Sutter Creek Inn Bed & Breakfast
Dateline: 09/10/98
Sutter Creek Inn
Last week, my husband and I were guests of Nissan's "Pathfinder Gold Rush Discovery" - a special tribute to California's sesquicentennial. The California Gold Discovery to Statehood Sesquicentennial is a four year commemoration (1997 through 2000) of the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848 (1998), the Gold Rush by the 49ers (1999) and California Statehood (2000).*** Specifically, we went to Gold Rush Country in the northern part of the state. We were given a rugged 1999 Pathfinder to tour the heart of Gold Rush Country in Northern California. We stayed at the Sutter Creek Inn, an authentic mid-19th century bed and breakfast, visited the original Marshall Gold Discovery Site in Coloma, went white water rafting, and spoke with and listened to noted Gold Rush experts and authors, JoAnn Levy* and Les Kelly**, who shared their wealth of information about the spirit and history of the region.
Our trip to California for Nissan's "Pathfinder Gold Rush Discovery" was made very special by our first stay at a B&B - the Sutter Creek Inn, a sprawling Georgian home dating back to 1859 and the oldest Bed and Breakfast in California. What makes this B&B unique is that it was once an estate with many outbuildings. These outbuildings have been converted to guest rooms, so there is a great deal of privacy. The Sutter Creek Inn seems to cater to couples looking for romance as evidenced by the very private rooms and many private outdoor grottos where you can find hammocks, comfortable lawn chairs, and bubbling fountains hidden in "rooms" of lush green plants and shady trees.
Eclectic Collection of Ice Buckets
Quiet Places
Ten of the 18 rooms have fireplaces (although we didn't need them in the 100°+ heat) and four rooms have swinging beds. We stayed in The Lower Wash House which was at one time the Chinese laundry for the estate.
Entrance to the Lower Wash Room
Inside the Lower Wash Room
The main house has a very large lounge filled with books, game tables, and peaceful music. There is even a massage room at the inn where massage, reflexology, and handwriting analysis are done by appointment.
The Sutter Creek Inn is owned by Jane, Steven, and Cheryl Way. Of the three, I only met Cheryl who was kind and most accommodating. When we asked for a tandem massage, she arranged for one at the Sierra Spa in nearby Jackson, the only day spa in the area offering this service.
The inn offers a large family style breakfast which, unfortunately, we missed on both days of our stay but other guests report that it was great. Speaking of reports from other guests, there was a guest book filled with comments and praise. I asked Cheryl if I could share some of them. She graciously agreed. Here is just a small sample of the book full of raves:
"Our first stay here was 23 years ago. It is every bit as wonderful now as it was then. Sutter Creek Inn is a little piece of heaven on earth. Thank you for allowing us to share it with you."
"A wonderful place to relax & collect your thoughts. It's our first time here but definitely not our last."
"This has been a very enjoyable and restful stay. You've thought of everything! You certainly do see to the comfort of your guests. We hope to come back soon!
ps
The grounds and gardens are just wonderful! All living things seem to "bloom" here.""We came here on our honeymoon. A beautiful place with good energy lends itself to relaxation and centeredness. The grounds are like paradise and I feel very food here - not always the case when traveling. Thank you Steve, Cheryl, and Jane and the universe for creating such a place as this."
"What a wonderful place to be. The comfort and beauty of this place is truly a healing experience."
"We stayed here the night of our wedding. It was the perfect setting to end a perfect day. The sweet serenity here is a wonderful beginning for our journey..."
"We drove by, stopped in, stayed, and fell in love once again."
"A beautiful moment out of time. A very welcome break from the dizzying pace of everything."
"Charming"...."like going home to mother for a treasured visit"..."lovely place"..."first wedding anniversary"..."62nd wedding anniversary"..."here to celebrate 10 years of wedded bliss"..."grounds are beautiful"..." loved the hammocks"..."came to breath the fresh air and relax"..."food and staff the BEST!!"..."beautiful little town"..."The breakfasts are sensational"..."appreciate all the extra touches"..."peaceful, renewing, balancing"..."loved the shops"..."come to Sutter Creek several times a year to rest and renew"..."We feel like home here"..."lovely gardens"..."We'll be back".."We'll definitely come again"...
The Hammocks
The Back Entrance to the Main House
Conveniently located, the inn is just a minute's walk from the many quaint shops and fine restaurants in town.
Interview with Innkeeper Cheryl Way.
Sutter Creek Inn
75 Main Steet (Highway 49)
P.O. Box 385
Sutter Creek, CA 95685
209-267-5606
Fax: 209-267-9287
email: info@suttercreekinn.com
Photos by Julie Register
* JoAnn Levy is a frequent public speaker on behalf of the women of the gold-rush and the author of Daughter of Joy, an historical fiction based on women of the Gold Rush that tells about Ah Toy, a Chinese slave who became wealthy and powerful and was the first Asian woman to stand up for her rights in a U.S. court and They Saw the Elephant, well-researched stories about the many women of the Gold Rush.
** Les Kelly is a
photographer and author of travel stories about the Amish, covered bridges, rural
courthouses, and the Gold Rush among others. He is the author of: Traveling
California's Gold Rush Country which is based on four years of research and travel and
filled with pictures, maps, and suggested itineraries for trips to discover the highlights
of Gold Rush Country and California's
Gold Rush Country, a lovely and informative coffee-table book filled with color photos
and travel stories of California's Gold Rush region. Les also maintains two web sites:
California's Gold Rush Country http://www.goldrush1849.com/
*** which compliments his books and provides a Virtual Tour, the story of the
"great migration" - The
Way West, and much more and Show Me The Gold™ at http://www.showmethegold.com/
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