It has been 9 months since our last trip anywhere and although I am a home body through and through, even I had to admit, I missed going somewhere, ANYWHERE! Eric and I discussed some possible options close to home where we could feel comfortable, and enjoy a relaxing weekend with the girls, and immediately agreed on Carmel Valley Ranch. We’ve stayed at this breathtaking property many times before and I was so excited to come back. We arrived in the late afternoon and took a golf cart up the windy hill to our room. The girls will tell you, that having to take golf carts around the property, and weaving through the olive trees, spotting families of deer along the way is their absolute favorite part! After a big family “cheers” with some sparkling apple cider that was waiting for the girls in the room, with a warm welcome note {fun fact! Martinelli’s is made just a few miles from Carmel) we headed down for dinner.
Now this was mama’s favorite part! A few small tables were set up around the stunning pool area, which Carmel Valley Ranch is famous for, with an abundance of heat lamps to keep us cozy. Eric and I ordered cocktails and for the first time in a long time felt completely relaxed. It’s amazing how much you learn to appreciate those little moments, after not having them for so long. The food was well, incredible! We took in the moment as the girls excitedly chatted us up with a hundred questions about tomorrow’s activities and I watched as the reflection of the rows of trees surrounding the pool glimmered in the evening light. It was definitely a “take a mental picture” kind of a night. After dinner we made s’mores by the fire pit and cozied up with the girls on our laps. I loved the little s’mores kits that the hotel provides. Just a little sweet amenity for families who want to top off their dinner with a treat, a wipe for messy chocolate faces and all.
The next morning, after an amazing breakfast by the pool, we ventured up to the farm. The property is farm to table, and it was pretty amazing to see all the cute goats jumping and playing, the chickens, who’s eggs we had just enjoyed and rows of flowers and vegetable beds. The property offers some great family and couples activities like “A Bee’s Life” with a guided process of hive science by a bee keeper and a honey tasting. Archery lessons, goat cheese tasting and hand churned ice cream sundaes, which we of course could not say no to! In the afternoon came the “Falconry’s Winged Ambassadors” activity, which Eric is still raving about. But before that, it was time for our picnic lunch. This turned out to be the biggest highlight for me. We strolled down to the open area overlooking the fall hued vines and rolling hills and unpacked all of our yummy goodies from the restaurant. I loved that they offered this picnic lunch option, because it truly was an experience to really take in this gorgeous area, and feel very safe, with just our little fam on this gorgeous hill, taking in the view. Then Eric disappeared and returned with a glass of champagne for me and a beer for him. Well, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better!
We decided to stay in and enjoy dinner in our room that night, after such a busy day. The girls put on their pjs and we all gathered around the dining table, sharing our favorite parts of the trip. That’s when I always get “the sads!” When you know it’s about to be over and you just want to take in every little moment. I watched the girls crunch on French fries, clasped Eric’s hand and took one last little mental picture. I was so so glad we came here. It was truly what we all needed to refresh, recharge and take on the crazy weird holidays of 2020.
A big thanks to Carmel Valley Ranch for the gifted stay!
CARMEL VALLEY RANCH VACATION
