My first visit to San Luis Obispo was a pleasant experience. I met a friend to go wine tasting and was welcomed by many local staff who were delighted to have us in their wineries. The ambience in the entire city spoke to us, inviting us to take off our jacket & shoes to stay awhile.

And that, I did. At the Garden Street Inn located on a side street of downtown San Luis Obispo. Arriving late on Friday night, I was welcomed by a tall gentleman at the front door and he spoke in a low voice, as the other guests had already retired for the night. He directed me up the stairs with a key to my room, the Ah Louis.

This room had a little stuffed bear on the king size bed and I joined him for a deep slumber. The next morning, I noticed a few cookies by my bed and a note with the word “Matt” inscribed on its cover. I read the note which thanked me for staying as I ate one of the chocolate chip cookies.

I walked to the other side of the bed and opened a journal which had great remarks from a number of previous guests. I added my name to the log and went to the bathroom just a few feet away. Ready for the day, I used the old, but roomy claw-foot tub which had a surprising amount of water power.

I descended to the dining room after getting dressed and joined a few others and I could see they were as hungry as I. The same tall gentleman I had seen the night before walked out of what looked like was the kitchen and greeted me with a warm smile. “Hello Mr. Hackney. Will you be joining us for breakfast this morning?”

“Yes.” I replied.  Even though it was early, my eyes were wide & mouth watered at the smell from the kitchen.

“It will be just a few minutes.  Make yourself comfortable.  That is your seat near the window,” he pointed out to me.

“Thank you,” I replied.  As he walked back to the kitchen I decided to take my mind off my stomach and see what else was in the building.  An older man reading a paper by the fire gave me a nod as my gaze went in his  direction.  There were a few smaller seats here and a couch in front of the fire. 

Only a few moments later, the clanking of plates drew my attention back to the dining area.  I walked over and took my seat with a plate of french toast and some eggs before me.   I started with a tall glass of orange juice and was happy to find the meal tasted like what you would expect from a true Bed & Breakfast.  Nothing from a can or out of the freezer here.  I may have had one too many pieces of fresh fruit to finish off my meal, but I couldn’t help but smile as I bit into the last piece of honeydew.  It had been a great trip to San Luis Obispo and I look forward to returning to the Garden Street Inn on my next visit.  I waived fairwell to the others, gave my nod to the old man reading the paper and left for my trip home thereafter.