Seize the day and make the most of every moment! I breathe this philosophy. Finding every possible excuse to get out, explore, and experience the world beyond my county borders. I never judge any book by its cover. I turn every page, open each door, turn down all back roads and share countless stories. When I began writing about Yolo County, I did what I always do, adopted the towns and its people. I made the place my own, as if I had always lived there. In return, my new family of friends adopted me. Home is where the heart is and mine is often in Yolo County. For this adventure, home was the tiny burg of Winters, California.
Warm and comfortable, the Abbey House Inn was like coming home; especially if you love small-town life. Every detail! Nothing was overlooked. Intimate seating areas throughout the house, garden and porches. This is not a bed and breakfast in the traditional sense. Breakfast is not cooked to order; it’s strictly DIY (do-it-yourself). All types of snacks, beverages, cereals, yogurts, jams, jellies, breads, and eggs (uncooked and hard boiled) are there for the taking. Dining room or alfresco, it's up to you.
First constructed in 1905 to house the priests at nearby St. Anthony Parish, the two-story, Victorian Abbey House was moved to its present location where it was restored in 2002. Under new ownership since 2017, Abbey House Inn has been meticulously decorated and outfitted to address your every need including free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Pam and Eric Tavenier, the owners, embrace my "feels like home" mantra.
A park and walk destination, all the best foods, brews, wines and spirits are within walking distance of the Abbey House Inn. After settling into our room, we enjoyed a quiet beer and glass of wine on the front porch before strolling over to relax at Hooby's Brewing including a few tosses at the new indoor cornhole arena. Locally owned and operated by twin sisters Courtney and Jackie, the brewery opened April 1, 2019. You'll feel like family once you arrive. Other Winters favorites, Steady Eddy’s Coffee House and Ficelle, are next door. Bike rides often start from Steady Eddy’s and Velo City Bicycle Center. There are a wide array of locally owned dining and wining experiences just blocks away.
We also enjoyed an afternoon with the Boone family at Patio29 Spirits Company Distillery. We tasted a wide range of products and came away with a bottle of their fabulous Yolo County Craft Vodka and Twin Mischief Aged Rum.
Life is good at the Abbey House Inn and Winters.
Originally published in the Mountain Democrat.