Mill Rose Inn, Half Moon Bay, California

Incurably Romantic — the Mill Rose Inn in Half Moon Bay, California

Last month, the hubs and I celebrated our ten year anniversary. I figured it was a significant milestone that merited a special place to honor it. Someplace pretty, romantic, sumptuous.

The Renaissance Rose Suite at the Mill Rose Inn in Half Moon Bay is such a place.

Tucked away off of Main Street in Half Moon Bay, the sprawling early 20th-century former farmhouse is surrounded by exquisite gardens. We walked through the magical rose garden in front and were greeted by Terry, one of the proprietors. He and his wife Eve used their individual talents (interior design, landscaping) to transform the inn into an elegant B&B with no amenities overlooked.

Dan (the hubs) and Terry hit it off right away when they discovered their mutual love of comedy. Turns out Terry is quite an aficionado and the two had lots to chat about. Terry showed us to our suite, which was spacious and luxurious, with a parlor, comfy bed, fireplace, and refrigerator stocked with complimentary beer, wine, and water.We could have stayed for a week, and seriously considered squatting. The interior, while a little fussy for my taste, is elegant and true to the period with handsome antique furnishings and thoughtful little touches everywhere from the decanter of sherry to the bowl of taffy.

The Renaissance Rose Suite at the Mill Rose Inn in Half Moon Bay.

Terry made us dinner reservations at Pasta Moon on nearby Main Street where we enjoyed a delicious pork chop and I was able to order gluten-free pasta, a real treat in a restaurant.

We returned to the inn to relax under the stars (and twinkling lights) in the private hot tub that’s tucked inside a lattice work gazebo.

The dining room is always open for tea and cookies (or a slice of the decadently delicious pound cake). So we capped the night off with champagne and cake by the fireplace in our suite.

Seriously, you’d be hard pressed to find a more romantic place than the Mill Rose Inn.

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Next morning, we were treated to a champagne breakfast served in our room. We spent the rest of the morning lounging in our room and in the lush gardens perfumed by rose blooms.

Before we left, we wandered around the charming streets of Old Town Half Moon Bay. I really love this little town and return often. Before heading out, we had a bite on the sunny back deck of the historic San Benito House. This inn/saloon is rich on character and you often can catch live music here.

When we were there the deck was awash in orange — the town was gearing up for the the annual pumpkin festival because everyone knows that Half Moon Bay is recognized as the “pumpkin capital of the world.” Or now you do.

Insider Tip

Drop down a bit south from Half Moon Bay and take a left onto Highway 84 in San Gregorio. At the intersection of Stage Road is the San Gregorio General Store. Here you’ll find everything from farm tools to toys, t-shirts to tequila at this country store/saloon. Order a beer, pull up a chair, and check out the impressive selection of books. There is live music every weekend and even a post office.