Are we in Provence?

I don't usually write about the hotels I stay at (since most of them are nondescript), but every once in awhile the hotel rivals the destination itself.   Such was the case last weekend when we opted to stay at the Inn at the Pinnacles just minutes away from the west entrance to the park rather than one of those generic motels in Soledad.

The bed and breakfast is located on top of a hill with a panoramic view of the pinnacles and surrounding vineyards.  We had wine and cheese in the owners' well-appointed kitchen that evening and a delicious breakfast in the dining room the next morning.  We couldn't help but laugh when the other guests were also from Santa Barbara!  The owners are gracious and warm and the rooms are beautiful.  I slept like a baby that night in complete utter silence.  Pure bliss!

It's a good thing Mimi slept in the van.  If she saw this place, she would have remained a permanent fixture on their beautiful terrace.  It was hard enough getting my travel buddy back into the car.  "I don't want to leave," he said.  "Can we please stay another night?"