View from The Room With A View at Philo Apple Farm
Looking out our window at the garden below I wonder, how is it that just 2.5 hours ago we were in the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area? There is a beautiful peace about this space. A feeling of time slowing down where deep breaths are easier. Running a restaurant, being parents and just life can get us (as my dad would say) “All wound up” at times.
Paul and I celebrated our 18th anniversary with a trip to Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. Visiting ROEDERER ESTATE has been on our list of things to do, but a 2.5 hour drive from the Bay Area seemed more like a weekend trip than a one day get away (though that would be nice and doable!)
I started searching for somewhere nearby to stay for two nights. When I discovered Philo Apple Farm, I knew I found our spot. Tucked away off highway 138, we felt like we had escaped into another world. With just 5 rooms to rent, there is no chance of large crowds. Our “Room with a View” looked like a picture from a Pottery Barn catalog. (In fact, 10 years ago, our daughter was in a Pottery Barn shoot here!!) The most comfortable bed, and fresh apple juice and coffee waiting for us. Morning breakfast of granola, famous biscuits & jam, coffee and of course apple juice. Philo Apple Farm has it’s roots in California fine dining & is a true family business. The founders, Sally & Don were the original owners of the French Laundry. Of course we had to get a copy of her cookbook, Six California Kitchens. It’s a beautiful story of her journey as a wife, mom, cook, business owner … and of course recipes. Use the link to get your copy. Now run by their daughter and son in law, you can read more about them here.
On your way up (or back) a must stop for a meal is Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria in Geyserville.
Checking in at 5, after a really late lunch we walked through the gardens & orchard - the place to ourselves it seemed. After a restful night, our morning was spent walking though the forest of Hendy Woods State Park, just a 5 minute walk from the driveway. The tasting at Roederer Estate had us feeling like we were in France, with beautiful views and tasty snacks to accompany the delicious bubbles (we have the rosé on our list at RÊVE).
View from the Roederer Estate tasting room
Booneville Hotel has a nightly prix fix menu, but a new local “hot spot” is Jumbo’s Win Win newly opened in August 2024. Smash burgers, two kinds of fries (which is your fav??) and shakes. Perfect for a relaxing fun evening.
The journey home gave us another few hours to reflect and remember how blessed we are to live so close to many amazing places. A quick escape to renew, refresh and reconnect to nature - and ourselves.