place sure knows how to appreciate the finer things in life. They have only be in Avila a short time but are already a favorite of the locals. Don’t miss their bottomless mimosas on Sundays! Cuvee on Facebook

Peloton Cellars  - Another great place located in the new landing building where you can taste, buy or indudge in some amazing Central Coast wines. Peloton Cellars on Facebook

Desire Sweet Shoppe - You will find over 300 different kinds of candy and sweets. Grab a bucket and visit the newest candy store in town. This is the second location of a well know candy shop in Arroyo Grande, CA. Desire Sweet Shop on Facebook

2nd Chance Winery – One of the newest tasting rooms in Avila and owned by Norman and Sharon Beko. Their experience from their other winery Cottonwood Canyon in Santa Maria makes this place is a welcomed treat with plenty of great wines for purchase. 2nd Chance Wines on Facebook

Heart’s Desire Soap Company - This is a new business in Avila, but not to the Central Coast. Their second location features all natural skin care products from soaps, sprays & oils to acne and other treatments.

Make sure to check out and support these new places the next time you are in Avila.

First off you can’t beat the location. It takes place on the promenade next to the majestic pacific ocean in Avila Beach, California. It’s an amazing little beach town that is tucked away in Port San Luis Harbor which creates a unique micro climate that gives us the best weather of any of the other local beach towns. At the center of the market you will find a perfect beach bar called Mr. Ricks. It is exactly what you expect from a bar that’s right on the ocean in California. It has a large patio with two large garage doors that lead into the bar with pool tables and other games. Thanks to Mr. Ricks there is always a great live band playing out front during the market and then another one playing inside after the market. They do a good job of booking some of the great local bands along with some that travel around the US. Oh and don’t forget to wear some dancing shoes because the center of the promenade is usually filled with people dancing.

Fanning out from there you will find many booths that have many things including food, fresh seafood, sweets, fresh local produce, gifts, arts and crafts, actives and more! Even though its a smaller marker compared to ones like the Thursday night market in San Luis Obispo, you will still find many things to stimulate all your senses. You better come hungry though because a lot of restaurants participate and have a large variety of fresh food. You will find; BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, American food, Mediterranean food, Indian food, Mexican food, plenty of fresh seafood made with local catches, sweets & treats and a much more!

This year they starting doing food demos during the band break with a new restaurant each time. They teach you how to use fresh ingredients to make some of the favorite dishes that restaurant serves each week. Another great addition this year is the free trolly. Not only can you skip any parking troubles but when you ride they give you a free market buck to spend. They add stuff throughout the year and vendors change stuff up depending on whats fresh so you never get two weeks that are exactly the same. Just make sure that the Avila Beach Fish & Farmers Market is on your list of must do events on Friday night and you won’t be disappointed!

Make sure to check out the Avila Beach Website for the full schedule each week and join the Avila Beach Fish & Farmers Market on Facebook to keep up with all the updates and announcements.

Once you fall in love make sure to head here and vote for it as your favorite. If you have a story or picture you would love to share, please post them here or email them to Jay@avilabeachpier.com

Good thing that the weather has been awesome beach weather and there is a lot deals and specials going on this weekend so I though I would share them with you.

All Weekend Activities

• Nekkidd Day Spa is having a “Table for Two” special for valentine’s day. (February Special) - It includes; a Signature Massage for two, 2 Joe Momma’s Coffee drinks, 2 wine tasting passes, four hour bike ride for 2 (tandem or single bikes), 2 nekkidd totes. All for only $249. Contact them for more details.
• Sycamore Springs Couples Package (Available February 11th-15th 2011) – Overnight stay in a one bedrooms spa suite with fireplace and balcony hot tub, Sparkling wine and champagne flutes, Valentine rubber duckie and aromatherapy hot tub scents, $100 toward dining at our Gardens of Avila Restaurant. Packages starting at $279. You can find more info over that their website here.
• Dinner for two at The Grill on the Golf Resort for $99 (Available February 11th-14th, 2011) – Great views and food. Make your Reservations today by calling 805.595.4001

Specific Events & Activities

• Saturday February 12, Different Times. Explore the Point San Luis Lighthouse with a special Valentine’s Day Tour. Enjoy Champagne & Chocolate, Valentine’s Décor, and A Photographer on site for couples’s photos. $35 per person. Call 805-540-5771 for reservations.
• Sunday, February 13, 2 – 5 p.m. Bring your sweetheart to Morovino Winery on Sunday, February 13. Our Valentine’s Day food and wine pairing will feature Morovino wines paired with exceptional handmade fudge from Hula Hut in Avila Beach. Live music with guitarist Mark Owens. Tasting fee of $10. Morovino Winery tasting room located at 76 Landing Passage, Avila Beach. Tasting room is open daily. Call (805) 627-1443 for information.
• Monday, February 14th. Avila Beach Golf Resort Cupid’s Special – Couples play 18 holes (with Cart) for only $99 on Valentine’s Day.
• Monday, February 14th. Avila Village Inn – Avila Beach residents can stay at the romantic Avila Village Inn for $149 a night.
• Monday, February 14th. Valentine Dinner Menu @ Fat Cats Cafe – 1st Choose between Our famous Onion rings or Shrimp cocktail, then Soup Or Salad-Tossed or Cesar, or–Clam Chowder, Now choose from our Bone in rib eye Steak, Chicken Fajitas, Stuffed Shrimp ,Combination Seafood Enchilada and Tamale plate or Coconut Shrimp, Top the meal off with our Decadent Dessert. Dinner for 2 all for $45.
• Monday, February 14th. Avila La Fonda Hotel – Our great weekday rates are in affect for this Monday so you can enjoy rates as low as $139.30 if you are a Costco Member.  Our rooms are perfect to have your romantic evening with every room having a fireplace, Jacuzzi tub for two, showers with 3-6 heads, Bose Sound System as well as an i-Home Unit, 500 thread count sheet, and so much more! Rooms will go fast so contact us right away. Follow this link to make a reservation.

Some other great ideas… Whale watching, Walk down the pier at sunset, Rent bikes and ride down the Bob Jones Trail into Avila, Dancing at Mr. Ricks, Rent some Kayaks, Wine Tasting, etc. If I missed any specials you heard about or some great activities, please email me at info@avilabeachpier.com

The Grill at Avila Beach (On the Golf Course) will be serving a traditional style Thanksgiving Menu starting at 2pm-7pm. Chef Mark has put his own touch on the meal your Grandma used to make.

The Custom House (On the Beach in Downtown Avila) is open from 8am – 1pm serving the normal Breakfast/Lunch Menu and then from 1pm-7pm serving a special Thanksgiving dinner menu.

The Gardens of Avila (On the Lush Sycamore Resort) is open 12:30-8 pm for dinner serving a special Thanksgiving Menu.

Olde Port Inn (On the end of the Harford Pier in Port San Luis) is open from 3-8pm and serving a Prime Rib or Turkey special.

I called and emailed most places that serve food and these are the ones I found that are going to be open. But if you don’t see your favorite make sure to use our restaurant guide and give them a call to make sure yourself. If you find out anything please let me know by email me at Jay@avilabeachpier.com so I can pass it on to everyone else. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Yesterday morning (about 7:30am) I went with my wife out to her restaurant on the Harford Pier in Port San Luis Harbor. There was just a few people out there and most of them were workers getting ready for the day. But there was some people kayaking and a few trying out the SUP (Stand Up PattleBoards.) I also saw a few whales passing through but they didn’t stop to feed and play like I saw the other day.

I am glad I had my camera in the car so I snapped a few pictures. Today is already looking like a perfect beach day… You can always see for yourself by controlling the beach cam here

To get all the info on the events and how to get tickets, make sure to check out the SLO Vintners website at www.SLOWine.com or keep up on all the news on their facebook page. Check out some events that take place in Avila Beach and the Central Coast of California.

Friday, Nov 5th 2010 – Winery Dinners

You can pick from 14 different wineries and locations serving up some awesome food and wine combination. Salisbury Vineyards in Avila Beach is one of the locations. Dinner and wine for drinkers is $50, while dinner for non drinkers is $30. Live music by Tipsy Gypsies, paired with delicious creations by Vrajas Kitchen. Check out this page for all the info

Saturday, Nov 6th 2010 – Grand Tasting with Live & Silent Auction

So many fun things happening all at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. So many wineries and local restaurants participating it is bound to be an awesome time. The main event is from noon-3pm but there are many other events so make sure to check out this website for more info

Sunday, Nov 7th 2010 – Open Houses

On Sunday you have the chance to visit the SLO Vintners wineries and tasting rooms for more wine, tours, tastings, and special discounts. Meet and mingle with the people who make the wine.

The Avila Valley Barn is real a gem of Avila Beach. It’s hard to find a Central Coast local that hasn’t been here and doesn’t love it! It’s open each year at the beginning of May till the end of December and their activities and goodies change with the seasons so there is always something new. You really can’t find any fresher fruits and vegetables unless you pick them yourselves. Oh wait you can do that too! You can wander through their fields and pick whatever is in season. Right now they have some different fruits and vegetables and of course pumpkins! What better way to find the perfect pumpkin then to take a tractor hay ride out to a field filled fall colors?

If you are taking the whole family make sure that you plan enough time, because with all the activities, it’s going to be hard to tear the kids away! They have ducks, geese, chickens, goats, ponies, and peacocks, just to name a few. Want to see their little eyes light up? Take them into the Ice Cream and Sweets Shop for tons of goodies and homemade ice cream. The ice cream is made in small batches almost everyday to be fresh as possible. They also have plenty of different seasonal activities for everyone so don’t forget to charge your camera batteries!

You can find a large barn gift shop filled with toys, gourmet mixes and sauces, cookbooks, snacks, kitchen gadgets, and so much more! No matter what the second you arrive at the Avila Valley Barn you will be transported back to a simpler time. With rustic buildings, homemade goodies, fun educational activities and so much more, it will prove to be the perfect holiday activity for your whole family here on the Central Coast!

So after our fun time at the Barn we came home and jumped right into the fun messy part. We finished our pumpkins just as the sun went down and got see all of our hard work. Can you tell which one mine is? I would also like to encourage you to post a comment and let other people know your favorite time or activity at the Avila Barn or anywhere here in Avila Beach. Happy Halloween and have a safe weekend!

I am currently working on themes for Thanksgiving and Christmas and have plans for many others. My goal down the road is to have many themes for holidays, events and even the weather. In the future I want you to look at our website and already feel apart of Avila Beach… Because I know you are just going to LOVE it!

Make sure to check out our website at www.AvilaBeachPier.com or our facebook page