April/May 2015 67 FROM TOP: DARRYL MUSICK; COURTESY OF DUNBAR HOUSE; MATTHEW LOVETTE/ JUMPING ROCKS PHOTOGRAPHY In either case, there is a decision to make on the tee where the execution may well decide what proof whiskey you order at the 19th hole. A body of water splits the fairway of this 395 yard, par 4 at 180 yards out. The closest route is to the left, but the landing area is narrow and dangerous, with water on all sides. If you make it, you’ve got a good, close look at the green and a chance to win back a stroke. The safer play is to tee off to the right side and take the long road home. I played the riskier shot and paid dearly when my ball flew into the water: lost ball and penalty stroke. Lesson learned: Playing golf is a lot like panning for gold. The only sure thing is the fun you have just doing it. MAIN STREET IN IONE BED DOWN IN GOLD C OUNTRY Familiar chain hotels are scattered throughout Gold Country, but it’s the numerous charming inns and B&Bs that appeal most to travelers. Among notable accommodations are three in Placerville: BELLA VISTA B&B (discoverbellavista. com), aptly named for its stunning valley views from every room; the FLEMING JONES HOMESTEAD (robinsnestranch.com), built in 1883 and home to world champion miniature horses; and EDEN VALE INN (edenvaleinn.com), featuring lush gardens, elegant décor and an evening ritual of feeding rainbow trout in a pond on the property. In Sutter Creek, there’s GREY GABLES INN (greygables.com), evoking a lovely English country manor, where tea is served every afternoon. More upscale lodging options include DUNBAR HOUSE in Murphys (dunbarhouse.com), an elaborate Italianate-style haven offering exceptional gourmet breakfasts, and DEER CREEK INN in Nevada City (deercreekinn.net), an 1860s Queen Anne Victorian located in a beautiful creekside setting. n DUNBAR HOUSE EDEN VALE INN
South Bay Accent - Apr/May 2015
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