Nestled between California’s wine country and northern coast lies Guerneville, an often overlooked spot in Sonoma County. Although a small town, it’s offerings are plenty, and a true gem is the Applewood Inn. My boyfriend and I checked in on a recent weekend for a two-night stay and were immediately welcomed into the cozy hotel by it’s Mediterranean-style buildings and generous hosts. The upscale Bed & Breakfast recently underwent renovations and, even more recently, re-opened their onsite restaurant for dinner with a new chef. We unfortunately weren’t able to try the restaurant for dinner as it wasn’t re-opened when we visited, but were able to enjoy breakfast at the Inn.

Saturday morning’s breakfast was a two-course meal featuring Eggs Benedict topped with bacon, and the option of a mimosa to drink or endless coffee and tea. Breakfast is included with your stay, and our breakfasts were not only delicious, but kept us satisfied until lunch.

I was then lucky enough to be pampered with a full-body massage at the Applewood Spa. I escaped the real world for an hour long relaxation treatment where my massage therapist put my worries aside and focused on physical and mental health. I came out feeling refreshed and ready to explore Sonoma County.

Not far from the Applewood Inn is Korbel Champagne Cellars. Their Champagnes are a top-seller throughout the world and they have been producing their delightfully bubbly drinks for more than 130 years. Complimentary tours are offered year-round and end with a tasting of some of their most popular Champagnes. We continued tasting wines in the area and eventually headed to downtown Guerneville for dinner at Betty Spaghetti. They offer fresh Italian dishes with local ingredients which certainly did not disappoint us.

We made our way back to the Applewood Inn with stomachs full, where we enjoyed a glass of wine on our patio. We overlooked the courtyard and relaxed while listening to the fountain, and wind rustling through the surrounding redwoods. It was a peaceful moment in our busy weekend, and we were happy to have taken some time to just enjoy each other’s company.

Sunday’s breakfast was, again, two-courses and featured blueberry pancakes. We lingered at breakfast, enjoying our coffee and views, but eventually had to pack up and leave the gorgeous Bed & Breakfast. Before heading home, though, we decided to head to the coast, Goat Rock Beach in Jenner specifically, to take in the ocean. It’s so close and often not very crowded, that it’s hard to talk yourself out of stopping by. We got our dose of vitamin “sea” and made the trek back home. We plan on going back to the Applewood Inn to try dinner at their restaurant, Pinoli, which features an array of rustic Italian dishes. For now, though, we daydream of the relaxing weekend getaway and look forward to our next visit to the Applewood Inn in Guerneville.

For more info about the Applewood Inn, visit applewoodinn.com