We’ve been traveling up to the Santa Ynez/Solvang/Los Olivos area for years now. It was a favorite spot of ours before we had the girls, but when we became parents we found it a bit more difficult to fully experience all the area had to offer. Yet over the summer we somehow found ourselves back up there twice in the span of two months and it reignited our love for the area.
We have wanted to stay at Alisal Ranch for a while now (TJ played golf there for a wedding years ago), and it lived up to our every expectation this past weekend. There are so many different activities, from golf and tennis, to horseback riding and massages (and so many things in between) that it’s a wonderful spot for the entire family. We absolutely loved our guided horseback riding experience on the beautiful trails, and the massages were a great way to relax and unwind. The property sits on 10,000 beautiful acres, so we woke up each morning and took in one of the many beautiful trail hikes (I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many wild deer up close).
The service was wonderful (everyone has so friendly), rooms were excellently appointed (the wood burning fireplace was the cherry on top), and the food was absolutely delicious…
There are two main dining rooms, The Oak Room (which is indoor, sports coat required for men, with a live piano bar), and outside under the twinkly lights at Creek Side. The menu is fresh, and while some items appear regularly, there is daily variation to account for a “fresh catch” or “specialty dish.” The desserts were divine: carrot cake, cheesecake, oatmeal pie crumble… if you have a sweet tooth, this is the spot for you. You can enjoy a pre-dinner libation at the bar as well (which also has live music…. something we always appreciate).
We will definitely be back with the girls (they would love the little barn) soon! Sharing some photos, and outfits, from the trip below…
With that, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
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(The grounds are so beautiful….)
(A casual outfit for an afternoon wine tasting…. sweater, jeans, flats (great under $40 option))
(And the rooms are so beautifully appointed…)
(All dressed up for dinner in the Oak Room. I love that they require sports coats for men… so dressing up is encouraged… my dress, leather jacket)
(And there is just something about a wood burning fireplace… slippers)
(Out for a morning hike before breakfast… jacket, leggings, sneakers)
(Spent the later morning horseback riding on the most beautiful trails… so many wild deer too! Jeans, Top, Hat, boots are old Madewell)
(Pre-dinner libations in the prettiest little spot… love how they had live music to set the mood)
(Dinner at Creekside under the twinkly lights… pants, half zip, jacket)
(Woke up early for a beautiful hike before heading home… top)
(Will miss these cute little cottages…)
(Packed up and headed home… jacket, slides (itsybisyindulgences10 for 10% off)
