First Lady Jill Biden and members of her family strolled through the Solvang Farmers Market and ducked into a homegrown bookstore Thursday as their Santa Ynez Valley vacation continues.
Her visit to The Book Loft on Mission Drive included browsing the bookshelves as her grandchildren looked at games and puzzles.
She also signed one copy of her picture book, “Willow the White House Cat,” which will remain in the shop.
“We very much wanted to respect their time as just enjoying a family vacation,” Book Loft manager Danna Hernandez said, adding that they didn’t ask her to sign other copies for that reason. “There are so many places that you can visit in the valley, and it just warms my heart that they thought of us.”
Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary flight restrictions for the presidential visit starting early Tuesday morning and extended through 10 p.m. Sunday.
Air Force One with the president, first lady, family members and others landed at the Santa Barbara Airport early Tuesday.
A motorcade transported them to the ranch of family friend and donor Joe Kiani.
Hours earlier, both President Joe Biden and the first lady spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
The high-profile visit was welcomed by those who work through the year to tout Santa Ynez Valley’s many attractions to tourists.
“The president and first lady’s visit has been a great boost to our economy,” said Shelby Sim, who leads Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “Most of our hotels are full with support staff, and they are doing a lot of takeout. It’s also been great recognition and exposure for the Santa Ynez Valley worldwide.”
The Biden family excursion also includes stops at Santa Ynez General and the weekly farmers market in Solvang.
Book Loft employees knew of the valley’s high-profile visitors and that the independent bookstore, which opened in 1970, could be an attraction for the first lady — a community college educator, a grandmother and a bestselling author.
“We suspected that it might be a possibility and we had a game plan,” Hernandez said.
They learned just minutes ahead of the arrival when Secret Service members entered ahead of the Bidens.
The group bought several games, puzzles and books.
“It looked like it was a lot of the kids picking. She did buy a few books,” Hernandez said, adding that Biden bonded with a former Santa Barbara City College instructor about teaching, the important of community colleges and Tana French’s new book, “The Hunter.”
“Honestly, they just felt like normal people. It was pretty cool,” she said.
Customers in the store didn’t seem to notice the VIP visitors.
“I think that was pretty nice for them that they really got an opportunity to be normal people and shop,” said Hernandez, who grew up in the store and visited The Book Loft as a child.
After the visit, The Book Loft posted on social media: “Everyone loves finding great summer reads at The Book Loft, including famous authors/English professors/First Ladies.”
Tracy Beard, executive director of the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, said the high-profile visit discussed on national news outlets will help boost more tourism and business.
“We couldn’t buy that kind of advertisement in our budget,” she added. “It’s an economic driver for us to have. Whether he shops all week or doesn’t show up, it is a great opportunity to host a president no matter what.
“I don’t think we’ve hosted a president since Reagan, so I think it’s a great opportunity for us to have them here.”
President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan often visited Rancho del Cielo during his two terms as president.
The Bidens’ visit also serves as an opportunity for people to protest.
A pro-Palestine and anti-war protest occurred in Solvang on Wednesday.
Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump reportedly plan a march Friday in Solvang and a gathering Saturday in Buellton.