If you and your lover are looking for the perfect weekend jaunt or a romantic one-tank getaway before the frenzy of the holidays, Paso Robles is the place.
Once a beautiful farming community amidst rolling hills hugging the Central Coast, Paso Robles has evolved into a premier wine destination and now mixes much of the old with so much new.
If keeping travel costs on the frugal side is important to you, that’s just one more reason to love Paso Robles. It’s a budget friendly, luxury destination with regards to value.
The Travel Paso Robles Alliance encompasses a group of hoteliers committed to ensuring that visitors receive outstanding values. The value isn’t just in the lodging but can be enjoyed at restaurants, golf courses, wineries and shopping attractions, alike. Even your auto will be economy-driven with free un-metered parking throughout the downtown area.
Visitors to Paso Robles enjoy the commonly appreciated venues such as Hearst Castle, beaches, bicycling, and the water park. However, the outstanding museums, festivals, holiday celebrations, and cowboys are sure to be a hit too.
You’ll be captivated by the story of the Hearst Castle and the grandeur of the grounds at this California treasure State Park. Plan to spend a few hours to thoroughly enjoy the magnitude of the vision and the dream.
On the way back to Paso Robles from Hearst Castle, any hungry couple will appreciate the local, sustainable and mouth watering fare at Farmstand 46 where delectable and unique home-created sandwiches and salads worthy of the most discriminating palette, will satisfy.
Excellent wines and a beautiful outdoor dining area make this the perfect filling station. You won’t want to miss the unforgettable roasted carrot salad, chicken apple salad, and gigantic gourmet deli sandwiches.
No visit would be complete without a full dining experience at F. McLintock’s Saloon & Steakhouse. From the moment you enter this spectacular downtown establishment, diners appreciate the fun decor and ambiance along with the friendly western hospitality. Sumptuous, perfectly aged, fine quality, hand cut, seasoned steaks and entrees, all cooked to utter perfection with generous helpings and reasonable prices, make this a place to truly relish. A separate breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu each offer the very best in home-cooked, quality. Every mouthful is a joy.
Another dining option is beautiful Villa Creek. This gorgeous dining establishment has a beautiful and romantic fountain courtyard for outdoor dining as well as indoor seating. Each and every appetizer, entree and dessert is beautifully presented in a way to showcase impeccable dishes, all local, organic, and sustainably grown products, many taking inspiration from the padres of early California.
An upscale and delightful property is the luxurious Hotel Cheval, a romantic short walk from all that downtown has to offer. Hotel Cheval offers a beautiful breakfast, its own Pony Club wine and beer bar, sumptuous linens and amenities, complimentary afternoon treats, and many guests enjoy the romantic fireplaces in the central courtyard at night. Sitting by the wood-burning fireplaces sipping some of the days best “finds” in wines, is the perfect cap to any day in Paso Robles.
Paso Robles is home to more than 200 vintners, farm-fresh cuisine at every turn, all with small-town charm and cowboy hospitality. Fall and early winter are idyllic times to visit with warm sunny days, cool crisp nights, and a thriving harvest season. Just a few hours from Sacramento, Paso Robles is the perfect respite for any couple seeking a relaxing getaway rich in history, culture, and modern attractions.
Carmel L. Mooney has been a travel columnist, food and wine critic, and radio talk show host for 17 years.
Follow her on Twitter at: @CarmelLeeMooney or visit: www.moneythewriteway.com or www.roadtripsforcouples.com
