Cheshire Cat Inn Raises Awareness For Transition House

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Transition House Donation campaign.

It was a huge success and we're delighted to see how many joined the effort to help solve family homelessness in the Santa Barbara area. 

At Cheshire Cat Inn, we strive to be more than just a bed and breakfast in Santa Barbara.

On May 15th, we launched this campaign using our Facebook Fan page in an effort to promote awareness for families who have found themselves in distressed situations.

We pledged to donate one dollar for every new person who "LIKED" the Cheshire Cat Inn Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/cheshirecatinn between April 23rd and May 15th. We started the challenge with 281 fans on Facebook, and as of today we have over 401 “likes”. As a result, we're thrilled to be mailing a check to the Transition House in the amount of $122.00

The Transition House is dedicated to the solution of family homelessness in the Santa Barbara community. Capable and motivated families with children are offered respectful, non-sectarian residential services and the life skills needed to alleviate their poverty, and to restore self-sufficiency and dignity.

Help us continue the support to the Transition House. Here's how you can donate: Online: Donate online through the web page at http://transitionhouse.com/services/supporters/donation/ Mail: 425 E. Cota Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: (805) 966-9668

Sincerely,

Christine Dunstan
Cheshire Cat Inn
(805) 569-1610
http://www.CheshireCat.com - Santa Barbara Bed and Breakfast

Trip Advisor Awards Cheshire Cat Inn With 2013 Certificate of Excellence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Santa Barbara, CA - June 3rd 2013 - TripAdvisor is delighted to recognize Cheshire Cat Inn with a 2013 Certificate of Excellence. Cheshire Cat Inn has been listed as a winner of the prestigious 2013 Certificate Of Excellence, by TripAdvisor. Cheshire Cat Inn is a downtown Santa Barbara bed and breakfast featuring eighteen elegantly appointed guest rooms, suites and cottages, daily breakfast and early evening wine/hors d’oeuvres, Jacuzzi suites, and attractive package offers that are sure to enhance the quality of your stay in Santa Barbara.

The Certificate of Excellence Winner award identifies hospitality excellence and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.

According to TripAdvisor, “The winners are determined by those who matter the most – your guests. The key to winning the award is consistently excellent service. Properties had to maintain an overall ranking on TripAdvisor of four out of five, achieved by only the top performing 10% of all businesses worldwide. The volume of reviews in the past 12 months was also a determining factor”.

On being advised of the awards, Cheshire Cat Innkeeper, Andrea Dunstan said, “At Cheshire Cat Inn our goal is to create an exceptional experience when you visit our Santa Barbara bed and breakfast. You will enjoy the comfortable atmosphere and gracious hospitality of a B&B combined with the amenities you would expect at a small luxury hotel. We are thrilled that our guests have taken the time to express their delight and satisfaction at TripAdvisor”.

About Cheshire Cat Inn - Cheshire Cat Inn offers the perfect combination of location, ambience and enjoyment for Santa Barbara inns. The Inn’s quaint Victorian charms, spa treatments, and special pricing make it perfect as Santa Barbara’s Great Escape. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805- 569-1610 for more information.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Santa Barbara Inn Reviews 3 Santa Barbara Museums

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Santa Barbara, June 2, 2013 - Cheshire Cat Inn is an elegant Santa Barbara bed and breakfast that features eighteen elegantly appointed guest rooms, suites and cottages, daily breakfast and early evening wine/hors d’oeuvres, Jacuzzi suites, and attractive hotel package offers. This month the downtown Santa Barbara hotel reviewed and recommended three Santa Barbara museums.

To ensure guests are aware of the many fine museum opportunities available to complement their stay at the Santa Barbara inn, Cheshire Cat Inn reviewed several Santa Barbara museums. The Inn wanted to make sure that any museum it recommends to guests has an interesting and inspirational environment. They named the following museums: Karpeles Manuscript Library, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Museum and Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

“Our Santa Barbara Inn recommends a visit to these historical museums. The selections were chosen based on reputation, exhibits, and educational opportunities to increase the enjoyment of the Santa Barbara experience. These Santa Barbara museums all provide an in-depth and interesting look at the world around us." said Andrea Dunstan, Innkeeper

About Cheshire Cat Inn - Cheshire Cat Inn offers the perfect combination of location, ambiance and enjoyment for Santa Barbara inns. The Inn’s spa treatments, quaint Victorian charm, and hotel pricing make it the perfect Santa Barbara b and b. Follow Cheshire Cat Inn on Facebook or call 805- 569-1610 for more information.

Cheshire Cat Inn Reviews 3 Santa Barbara Museums

“Our Santa Barbara Inn recommends a visit to these historical museums…”

Cheshire Cat Inn is an elegant Santa Barbara bed and breakfast that features eighteen elegantly appointed guest rooms, suites and cottages, daily breakfast and early evening wine/hors d’oeuvres,  Jacuzzi suites, and attractive package offers that are sure to enhance the quality of your stay in Santa Barbara.

Often, guests of Cheshire Cat Inn take a day to relax and enjoy a leisurely appreciation of the many museums our charming and historic city offers. The Santa Barbara bed & breakfast often recommends quality Santa Barbara museums that guests can enjoy for a day of soaking up knowledge.

To ensure guests are aware of the many fine museum opportunities available to complement their stay at the Santa Barbara inn, Cheshire Cat Inn reviewed several Santa Barbara museums. The Inn wanted to make sure that any museum it recommends to guests has an interesting and inspirational environment.

The selections were chosen based on reputation, exhibits, and educational opportunities to increase the enjoyment of the Santa Barbara experience. These Santa Barbara museums all provide an in-depth and interesting look at the world around us.

After thorough consideration, Cheshire Cat Inn named the following Santa Barbara museums as its top three favorites: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Karpeles Manuscript Library, and Santa Barbara Historical Museum. If you are choosing a museum to further your understanding of this area and complement your stay at the best bed and breakfast in Santa Barbara, consider the following three Santa Barbara museums.

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History - Santa Barbara Museums

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Museum preserves extensive natural history collections of more than three million objects. The Museum is the largest repository of Chumash Indian artifacts in the world. Visitors can learn about underwater life at the Ty Warner Sea Center, consider the wonders of the universe at the Gladwin Planetarium, or take in special exhibitions such as this summer’s TINKERTOY®: Build Your Imagination™ display. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805-682-4711 for more information.

           

Karpeles Manuscript Library - Santa Barbara Museums

The Karpeles Manuscript Library offers the world’s largest private collection of original manuscripts and documents. Depending on the current exhibition, visitors might be treated to fascinating views of original documents written by John Adams, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Abigail Adams, or original compositions by Beethoven, Mozart and other great composers. This branch of the library houses the original proposed draft of the Bill of Rights, an Emancipation Proclamation Amendment signed by Abraham Lincoln, and Einstein's description of the theory of relativity. Visit the website or call 805-962-5322 for more information.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum - Santa Barbara Museums

Although focused on the rich history of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum keeps a firm eye on building a future worth remembering. The Museum interprets over 500 years of history with collections form the Chumash, Mexican, Spanish, and American periods. The current exhibit, “De la Tierra - Art of the Adobe,” features works from the museum’s collection by renowned artists displayed alongside historic photographs of this unique Southwestern building material. The Gledhill Library contains a vast repository of cultural and historical material. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805-966-1601 for more information.

Finding a Santa Barbara museum can be a challenge.

Part of Cheshire Cat Inn’s commitment to excellence includes expedition suggestions for a wide variety of Santa Barbara museums. With so many Santa Barbara educational options, picking a Santa Barbara museum can be a challenge. This review aims to save guests of Cheshire Cat Inn from the effort of researching Santa Barbara museums on their own. We hope this information helps you make an informed decision.

About Cheshire Cat Inn - Cheshire Cat Inn offers the perfect combination of location, ambiance and enjoyment for Santa Barbara inns. The Inn’s spa treatments, quaint Victorian charms, and special pricing make it perfect as Santa Barbara’s Great Escape. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805- 569-1610 for more information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Cheshire Cat Inn Highlights 5 Santa Barbara Restaurants

May 7, 2013, Santa Barbara, CA - Cheshire Cat Inn (www.cheshirecat.com), a downtown bed and breakfast hotel highlighted five popular Santa Barbara restaurants this month on their blog. Cheshire Cat Inn often receives requests from their guests asking for the best restaurants in Santa Barbara. Travelers to the area will benefit from this informative review. Read the full review here..

Cheshire Cat Inn is a charming Victorian Santa Barbara bed and breakfast that features Jacuzzi suites, daily breakfast and wine/hors d’oeuvres offerings, and attractive package offers that are sure to enhance the quality of your stay in Santa Barbara. 

“Our Santa Barbara Inn often works closely with Santa Barbara Restaurants.  We are always quick to recommend these fine restaurants to our guests.”  said Andrea Dunstan, Innkeeper

To ensure guests are aware of the many fine dining options to complement their stay at the Santa Barbara bed and breakfast, Cheshire Cat Inn reviewed several Santa Barbara restaurants. The Inn wanted to make sure that any restaurant it recommends to guests has the finest food served in the most comfortable surroundings.

The selections were chosen based on a variety of cuisines, guest reviews, and concern for increasing the enjoyment of the Santa Barbara experience. These Santa Barbara restaurants are all dedicated to providing guests with the finest dining experience possible.

After thorough consideration, Cheshire Cat Inn named the following Santa Barbara Restaurants as its top five favorites: Olio e Limone Ristorante, Bouchon Restaurant, Arigato Sushi, Scarlett Begonia, and Brophy Brothers. If you are choosing a restaurant to complement your stay at a bed and breakfast in Santa Barbara, consider these five Santa Barbara restaurants.

About Cheshire Cat Inn - Cheshire Cat Inn offers the perfect combination of location, ambience and enjoyment for Santa Barbara inns. The Inn’s quaint Victorian charms, spa treatments, and special pricing make it perfect as Santa Barbara’s Great Escape. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805- 569-1610 for more information.

Cheshire Cat Inn Highlights 5 Santa Barbara Restaurants

“Cheshire Cat Santa Barbara Inn recommends top 5 Santa Barbara restaurants…”

Cheshire Cat Inn is a charming Victorian Santa Barbara bed and breakfast that features Jacuzzi suites, daily breakfast and wine/hors d’oeuvres offerings, and attractive package offers that are sure to enhance the quality of your stay in Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara bed & breakfast often recommends Santa Barbara restaurants that guests can enjoy after a day of biking, sailing, or family activities in Santa Barbara.

To ensure guests are aware of the many fine dining options to complement their stay at the Santa Barbara bed and breakfast, Cheshire Cat Inn reviewed several Santa Barbara restaurants. The Inn wanted to make sure that any restaurant it recommends to guests has the finest food served in the most comfortable surroundings.

The selections were chosen based on a variety of cuisines, guest reviews, and concern for increasing the enjoyment of the Santa Barbara experience. These Santa Barbara restaurants are all dedicated to providing guests with the finest dining experience possible.

After thorough consideration, Cheshire Cat Inn named the following Santa Barbara Restaurants as its top five favorites: Olio e Limone Ristorante, Bouchon Restaurant, Arigato Sushi, Scarlett Begonia, and Brophy Brothers. If you are choosing a restaurant to complement your stay at the best bed and breakfast in Santa Barbara, consider the following Santa Barbara restaurants.

Olio e Limone Ristorante - Top Santa Barbara Restaurants

Olio e Limone Ristorante has been operated by the husband-wife team of Alberto and Elaine Morello since 1999. They rely on the integrity of the ingredients and the quality of the preparation to offer Santa Barbara creative, authentic Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere. Chef Alberto Morello draws inspiration from all over Italy but brings particular passion to Sicilian dishes. The extensive wine list reflects the Morellos’ passion for wine and has garnered the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2002. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805-899-2699 for more information.

Bouchon Restaurant - Top Santa Barbara Restaurants

Bouchon Restaurant has served Santa Barbara "Wine Country Cuisine" since 1998. Ingredients use an "as-fresh-and-as-local-as-possible" approach, with fish from the Santa Barbara Channel and produce from the surrounding countryside. Dinner flavors are presented in concert with the perfect local Santa Barbara wines. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805-730-1160 for more information.

Arigato Sushi - Top Santa Barbara Restaurants

Arigato Sushi offers the finest sushi cuisine in Santa Barbara. Guests can choose from an a la carte cold selections or opt for a tasty offering of special sashimi. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805-965-6074 for more information.

Scarlet Begonia - Top Santa Barbara Restaurants

Scarlett Begonia serves interesting food with the goal of providing Santa Barbara with a restaurant that couples farm to table cuisine with modern innovative cooking to be one of the most food centric restaurants around.  Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805-770-2143 for more information.

Brophy Brothers - Top Santa Barbara Restaurants

Brophy Brothers takes advantage of Santa Barbara’s seaside location with daily fresh seafood offerings. A casual seafood house that is located right on the dock in the Santa Barbara Harbor Brophy Brothers is proud to be a part of Santa Barbara's sustainable seafood efforts. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805-966-4418 for more information.

Finding a Santa Barbara restaurant can be a challenge.

Part of Cheshire Cat Inn’s commitment to excellence includes dining suggestions for a wide variety of Santa Barbara restaurants. With so many fine Santa Barbara dining options, finding a top Santa Barbara restaurant can be a challenge. This review aims to save guests of Cheshire Cat Inn from the effort of researching Santa Barbara restaurants on their own. From all of us at Cheshire Cat Inn, we would like to wish you a wonderful vacation in Santa Barbara.

About Cheshire Cat Inn - Cheshire Cat Inn offers the perfect combination of location, ambience and enjoyment for Santa Barbara inns. The Inn’s quaint Victorian charms, spa treatments, and special pricing make it perfect as Santa Barbara’s Great Escape. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805- 569-1610 for more information.

Whale Watching in Santa Barbara - Top 10 Tips To Ensure A Great Trip

While staying at our downtown bed and breakfast in Santa Barbara, our guests may want to consider booking a whale watching trip. If you are in search of fun things to do in Santa Barbara, a whale watching excursion is unique and memorable way to spend the day. 

Whale watching season is mid-February through mid-May, and again in July through September. In fact, the best time for whale watching in Santa Barbara for Blue and Humpback Whales is in the months of March and April, when they feed off the krill from the Santa Barbara Channel. 

You are likely to encounter several different kinds of whales and dolphins on your Santa Barbara whale watching trip.  Whether you are staying at a hotel or a bed and breakfast in Santa Barbara, these whale watching tips might be helpful as you plan your day.

1.      Book in advance. Most whale watching in Santa Barbara is done from vessels with limited seating. You’ll want to secure yours in advance to avoid disappointment.

2.      Look for discounts. Some whale watching boats offers discounts for various groups. Santa Barbara Sailing Center, for example, offers $10 tickets for college students under 25 and for children under 12.

3.      Dress in layers. A whale watching trip general lasts at least two and sometimes several hours. You can be exposed to cool winds during one part of the trip and direct warm sunlight during another.

4.      Don’t forget the camera. You’ll want to capture memories with a still or video camera.

5.      Spend some time reading about whales. A little reading prior to your excursion is sure to add to your enjoyment. Be sure to include dolphins and seals in your reading. Google and Wikipedia are great places to start.

6.      Wear comfortable non-skid shoes. Deck shoes would be best but a good pair of comfortable tennis shoes can also work.

7.      Consider your options. Whale watching offers a variety of viewing options. If you would enjoy an intimate, 18 passenger sailing option, you may want to check out Sunset Kidd for a unique experience.

8.      Take and use sunblock. The water reflects and magnifies the sun so make sure you are prepared with sunblock.

9.      Don’t forget to eat and drink. Many fear sea sickness and feel going on an empty stomach may be best. Eating carbohydrates will absorb the stomach acid that can lead to sickness.

10.    Don’t forget the little things. Snacks, a ball cap, sunglasses and binoculars can all help make your whale watching excursion that much more enjoyable.

Enjoy breath taking views of the American Riviera...while following alongside the Giant California Gray Whales. Listen to the boat captain describe the fascinating history of whales in California.  It's truly an exhilarating experience when the whales break the surface and breathe for air.  

Santa Barbara B&Bs and hotels are likely to have brochures, coupons, and advice to help you make your selection easier.  Your stay in Santa Barbara will be much more memorable after a few hours enjoying the waters off our beautiful coastline.  We hope you found these tips helpful and from all of us at Cheshire Cat Inn, we would like to wish you a wonderful vacation in Santa Barbara.

ABOUT CHESHIRE CAT INN: Cheshire Cat Inn is a romantic and elegant Victorian Inn with old oak trees, fountains and flower filled gardens. This Santa Barbara bed and breakfast offers 18 guest rooms, suites and cottages, some with in-room Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, private decks and outdoor hot tubs. The Inn is located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, only four blocks from shops, restaurants, and theaters. This downtown Santa Barbara hotel has an Alice in Wonderland theme and offers Santa Barbara lodging with gracious English hospitality. Visit Cheshire Cat Inn at 36 W. Valerio St. Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, USA (805) 569-1610 by clicking on to their website, blog and facebook.