It’s no secret that the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA is one of my family’s favorite destinations. Whether it’s just for an afternoon of strolling or a weekend getaway, this beautiful and historic location has much to offer people of all ages.
Three of my favorite photos were taken by either myself or my daughter during a Three-Generation Stay in April, 2011. It was the first time my mother, myself, and my daughter were on the same vacation.
Peaceful Morning
Who I Am [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Tiramisu at the Bella Trattoria
The Miller family bought the Glenwood Cottage in the 1870s. In 1880, young Frank Miller purchased it from his father with the intent to develop it into a fine retreat; an oasis in the middle of the California desert. What originally began as a boarding house would later become the historically renowned Mission Inn, now owned by Duane Roberts who invested much time and money in restoring the Inn.
In the beautiful Riverside area, the Mission Inn has blossomed into an internationally renowned retreat. The list of famous guests continues to this day. Many authors have stayed at, and written about, the Mission Inn. Last year, our stay included the “Of Love and Evil” package, featuring an autographed copy of Anne Rice’s book of the same title. Noted singers, performers, authors, actors, political persons and Presidents have signed their names to the proverbial Guest Book.
Our room was one of the Glenwood Suites on the Third Floor. Tucked into one of the corners, our view encompassed the Clock Tower, Author’s Row, and overlooked the Spanish Patio. [The above photo, “Peaceful Morning”, was taken from our doorway in the early morning.]
View of Author’s Row [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Symbol of Riverside [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Casey’s Cupcakes [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
But what I really appreciate about the Mission Inn is that I never feel like a tourist there. I feel valued. It doesn’t matter if I’m reserving the cheapest room or Keeper of the Inn Suite [not that I’ve yet had that privilege… I’m saving that for my Best Seller Celebration]: the Mission Inn staff is always courteous, smiling, friendly, helpful, and appreciative. The grounds are always clean. And the food is always memorable. From a small bite of room service to the Veal Lasagna at the Bella Trattoria on the corner to the sweet desserts of Casey’s Cupcakes to the individual Keurig coffee personally blended in our rooms.
No morsel is mundane. No view is ordinary. No visit is just a memory. Each is an experience to be savored and shared. And, as much as possible, repeated.
Presidential Suite Patio
Architecture
The Turret
Dot on the Fourth Floor
Rooftop Herb Garden
Refreshing Fountains
Rooftop Herbs
Perimeter [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Festival of Lights [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Author’s Row at Evening [Photo Credit: Hannah Realy]
Ambient Fountain
Find the Mission Inn on the web:
MissionInn.com
On Facebook: The Mission Inn
On twitter: @MissionInnHotel
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
This post is linked up with Frankly, My Dear’s… Destination Station!
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Wow! That place is gorgeous. I love a place with history, beauty and great people. The perfect getaway. The pictures are great!
Alma recently posted..Stop and Spin
Thanks, Alma. It’s one of my most favorite places!
My husband lived at the Mission Inn sometime during the late 70’s when some of the older rooms had been converted to apartments. He didn’t like when the developers closed it for renovations in 1985 because before that the inn was open to the public just for strolling and exploring. I guess now only paying guests get that privilege in some areas :)
Most of the Inn is still available to walk through. We go several times a year. It’s wonderful to see it decorated for the alternate seasons.
Looks amazing. I’ll be in San Diego from Aug 3rd-10th. How far is that? (I realize I could obtain this information in mere moments from Google Maps but hey, I’m trying to engage.)
It’s just under 2 hours (100 miles), and it’s just one freeway so very easy to get to. It’s 40 minutes from Bedford Manor, so of course I expect to see you and the family if/when you get some free time and care to make the trip. *Insert smiley face here*
Sounds like a place I would love too! I think I saw a CBS Sunday Morning segment on this place a while back. Great photos – thanks for sharing your trip!
Ann recently posted..The Weed!
I’m glad you like the photos, Ann. I was hard pressed to decide which ones to include.
Wow what a beautiful place. I’ve bookmarked your blog post in case I’m ever in the area. Would love to stay there and take lots of pictures :)
stacie tamaki recently posted..How big is a hummingbird’s nest?
Thank you, Stacie! I had bookmarked your post about taking photos in the coffee shop a few months ago, and that has often inspired me to keep clicking!
Molly Jo recently posted..My First Photography Lesson