Peace and quiet only an hour away from LA

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If you live in southern California, Los Angeles area, San Diego or Palm Springs, and have never been to Idyllwild, you must go.  It is as simple as that. This is a divine place. I went there before I had Cici, and I will return with her and it will be another amazing experience.  Getting back to the woods. We all suffer from nature deficient disorder living our busy lives in urban surroundings. It is time to kick back, take your shoes off and relish the silence. 

This is what I wrote about being there… 

I did not realize how much I missed the sounds of silence until I stayed one hour away from Palm Springs and Los Angeles in Idyllwild, California.  Idyllwild provides all of the ingredients for a romantic or creative interlude: privacy, scenic splendor, chocolate, good food and wine, and palpable peace and quiet.  A perfect place for a restful and rejuvenating retreat from city life, majestic trees, mountain scenery, fresh clean air, birds singing, squirrels playing, and stars at night. If you are an artist or writer, this is a fabulous place for a retreat. 

Idyllwild is located in the San Jacinto mountains of Southern California, tucked away in the remote, southern portion of the San Bernardino National Forest above Palm Springs.  At 10,804 feet above sea level, Mt. San Jacinto is the second tallest mountain in Southern California. 

Idyllwild is known for its breathtaking beauty. But it also hosts numerous cultural events (art galleries, music festivals, theatrical productions) as well as outdoor activities (horseback riding, rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, camping and mountain biking). In the summer, Idyllwild also offers respite from the summer heat. And a midweek stay is always good. 

Unique one-of-a-kind gifts can be found in the numerous gift shops, perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day and other holiday shopping. You can also combine art viewing with shopping at Everitt’s Minerals & Gallery and Willow Creek Gallery. 

Personally, I prefer the wild serenity and relaxation option of the spa experience.  Dining out at natural food cafes such as Natures Wisdom and Idyllwild Green are a nice home away from home treat.  Anna Bielecki is a fabulous hostess and makes amazing all natural chocolate treats. 

If you and your sweetie are looking for a cozy, romantic setting for Valentine’s Day, your anniversary,  or just because, try the Restaurant Gastrognome or the Gnome as the locals call it. The ambiance is private and enjoyable, the food elegant and delicious and the service superb. Go for the specials such as lobster tacos. And the chocolate dessert cake rates a 10+ on the choco-delicious meter.  

http://www.idyllwildbureauoftourism.com/

And if you want a romantic location for a wedding, why not consider getting married in Idyllwild. Rev. Richard Cadieux will be happy to conduct your ceremony. Plus, you can honeymoon at his Cedar Street Inn & Spa where romance reigns in an atmosphere of old world sophistication. The conference room is perfect for seminars. Vow renewal and small wedding ceremonies, who could ask for anything more?  

Last time I spoke with Richard, a couple of months ago he told me that he is creating a wedding ministry, to go out and perform weddings because more and more brides want a wedding that is non-denominational, in an out of doors setting, done by a wedding official.  There will be 2.4 million weddings in 2008 and the average cost is $28K. 

And Cedar Street Inn and Spa is a pet-friendly hotel and an award winning inn. Plus, Idyllwild’s finest massage therapists and esthetician practice their healing art at the Cedar Street Inn and Spa.

http://www.cedarstreetinn.com

Two other don’t miss romantic hideaways are Strawberry Creek Inn and the Rainbow Inn. I stayed in the Bear Den room at the Rainbow Inn… comfy, with a lot of modern amenities and nice breakfast. Innkeepers Lon and John were not there at the time but the ambiance was wonderful. 

http://www.rainbow-inn.com/The_Bear_Denx.htmll

The difference between a mediocre host and a par excellent one are the attention to the details. Ian and Rodney at the Strawberry Creek Inn offer guests a cozy all natural setting. I stayed in the Evergreen Room with a fireplace, and an eco-friendly coffee log to set on the fire. Plus, they treated me to delicious chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and some other cacao goodies.  I truly felt welcomed.

http://www.strawberrycreekinn.com/

Drink in nature at its finest… Idyllwild is a feast for the body and soul…

Pet friendly Idyllwild…  dog friendly lists several parks, events and lodging….

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/uscities/guides/w/cities/wonlinecityCAIdyllwild.shtml

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