A Last Minute Romantic Vacation in Sutter Creek, California

Sometimes, you don’t have to go halfway around the country or around the world for a romantic, dream vacation. There will be times when one of your best vacations will be at a much slower pace. Ever think about checking into a bed and breakfast (B&B)?

Located in historic Sutter Creek, California, the Grey Gables Inn is a romantic B&B conveniently located along Historic Highway 49. Owned and operated by innkeepers Roger and Sue Garlick, this B&B welcomes their guests to an unforgettable B&B experience. The couple still speaks with the charming English accents, and they have carefully created surroundings that can take you there—even if it is for just the weekend.

While toiling in Silicon Valley, the Garlicks would frequently visit Sutter Creek with friends as an escape from work. When the huge, historic house on the corner of Hanford Street went up for sale, Roger and Sue bought it, renovated it and opened it up as the Grey Gables Inn.

The elegant Grey Gables means elegance to its guests and a chance to unwind from the outside world. The five private rooms at the inn are equipped with massive antique furniture and knick knacks from another period of time. The feeling of romance is always in the air, and the rooms are named after poets. The largest room at the inn, the Bronte room, occupies a single floor and includes a full bathroom, a fireplace and plenty of room. Grey Gables is patterned after an English style Inn, and the schedule at the B&B automatically sends guests into another time period of peace and quiet. Although there is wireless Internet available at the inn, there are no phones, radios or televisions in the rooms. Even with the hustle and bustle of Historic Highway 49, the B&B is a quiet escape from a very busy outside world.

Sue Garlick, the perfect innkeeper, serves afternoon tea, local wine and hors d’oeuvres. In the mornings, she serves a gourmet breakfast of quiche and other delights. The living room and the dining rooms are tastefully decorated by Sue, using antique furniture and delicate English collectibles. Guests will notice that she has an eye for detail. Even the wine and water glasses are decorated with lace.

A weekend’s stay at a B&B like the Grey Gables is a treat for anyone needing a brief escape from suburban or city life. It can also be an escape from work and the stress of the work week. Sometimes, a short vacation at a bed and breakfast is just what you need as a way to return to everyday life.

The Grey Gables Inn is Located in a Walkable, Historic Gold Rush Town

1. PARK YOUR VEHICLE FOR THE WEEKEND AND WALK. Sutter Creek is a small town with plenty of historic sites, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and shopping. Take the time to walk this town and explore.

2. HISTORIC BUILDINGS. The Sutter Creek Visitor Center (71A Main; (209) 267-1344), provides a map for a self-guided tour of Sutter Creek.

3. ANTIQUES AND OTHER SHOPPING. Historic towns are known for having many antique shops to explore. A unique store on Sutter Street’s main drag is The Music Box Company (64 Main St.; (209) 267-5317), which has a selection of clocks, collectibles, and exquisite handmade music boxes from Italy.

4. RESTAURANTS. Sutter Creek has many restaurants in walking distance. The Pizza Plus crew of young pizza and calzone makers welcomes families (20 Eureka St.; (209) 267-1900), and is located in a building off of Main St., The Twisted Fork is a small, but romantic restaurant located in a historic hotel (53 Main St.; (209) 267-5211), and J.D.’s Steakhouse (36 Main St.; (209) 267-0535) which is located in a historic building and boasts the best steaks in town, and has a full bar and a dining room for families and couples.

5. THE WINERIES. Sutter Creek wine tasting rooms are located on Main Street and include Bella Grace Vineyard, Cinque, Scott Harvey Winery, and Sutter Creek Wine Tasting. Get into your vehicle and drive to nearby Avio Vineyards (14520 Ridge Road; (209) 267-1515, and Sierra Ridge Vineyards (14100 Ridge Road; (209) 267-1316). Other wineries close by are in Amador and Calaveras Counties.