Top Benefits to Playing Golf

Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is renowned for its golf.  If you are a novice, amateur, or even a seasoned pro, you probably do not need to be reminded of how great golf can be for you. But just in case, here are some top reasons to validate the next time you need to take time off of work for golf (just don’t tell your boss we told you so):

Golf Provides:

Socialization and gets you out with other human beings in nature for some fresh air and sunlight.

Exercise:  if you choose to walk, you can walk up to 6 miles and burn up to 1400 calories.

Giddyup! The Health Benefits of Horseback Riding

While most guests enjoy the leisurely, relaxing pace of Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort‘s  trail rides- including our famous morning breakfast ride- and some guests choose to go at a faster pace, there is now scientific evidence to support that horseback riding is good health for the rider,  no matter what your pace.

So for those of you who prefer to lounge on your room’s front porch and snooze all day, you can take comfort that if you get in one – even mild and gentle- horseback ride, you are getting some legitimate exercise in.  Here are some of the findings:

Benefits of Renting the Ranch Exclusively

Photo Credit: Guest Craig Townsend

Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort can be bought out for corporate events, reunions and much more (Alisal River Terrace does not require a buy-out) to assure not just privacy and exclusivity, but also that the legendary service guests receive on a normal basis is actually personalized for each guest, based on the group’s goals and wishes.  Here are just some highlights of what buying out 10,000 sprawling acres provides:

Wedding Menus at The Ranch : A Look at One Couple’s Delicious Buffet

Photo Credit:  Kacie Jean Photography

Chef Pascal Godé and his team possess the talent to create virtually any menu that one can create and welcome the opportunity to customize special touches for Alisal wedding couples.  That said, most choose to take advantage of the ranch’s already-famous specialties, including menus with succulent BBQ, farm-fresh vegetable dishes and salads, and homemade ranch-goodness comfort food items.  The fact that Chef Pascal and/or his team personally man the grill on site to provide heavenly scents for the evening’s special event menu is always a huge plus, too.

Special Event Rental Prop & Decor Inspiration

At Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, we are privileged to see all sorts of event styles and decor and work with the finest event professionals from all over.  This year, we’ve seen a few things we especially love and wanted to share them with you here.  These are specialty items that can be ordered with the service provider mentioned below the photo and whose specialty includes these items, as well as many others.  Below is our “inspiration board” for a few rental items (please see service providers mentioned for all proper photo credit and sources).

Above Photos all from Ventura Rental Party Center blogs and social media (see their pages for details on photo credits) (Top):  Dark Cherry Wood Chairs are a wonderful option at the ranch for our outdoor events | Bottom Left Photo: Chivari Chairs paired with Ranchero Tables (that don’t even need linens – just a gorgeous runner and placesettings with colors that pop) |  Bottom right photo: Whether a cake stand or unique table for items at the ceremony altar or at a lounge seating area, this matte gold antler side table is sure to spark conversation!

But Don’t Take Our Word For It: Real Guest Stories

We certainly charm our guests with unique outdoor adventures, fine dining, and endless fun, but these stories are theirs alone. We’re proud to share our guests’ reminiscences with you and invite you to create your own cherished memories on your next visit to Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort.

Thanks for the Great Memories!

---

We just spent 4 wonderful and memorable days at Alisal. My brother and his family have been coming for the past 6 years and have always told us how great it is. They absolutely love it there and thought that it would be a good idea to get our entire family there as a mini reunion. So with their prodding, we were able to get 21 family members (three generations) together for a fabulous time. Four family members actually travelled all the way from Hawaii to share the experience with us! We had so much for riding horses, visiting the petting zoo, fishing for the first time, golfing, playing flag football with other families there, and of course eating the fine cuisine. I must also admit that the hot chocolate is the best I have ever had!

We enjoyed ourselves so much that we will be coming back next year! Such a wonderful and magical place!

Thanks for the great memories,
Melissa Parker

I Look Forward to Many Return Trips

---

My trip began with a beautiful drive from Oregon down the mountain through the tall pines that reach up to the heavens and the winding roads through the mountain passes. My soul breathed in the excitement of the adventure with my son. We looked in amazement at the scenery as we passed through each territory and new wilderness.

We drove through the scenic picturesque towns of Santa Ynez and Solvang before arriving at the beautiful Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort. The front desk staff was welcoming, efficient, and kind. They went over the grounds and activities and created a wonderful sense of anticipation for the days to follow. On the first night, we enjoyed a lovely dinner of salmon followed by the famous peanut butter pie. The guests names are listed on the menu. It feels intimate, as if one is attending a family reunion.

Our first full day we took advantage of a leisurely morning with coffee and chocolate milk in the room. We attended an early lunch served by the lovely Maria of homemade tortilla soup for me and peanut butter and jelly sandwich for my son. Of course the crust was cut off and served as triangles, just how he likes it.

As the sun reached noon, it was time for Will’s lesson with one of the ranch’s wranglers. He got paired with Bullwinkle, the 30-year-old horse–perfect for Will’s first experience using reins. Hanna, our wrangler was patient and received a rating from Will after his lesson of “awesome.”

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing at the Alisal pool soaking in the California sun. It was a perfect day.

It was a wonderful first time trip for my son and I. The great blue heron and the nesting bald eagle graced us for a moment with their presence on Lake Alisal. We casted with earthworms along the bending lake reeds. I was excited to catch a few myself, and as our time came to a close, our guide, Mitch let Will to drive the boat a bit around the lake to see the wildlife and practice steering.

I look forward to many return trips to this beautiful guest ranch. You have a great staff and are lucky to have them.

Kindest Regards,
Lisa Hornsby-Daws

We Had Such a Great Family Time

---

My family and I just returned from an incredible vacation at Alisal. It was my first time there, but my wife came as a young girl with her Mom growing up. We had such a great family time doing so many wonderful things, that I can’t wait to try and come back again. Everything was perfect–from the food to the staff to the rooms and the grounds, it was all so nice. I’m sure you have heard it many times, there’s something special about Alisal and I am just so glad I finally got to experience it after hearing about it for so many years.

I should add one more thing: There was one moment when I was fishing on the dock with my five-year-old son Owen, trying to get that elusive worm on the hook. It was a perfect day and only a few people were on the lake. My son and I looked up and a bald eagle swooped down right in front of us and grabbed a fish right out of the water, then flapped its giant wings, up and away into the trees. It was incredible.

– Nate Kuchera Family

 

Fantastic Birthday Weekend – We All Want to Come Back!

---

It NEVER gets old! I want to thank you all for a fantastic birthday weekend with our friends to celebrate. Everything was handled so well in the preparation. The weekend went so smoothly and everyone (especially the birthday boy) really enjoyed themselves, enjoyed the meals and activities and relaxed a lot. Even our small changes were handled very smoothly and I felt on vacation as well, which is a huge gift to me. The lake staff was so nice and helpful too. A few of our friends had been to Alisal many years ago but most had never been. I think a few of them either booked trips back or are looking at dates to book trips because they enjoyed it so much. Thank you so much!

– Susan Kavanaugh

To inquire on booking your own Alisal stay to start making your own memories and stories, please visit our Website.

Photo Credit: Craig Townsend

——————————

The original article above appears on the Alisal Website

Traditions at Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort

Let’s face it, in our fast-paced world full of technology and hectic schedules, finding time to create family traditions can be a challenge. That’s where Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort comes in! One thing that sets us apart from other resorts is that we value certain traditions–many which are rooted in decades-old practices. It is these traditions, along with the one-of-a-kind feel of Alisal, that keep our guests coming back year after year.

Expert Tips on the Do’s & Don’ts for Maximizing Your Alisal River Terrace Event

Alisal River Terrace. Photo by: Kacie Jean Photography

This article originally appeared in a publication that featured local wedding planner expert  and author Kerry Lee Dickey of Santa Barbara Wine Country Weddings & Events talking about her top tips for weddings at Alisal River Terrace.  Here is a summary of her “do’s” and “don’ts” to help better-prepare for extra seamless weddings at Alisal River Terrace when you say ” I do”:

---

Thinking Ahead: Holiday Private Parties At the Ranch

Alisal River Terrace by Chelsea Elizabeth Photography

While most folks right now are in the throws of lazy, hot summer days, delicious BBQ, and sipping a lemonade in the shade of a Sycamore by a lazy river, savvy event planners are busy at work thinking ahead to the holiday season and special dinners and parties they need to plan for their company or clients.  They know that prime event days during the holidays get sold out earlier in the year, and when an event is routinely held at the same traditional location annually, it can make it even more challenging to find an alternative date the closer December comes.

What is the Difference Between a Wedding at the Ranch vs. Alisal River Terrace?

Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort has had their decadent weddings featured in many national publications and highly-regarded wedding blogs.  It has also been the chosen destination wedding spot of many a celebrity over the years.  While there are many locations in Santa Barbara’s wine country that offer gorgeous backdrops for exchanging nuptials, Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort offers something unique:  a variety of location types, exclusivity (more on this in a moment) and the legendary service of a major resort and culinary skills of a world-renowned Executive Chef.  In some cases, Alisal Guest Ranch also offers guests the opportunity to stay at the same location – just steps from the wedding taking place.  Convenience can be such a necessary comfort.