Over a decade ago my parents took my sister and I on a big California adventure. We began in San Francisco and explored all of California down the coast to San Diego. One of the stops on our route was to the Apple Farm Inn in San Luis Obispo, which my parents had accidentally found on a previous trip.

We stayed in a lovely guest room with two beds. The décor was “country,” very charming and cozy. It had the "home away from home" kind of feeling like a B&B, but it was more “professionally put-together.” Everything was very warm and welcoming, and the room even had a sweet and warm scent - think of apple pie. There was a fireplace that only served to add to the warmth of the room, and overall, the room was more than spacious. The beds were ultra-comfortable, and between the atmosphere of the room and the comfy bed, we all had a wonderful night’s sleep. The bathroom was a bit small, but everything was very clean and well-tended. The best part was the amenities provided in our room. The shampoo and conditioner left my hair smelling like sweet apples. Are you seeing a theme here?

Aside from the comfortable accommodations, what made our stay at the Apple Farm Inn truly memorable was the setting. They have a mill on property, which we peeked in on. The restaurant serves the fresh apple cider produced on site, and I simply cannot stress enough that they have the *best* cider I have ever had in my entire life! My sister refused to drink apple juice and cider before our stay here, but after that, she was a convert!

The food served at the restaurant is another not-to-be-missed experience. The fried chicken is divine and tasty, and the vanilla ice cream is homemade and oh-so creamy! The portions are large, but save some room for that corn bread, which is delish! Quite honestly, nothing I’ve ever eaten here has been disappointing. Adjoining the restaurant is the Inn’s gift shop. They sell all sorts of cute knick knacks and souvenirs, but for a gift shop, this one is actually worth taking a stroll through and buying something!

So you're wondering how much does all this lovely country warmth go for, huh? Surprisingly, it's a great deal for a weekend away at such a nice place. Rates start just over $79[*], and if you are a member with AAA, you get a discount, too. No wonder it's always booked up so early!

San Luis Obispo is more of a weekend getaway than a vacation in itself, but there are things to do in the area, most notably a tour of Hearst Castle. The Inn is conveniently located right off the highway, so it's no trouble to find at all. I just stopped there this February with my fiance on our way back from a weekend in San Francisco, and although we didn't spend the night, we did walk around the grounds and have dinner at the restaurant. I was surprised at how much hadn't changed, and I definitely plan to return soon for a romantic weekend - and again, someday to take my children as my parents took us.

Website: www.applefarm.com


*I just looked up their rates again, and doubles now begin at $79! With a discount from AAA lowering the price even further, how can you not get away for a romantic weekend?


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