By Melissa Wynn
When the demands of everyday life interfere with love, a romantic getaway can be just what the doctor ordered. Whether you are looking for a weekend to rekindle an old flame, or are planning the big day to pledge your forever love to your one and only, a peaceful and secluded destination might be the perfect venue.
On an unseasonably warm February day my sweetheart and I escaped to Chalet View Lodge for a few days to celebrate Valentines Day. Busy work lives had us passing like ships in the night and it was nice to spend some quality time together.
Tucked neatly in the forest on ten sprawling acres, between Graeagle and Portola on HWY 70, this classy resort was just the kind of place we were looking for. We arrived at 3:00 in time for check-in, and were greeted by Jyl, a very cheerful front desk attendant eager to see to our every want and need. The lobby and breakfast area were beautifully decorated and a crackling fire was burning in the lovely stone fireplace. A tiny Starbucks located inside the front door assured me that my morning wind up was covered.
But we had come to unwind, so it was the granite topped full bar just steps from the front desk that got our attention first. It invited us to let our shoulders down for awhile and raise a glass to love. I wondered how many brides had cured pre-wedding jitters here and how many couples would return to giggle about it together years later.
As the sun was setting we decided to wander the grounds and were pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of amenities and activities we found along the way. Volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and a playground for kids are nestled around a beautiful nine-hole golf course.
A BMX pump track offers a great opportunity for the kids to blow off some steam. A shaded pond stocked with rainbow trout all summer long looked like a place I’d like to curl up for hours with a good book on a warm sunny day. Those more adventurous than I was that day can get a birds eye view of the shady pond with a ride on the zip line that whizzes you right over the water.
Several hiking trails leave the ten acre spread of Chalet View lands and lead into thousands of acres of adjoining National Forest. If water is your vice, a summertime swimming pool and a secluded year round hot tub are on-site giving another fun reason to just stick around the resort and play.
When we finally wandered over to our Terrace Suite we discovered you can also enjoy craft beer in a more kick back setting at Chalet View Lodge. Located on the bottom floor of our cozy home for the evening we found Eureka Peak Brewing Company. Master Brewer Gregg Bucy practices his craft here for all to enjoy and offers several classic brews as well a variety of Belgian Sours that can be hard to find in our neck of the woods. Visitors and guests can sample these custom brews Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
During our walk we wandered past a small greenhouse and peaked inside to find fresh herbs and other wonders growing happily inside. Executive Chef, Adam Bronson keeps these organic treasures for use in his award winning dinner cuisine served Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m.
After the long day I was ready to snuggle into the King size bed beneath the down duvet and warm my chilly feet. We drifted off to sleep to the background noise of a silly comedy on the HBO channel. I awoke in the morning to rays of sun shining through the skylight promising another beautiful Sierra spring day. We skipped the complimentary breakfast in favor of an early start home but I hope to give it a try on my next visit. I’m thinking a weekend getaway with the girls when we have the time to indulge in some self spoiling treatments at the on-site spa.
Whether it is just the two of you looking for a night away or you if have a life changing event coming up, Chalet View Lodge has the talent, hospitality and ability to see to your every need and comfort. From on-site wedding ceremonies with catering available to a cabin hideaway with fishing right outside door, there truly is something for everyone.
Chalet View Lodge 72056 Highway 70, Graeagle +1.530.832.5528 www.chaletviewlodge.com
