Fall Getaway: Alisal Ranch

October 13, 2016

ciht_101116_098This week we escaped to Alisal Ranch in Santa Ynez Valley for a mini fall getaway. I had never been before but heard from so many different families about its charm. It’s a place that people return to year after year and it becomes a kind of tradition to most. As we checked in and slowly adjusted to the pace and surroundings I began to realize why this spot is so special. 
ciht_101116_088horse-alisal-cihtFor starters it caters to just about everyone with fun sports and activities that the whole family can engage in. With a badminton court, ping pong, corn hole, pool (and the kind you splash in), golf, shuffleboard, horseback riding, a playground/sand box and an entire room for the littles to read, craft and just be plain messy in, there’s really no possible way you can be bored. Every day there was fun to be had, and in a way I felt like a kid at camp.

Wearing: Dôen Dosha dress, Freda Salvador boots. On Elin: The Great Little dressciht_101116_111ciht_101116_126ciht_101116_009My favorite element about the ranch was our cozy room. It wasn’t anything over the top, but it felt just the way a ranch should feel like, cozy and rustic. Pendleton prints everywhere, nods to cowboy culture and a porch that got the best morning sun. Every night I made Todd light a fire in the brick fireplace and cozied up to cap off the night. It was exactly what I have been craving since we officially stepped into Fall. ciht_101116_018 alisal-details-ciht ciht_101116_049For the first time in a long time I was cold after the sun went down and I loved every moment of it. I packed plenty of layers including this Michael Stars wrap and finally got around to wearing my warmest sweaters. I’m convinced this is one of the best times to visit as we had hot days and cold nights getting all the elements.
ciht_101116_034sport-alisal-cihtciht_101116_043Wearing: Michael Stars wrap and tee, Hudson jeans, Freda Salvador boots, Preston & Olivia hat, Celine sunglasses.ciht_101116_171Something about these red lounge chairs makes me think of summer camp. I can’t get enough. birds-1-alisal-ciht ciht_101116_149Naturally the highlight for Elin was visiting the barnyard, which had chickens, roosters, mini ponies, donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs. We got to feed the animals, brush the ponies hair and pet the bunnies, all of which Elin can’t stop talking about. I took a million videos and pictures because it was all so fun to just watch her reaction.
birds2-ciht-alisal ciht_101116_184Lastly, every meal is served in the main lodge, which has the best vintage-like ranch feel to it. The moment I entered there was something undeniably timeless and epic about the whole experience. You sit at your same table each time, get to know other guests and choose from an impressive menu—definitely don’t miss the oatmeal pie and the peanut butter pie.

It’s safe to say that this will not be our last visit to Alisal Ranch. Todd and I left feeling nostalgic the moment we drove off the property.

Photography by Arna Bee

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