History is reborn in the Cuyama Valley

It’s been about 15 years since the last hard snow in the Cuyama Valley, and ironically, the new Buckhorn Restaurant also opened for business along with the arrival of the latest snow storm and the New Year.

My wife and I were traveling from Orcutt to our small ranch in the coastal foothills overlooking the valley and decided to stop for lunch. It brought back fond memories.

My wife and I were married in 1969 and had a large reception at the Santa Maria Inn. It was a year of record rainfall in California, and did it rain the day of the wedding. Before the reception was over, the weather had closed Highway 101 in both directions, and the only way out of town was Highway 166. But this worked well for the newlyweds, as our honeymoon goal was Palm Springs.

As we headed along the old Route 166 with its hairpin curves, it was apparent that the constant deluge was not to let up. We fortunately made it to the Cuyama Valley just as the road was closed behind us. It was here that the officer told us we could make it to New Cuyama, but the road beyond that point was experiencing flash flooding. Our unplanned visit to the Buckhorn began as we rushed from our car in the rain into the deserted establishment in our wedding travel clothes. I’m sure we looked like a couple of young hayseeds, and the staff realized we had just been married and ushered us into the dining room. As it turned out, we got great service, since we were the only people foolish enough to venture out in such a storm.

We were not the first travelers to seek shelter in the Cuyama Valley. Early western pioneer Nancy Kelsey, referred to as the “Betsy Ross of California” for her role in the creation of the original Bear Flag that was used in the Bear Flag Rebellion, eventually made her home and final resting place at Cotton Wood Canyon in the Cuyama Valley. After her arrival in 1841 at Sutter’s Fort, a fellow traveler wrote, “Her cheerful nature and kind heart brought a ray of sunshine through clouds that gathered around the weary travelers.”

Her spirit and good nature are left with the folks in the Cuyama Valley.

After our chance encounter on our wedding day with the Buckhorn’s good nature and friendliness, it was with profound sadness that I watched it and the history it represented slide into decay and finally close its doors as the years slid past, as I zipped by on my way to our ranch on weekends.

But then Jason Berg, an experienced restaurateur from Redondo Beach, exploded onto the scene. He scooped up the restaurant, saloon and motel, as well as surrounding vacant property. He has taken his time on restoration, with great details as to its western heritage. It has been completely redone from the ground up.

He has great future plans for it to become an events center with live entertainment, and thus additions will continue to be made to the property.

So, if you’re interested in bringing that honky-tonking lifestyle of the old west to you and your loved ones, saddle up to the good times at the Buckhorn.