My sis in Manhattan had a case of the Big Birthday Blues and the Big Apple couldn’t meet her needs. She wanted to celebrate with beaches and bike rides, seafood and sun, flowers and wine.

    Lots of wine.

Pish-posh. I’ve had much harder challenges. Consider it done. When I asked how she felt about celebrating on the Rivera, she totally lost it. “OHMYGAWD. How perfect. The French or Italian Rivera? It doesn’t matter. Either would be great. You’re the best sister…”

I cut into her babbling and said, “I was thinking of Santa Barbara, aka “The American Rivera.”
She gulped and looked at me.

I said, “Just think, 100 miles of gorgeous ocean coastline, sun-drenched beaches, culture galore– to say nothing of their world-class wineries and dineries.
She pinked up immediately, “Yup, that could work.”

I needed a break from the friendly skies so I decided we’d drive.We’d meet up in Seattle, check in with our Mom and swipe her car.

Off to a great start

We hit the road after morning coffee and seven pedal-to-the-metal hours later we were in Ashland, Oregon. It’s a simple drive, just get on HWY 101 and don’t get off.

We check into the Ashland Creek Inn, a wonderful B and B. Ten suites decorated in one-of – kind style with art and antiques gleaned from innkeeper, Graham Sheldon’s world jaunts. (Photo above is from Carib suite)
Each suite has its own private entrance and personal outdoor space overlooking the crooning creek. Most have kitchenettes, wonderful cozy beds, large bathrooms and plasma TV’s. Actually, I could live there quite happily.

Added Value:
The extraordinary 3 course breakfast which is included in the room rate. Normally, I’m a morning coffee-only girl, but there wasn’t a morsel left from the grilled mango, duck confit/ sweet potato hash/ eggs Benedict, and triple berry smoothie.