Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1291633
By Karen Valdez, Resident The Madonna Inn is located off Hwy 1 in San Luis Obispo. Established in 1958 by Alex and Phyllis Madonna, it is a place I have always wanted to stay as I love the whimsical theme of it! We decided to take a break from the heat and take a drive to San Luis Obispo to visit my husband's brother. I said, "Why don't we stay at the Madonna Inn as I have always wanted to stay there." We made reservations, picking the Starlight room for a two-night stay. There are 110 differently themed rooms there, so there is something for everyone. Well, when I went to check in, they said "We don't have a reservation for you." Turns out the reservation I made was for 2021! All the rooms were filled that night, so we had to stay in another place, but we were able to book a room for the next night. Funny, we got the Gypsy room. I said it was meant to be as I have always said I was part Gypsy because I love to travel. Our room was like a rock cave in bright colors with a rock waterfall in our bathroom, with stained glass windows. It was a spacious, fun, whimsical room. The grounds are beautiful with lots of flowerbeds and gardens full of beautiful flowers. The pool sits around the hotel in a lovely setting covered with beautiful flowers and plants with water features overlooking the valley. They have two restaurants, a cafe and a steak house. With COVID-19, the seating is out on a pretty patio with umbrellas or heaters, depending on the weather. They also have a bakery known for their delicious cakes. The dining room and cafe are quite ornate, some say gaudy, but I liked the whimsical feeling it has. I would definitely stay here again. The staff was very friendly and helpful. If you'd like to visit, be advised there are no elevators. If you have a hard time walking stay on the first floor. Answers to October in History 1. 1400 Geoffrey Chaucer 2. 1825 The Erie Canal 3. 1867 The Russian flag (Note: The U.S. bought Alaska from Russia for $57 million – about two cents an acre.) 4. 1945 Canada and the United Kingdom 5. 1947 Chuck Yeager 6. 1961 Roger Maris 7. 1962 Soviet missile bases were discovered on the island. 8. 1975 Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman. 9. 1980 "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" 10. 1984 A baboon 11. 1985 Rock Hudson 12. 2004 The Boston Red Sox The Madonna Inn 12 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | OCTOBER 2020