A FAB-U Lous Hotel: The Sycamore Mineral Spirngs Resort in San Luis Obispo, California
This time, it’s the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, on the beautiful California coast, in the town of San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo is a bit of a college town, but with sophisticated tastes when it comes to the arts, lodging and dining. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in area when I used to do craft shows. Now I go there just for fun. This is definitely the resort to relax at and leave your worries and stress behind.
Their spa is designed in the style of European spas and their have many services including facials, massages, meditation and yoga classes. The hot tubs are wonderful, secluded, and they are actual mineral springs. There is also a fairly strong sulfur smell at these tubs. If you live nearby and can’t get away for a few days, it’s possible to rent them for just a couple of hours. Originally built in 1897, the resort is over 100 acres and has a forest like setting because of the trees on, and, surrounding the property. There is even a labyrinth to get lose yourself in, and, figure your way back out of!
The suites are spacious and many have fireplaces. The hot tub on the balcony will pour out mineral water at your very command! (At certain times, the water does flow rather slowly.) You are not at the beach itself; it is about two miles away but there is a paved walking trail you can use. There is an outdoor swimming pool in addition to a group hot tub nearby. I’ve been told, for more adventurous types, there is a “clothing optional” beach also close by.
The food in the main dining room, the Gardens of Avila Restaurant, is superbly prepared with the use of a lot of locally grown herbs and vegetables.. There is also a rather extensive wine list including local wines. A gift shop and bar are also located on the premises. (Contact them at 805.595.7302 or www.sycamoresprings.com.)
There is much to do in the area. I always go to the Apple Farm and enjoy perusing their two story gift shop, and the complimentary apple cider while I wait for my table. And, at Christmas time, between Christmas and New Year’s, all of their ornaments used to be 50% off. Many of these gems hang on my tree every year. At dessert time, remember their apple tart is big enough for two people.
Don’t miss downtown San Luis – lovely, with lots of boutiques and a large variety of eateries. They used to hold a holiday craft show outdoors on the Plaza a couple of weeks before Christmas. Be sure to tour the mission. And, if you’re in the area at the time, be sure to take in the craft show held in the Veteran’s Building on the Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend. It’s a smaller show but it had excellent quality crafts. (I haven’t been to it in about 10-12 years.)
The wine region of the central coast is booming with more wineries coming in frequently. A drive through the area with its mild Mediterranean climate will show rugged foothills, rows of green vineyards. At 3080 Biddle Road, there is a tasting room for two local wineries, the Ortman Family Vineyards and the Saucelito Canyon Vineyard. There is also the Eberle Winery in Paso Robles which has tours available; there you can also take tours of their wine caves. (Visit www.eberlewinery.com for details).
There are almost 200 restaurants in San Luis Obispo area so you should find quite a few you’ll like. The Gold Rush SteakHouse at the Madonna Inn is worth the drive. They’re open for Sunday brunch as well as nightly for dinner. You can easily spot the inn because of the pink color of the buildings. Be sure to check out the men’s and women’s restrooms while you’re there.
McClintock’s Saloon is one of my favorite restaurants in the area. It’s actually located in Shell Beach right across from the ocean. Since I was there last, they’ve added several other locations but this is the original eatery and bar. (See www.mclintocks.com for more information.) I’m trying to remember the name of a great little Italian restaurant I ate at once but I can’t find a name which seems familiar. It was great and worth the 90 minute wait – outside in December.
There is plenty to do around SLO beside using the spa facilities, shopping and dining. There is surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing if you enjoy ocean sports. You can also arrange to go on a fishing trip, chartered with a group. There are many trails for both the mountain biker and the bicyclist. There is also hiking, golfing, rock climbing and lots of other sports for the active minded individual.
If you’ve never been to Hearst Castle, this is the time. You’ll need to make reservations and after every tour you’re driven back down to the waiting area for your next tour. No one but the staff remains on the castle grounds between the individual tours. It’s about an hour from San Luis Obispo. (Visit www.hearstcastle.org for ticket prices and information.)
As the sun goes down, the place to be is downtown SLO. With a large variety of bars and eateries, and live entertainment there is something for everyone. The SLO Symphony is legendary, And, many national acts come to the Performing Arts Center (state of the art) at Cal Poly.
Relax! And have a great time
