By Melissa Wynn

On the outskirts of Shingletown Ca at 31853 Hwy 44, Shingletown, CA  lies an exquisite little gem known as Grace Lake Resort.  I learned of this hidden treasure from a Shingletown friend and decided to go check it out.  Another friend and I packed an overnight bag, called  for a reservation and declared “road trip”. Sunshine poured through the towering pines, as we wound our way down Hwy 44, casting bumpy shadows on the pavement. What a beautiful drive!

We arrived around noon to find owners Ray and Teresa Flores hard at work remodeling the last of six single cabins on their lovely forested property. Ray is the general contractor of Flores Construction in Redding Ca and his passion for building is obvious. The three bedroom cottage and studio cabins are an ongoing labor of love, remodled by Ray and tastefully decorated by Teresa with lovely antiques . Each cabin is unique with themes like the Fishermans cabin swimming with trout, Native American cabin rich in Indian art, and of course the French Countryside cabin with touches of Paris, our cozy home for the night. Creeping grape vines curl around the fence that surrounds the outdoor pool.

After a quick visit with our gracious hosts we were off for a one mile hike along the creek to Grace Lake. Mallard Ducks and Canada Geese drifted across the glassy water ducking in and out of the cattails. Josh and Nathan of Anderson were enjoying some guy time and had several nice trout on their stringer. Hat Creek is also near by offering more world class trout fishing.

Forgetting the fishing poles meant no fish for dinner so a quick trip to the market and it was time to grill some steaks. Single cabins ($95-$110) like ours are equipped with a small refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave along with a charcoal BBQ grill. The large cottage ($175-$225) offers a lovely full kitchen. Ray and Teresa were grilling steaks as well and invited us to join them at the cottage for dinner. The company and the menu couldn’t have been better.

Back at the cabin, with no phone or television to keep us awake, we drifted off to dreamland  beneath a puffy comforter on a cloud soft bed. What a great relaxing trip! Ray and Teresa Flores have created an awesome and serene getaway and they are a barrel of fun. Where else can you come as a guest but leave as a friend?

Grace Lake Resort

31853 Hwy 44, Shingletown, CA

707-499-3604

gracelakeresort.com