A romantic and exciting weekend getaway
Written: Jun 04 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Relaxing place to unwind and relax, hike, or ride
Cons: You need to amuse yourself if you are not into riding
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| msilvermare's Full Review: Santa Barbara |
My husband and I, in search of a romantic place to spend our anniversary and renew the romantic side of our relationship--after twenty years and 2 teen age boys life does get hectic--decided to drive up the beautiful California coast from Orange County to Santa Barbara. In keeping with my desire to explore something entirely new, I selected a dude ranch I had read about in the AAA (Automobile Club of Southern California) Guide, "The Circle Bar B Guest Ranch." It was described as consisting of a recently renovated lodge and individual cabins, all decorated in the Western theme. My husband is not into roughing it, but I assured him that since Santa Barbara, the beach, Solvang, and everything else was right there, what did he have to lose.
The Ranch is located 3.5 miles off the freeway exit on a narrow, twisty road. We passed avocado orchards and small farms, and really began to feel as if we were in another time period.
The meals were included with the lodgings so when we arrived in Santa Barbara on a Friday afternoon, we decided to lunch at Anderson's Pea House in Buellton and visit the llama ranch before checking in. Dinner that evening was a wonderful barbecue consisting of steak, chicken corn on the cob, homemade ice cream and apple pie. What more could anyone ask for! Our room was large, clean, and nicely furnished--not at all hokey, my husband admitted.
The next morning, I signed us up for a trail ride (about $25 each for a 90 minute ride through the hills). My husband hadn't ridden a horse since his days in summer camp, so he asked for something reliable. He ended up on Rufus, the mule. I wanted something a bit more livelier, and got it. The ride was exquisite, the scenery to die for. I had brought a camera, and managed to take wonderful pictures. When we were about 4000 feet up, we stopped at a lookout point and could see the entire Santa Barbara coast line. The view was worth every penny. The horses jogged and cantered up the mountains and we had an exciting time. (My husband was a bit sore the next day.)
That evening, a local theater group from Santa Barbara presented a play which was well attended by the residents from the area. It was their version of "Chicago" and hilarious. Again, it was extra, and plays are not always available, so check when you make reservations.
The staff was willing to pack a lunch for you if you intended to leave the ranch, so we spent one day picnicking at the beach, and one day lunching in Solvang.
All in all, I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Everyone was friendly and determined to see that you had a great time. There is no TV reception in the mountains, but there is a large TV and VCR with recent movies if you or your kids are desperate. There was a pool and small spa also. If you bring kids, they may demand more activities. This is a make your own vacation. For us, we wanted a chance to unwind and de-stress. We got it!
Now that my son is in Cal Poly San Luis Obispo University,(60 miles further north) I have stopped on the way up or the way down from visiting to go for a trail wind. What a wonderful way to unwind. Just make a reservation first.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
msilvermare
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Member: Margaret Silver
Location: Orange County, California
Reviews written: 80
Trusted by: 42 members
About Me:
I am a special education teacher and educational therapist at a middle school.
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