598271 Sun Feb 22 06:11:18 -0800 2009 5 3 California 0 4440852 Hi from the Midwest, CA hounds! I'll be turning 40 and taking a trip to SD with my husband in a few months. We are planning on leaving our son with his grandma and taking a three-day car trip from there to celebrate my 40th birthday. We don't want to get too far from SD (maybe three hours away, tops?), but the best hotel, food and wine will largely determine our final destination(s). Right now, central CA wine region is calling...Santa Barbara, Solvang, Los Olivos, but all suggestions are welcome. Thanks! Sun Feb 22 06:11:18 -0800 2009 115313 lizzy69 1 4441501 If it were me, I'd drive to Ballard Inn and stay for 3 days. Period. All you need right there. Bikes, wine tasting and excellent food. All you need is a suitcase. Happy 40th birthday! Sun Feb 22 11:02:27 -0800 2009 4440852 12388 JalamaMama 2 4441575 Thanks! I looked up the Ballard Inn and was planning on going there for dinner one night. I read though that Hadsten House might be a better (and slightly cheaper) place to stay in town...have you heard anything about it? I like that they have an on-site spa, too! :) Sun Feb 22 11:42:09 -0800 2009 4441501 115313 lizzy69 3 4442362 I live in the Valley- and the Hadsten House sounds great- they have a locals night on Tuesday where they offer a nice discount- have friends in Solvang that use it alot. The only comparison I can make (having not eaten or stayed at Hadsten House) is that it is in Solvang- on the edge of town...but next to a liquor store that is open early and late. Ballard Inn is in a quiet area, yet on a well traveled road. A church/preschool is 1/4 mile away- and it is a active church. The food at Ballard Inn is untouchable here in the Valley. Sun Feb 22 16:44:07 -0800 2009 4441575 12388 JalamaMama 4 4443140 Thanks for the advice, that's great. Looking forward to it! Mon Feb 23 05:33:01 -0800 2009 4442362 115313 lizzy69 1 5055893 I have never stayed at the Ballard Inn, but their restaurant is fantastic! Just made reservations for a Saturday Night dinner there with my Mother-in-Law. We are staying at the Hadsten House for the second time. Very nice rooms, comfortable beds, great location in Solvang, and nice hot tub/patio area for relaxing with (some more) wine after a day of tasting. They also have a breakfast included which is just alright (hey it's free), but we will probably go somewhere else since we only have a few meals up there. Thu Sep 24 13:20:26 -0700 2009 4440852 21877 smallgirlbigcity