Happy Holidays!

Now that the Thanksgiving left-overs are a memory, it is time to think of decorating for the holidays. For us, it has always been about fresh-cut fir trees, the scent of the pine, and decorating the trees. Here in beautiful West Sonoma county, we are fortunate to have many tree farms nearby. Tree farms are now open and many also sell fresh wreaths, holly, garland, mistletoe and more for holiday decorating. Victorian Tree Farm has a petting zoo for the children. Two years ago we saw two newborn lambs, a couple of hours old. 

It was a family tradition to head out to the country to find the perfect tree. Our girls are in their 20's and the tradition has changed but it will always be a cherished memory of tromping through the many rows of trees to find the perfect one, yelling to one another to come and see each other's find, and finally, felling the prize.

Now we live in the country and it is but a short drive to many tree farms. Here is a link to finding a farm that suits your taste: www.cachristmas.com/sonoma.html

Vistitor Comments

Perhaps the most gratifying part of running the Inn at Occidental is to hear the comments from people who have stayed with us. Sometimes (such as in this case!) they even send photos. Here's a photo and a note from Iris Kovarsky, who stayed with us recently with her husband, Ron.

Dear Tina & Jerry,
Thank you again for a wonderful stay. You inn is lovely, your hors D’oeuvres are delicious, your breakfasts are phenomenal, and you as hosts are putting it all together so well.

Here is the photo that I want to share with you of the second building. It’s an angle that compliments your inn.

Also, we found the room key to “Summer” in my husband’s jacket, and have mailed this to you just today.

Best regards, Iris & Ron Kovarsky

Our Robes

With the holidays approaching, it's never too soon to begin thinking about holiday shopping and gift buying. Want a suggestion? How about one of our Inn at Occidental snuggly-soft robes! Each robe is $135. To help make your holidays a little brighter, we'll pay the shipping on any robes purchased between now and December 31, 2008. (Standard shipping, please.) Pamper a loved one or friend with a wonderful warm, soft Inn at Occidental robe! Call us for more information or to order: 800-522-6324.

Our Cottage

Yes, our Inn at Occidental is a great place for a romantic getaway. But with our cottage, the Inn is also a great place for a family or small group to stay, and stay together.

Our cottage, which is really a small house (2,200 square feet) just a few steps from the Inn, allows you and your family or group to really "stretch out." It has a full kitchen, two bedrooms, two baths, and a fireplace. It's ideal for families, families with children under 10, travelers with pets, and small group getaways, such as a Girlfriends' Getaway, a family reunion, or a retreat. And while you have complete privacy in your own place, you still have access to all our amenities, including our gourmet breakfast.

Pricing varies by season. Please visit our web site or call us toll-free at 1-800-522-6324 for availability and rates.

Perks of the Job

We were recently invited to the new Littorai Winery perched on a hilltop in Sebastopol. The winery will be open for tasting by appointment, and trust me, it will not be a disappointment! Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are their specialties; and they are committed to biodynamic farming. Take the tour and learn all about this environmentally sound way to farm. Also, a short drive from Littorai is the newly-opened Freestone Winery, an off-shoot of Joseph Phelps Winery. Freestone Winery's mission is to produce the best Pinot Noir! We're happy to share with you our favorite winery and dining spots during your stay at the Inn at Occidental. Please ask us!

Our First Proposal!

Oooooo, we're so excited: we recently had our first wedding proposal here at the Inn at Occidental using our new proposal package. What fun!

High school sweethearts Iggy and Florence are from New York. During their just-completed stay at the Inn, Iggy popped THE questions... and Florence said yes! While the two were out at dinner, the staff here decorated their room with fresh roses, chilled champagne, chocolates, and red silk rose petals on the bed. On a Scrabble board in the center of the room, Iggy used the block letters to spell: Will you marry me?

Needless to say, Florence was quite surprised and elated. Now, I wonder where they're going to have their wedding? (Hint, hint: Why not the Inn at Occidental?!?)

Green

Of course people love to stay at our Inn at Occidental because of the nearby access to Sonoma County's wonderful food and wine options. But there's also the natural beauty, too. Some of our garden-loving guests love to make the short trek to the nearby Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC). In fact, the OAEC has its fall plant sale this coming weekend, August 23-24, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. both days. Folks can choose from hundreds of organically grown heirloom vegetable, flower, and herb varieties. Even if you can't make this weekend's sale, the OAEC is still a fun place to visit.

http://www.oaec.org/

707-874-1557