Since this article was written Paradise suffered the tragic Camp Fire. My condolences to all who lost life and property. I do not know how the following establishment endured and hope their the answer is “well”.
How did I find myself in Paradise (this is no play on words as the next town over is literally named “Paradise”) in Chico CA? Well it all started with a simple conversation that went like this…”I forgot to book a room, but it’s Tuesday after Labor Day and I’m heading to a small college town”. The response, “Well ask Siri for the best place in town and go that direction”. DONE and Well Done! Thirty minutes later I was driving down a dark road called “The Lost Dutchman”. The road opened up to a winery…and hey is that a guest houses? I walked into what looked like a restaurant and asked for the front desk to which the reply was “we don’t have one. We only have a code”. Oh? Intrigue won. Yes Please. The place was a vineyard and all lit up and wine was everywhere. I called the number Siri provided and a nice lady said “sure we have a room- here’s the passcode”. She gave it to me with no credit card yet and stayed with me as I opened the first door and then found my door “Pinot” and walked into a little slice of heaven with four posters and a chandelier. As I walked in I provided my important data, made a new friend and found myself feeling at home. I dropped my bags and lumbered to the bar/restaurant. They welcomed me and said sit anywhere in the courtyard. Could this get better? IT COULD. GF meatballs and Pinot. Lost little Dutch girl and the Lost Dutchman. Match made in heaven. You want to find it to go to the James Hotel in Chico, California.
