Vacation

One of the things I look forward to during the month of July (besides having the month off work!) is our annual vacation. Our vacations have run the gamut - Cooperstown, Toronto, Hawaii, New York City, Pittsburgh, Oregon, Napa Valley. They've all been different and we've loved each and every place we've visited.

With many folks planning 'stay-cations' this year because of the economy, we feel fortunate that we were still able to take off for at least a few days and visit one of our favorite places: San Luis Obispo. It's so beautiful up there, and it has a certain sentimental value to us - we went there on our honeymoon! We stayed at our favorite inn - The Apple Farm. It's a warm, inviting place with beautiful flowers and charming decor. Here are a few photos so you can see for yourself.






This was actually our fourth stay at the Apple Farm, and the room we had this time is our favorite yet. It was very quaint and cozy. A canopy bed, fireplace and sitting area - perfect to curl up and read a book.






Throughout the inn, there are samplings of items that are for sale in their gift shop. I just love the little vignettes they've created - it really looks more like someone's home than an inn.








We had a great time! We drove over to Paso Robles and went 'antiquing'. Though we only visited a few stores, we were able to find some wonderful things that will make great Christmas gifts for our families. (shhhhh...those are a secret, so no photos!) We also visited the most beautiful lavender farm in Atascadero. It's actually harvest time for the lavender and it will be harvested next week (they had a lavender festival this weekend). Because it was such a warm day when we were there, the air was intensely perfumed with the scent of lavender - what a heady aroma! They make their own natural products using the lavender - essential oil, soaps, culinary herbs and honey. It was amazing walking through the lavender fields - they were abuzz with hundreds of bees.






A local artist painted this mural on the wall of the pathway that leads to the lavender fields...


Though it was only a few days, we are so grateful that we had the opportunity to get away for a while. It was wonderful to see the beautiful scenery and just to be with Kevin. Thanks, honey, for a wonderful time.