ALONG COMES MARY

Do you ever hesitate to take a vacation just because you don’t feel like being away from the comfort of your own home? Finding places to eat, missing your everyday routines like your coffee when you wake up, taking a walk around your neighborhood? I know I have yet when we headed up to Sacramento for a stay at The Amber House Bed & Breakfast, we felt so at home that we truly did not want to leave.

I was thrilled when the opportunity came about for us to stay at The Amber House on behalf of Along Comes Mary. Having not stayed ever at a B&B, I think The Amber House, which holds the honor of being Sacramento’s only four-diamond star Triple AAA approved B&B, might have spoiled me as I now know what I expect from one.

Having 5 houses on the adorable, old world 22nd Street in Downtown, when you arrive you walk right up to the door of a home, as if you’re ringing the bell to see old friends. Elena quickly greeted us as if we were just that & got us checked in & on our way in no time. Staying across the street from the main house, we were treated to the “Bach” room; each house is themed & you might just get a literary character or musical figure. With eclectic, classical music vibes, our room felt warm & cozy, complete with home-made, warm cookies, a soft canopy bed & even a Jacuzzi hot tub.

I was interested to see what ‘breakfast’ is like at a bed & breakfast & was thrilled to awake both mornings with a pot of coffee waiting at our door, followed by a morning phone call from one of the hostesses asking if we were all set for breakfast. Were we ever! Morning 1 found us enjoying watermelon with mint & a main course of cheesy eggs with herbs, spices & potatoes. As someone who doesn’t usually eat a carb-loaded, heavy breakfast, this was an excellent dish & kept me full through lunch time. For day 2, we were left a menu to select what we would like;  when I heard they were de-frosting me gluten-free bread, I knew I had to try their French toast. I’ve only had French toast a handful of times since gluten-free, & I was fearing that it was too good to be true! While I don’t know what brand was used to prepare this goodness, it was excellent, with chopped pecans & kiwi squares along with warm irresistible maple syrup. Course 1 was a great, lightly broiled grapefruit. Mike found it rather bitter, but I thought it was good, so, more for me & it turned out to be an even trade as apple wood smoked bacon joined our plates of French toast, which Mike gave a thumbs up to when I asked him how it fared.

I was so impressed at how sweet & personable our breakfast hostess, Djenana, was; she was our personal Super Woman as it seemed like both days we no sooner hung up on the phone with her, confirming we were ready for our meal, & there she was at our door, ready to set everything up. I will say, I am not always at my best when I awake, but she put an instant smile on my face. Don’t want anyone dropping in with your breakfast? Not a problem. You have the choice of breakfast in room, or at the main house either inside or on the glorious patio. Perfect to take in the beauty of a neighborhood just blocks from our states capital.

Our bed brought to mind my stay a few months back at The Apple Farm Inn; canopy style & oh so soft. I wanted to somehow bring it home! The bathroom was ample sized with terry-cloth robes at the ready following our soak in the Jacuzzi; word of advice: allow some time for the tub to fill, it took a bit of time. So, keep an eye on it & while you wait, get a bottle of wine & nibble on the cookies left nightly in your room.

The city of Sacramento is truly outside your door, from local bars & restaurants to supermarkets & fast food all within your reach, you will eat yourself silly from breakfast to well after dinner.

I truly loved The Amber House Bed & Breakfast, we already cannot wait to return. For more information & to look into booking your stay, visit them HERE & let them know you heard about this B&B on Along Comes Mary! xo

(*Disclosure: I was provided with a 2 night stay on behalf of this feature. All opinions are my own & a huge thanks to Amber House for their hospitality!)