SeeCalifornia.com

It’s Western wear shopping season and for those who are looking for the perfect saddle, saddle bag, leather tooled purse, or maybe a turquoise and silver-crafted bracelet, there are two upcoming worth a weekend vacation.

For a Central Coast getaway, mark your calendar for the 28th annual Vaquero Show & Sale in Santa Ynez held November 9-11, 2012. The event includes a party, a BBQ beef tri-tip luncheon, live Western music and incredible gifts ranging from art and sculptures to hand-crafted leather bags, jewelry and  more. The setting, itself, is an authentic part of the Old West once serving as a stage stop for the Butterfield Stage Coach. The event is a fund-raiser for the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House which contains an amazing collection of stage coaches, buggies and other horse-drawn vehicles from the 1800s and early 1900s.  Great places to stay nearby include Solvang, the windmill city. For tickets and information see: santaynezmuseum.org

Southern California’s largest American Indian Marketplace  takes place at the Autry Museum on November 3 & 4, 2012.  Meet artists from more than 40 tribes and buy directly from over 160 artists selling original jewelry, artwork, basketry, and sculpture at this signature weekend event. Native foods, American Indian performances and presentations throughout the weekend and great chances for sunshine make this a weekend to remember for those who love Western culture. See theautry.org