Greenhorn Guest Ranch-A Step Back In Time
Imagine loading your young family, and all your worldly goods into a covered wagon and embarking on a seven month journey over rough and dangerous terrain to a place you know little about. That’s what the original owners of Greenhorn Guest Ranch did when they headed west in 1853 to settle in the lush Mohawk Valley near Quincy, CA.
The rich heritage is brought to life today by owner Trish Wilburn who has created an internationally known vacation spot complete with Old West hospitality and activities set in tranquil, yet awe inspiring Plumas County.
Choices are boundless when it comes to activities Greenhorn offers miles of trails for horseback riding, wagon rides, cookouts, fishing, and swimming.
Rodeo games are ever popular, along with other sports and games. Bonfire sing-alongs never run out of style while the fully stocked Saloon offers western dancing and Karoke.
Exploring the nearby areas you’ll find 292 miles of scenic trails, fishing, gold panning, rafting, sailing, spectacular drives and historic finds.
Friday Nights feature an “All You Can Eat” Rib and Chicken Bar-B-Q. Visitors and locals gather early to take a horseback or horse-drawn wagon ride before dinner, or opt to hike, fish or take a dip in the heated pool.
Destination weddings are a specialty at Greenhorn Ranch. They can accommodate up to 100 people, and create the wedding of your dreams. Family reunions and other special gatherings also find a “home away from home” here.
“Meetings and Retreats at Greenhorn Ranch are like none other,” says Trish. “We feature a majestic Greenhorn Guest Ranch Plumas county setting, rustic accommodations, room to breathe and an optimal space to conduct effective meetings and meaningful retreats.” Fly into Reno-Tahoe Airport 70 miles away, or Gansner Aiprort in Quincy just 12 miles away.
Perhaps better yet is the budget pleasing value. Your vacation or getaway is all inclusive, so you don’t have to worry about the cost building up after you get there. There is no minimum stay required. Group rates are available, and are tailored to your needs.
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By Melissa Wynn
When my sister Lorraine and I checked in at Atlantis in Reno we had already planned to pamper ourselves, so why not live large and get a room in the Concierge Tower? The views of the city lights by night and sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains by day are outstanding from these plush, larger rooms on floors 21 through 25. Tinted windows eliminate any glare, we were on top of the world. We kicked off our shoes and decided on a cocktail from the handy in room mini bar, time to relax before our spa appointment. Lorraine enjoyed a hot soak in the tub with her favorite afternoon TV show on the 20 inch HD TV in the bathroom. I curled up on my comfy bed in my pile of four pillows and rented a movie on the 42 inch HD TV with a touch of a button on the remote. This is the life. A light tap on the door was housekeeping dropping by with complimentary bottled water. We left for the spa already feeling spoiled. Upon returning from our luxurious afternoon we changed for a gourmet dinner downstairs at Bistro Napa. We spent hours there and ate until we could barely move. Good thing our lovely room was just a swipe of the room key in the glass elevator away. We returned to find our beds turned down and a yummy mint on the pillow. With all the extras these luxury accommodations are a steal starting at $145 mid week. I was never more happy to crawl between the triple sheets, beneath the fluffy duvet, and drift away to sleep.
Life rarely offers me the opportunity to sleep undisturbed until I wake on my own but black out curtains and no alarm let me play in dreamland until nearly 9:00 the next morning. Lorraine brewed us each a cup of rich in room coffee and we were off to enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast in the 25th floor concierge lounge exclusively for tower guests. Yogurt with granola and berries parfaits along with several items from the fresh fruit tray tempted us both. Light and sweet with our croissants and danishes from a nearly endless number of breakfast breads. Windows from ceiling to floor overlook the city with the mountains looming majestic in the background. It was bittersweet to head for home. I couldn’t wait to tell all of you about our excellent stay in the Concierge Tower at Atlantis but I also wished to stay where I was queen for a day. Check out these amazing amenities.
- Express key-card access glass elevators
- VIP check-in
- Exclusive 25th floor Concierge Lounge with complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres
- Bose® Wave® Radio with iPod® docking station
- Refrigerator
- Fully-stocked mini bar
- Luxury body and bath products
- Sealy pillow-top mattresses with luxurious triple sheeting
- Plush guest robe
- Personalized butler service, available upon request
- Custom furnishing featuring warm, rich woods and marble accents
- Custom desk with multi-media launch pad connectivity to the 42” flat screen HDTV
- Individual climate control
- Digital safe
- High-speed wired and wireless Internet
- Dual line telephones
- Data ports and speakerphone
- Rainforest Alliance Certified in-room coffee
- Complimentary access to indoor pool, outdoor pool and whirlpool
- Complimentary airport shuttle
- 24-hour room service
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
3800 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89502
Reservations: toll-free 800.723.6500 or 775.825.4700 | Group Sales: 800.994.5900
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By Melissa Wynn
One of my favorite outings is an overnight trip to Chico. The drive down Hwy 32 is an emerald world of aromatic forest greenery sprinkled with water falls, weeping walls and continuous encounters with Deer Creek. Relaxing and therapeutic, getting there is half the fun.
Our trip to Chico included revisiting an amazing animal park which I hope you will also enjoy reading about.
Normally I wouldn’t stay in the heart of all the shopping area, but then a friend told me about the Oxford Suites. Tucked away in the corner, just down from the Red Lobster, passers by may not even realize it was there. This gem of a hotel is like a treasure hidden in plain sight.
Lovely garden flora and small patches of lawn decorate the exterior of the Oxford Suites and the shaded entry is a welcome sight on a hot summer afternoon. Several sitting areas in the beautifully decorated lobby beckon to take a load off and enjoy the view. Complimentary iced tea and lemonade and a comfy arm chair leave little reason to rush to your room.
There is always a smiling face, like that of Salvador Garnica, to greet you at Oxford Suites and all the comforts of home are close at hand. A small convenience store can be found right in the lobby and offers a wide variety of snacks, beverages, ice cream and of course microwave popcorn to enjoy with the movie you can rent there as well. Several tempting dining options are within walking distance, as are many local favorite night life hot spots. If you would rather stay in, there is still plenty to do. A swim in the outdoor pool or a good workout in the fitness center, followed by some time in the steam room, are just a few of your choices. The evening reception, with appetizers and wine, are a great way to meet other guests or just while away an hour or two.
When the fun has ended and the day is done, Oxford Suites offers a superb ‘home away from home’. A coffee pot and a deep soaking bath tub are included; I am ready to unwind. Four thick pillows lined up like little soldiers on cloud soft bed will have you drifting off and dreaming of your day as quick as a wink.
The free wifi helped for a quick check of the morning email before wandering downstairs for the full hot complimentary breakfast. Scrambled eggs with bacon, yogurt, fruit, hot and cold cereals and plenty of juice and coffee are some of the choices at this great meal served buffet style every day.
Rates start at $115 per night for these spectacular suites and reservations can be made online at oxfordsuiteschico.com or by telephone at 530-899-9090. Spoil yourself with a night or two at Oxford Suites and see for yourself; how suite it is!
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Birgitta Metz of Carson City, Linda Hall of Blue Lake, Dawn Carpenter of Clovis and Christine Rowe of Ojai enjoy their summer afternoon on one of the lawns at Lake Haven Resort. One more lingers behind in a chaise lounge, resting way too well to bother asking for a name. Lake Haven Resort - East Shore, Lake Almanor A STAY ON THE EAST SHORE…. LAKE HAVEN RESORT, LAKE ALMANOR
The sun was shining as we arrived on the East Shore. Glimmering scenes of pine covered mountains reflected across the lake with Mt. Lassen standing tall in the background. Immediately we were looking for a place to pull over and capture a shot or two when we noticed we had already happened upon the sign to our destination, Lake Haven Resort. We pulled into the driveway, parked in front of a cute cabin and ventured into the office to meet Judy. She and husband Dave run the place. David Finkbeiner and his mom bought the resort in 2002. His grandfather was Ed Clifford of Clifford Drive and his dad Bill Finkbeiner an early developer of Almanor West.
We ventured down the path toward the lake. On a large lawn, several seasonal residents were gathered for an afternoon visit. (Seemed the ‘norm’ for the regulars here at Lake Haven) Seasonal residents each have their own space carved out, some with elaborate gardens and others adorned in various forms of nostalgia. The gals we met came from all over California and stay for the season.. The resort offers 3 and 6 month RV rates as well as nightly rates. They are open May through October depending upon weather. Also for accommodations, there are eight quaint cabins on the property, six with full kitchen with microwave and one bedroom plus a queen sleeper sofa. Each also has a patio with barbecue and propane included. Two of the cabins are motel rooms at this lakeside resort. Even the motel rooms have a nice porch to sit on under the pines near the lake. Each room has a coffee maker and coffee service. Rustic wood paneled walls hold framed nature shots in these clean and well-kept cabins built in 1950.
We walked around by the lake where many a fish are brought in. There is a marina with boat slips available only for their guests. Lake Haven has a nice fish cleaning station too. The resort is built on an outlet, (sort of a horseshoe) which offers wide views of the lake and plenty of shoreline including a separate swimming beach with room to roam. Judy is happy to recommend a great restaurant to her guests and give them plenty of ideas for recreation, shopping and sight-seeing.
Bring your steaks, a few groceries and nestle in for a few nights. The fishing is fabulous in the fall and the lake is amazingly quiet in September. Take in the Street Rod Extravaganza in Chester September 9th and 10th or venture over anytime on your fall colors tour of Plumas County.To contact Judy and David at Lake Haven, call (530) 596-3249. For more information the area and upcoming events, visit LakeAlmanorArea.com.
How About A Sweet September Ride To Chester for the 26th Annual Street Rod Extravaganza!
There will be 150 to 200 Sweet September Rides lined up aside the Feather River at Chester Park for the 26th annual Street Rod Extravaganza. Rides from 1984 and older will be showing at this event. Taking place right in the heart of downtown, the event is sponsored by the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. Friday night participants can register from 6 – 9 pm at the Cotton Candy Diner on Main St. in Chester. The Main St. Coffee Bar has a sock hop planned also for Friday night with coffee and goodies. Car show entrants can also register Saturday morning at the park from 6 – 9 am. Saturday’s events include great food on site from the Pizza Factory in Chester and also the Lake Almanor Rotary Club will be barbecuing burgers and dogs. Local DJ Buzz Barrett will be spinning the old tunes which is a guaranteed good time. A poker run will take riders on a picturesque journey and T Shirts custom designed by Trebes Design will be available. Take a ride to Chester and enjoy all the sweet rides at the 26th annual Street Rod Extravaganza September 9 & 10, 2011.
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A Stay on theEast Shore The sun was shining as we arrived on the East Shore. Glimmering scenes of pine covered mountains reflected across the lake with Mt. Lassen standing tall in the background. Immediately we were looking for a place to pull over and capture a shot or two when we noticed we had already happened upon the sign to our destination, Lake Haven Resort. We pulled into the driveway, parked in front of a cute cabin and ventured into the office to meet Judy. She and husband Dave run the place. David Finkbeiner and his mom bought the resort in 2002. His grandfather was Ed Clifford of Clifford Drive and his dad Bill Finkbeiner an early developer of Almanor West. We ventured down the path toward the lake. On a large lawn, several seasonal residents were gathered for an afternoon visit. (Seemed the ‘norm’ for the regulars here at Lake Haven) Seasonal residents each have their own space carved out, some with elaborate gardens and others adorned in various forms of nostalgia. The gals we met came from all over California and stay for the season.. The resort offers 3 and 6 month RV rates as well as nightly rates. They are open May through October depending upon weather. Also for accommodations, there are eight quaint cabins on the property, six with full kitchen with microwave and one bedroom plus a queen sleeper sofa. Each also has a patio with barbecue and propane included. Two of the cabins are motel rooms at this lakeside resort. Even the motel rooms have a nice porch to sit on under the pines near the lake. Each room has a coffee maker and coffee service. Rustic wood paneled walls hold framed nature shots in these clean and well-kept cabins built in 1950. We walked around by the lake where many a fish are brought in. There is a marina with boat slips available only for their guests. Lake Haven has a nice fish cleaning station too. The resort is built on an outlet, (sort of a horseshoe) which offers wide views of the lake and plenty of shoreline including a separate swimming beach with room to roam. Judy is happy to recommend a great restaurant to her guests and give them plenty of ideas for recreation, shopping and sight-seeing. Bring your steaks, a few groceries and nestle in for a few nights. The fishing is fabulous in the fall and the lake is amazingly quiet in September. Take in the Street Rod Extravaganza in Chester September 9th and 10th or venture over anytime on your fall colors tour of Plumas County.To contact Judy and David at Lake Haven, call (530) 596-3249. For more information the area and events, visit LakeAlmanorArea.com.
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By Melissa Wynn
Welcome Mountain Valley travelers to the Pine Hill Motel in
Quincy, Ca. This eclectic little group of red cabins at 42075 St. Hwy. 70 has been housing travelers since the late 1930′s. Owners Dave and Marion Perron
themselves were merely passing by back in 1976 when they fell in love with the
area and decided to make it their home. They returned in 1977 and purchased the cute little motel with a sweeping view of Spanish Peak across the highway. Since that time Dave and Marion have made the Pine Hill Motel into their own idea of a reasonably priced ($70-$85 per night) “home away from home.” During my mid-May visit I found our cozy little cabin to be more like a quaint mother-in-law cottage than a motel. Each of the eleven units has its own style, size and Marion’s personal touch, some have fully stocked kitchens and others just the fridge and microwave. All Pine Hill units have free WiFi, HBO, direct-dial phones, and AC, and a cuddly stuffed animal on the bed–all the conveniences of home. The grounds are quite charming, blooming with poppies and roses, and the common BBQ area calls the
sprawling lawn home. There is plenty of lawn furniture and a picnic table or
two, along with front porches on each unit, for just kicking back and enjoying the fresh mountain air. Located near Feather River College, Pine
Hill is a great place to call home for a few days for visiting or enrolling students and their parents. Dave and Marion are on site seven days a week, along with their
precious Pug mascot, Gracie, to make you feel at home. This friendly couple are a
hoot to visit and extend that down-home hospitality famous in our rural area. Gracie also enjoys the company so pets are welcome with a small fee and few rules. Whatnots like sodas, popcorn, ice and treats for the pups are available at the front desk; everything else is just one short mile up the road in downtown Quincy. Are you looking for a comfy bed in a friendly town on your mountain adventure? You can take a virtual tour of Pine Hill Motel on their website, pinehillmotel.com, then give the Perrons a call at 530-283-1670 or 1-866-342-2891 and reserve your own little
cozy and homey unit.
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Chalet View Lodge (800) 510-8439
Wonderful accomodations and great mountain views!
Welcome to Chalet View Lodge. You can find them at the crossroads of luxury and unspoiled wilderness. Your hosts, the Hickman family invite you to visit and escape into the tranquility and magnificence of Northern California’s spectacular Sierra Mountain Range. Here, we live day to day, adventure to adventure. Cast a fly in sparkling stream waters to eager trout, explore the areas hundreds of miles of stellar trails, either on horseback, mountain bikes, snowmobiles, foot or by whatever means of you desire.
Their gorgeous valley is a hidden secret in the High Sierra and serves as one of Northern California’s most beautiful forest environments. Chalet View Lodge, a one-of-a-kind Boutique Hotel and Spa, serenely captures the natural beauty of the area.
Life’s hectic pace provides rare moments to unwind and find a little mountain peace. A trip to Chalet View Lodge would not be complete without experiencing one of their many Spa treatments. Come lose yourself in a calming, therapeutic sanctuary, where talented professionals are devoted to enriching your well-being.
Come join us at Chalet View Lodge, live, laugh, love.
Click The Pic To Visit Their Website
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The Truckee Hotel has a variety of rooms available. Rooms include both European style and those with full bath facilities. It is right downtown so you can walk to shops and various eateries. The hotel is adorned with quaint antiques. It also has some fabulous paintings of Truckee in the lobby you may wish to check out. Comfortable accommodations include TV, Internet and fabulous views of the mountains and downtown district. Enjoy your stay at this historical hotel!
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By Eileen Majors
If cabin fever is setting in, a trip to Bucks Lake Lodge may be just the answer. This quaint resort sits on the edge of picturesque Bucks Lake which boasts 17 miles of shoreline. Situated at one mile high, Bucks Lake Lodge is in the Northern Sierra Nevada, just a couple of hours from Reno, and only about an hour’s drive from Oroville and 17 miles southwest of Quincy on Bucks Lake Road (Quincy-Oroville Road).
The lodge is informal and uncomplicated. Tall pines, a crystal clear lake and clean mountain air come with the stay and modest rates go along with their rustic simplicity. Warm and cozy cabins are plenty comfortable and the wondrous scenes of winter are well worth any sacrifice of giving up the 5-star with room service.
The lodge has a great restaurant and a friendly bar too. I have heard that the food is excellent. Cabins with kitchens have the basics including a real stove top percolator; now that is good coffee! Accommodations range from one to three bedrooms and each hold from two to eight persons. An on site store carries most groceries except fresh meat.
It is not an uncommon sight to see a long line up of snowmobiles in front of the Bucks Lake Lodge. Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers visit the Bucks Lake area during winter for its staging facilities and 100 miles of groomed trails. Bucks Lake has long been considered one of the finest snowmobile destinations in the west. In addition to groomed trails, there are hundreds of ungroomed, but marked routes.
Three staging areas are in the vicinity – Four Trees, Bucks Summit, and Big Creek – along with a number of year-round resorts offering lodging and dining. Bucks Lake Road is not plowed beyond Bucks Summit; travel into the resorts must be done via snowmobile, snow cat or cross-country skiing. The turnoff to Bucks Lake Road, just north of Quincy, is on Highway 70 and is well marked. In the winter, expect a 4.5 mile ski or snowmobile ride on a groomed road.
Driving a car or truck on groomed surfaces is prohibited as doing so ruins the road for permitted snowmobile and ski travel. For information on possible snow cat shuttle service, contact the resort.
Visit buckslakelodge.com and click on ‘Winter Fun’ to download a PDF of the Snowmobiling and Cross-Country Trails
Bucks Lake Lodge
& Timberline Inn
P.O. Box 236 Quincy, CA 95971
530-283-2262 • www.buckslakelodge.org
OPEN YEAR ROUND
US Forest Service – Plumas National Forest snow conditions, maps and other useful information: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/plumas/conditions/snow/
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By Jan Cox
The day dawned clear with a promise of warming as we headed out for an overnight stay at Sierra Sky Lodge in Cromberg, CA. After a leisurely drive through the canyons we pulled into the driveway of the lodge, just 12 miles south of Quincy. There we were greeted by owner, Wendy Yates, her four beautiful daughters, Gracie, Ruby, Ella and Molly, their friend Lauren and dog, Spartacus.
At this child and pet friendly place, we were shown to our room in one of the two rustic, single story stacked cedar buildings. This cozy room, with its new king sized bed, coffee nook with two chairs and small table, refrigerator and large picture windows, was comfortably cool and welcoming. We were also welcomed by a personalized note letting us know what to expect along with times for breakfast. And on the bed was a surprise package of delicious chocolate bark made by Carey Candy Co. in Quincy.
In front of the buildings, each room has its individual parking space in the shade of beautiful tall pines. All rooms are non-smoking but just outside the door are two garden chairs and a stump table with candle and ashtray for smokers—a perfect place to relax and read our latest novels. As we toured the property, we noticed a nice play area for young children, volleyball net, a patio with chairs and tables and an outside bar-b-q. Finally, near the office, we were delighted to discover their beautiful Tiki themed swimming pool with patio chairs and tables for relaxing.
In the room was a folder with clear directions for our stay and also the story of how this family came here. It seems that in September of 2003, Wendy and Wayne Yates had come to stay with his parents who were vacationing in nearby Graeagle. They immediately fell in love with this beautiful area where Wayne could grab an early breakfast from the Village Bakery and head off to fly fish on the Feather River. They both loved the area and hated to leave. Just as it was time to go, his mother handed them a flier and told them she had found their new business! Sierra Sky Lodge was for sale and so they went to look at it before heading back to Orange County. The rest is history. They have now owned and operated the Lodge for over 5 years and have never regretted the decision to move to the Sierra.
At 4400 feet, it cooled down beautifully that night. Being right on highway 70/89, there was easy access to the lodge and also day time traffic but the night quieted right down and we slept well. When making our reservation, we were directed to a special Italian restaurant just down the road called Trattoria Rosa. Patrick and Lavelle cook and hostess for the many guests in the area six days a week for dinner from 4-9 o’clock. It is closed on Tuesdays. Trattoria Rosa serves a variety of Italian dinners with soup or salad and homemade bread. The menu also offers appetizers and homemade desserts, beer and wine. Our meal there was delicious and we plan to go back to try their gourmet pizzas.
Wendy and Wayne have dreams for their Sierra Sky Lodge. This year it became a bed and breakfast for the first time. We were served a delicious home-made quiche, melon, cinnamon bread and our choice of hot or cold cereals, hot coffee, tea, or chocolate. I was impressed that Wendy also made pancakes for a young boy who was part of a wedding party staying at the lodge. In talking to her, she told us that many fishermen stay at the lodge along with groups of golfers, wedding parties, and vacationers who want their children to have a friendly experience. The lodge is perfect for those traveling with pets. In the future, Wendy and Wayne would like to begin offering special groups, such as scrap booking or quilting groups, a place to stay and to meet together in a local community hall for workshops.
This lodge is located 8 miles West of Graeagle, between Quincy and Portola, and has 6 golf courses within 10 minutes, plus three horseback riding stables, gold panning, antique and craft shopping, lots of hiking trails, fishing in over 100 lakes and miles of rivers and streams, all close by.
Prices vary for the rooms starting at $85 for a standard room with king size bed. They also feature a fireplace room for those who come to play winter sports or just want a little more cozy warmth on cold nights. Room prices (including a house rental nearby), lots of photos, maps and other important information can be found at their easy to use website: www.sierraskylodge.com. Reservations can be made at (530) 836-2344.
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By Jan Cox
If you are interested in getting away from life’s hectic pace, finding a place where you can enjoy tranquility, good food, exercise and spa treatments, Chalet View Lodge is just the ticket.
We arrived for our overnight on a warm afternoon in late May and were excited to find this resort experience an “all service venue.” The owners, Carrie and Bob Hickman took turns showing us around the area. There are resort rooms, suites, rustic cabins and the Villa to choose from. We were delighted to have a two story room with a two plush, inviting beds–king downstairs and a double bed in the loft above.
Just beyond our room was an outdoor patio for eating, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a 6 hole golf course. We took a walk to a trout pond where we could relax in a wooden rocker or throw in a hook to catch the trout that were hitting the surface. We also noticed horseshoe pits and a bocce ball court. Just beyond the golf course, Carrie told us, we would find trails for hours of hiking.
The Grille is open for indoor/outdoor dining with meals cooked by their full time Chef so no one will have to leave the premises to have a full and complete day. For coffee lovers, there is a Starbucks in the lobby. And for wine lovers, a wine and beer bar.
Bob also took us to the Spa and Fitness Center. Three masseuses work here; there is a steam room and a sauna, and one can get salon treatments or exercise in the fitness center. A large banquet/meeting room and a smaller breakout room are available. These rooms look perfect for group get-togethers, dancing and parties. Both a ramp and stairs lead to the upper floor where they are located.
Bob and Carrie are in their 6th season of ownership and continue to upgrade various parts of the resort to make it that special place that appeals to everyone. You will find this lodge at 72056 Highway 70, just a few miles past the Hwy 89 turn-off to Graeagle, heading toward Portola. Chateau View Lodge is also one of the places to stay in the Plumas Pines, Stay, Play and Dine packages. Prices vary by rooms from $99 to $315 and are less in the low season. For more information go to www.chaletviewlodge.com or call 1-800-510-VIEW, or 530-832-5528.
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  Gold Mining towns hold a special interest for me, so when a girlfriend and I decided to take a night away, Greenville, Ca on Hwy 89 was our destination. The 12 mile winding drive along Lake Almanor’s East Shore was spectacular that day. A new blanket of snow had frosted the forest and ribbons of mist danced across the water and settled in the trees, giving a relaxed hush to the day’s mood. A few angelic rays of sunshine sneaked through to set the woods a-twinkle and sprinkles of snow drifted down from the heavily laden branches. It seemed the woods were yawning and stretching after a long winter nap. Getting away from kids and chaos, a nap at Sierra Lodge and Trading Post seemed a wonderful idea to us. Mother Nature knows best.
We arrived late in the afternoon to find the Trading Post Store portion of the business closed for the day but a welcoming sign invited us to check in on the 2nd floor. Old rough cut barn wood graces the walls of the entry hall and several hand painted murals and history tidbits line the path to the main stair case. Several character cutouts painted by artist Stephanie Stemcha occupy Sierra Lodge and Trading Post and I have to say my favorite is the spry old miner and his faithful dog at the bottom of the stairs. He reminded me of my own gold mining Daddy and our old mutt Digger Dog, which made me giggle. A soft love seat and dimly burning lamp, along with a lightly stocked bookshelf, make up one of several quaint sitting areas throughout the 2nd and third floors. Each room on both lodging floors has a hand drawn mining scene above the door, just another touch of detail added to this gold nugget of a lodge. We rang the bell outside the adorable little check in window that brought to mind the telegraph office from an old western movie. Warm and friendly manager Carol was on her way out but still took the time to walk us to our lovely room and invite us to check out the store between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., their regular year round business hours. After peeking at the elaborate window displays on our way in, I was curious to see all the treasures of the 3 room store.
Our comfortable king sized bed was built from logs and I had a great view of downtown from my pillow.  A mountain mural on the walls of our room was another piece of hand painted eye candy that make Sierra Lodge and Trading Post such a treat. The microwave and mini fridge were just we needed for our popcorn and chick flick plans. Plenty of thick soft towels and a good deep bathtub invited a long hot bath, a must on a girls night out. Main Street Dinner House (also featured this month) offers on site fine dining just downstairs so dinner was no fuss and delicious. Afterward, we enjoyed a quiet night in, curled up under the crocheted afgan we found draped over our corner arm chair. It was good to get away with an old friend. Nightly rates at this golden find are very reasonable at $55.00 per night for the smallest rooms, $65.00 for medium and $75.00 for the largest king rooms like our s.  The third floor houses cute little apartments that rent long term for $550.00-$750.00 per month with all utilities as well as cable t.v. included. A great find for the single guy or young couple moving to Greenville.
Our morning visit to the Trading Post proved to be a shoppers joy. This unique shop has a bit of everything from second hand furniture to fine jewelry. Of course it wouldn’t be a genuine miners place without some real raw gold nuggets and there were plenty of those. Oriental and African art pieces, big game head mounts, stained glass and musical instruments are just a few more of the countless treasures to be found at Sierra Lodge and Trading Post. Owner Ivan Coffman has a great eye for the eccentric and unusual. We bought a delicate silver and turquoise ring as a momento of our relaxing visit. There are several small antique shops in Greenville and a brochure at each, to help you find them all. We had a great time. So whether you go for the night, the shopping, or just happen to pass through Greenville, drop in on Carol and her fuzzy little pooch Chuck. They’ll be happy to show you around.
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DRAKESBAD GUEST RANCH
By Eileen Majors
THE ESCAPE
Long lists of things to pick up at the store, dust on the furniture and a pile of laundry is beckoning me to stay home this weekend. Work has been stacking up for weeks but with wisdom being doled out for free and given without reproach to all who ask, I decided to go ahead and asked for a little enlightenment.I walked past the library table where one grandchild had proudly written their name in the dust and made my way to the quiet of the garden to ponder how to handle the masses of responsibility this week. Isn’t it refreshing how a quiet moment (a moment spent away from all the ‘stuff’) can bring you wise perspective? In no time at all, it was clear that relaxing, quiet moments needed to continue for me, at least for a few days. Continue reading Drakesbad Guest Ranch 530-258-9702
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