No. 6 The Madonna Inn

Ten years ago this July, my dad and I went on a spur of the moment road trip up the California coast. It was 4th of July weekend, and seeing a certain ex-boyfriend of mine had me ready to pack my bags and get the heck out of town. I begged my dad, and he actually agreed to it! We had no plans, no hotels to stay in -- we just drove.  It was spontaneous and amazing and just what I needed. I look back on that trip with my dad and smile about lots of the fun/funny things that happened.

I don't remember how we came across it, but I made him stop when I saw the big pink sign for the Madonna Inn - my favorite color! There were zebras on the mountainside and pink everywhere. We just randomly took pictures but never explored the property. I have always wanted to go back to stay there, and since our friends' wedding reception was in Pismo Beach, it was the perfect opportunity! Cory likes to tell me that he makes all my teenage dreams come true ;)

The first four pictures are the summer of 2006 compared with now! 

When we first walked in and saw the oversized lounge, I told Weslie that she got her very own bed! We stayed in the Mini Maxi room, which had pink, rose wallpaper throughout the entire room. The bathroom had a rock shower and a toilet that had a seat warmer, back/front washer, and dryer (Hey Cor, can we get one of those someday?!). The bed was big and comfy...even with the *three* of us in it.

The property is amazing and set into these rolling, green hills. They have horses and a pet cat that roams the property, which Weslie would go crazy for every time she saw it. The Copper Cafe & Bakery is known for their cakes, especially the pink champagne flavor. Cory liked that one the best, but my favorite was the black forest. 

We ate at the cafe for lunch and I am still dreaming of their chicken salad, while Cory can't wait to go back and get their french dip again, too. The restaurant uses these gorgeous water/wine goblets that are all different colors, and they sell them in the gift shop. I've started my collection in hopes that we get to go back! If not to stay in another one of their unique rooms, then to at least get that chicken salad again, and buy more goblets. 

QUICK TIP: If you know you are going, book your room ASAP so you can *hopefully* get your favorite!