Joshua Inn Bed & Breakfast

Yesterday, I wrote about my childhood buddy and I eating lunch at the Country Rose Cafe. Today, come with us as we toured the Joshua Inn Bed and Breakfast at 712 West Street, across from Dunne Park.

The tour was a sweet happenstance. As we approached the B&B, we wondered if we could take a peek inside. Maybe step into the hallway and crane our necks to see into the parlor and the dining area. So, we knocked at the door and what do you know, it was answered by the lovely Trish Harvey, who, with her husband Steve, owns the beautiful inn. Busy as she was, she graciously showed us both the insides and outsides of their beautiful inn.

The B&B has five themed rooms. Their names give you an idea of the decor—French Quarters, Pennsylvania Station, Captains Quarters, Savannah Beach, and The Kuschel Suite (which means cuddle in German). Check out the Joshua Inn's webpage for photos of the cute rooms.

Both my buddy and I have been curious about this classic Queen Anne house ever since we were teenagers many years ago. The house was built around 1902 for Judson Hamilton who owned the harness and saddle shop in Hollister. Perhaps the architect designed the newels of the stairs to reflect Hamilton's occupation. Don't you think the details remind you of a saddle?

Every now and then I see photos at the B&B's Facebook page of the yummy breakfasts that they make for guests. Trish says they don't have the proper license to offer breakfasts to the public. Take a look yourself at the photos.  Here's the link. Try not to drool too much.

Along with being a B&B, the Harveys have space available for meetings, tea parties, family reunions, and other private and business events. I can imagine an afternoon class reunion there.

For more information about the Joshua Inn Bed and Breakfast, check out the Harveys' website.

One more photo before I go. This is one of my favorite spots in the inn—a cozy window seat on the second floor.

Country Rose Cafe

I hadn't been to the Country Rose Cafe since it moved to its new location on the corner of San Benito and South Streets. Yes, I know, the restaurant has been there for more than a year. In my defense, I've sworn off large portions so I mostly dream about where I'd love to eat breakfast in town. And, I have to say, we are fortunate to have quite a few from which to choose.

Anyway last Friday, a childhood buddy came for a visit so we headed downtown for lunch. Because neither of us had a preference, we tossed a coin. My first reaction upon entering Country Rose was how cute it is. It's open, spacious, and festively decorated. A perfectly fun place to hang out and catch up on stuff with a friend.

Country Rose still serves an ample plate of breakfast, which my friend had a good time polishing off. My crisp green salad with a bleu cheese dressing was very tasty. And, I liked that our cups of coffee kept being refreshed as much as we wanted. I also liked that there was no sense of having to hurry through our meal.

After going out the cute red doors of the Country Rose Cafe, we took a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, including a stop at the Joshua Inn Bed & Breakfast. Hmmm, I see a theme for this week's posts happening.  Stay tuned.

Eclectic Treasures

The other day, a friend and I wandered into Eclectic Treasures, at 731 San Benito Street, a new home furnishing store that opened in September. The owner sells unique furniture, rugs, and other decorative items imported from all parts of the world. The piece in the above photo was made in Peru out of wood from the Amazon forest. The wood felt very smooth.

I noticed the detailing of the ceiling tiles that I didn't recall as having been there in the previous store. The woman in the shop told me that they were the original tiles and that she had an unpainted one hanging on the wall, which the owner of the building gave her. Gorgeous isn't it?

There are a few other old buildings in town that have a white ceiling with a similar textured look like the one at Eclectic Treasures.  I wonder if intricate painted-over tiles line the ceilings of those buildings, too.  Can you imagine how a ceiling might look with those tiles not painted? Wowza!

Here's the ceiling at Eclectic Treasures. Go check it and the home decor and furnishings for sale yourselves.

A Reflection of Downtown Hollister

Here's what a weekday afternoon in Downtown Hollister looked like recently. I took this reflection in the window of the recently opened Hooligans Skate Shop at 535 San Benito Street.

I'm hanging out at Weekend Reflections today. Click here to join me.

Spirit Halloween

A Spirit Halloween has set up in the once-upon-a-time Staples building on Airline Highway (aka Highway 25). I understand it's a seasonal store, selling all things fun to those who celebrate the Great Pumpkin Day. Muahahaha. . . .

The View from Valley View Road

The views are spectacular from Valley View Road. This is the last unobstructed view, which is between Sunset Drive and Union Road. That, too, will be no more as plans go forward to construct a housing development on that expanse of land.

On the positive side, the view looking up on Valley View Road is gorgeous no matter what is in the way.

Today is Skywatch Friday. To see what the changing sky is like in other parts of the world, please click here.

Another Pretty View of Hollister

The clouds did their best to gather to give us rain in Hollister yesterday. Hopefully, rain will fall soon.

I took this photo at the corner of Sunnyslope and Memorial, looking north on Memorial. We live in a very beautiful area, don't you agree?