A very true and funny comment was made as we enjoyed our visit to the little tucked away town of Volcano, California, “You know… when an event is hosted in Volcano, the town size doubles!”  You can’t say that very often about a fantastically special place with so many creative options for treating your guests like small town royalty.  Recently quoted in Sunset Magazine, “You probably haven’t heard of Volcano, for good reason.  It is small: population 100.  Although it lies only 60 miles from Sacramento, it is so hidden in the Amador country foothills, it feels a world away.”

It may be the wine, the quiet countryside, the historic Gold Country mining town that takes you back to the wild wild West, or that quiet sensation that rushes over you listening to the leaves falling.  Everyone will have their own motivation to take a drive to this area and book a night away or your next retreat where you can spoil your friends and family to the experience of a town take-over and a serene way to celebrate.

The Volcano Union Inn is worth the trip and is sure to call you back for planning your special celebration.  The exterior has the perfect look of “history” and the interior has been gently restored to keep it’s character but adding beautiful appointments.  There is no pre-set, clear dictation on how you should use the spaces for your event.  That’s what I love most about it!  The garden patio begs for a summer ceremony and cocktail hour while the inn is the perfect dinner and late night dancing location.  Then again, all inside or all outside for a small destination wedding would work great too.  Like I said, unrestricted creation and use!  The patio feels enclosed and private and lush and simple.  The Inn itself has historic charm with an updated lodge feel inside that makes you want to grab a hot chocolate and sit in front of the fire.

The Union Inn has a noteworthy menu that calls guests from far and wide.  Their goals are always to use fresh, local and organic when possible.  They are known for their comfort food and wine list that showcases the reds of the region. I have a feeling a consultation for use of the space includes a sit down with the owner and chef, Mark, where you could create the menu of your dreams and pair incredible local wines with each course.  Side note: the owners of the Volcano Union Inn also own Taste, a well-known, incredible restaurant in another nearby historic town of Plymouth, California.

This location, honestly, has destination wedding written all over. The individual hotels rooms are beautiful; a combination of old world charm with contemporary, modern touches – flat screen TVs, really super comfy beds, gorgeous bathrooms, and plush robes.  Imagine morning coffee in rocking chairs on the spacious front balcony!  I am sure this is the place any couple would visit for a night away and book on the spot for their wedding and reception.  To re-create a true, small town weekend away for each guest would be a dream come true!

~ Vixen Cat