SLO is one of the few towns in the US that have no national chains stores or junk food restaurants. No vehicles down town. Foot traffic and bicycles in certain areas only. No mickey dees, no wal mart or safeway. Just local shops. Good time at the local farmers market with good brews, wine, music and walking around food. Definitely what a university town should be. You'll have a good time there, whatever the occassion. If you have time, check out Pismo Beach south of there. Its the kinda of town Missoula aspires to be for sure ( however, kind'a like Costco in Missoula).