Every trip is different. Sometimes we travel to get somewhere. Other times we hit the road to get away from everything. Located minutes from downtown Solvang, and less than an hour from Santa Barbara, The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is proof the two can meet in the middle.
The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort Driveway
You instinctively let up on the gas pedal when you turn down the tree-lined driveway. There are sights to take in; cottages to the left and an assortment of barnyard animals in the pasture to the right. Eye popping, comfy looking, red chairs are scattered about on porches and open stretches of grass. The thought time might move a little slower here becomes almost laughably obvious when you stumble upon the pay phone outside the lobby. Remember those? It may take a second, but it’ll come back to you.
Comfy Cowboy Digs
Set on a 10,000-acre California cattle ranch, The Alisal has 73 guest cottages and suites. They ooze cowboy charm with wood burning fireplaces, western bedspreads, and furniture made from tree branches. Cottages come in a variety of configurations, offering multiple rooms and doors that close for privacy. Living rooms equipped with well disguised daybeds are great options for traveling families who know their family togetherness limits. All rooms have refrigerators and coffee making capabilities. In addition to the expected extra blankets and ironing board, the room closet is also home to a ranch essential – a card table.
But it’s what the room doesn’t have that typically creates the most conversation. There are no televisions or phones in any rooms. Cell phone coverage is spotty, so you have an excuse to tell folks you’ll be off the grid. There is Wi-Fi throughout the property, but if you don’t tell, neither will I.
Breakfast Ride
So instead of changing channels, you’ll want to change into pants that are alright to get dirty and head for the barn. The Ranch has more than 50 miles of horseback riding trails and wranglers run daily group rides for all levels. At least once during your stay, skip sleeping in and roll out of bed early for The Alisal Breakfast Ride. Saddle up, and take the scenic route to gourmet grub. It’s like camping but tastier and sleeping on the ground is not required. Chow time includes live music and an appearance by an impressive cowboy poet. The Breakfast Ride is offered year-round, two or three days a week, depending on the season and holidays and may require an additional fee. The hay wagon ride to breakfast is complimentary.
Whether you walk, trot or roll, expect to be back at your room before lunch, which gives you plenty of time to take a swing at one of the two 18-hole championship golf courses or play tennis at one of the half-dozen courts. Shuttles run regularly to the 100-acre spring-fed lake where you can go fly fishing or rent canoes and kayaks.
Hiking Trail View
For a great view that comes with a great workout, set aside a couple hours to explore the hiking trail. Take the trail to the right for a steep climb, or the head left for a slower, more moderate trek. Either direction you choose, the 2.5 mile loop leads to the same bird’s eye view of Solvang and Los Olivos.
It’s a great way to work up an appetite for dinner, which by the way is a bit of an affair. Gentlemen 16 years and older are required to wear a jacket (neckties are optional). Women and children should dress for dinner at a nice restaurant. No jeans, shorts or t-shirts are allowed.
Sit and Relax
And remember those cushy red chairs I talked about, there is a nice cluster of them near the pool. Sun or shade, you can take your pick. Take advantage early and often throughout your stay.
Rates range from $525 to $725 plus tax and service charge, based on double occupancy. That includes internet and breakfast and dinner for two. Depending on the season, a number of packages are also available that include BBQ Bootcamp, guided cycling and activities like horseback riding, golf green fees, tennis, and fishing on Alisal Lake. Activities such as boating, archery and the spa require additional fees.
Dana’s stay was hosted by The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
