Our second visit to the Santa Ynez Valley was memorable with many thanks to the loveliest of accommodations. Surrounded by the vineyards of Santa Barbara Wine Country, ForFriends Inn is a cozy and elegant bed and breakfast with the most charming hospitality we’ve experienced so far in our travels! Living up to it’s name, we were treated like family by the owners and the other guests became friends that we still think about today. For a weekend getaway, ForFriends Inn was as comfortable as our own home, and here are some reasons we just can wait to get back for another stay!
Upon first glance, the two story Craftsman is immaculately kept with gardens that beg you to grab a glass of wine and take a stroll. Walking through the iron gate you see beautiful landscaping and spring blossoming early everywhere you look, California’s version of winter.
The wrap around porch has seating and tables for a picnic without leaving the grounds, or a rocking chair to enjoy your book in.
We finally made it inside to check into our room after our happy distractions. There are seven bedrooms on the property, five that are in the main house and two individual stand alone cottages. The rooms are named for local wineries, their wine is offered for sale in the rooms, artwork relating to their brand/labels can be found on the walls, and often the businesses will pour their wine at ForFriends Inn’s nightly happy hour. The partnership allows guests to venture out and visit their tasting rooms at little or no cost and helps acquaint visitors to the the local area.
We were booked in the Imagine room for the weekend where you may find one of their signature Syrah or Viogniers for sale on the antique desk. The room boasts a gorgeous king bed with a mattress and pillow made probably from heavenly clouds it’s so soft. My husband who likes to explore while on getaways was happy each morning to lounge a little longer in bed than usual because of how comfortable it was. The bathroom was as romantic is they get as far as what I’ve found. The lovely framed mirror, the fresh rose in the vase and the marble shower for two and jacuzzi tub…yes that just screams a couple’s getaway and as always, just add wine!
The stone fireplace continues to add a special touch to the room and if it couldn’t get any more perfect, prop open the doors to the balcony. A table and chairs (and of course wine) make for a gorgeous evening watching the sunset.
A table and chairs (and of course wine) make for a gorgeous evening watching the sunset.
Breakfast at ForFriends Inn is so very special. With a menu on the table, fresh coffee and teas ready for pouring, here is where you begin your day with a smile! Guests venture in and gather at one of the two tables and friendships begin. Homemade breads, biscuits, casseroles arrive as does fruit, granola and yogurt, bacon or sausage and toast round out the menu and it’s 5-star dining in a relaxed setting. 
It’s here where we met semi-locals that had been evacuated from the mudslides in nearby Montecito. We listened to stories on tragedy. We met a couple with kids similar in age to our own who were married in the area and love coming back. We shared stories on college life and what it will be like when we become grandparents. Past, present, future.
This breakfast room, common room, and lobby transforms later in the day to where happy hour is enjoyed. 
Those winery partnerships show up here and give us an idea for tomorrow’s day trip and tasting experience. This is the time we share stories of what everyone did for the day, where they dined or picnicked, and it’s even a time for music. 
Owner and talented musician Dave brought out his guitar, then a guest brought out his, then a man sat on a box and played it like a drum with his hands. Music was born and it was another aspect of this amazing bed and breakfast that gets emblazoned on your brain and makes you yearn to go back.
With each stay at ForFriends Inn, you receive a Friendship Pass, essentially a passport to many great wineries and restaurants in the area (including Buellton, Los Olivos, and Solvang), offering you $300 in savings. With this pass, wine tastings at nearly 30 wineries throughout the Valley are either free for two people or are 2 for 1, and you can also enjoy over $50 in free appetizers (or desserts) at local restaurants. There is even a list of activities such as cycling tours, hot air balloon rides, and horseback rides you can enjoy for 10% off. 
We explored and drank in a cave at Sunstone, we listened to great music at Kalyra, and played shuffleboard at Carr wineries and those alone were nearly a $100 savings! With so much included with a stay at ForFriends Inn, I’m really not sure why we didn’t move in!
a few last things we fell in love with. In the warmer months, cocktail hour and music is enjoyed in the garden. Honestly, I’m not sure how this place can get any better right?!
Just outside our room a bookcase tickled my husband’s fancy as he found some Louis L’amour to read. He has since purchased two books more from the bookstore!
Two of my very favorite spots to cozy up with are these seats in the common room and our Imagine room. 
If you weren’t completely full of food and drinks from your day, the evening nightcap of dessert wines plus some cookies or another baked goodie are available on your way to bed!
It will be tough to beat this spot for a weekend getaway. It’s an amazing place that will be remembered and have you coming back to stay again and again. If you’d like to learn even more about ForFriends Inn, visit http://www.forfriendsinn.com and book a room. You’ll have the hosts, the guests, and the Friendship Pass at the ready to make your trip unforgettable.
Our stay was hosted in exchange for this very honest review. All opinions are 100% my own. Thanks Dave and Katie!
Right in downtown Solvang we found Dr. J’s Bicycle Shop where we would start our 4-5 hour journey beginning about 9am. Here you will meet your guides, get your Specialized hybrid bike fitting and discuss the route and plan for the day. The guides measure your height and find the best bike for your ride along with ensuring your seat is comfortable (I asked for two cushioned seat covers half-jokingly but I did get one). During this preparation, water bottles are filled, helmets are secured properly, and a lesson on gear shifting is helpful even for those experienced bikers.
Remember I said us women love our wine, we are not cyclists. But, don’t worry, the route is customized with the guides to fit the your riding ability ensuring the best time possible. 
We started our ride right there at the shop. Through residential areas and then a bit on the highway, we were always sticking together as a group with one guide at the front and one at the back. The road was paved the entire trip and was basically flat. Riding past vineyards, horse ranches, and scenic mountains, the guides shared knowledge of the area and allowed each rider to chat and share as well. 
There was open communication about how we were feeling and we were reminded to stay hydrated throughout the ride. If any riders were slowing down, a guide would remain at the back of the pack to keep an eye out, but never were we pushed to keep up.
In Los Olivos, we stopped downtown to fill our water bottles and take a break. We then headed down Figueroa Mountain road that had a slight incline. The weather was warm so we all kept at a good pace. 
The scenery was stunning! Some clouds came out of nowhere and dropped a 2 minute sprinkle on us that helped cool us down, then the sun and heat was back. After a few miles about half of us took a break while the other half just went a bit further down the road to stop at the entrance of what was once Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch! Checking in with the husbands, who are used to biking up in the mountains on narrow paths and often at a faster pace, they were just fine. This ride was made for couples to enjoy together, no racing, no competing, just relax and enjoy the surroundings!
We made a stop at a local olive oil tasting room for some samples of flavored olive oil and balsamic vinegars. Then it was off for a few more miles before our lunch. 
Included in this experience is being served a gourmet picnic lunch tableside overlooking a gorgeous vineyard. We arrived at Blackjack Ranch Vineyards and Winery and gorgeous it was!
The remarkable tree along the highway can’t be missed with the old truck beneath filled with wine barrels. Here we were treated to wine tasting atop a bar made from bowling lanes from a old alley nearby. The Chardonnay was cold and crisp and hit the spot after our near 22 mile ride! We purchased a bottle to enjoy with our fantastic, healthy, and replenishing lunch!
Salads, fruit, meats, cheeses, and a most delicious plate of desserts! What a way to round out the day. We were here about an hour’s total and hopefully not too stuffed to make the short ride back to the bike shop. Just in case someone gets pooped out along the way, a truck is available to take the back and you back to the shop. 
The whole experience was completely worth it! It was so neat to mix my husband and my favorites to make a memorable day for both of us. Exercise, exploring, eating, drinking, and together with friends is just icing on the cake! Some energy, an appetite, comfy shoes, and some layers is all you need for this amazing day trip in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.
Growing up, my parents loved traveling south to the Danish-influenced town of Solvang. Just a half-hour inland from the coast of Santa Barbara, I vividly remember the windmills, walking through shops downtown, and when my mom purchased oysters from a tank to unearth the beautifully unique pearls inside. Those pearls were place in ring and necklace settings and I loved when my mom would wear the jewelry and promise me they’d be mine when I was older. I haven’t been back to the area in sometime, so I was thrilled to return and explore Solvang and a few other surrounding communities that make up the Santa Ynez Valley.
Where We Stayed
Our second floor crisp white room offers silver and red minimalist decor and furniture. The heavenly Serta king mattress was blissful and other amenities included: 50” flat screen TV, a stainless steel compact refrigerator and coffee maker, a dining area, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, and a classic alarm clock. It was a warm weekend and we appreciated all the windows that allowed in the cooler evening breeze. The surroundings were quiet, so evenings were relaxing and windows could stay open through the night. The unique light fixture was the centerpiece of the lofted ceilings. 
Complimentary wi-fi service worked well in the rooms as well as the courtyard where we enjoyed late evenings with wine and great conversation with friends. 
The hotel and staff are very welcoming and helpful. The main office is located at a sister property just a block away, but any concerns or housekeeping needs are addressed quickly and efficiently. A continental breakfast is included with your stay just a short walk at the Danish Mill Bakery. A wonderful added bonus with your stay is the 2 for 1 wine and beer tasting passport that is offered to over 30 locations in the area! Rooms start just over $100 mid-week and about $189 weekends.
I went for it with the Pollo Mattone, an oak grilled organic chicken, roasted potatoes and spinach topped with fresh pesto. The chicken was enough for two people, my husband loved it as well, especially the crispy skin! He shared his homemade ravioli special that had bright flavor from the peas, tomatoes, and mint and succulent scampi! Dessert included Italian favorites and gelato, but we opted to make another mule our dessert!
Grab a lunch from 
Vanilla ice cream tops the crispy crust and when you dig into the hot fruity center it makes for a eyes-roll-back-into-your-head moment. Suddenly you forget how full you are and don’t want to share. Weeks later I’m still drooling over the menu and look forward to going back, especially for their Pinot Noirs!
Did I mention while we wine tasted and sampled oils and vinegars we were on a bike? Renting bikes from Dr. J’s Bicycle Shop through partnership with 
