A few years ago, Wells Fargo and a number of other businesses sponsored a series of signs through San Marcos pass to identify the stagecoach route. The road is less used now due to a rather large bridge that covers the canyon, but sometimes taking the road less traveled brings new enlightenment about not only the pioneer past, but good food as well.
Cold Spring was a daytime stop for the Wells Fargo coaches that traveled the long and dusty route from San Francisco to Los Angeles. It was a place where the horses could find refreshment while the people refueled with both food and drink.
Even today, it is a nice break from the long road. Cold Spring Tavern (just one spring, don't call it 'Cold Springs', they're rather touchy about that...) is one of the more eclectic stops we've always had on our busy schedule. Several times a year, we head up towards Lake Cachuma and Santa Ynez, and every time we enjoy both fine dining and the quick lunch. Evening menus bring out the roasts of wild boar and venison whereas on weekend afternoons there's roasted tri-tip with a mustard horseradish sauce that is to die for.
As a friend once said, it is the location that draws as much as the food, and we couldn't agree more. It can also be a rather busy place, but the cache is helpfully in an area where people usually don't gather, and is somewhat shielded from the muggles. The groundskeeper and management (as well as quite a few of the servers) know of the cache and the location. If you happen to notice any trash nearby (such as the odd napkin), be a good geo-cacher and toss it into the trashcan if you head over to the tavern or restaurant.
Night or day, the cache is available. I'm not sure which is better, we tend to love the spot no matter what the time. But a flashlight will definitely help anytime! No adventure passes are required to park and get the cache. When you are done, PLEASE replace the cache container in it's original location. Thanks!