Relaxation: Temecula, California Style

If you find yourself with a free long weekend and want to get away for a relaxing, pamper-yourself solo vacation, then head to Southern California’s up-and-coming wine country destination-Temecula. Nestled in the valley between San Diego and Los Angeles, Temecula has everything you didn’t know you wanted.

Day 1:

Your first day in Temecula should be all about relaxing in wine country. Make a reservation to stay in a quaint villa amongst the grapevines at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa for the weekend (www.wineresort.com). As soon as you pull into the parking lot, you will forget you are in the middle of bustling Southern California and be transported into a Tuscan-style resort.

Start your vacation with a massage or facial at South Coast’s on-site spa, take a private Yoga class, or a dip in the sparkling pool (something you can do year-round thanks to Temecula’s Mediterranean climate). Stop by the resort’s restaurant for lunch; be sure to sit outside for a breathtaking view of the grounds.

After a bit of pampering and a tasty lunch, it’s time for the best part: the wine. The Grapeline, a shuttle that runs throughout the local wineries, allows guests to get on and off along the way for a wine tastings or walking tours of the vineyards without worrying about getting behind the wheel (www.gogrape.com). Take your time, taste some wines, and grab dinner at any of the many winery restaurants along the way. Then, when you get off the shuttle back at South Coast, hole up in your private villa for a restful nights sleep away from city lights and noise.

Day 2:

Wake up Saturday morning and head to Old Town Temecula for the weekly Farmer’s Market. There, you can peruse the crafts for sale, sample the fresh fruit, and dig into a delicious crepe for breakfast. However, if a hearty, home-cooked breakfast is what your stomach is growling for, walk down Old Town Front Street to the Swing Inn Café for country cookin’ at its finest (www.swinginncafe.com). You may have to wait a little bit, as this place is hopping with locals everyday, but if you are a breakfast lover like me, it is definitely worth the wait.

Now that you have a full belly, spend the afternoon wandering around the unique boutiques and antique shops that Old Town is known for. From the Root Beer Company to the Old Town Antique Faire to the House of Jerky, Old Town’s long street of shops will keep you entertained most of the day. If you find yourself hungry again (you’re on vacation, it’s ok!), stop for lunch at Rosa’s Cantina for some quality Mexican food and the best homemade salsa you’ve ever had (www.rosascantina.com). Order your food at the counter then find a seat on the outdoor patio for some people watching while you eat.

That evening, get a uniquely “Temecula” experience by visiting its most recent, and increasingly popular, claim-to-fame-Pechanga Resort and Casino (www.pechanga.com). Whether you enjoy Black Jack, Roulette, or the penny slots, the over 200,000 square feet of lively casino will provide the perfect setting for letting loose and enjoying California’s biggest casino (that happens to include a deliciously huge buffet and multiple fine-dining restaurants). And if, after getting your gambling fix, you are up for a party, and perhaps a chance to meet other solo travelers, head to Pechanga’s nightclub, Silk. With great music and a night full of dancing, Silk is the place to unwind after a strenuous day of relaxing.

Day 3:

Feel free to sleep in on Sunday morning, as South Coast offers a Sunday brunch until after 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Since this weekend getaway is all about relaxation, what better way to spend your last day than soaking up some Vitamin D at the beach.

A great thing about Temecula is its proximity to some of the best locations California has to offer. For instance, Oceanside is only a 30-minute drive from Temecula and is the perfect setting for a day of lounging in the sand with your SPF and a good book. Take my advice and fill up on a burger and fries at hole-in-the-wall local favorite Nessy Burgers on your way (www.nessyburgers.com). You’ll want to experience this delicious dive and I know that once you’ve got your toes in the sand and eyes on the ocean, you won’t want to leave to tend to a growling stomach.


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *