Homeaway (from Home) Friday ~ Jalama Cañon Ranch Hoedown

Being that my boyfriend and I are originally from Northern California, we've been looking for the perfect middle ground to host a big party for his upcoming milestone birthday. After lots of looking and some great finds, I think I've finally found the perfect spot ~ Jalama Cañon Ranch. Now I just need to convince my adorably indecisive boyfriend that its perfection too (no pressure honey).

Five hours from SF and 3 hours from LA, this rustic but comfortable ranch is the perfect venue for a big old fashioned hoedown. Sitting on a thousand acres of open land and overlooking a private vineyard, for $365 a night you can have a private canyon all to yourself (or you can share it with friends). 

The thing I love most about the ranch, is it's summer camp feel, including a big screened-in eating cabin, filled with extra long picnic tables for family style dinners. The spacious lawn (perfect for a game of leisure ball) and an adorable tire swing dangling from an old oak tree. The outdoor shower and cabinets constructed out of old wine barrels just builds on it's already solid foundation of perfection. Another plus: You won't need to worry about the neighbors asking you to keep it down, at this ranch there is no noise ordinance (so bring your banjo).

 

Get Me There: For directions from LA click (here). For directions from SF click (here). Load up your car with friends and enjoy the quality time.

Give Me Something More: For the surfers, the ranch is only 15 minutes from Jalama Beach which sports three recognized surf spots: the Beachbreak, Cracks and Tarantulas (or "Ts" for short). For the adventurous, the ranch is the starting point for many scenic hikes in the Santa Rita hills. For the golfers, the ranch is 20 minutes from  La Purisma. For the drinkers, the ranch is about 30 minutes to the Santa Ynez wine valley. Enjoy! 

Homeaway (from home) Friday ~ Casa Mon Amour

Once a month my girlfriends get together to indulge in a yummy meal, a drink and an in-depth catch up session, but no matter how fast we talk or how late we stay up, it just never feels like enough time. So I got to thinking (and searching) for the perfect home away from home for a weekend away with my closest (gal) pals.

There is just something about the simple Spanish ranch architecture, the decadent chandeliers, the abundant white decor and the clean SoHo lofty feel that has me swooning for this romantically chic  2 bed 2 bath estate in the Santa Ynez region of California. For just $375 a night a girls weekend is in order....Here

Get Me There: Two hours north on the 101 and just a bit upward and inland from Santa Barbara, you'll find yourself in the picture perfect Santa Ynez viticultural valley. Of course its been written about, but when you arrive, it still feels like you've stumbled upon the best kept secret in wine making. The region is sprinkled with beautiful California oaks, golden rolling hills, amazing wines (especially know for its Pinot Noir to the west, and Cabernet and Merlot to the east) great restaurants and perfectly quaint local markets. Give me a baguette, some cheese and set me free amongst the vines...

Give Me Food (err I mean booze):  Sometimes wine just deserves more love. That said, here are my must stop spots for Santa Ynez tastings: 

For the fun funky adventure seeker who doesn't care about oak barrel caves: Artiste 

For the person that wishes they were in Tuscany: Sunstone

For the traditionalist with taste: Bridlewood

For the girl who is looking to find a cowboy, line dance and drink beer: Maverick Saloon

Let Me Sleep: Snuggle up on one of the many cozy couches or comfy beds at Casa Mon Amour. With 20 acres of private land surrounding you, I can almost guarantee you won't be disturbed. No matter what, I'd be sure to take a tub and a snooze in this dreamlike bathroom. 

My bags are packed...ladies LETS GO!