Walk while you wine: Atascadero's annual Sweetheart Stroll will commence this Feb. 10 featuring more than 15 wineries, dozens of downtown merchants, and a wine glass to keep. Meet at the historic City Hall and get ready to rub elbows with Atascadero's friendliest folks while burning a few calories and consuming some, too (go to visitatascadero.com for more information) ... The SLO Craft Beer Fest kicks off later this month on Feb. 23 and 24 at the Madonna Expo Center, and tickets are on sale now. Celebrate local and statewide brewers and raise a toast to unlimited beer samples, select food samples, live music, and a souvenir tasting glass (get your tickets at madonnainn.com) ... Savor the comfort of winter grub, because it won't be around forever! For example, Arroyo Grande farm-fresh destination Ember has been offering up a wood-fired potato gnocchi with smoked tomato cream, garlic, sage, fontina, and Gruyere cheese that is basically I want to eat till spring officially arrives, this March 20. Δ

Hayley Thomas Cain loves her chowder in a bread bowl. She can be reached at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.