Or how a detour from the shutdown I5 led to wonderful discoveries.
Sunday we got to live the old Chinese proverb that inside every crisis is an opportunity. Making very good time down the I5 south after the holidays with the Bay Area family we were alerted by giant flashing Caltrans signs that the Grapevine was closed. What to do? Quick check of the map made a western detour across Hwy 41 to Paso Robles on Hwy 101 seemed like the best choice. It was. Unfortunately, it was also the same choice for hundreds of other motorist. So as we inched our way at 6 miles an hour ( I am not making this up) across the 41 we calculated approximately what hour we’d get home if we just tried to press on through to Mt. Washington…about 4am. By the time we got past Paso Robles this was sounding less and less appealing. We hopped off the freeway in San Luis Obispo and while wandering through the mist looking for lodging we glimpsed a beckoning open sign on what turned out to be a really sweet bed and breakfast. The Petit Soleil bills itself as a touch of European charm of in the heart of San Luis Obispo. And it was! Not only was there someone to give us a room at 5 minutes to midnight, the place turned out to be warm, cozy and comfortable. The host was gracious, the breakfast buffet was sumptuous. Our travel crisis turned into the opportunity to recommend this fabulous little find. There is even a sister ‘Chambres d’hôtes’ in Normady! Before you start practicing ‘plus croissant s’il vous plaît’, think ahead to a possible weekend in San Luis Obispo. Drive up Thursday, browse the famous block long farmers market on Higuera street on Saturday, take an ocean stroll, check out some galleries and pay homage to SLO’s one Frank Lloyd Wright building, now a dentist office. Would make for a lovely weekend don’t you think?
Petit Soleil Bed and Breakfast
1473 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA 805-549-0321
From their website: “Step inside the cobblestone courtyard and find yourself transported to the rustic charm and colors of Provence. We have both lived and traveled throughout Europe and have sought to recreate a feeling of European comfort and ease, with touches of whimsy, in our newly remodeled Bed et Breakfast. Freshly brewed coffee and a full gastronome breakfast will be served to you each morning in our inviting dining room, or in the sun filled back patio. Every evening you can relax and enjoy a tasting of Local and French wines paired with delectable appetizers. Petit Soleil, Bed et Breakfast, an unforgettable delight only five blocks from downtown San Luis Obispo.”
And if you are heading to SLO or any points north along Hwy 101 take a coffee break in old town Ventura at Elements Coffee: 2364 Ventura Blvd. Camarillo, CA 93010 805.482.0036
Truly great coffee and really friendly barista. Enjoy!
