April in Santa Barbara was our rainiest month of the year so far. We desperately needed it and it did not hamper tourism one bit. Thanks to spring breaks, Santa Barbara was busier than ever! Tourists were enjoying the amazing gray whale parade through The Santa Barbara Channel. You could even see whales from the beach! Now, that's entertainment! And it is just part of what our beautiful city has to offer.
Here is some other useful information:
* The Urban Wine Trail is still very popular and The Visitor Center has many "2 for 1" coupons for the different Wine Tasting Rooms.
* The Maritime Museum visitor count increased by 60% this spring, www.sbmm.org.
* MTD overall ridership is up 11.3 % due to rising gas prices. MTD is a leader in the country in per capita ridership. MTD provides approximately 8 million passenger trips per year. This number would be more expected in a city of 1 million or more!
* The Amgen Tour of California will NOT be returning to Santa Barbara County in 2012 due to regularly planned rotation of host cities. But Amgen Tour of California staff did vote Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort as their all-time favorite location.
* The Greyhound Bus Station is now located next to the Amtrak Station at 209 State Street.
* The French Festival is back this year in Oak Park on July 14-15, www.frenchfestival.com.
* NEW! FREE Garden Lovers Tour, www.sbpublicgardens.org.
* Butterflies will be back Alive! SB Museum of Natural History,2559 Puesta del Sol, www.sbnature.org.
* Cruise Ship Visits for the rest of 2012:
05/11/12 Sapphire Princess
05/13/12 Sapphire Princess
06/20/12 The World (ResidenSea)
06/21/12 The World (ResidenSea)
10/09/12 Sapphire Princess
10/16/12 Sapphire Princess
Here are some more interesting events in MAY:
* 1st Thursday, www.santabarbaradowntown.com
* Jellies, Ty Warner Sea Center on Stearns Wharf, www.sbnature.org
* Sundays - Sea Stories & Shark Sundays, Sea Center, www.sbnature.org
* Weekends - How To Train Your Dinosaur, Santa Barbara Zoo, www.sbzoo.org
* The Flying A Studio: Silent Film in Santa Barbara, www.santabarbaramuseum.com
* Science PlayLab & The Art of Natural History, www.sbnature.org
* Cinco de Mayo Festival Cancelled!
* May 11 - Garden Lovers Tour, www.sbpublicgardens.org
* May 20 - Classic and Hot Rod Car Show, www.wheelsandwaves.com
* May 26-28 - I Madonnari Festival, www.imadonnarifestival.com
* Theatre & Event Links: www.centerstagetheater.org, www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu, www.ensembletheatre.com, www.circlebarbtheatre.com, www.dptheatrecompany.org, www.theaterdance.ucsb.edu, www.lobero.com, www.luketheatre.org, www.granadasb.org/.
For many more events in May go to: www.sbchamber.org, click on Calendars and then City Events. All ongoing events listed at the beginning followed by events in date order.
Happy May!
Annmarie Rogers
Visitor Center
Annmarie@sbchamber.org
https://www.facebook.com/santabarbarachamber
Closing reception at Casa Dolores, "Ocumicho, Michoacán: A Devil's Workshop." Saturday, May 5, 1-4pm. This is your last chance to see the whimsical "diablitos" in our three-gallery exhibition! Works of art include colorful clay sculptures from the town of Ocumicho, Michocán , Mexico. Come and celebrate cinco de mayo, and the closing of this surrealist show that features work from our permanent collection and that of former Mayor Sheila Lodge; an exhibition that will never again be seen in this format. We will have light snacks and refreshments. Free event. 1023 Bath Street. 805.963.1032. 
