Tour de Small Town California

My friends Sean and Phillina got married this past weekend in Mendocino, CA.   Since my friend Emily recently moved to a small town two hours from the wedding site, I decided to visit her and attend a beautiful wedding all in one wholesome weekend.  Although I had a wonderful trip, I neglected to foresee the amount of intense driving this vacation demanded.

Have you ever wanted to see how you would handle yourself in a stressful situation?  Simply drive solo for three hours on unfamiliar country roads in total darkness.  Did I mention that 75% of your drive will be without signal?  I am proud to report that I made the drive from Oakland Airport to Kelseyville (Emily's place of residence) and came out of it alive and with minimal psychological damage.

The highlight of my weekend (besides witnessing my dear friends get married) was hands down staying at The Andiron Seaside Inn and Cabins in Little River, CA.  The owners, Scott and Madeleine, are married and insanely adorable.  Prior to them taking over ownership, this place was a run down inn without any innkeepers ever present.  The cabins would be rented out and the guests were given a code to a lock box to retrieve their key.  I'm so delighted to see that these grounds have been properly revived to it's potential.  With a new paint job and a significant amount of charm, Scott and Madeleine transformed and furnished each room into it's own unique theme.

We stayed in Curious-er which the owners describe as:

"...the first room we redecorated and it's a little peek into our personal style. It features, well, VERY CURIOUS items and activities. An original 8-ball. Kreskin's ESP. Dogs that wear suits. Old-timey circus art (including the mural of the undercarriage of an old carousel). A Ouija board. Chalk dogs. A little bit of the mysterious Masons. And - the best of all - our perfect condition 1950's Viverator, which we found in a salvage yard! Sit back, relax, and crank the dial. You may never leave!"

Welcomed with homemade whoopie pies!

The lobby is simply warm and inviting.  We arrived just in time for happy hour where Madeline made us raclette paired with wine at the bar.  They don't provide a full breakfast but do offer a toast bar served with local preserves alongside their very own Andiron apple butter.

board games!

Emily found her favorite childhood card game.

This place even has a hot tub tucked away and surrounded by trees.  So romantic.  Each cabin is equipped with adirondack chairs and a BBQ on the deck.

Two sweet goats named Peanut Butter and Jelly greet you right outside of the lobby.  To top it off, two lovable greyhounds named Isaac and Jemma wait for guests to arrive in the lobby.

Jemma

 I have officially decided that this is where my wedding will be held.  Now I just need a proposal...