Paso Robles - Our First Day of Relaxation

We relaxed the moment we exited Vineyard Drive off Highway 101.  Rolling green hills, meadows of blooming lupine, grazing horses, rows of vineyards, and an occasional jackass (hee-haw).  We drove down the driveway of Hidden Hills B&B the length of which was lined with beautiful trees, both green and pink flowering branches draped over the drive.  Peaking through the trees we saw dozens of olive trees.   Could it get any quainter than this?  Yes! Because waiting on the porch was Max the barking dog and Kris the Innkeeper who welcomed us with a wonderful smile.  Kris led us to the Manzanita Room which opened to the covered, wrap around porch.  It is here we relaxed on the rocking chairs after dumping all of our crap.  Let’s be clear, Anna said.  They were gliding rocking chairs partnered with gliding footrests.  A little later, we napped on a couple of recliners for an hour along the poolside with Charles the cat cuddled on Christie’s lap. At some point we asked ourselves, “Is that a rooster wandering around the property”?

Feeling refreshed, we knew it was time to scope out the area.  Food and wine were on the agenda!  The first place we scoped out was not open (who isn’t open at 4PM?), the second place Christie thought wasn’t swanky enough for Anna’s birthday weekend, and the third place was just right.  15 Degrees C Wine Shop and Bar, a premier wine bar with noshies, delicious noshies, created by Ana from the Canary Islands.  We settled in with a glass of California Rose and a cheese platter while we eavesdropped excited chatter between four ladies celebrating a 50^th birthday.  Well, Christie eavesdropped.  Anna just repeatedly reminded Christie that it is not polite to stare.

Ana from the Canary Islands served us another glass of wine, this time a Chardonnay.  When we asked her why she left Spain, she replied, “One only leaves the Canary Islands for love”.  Very romantic.  Once we finished our refreshment, we purchased some more decadent nibbles and a bottle of wine and said our goodbyes.  Strange thing?  Ana from the Canary Islands is Ana Jimenez from the Canary Islands.  Mandatory photo op!!! 

We returned to the Inn and relaxed on the rocking chairs (aka the gliders) sipping and eating our recent purchases.  Kris the Innkeeper brought out a plate of caprese salad sprinkled with the Inn’s very own, award winning olive oil.  Delicious!  And with that we say good night!