I like my house but I’m getting tired of seeing the same walls. I love my husband but I’d like to hear other voices and see other faces. I want to go someplace different but, “you know.” Can you relate?
When I learned of The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort it struck a chord: a location outside of town, full breakfast and dinner services, single level accommodations, lots of open space to walk and breath, and only a two and a half hour drive from Pasadena. Opened in 1946 and originally catering to 30 guests, the Alisal Guest Ranch offered Western hospitality in a lush, beautiful setting. It has grown since then but its values and attention to guests remains the same.
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Fall is a beautiful time at The Alisal. During our visit in mid-October, the weather was glorious. Warm golden days and crisp, cool nights; the Alisal benefits by its proximity to the ocean and the hills that surround it. The grounds are vast and include tennis courts, horse pastures and corrals, a lake, pool and golf course.
Our Luxury Suite was right across the road from some of the prettiest horses. I got to watch them munch whenever I wanted and often they were joined by wild turkeys and other birds. Every room at the Alisal has a wood-burning fireplace, Western décor, coffee makers and refrigerators.
Our suite had a separate bedroom with a luscious king bed with the type of mattress you sink into. Crisp, soft linens topped the bed. There was also a large living area with a queen sofa bed, wood-burning fireplace and a large dining room table. What there wasn’t in the room was a TV or phone. There was internet service but for us, no cell phone service. Kind of forced us to slow down and enjoy the day.
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Breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate. Now this is not an after thought, these are full meals, with a different menu everyday. There’s a beautiful outdoor seating area with lots of heaters and plenty of space between tables. Indoor seating is equally as spacious, with lots of different rooms and space between diners. Workers always wear masks and guests are expected to wear them when out of their rooms or not eating breakfast or dinner.
I was really blown away by the food offered at the Alisal. Dinners included a choice of two soups or two salads, the main course fully accompanied by sides and dessert, plus an impressive choice of wines or cocktails. At each meal there was also a different appetizer of the day. The first day we had beautiful, large shrimp with a tangy cocktail sauce and the second night we had a tasty baba ghanoush with lovely olive bread. Each menu has a selection of beef, chicken, pork and fish with a vegetarian or vegan dish and something exotic. The portions are large but you can request smaller ones (I wish I had read that tidbit earlier) and they can put something together for your nutrition or allergy needs. Visit www.alisal.com/dine/#dining-at-alisal for a look at what they are offering now.
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I had the best of intentions for my two-day stay, I was going to sit by the pool, ride a horse, and maybe get a paddle boat and cruise around the lake. What really happened was for the first time in a long time I was finally able to relax. I found myself taking a nap, wandering around the grounds and just generally enjoying the peaceful surroundings. There are all sorts of places to explore on the grounds and in the surrounding area. We took a short hike to Nojoqui Falls (which weren’t falling) and drove around the winding roads surrounding Alisal. Oh yeah and did I mention the Danish Village of Solvang is just a short drive away? Well it is and we stopped by on our way home.
I so enjoyed our stay at the Alisal that I tried to extend our it but alas, the room was already booked. My companion and I had a worry-free, safe, relaxing three days and would happily revisit the Alisal. No wonder the Alisal has become a tradition for so many families. Maybe they could become yours.
The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is located at 1054 Alisal Road, Solvang. For reservations or more information call (800) 425-4725 or visit www.alisal.com.
