Sandlake Country Inn

Beloved and I had a lovely, lovely time during our escape. I left ya’ll with some pictures, but no details. So, as promised, here’s the skinny on the Sandlake Country Inn

We chose the Sandlake Country Inn because it came very (very) highly recommended to us by our friend’s The Browns. Gas prices being what they are, we wanted a getaway that wasn’t too away, if you know what I mean. Located in Tillamook County, the Inn sits just ten minutes from Pacific City and the beautiful Oregon coast.

Our first reaction to seeing the Inn as we pulled up was, “Hmmm, looks like a house.” Which of course it is, but do not judge by the simple exterior, for what lies within will astonish you. We were greeted by Diane and after a quick check-in she walked us across the driveway to “the Cottage”.

Surrounded by lilacs, wild roses, and a babbling stream, the Cottage is a little slice of heaven here on earth. It’s separate from the main house and thus provides even more privacy. Diane showed us the fully equipped kitchen with breakfast nook, the living room area (complete with gas fireplace and TV DVD/VCR), the bedroom – with it’s own private patio, another TV, snowy white robes and yes, even comfy slippers, and finally the bathroom. The bathroom features a huge (HUGE) Jacuzzi tub, shower, and small toilet room. Seriously. It’s the smallest bathroom eveh. We had a lot of laughs over that tiny toilet room. But don’t be put off by it. It’s simply another quaint feature of this dreamy retreat.









After the tour, Diane handed us a tin of the Inn’s famous cookies, asked what time we’d like breakfast delivered to our door (what? No eating breakfast with complete strangers? Yeah!). She explained to us that coffee and juice would be served at 8:00am to the ledge outside our door. Diane assured us that if we weren’t up, not to worry, the coffee would still be there and hot when we got up. Diane also gave us a key to the main Inn and told us to help ourselves to any books or movies from the library. “If you need anything or have any questions, just call.” With that, she wished us a happy weekend and left.

The Sandlake Country Inn was so amazing; so peaceful, so romantic, so…perfect. It has earned numerous awards, including Most Romantic Hideaway and one of the Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest by Inn Traveler Magazine. The owners, Ron and Diane Emineth, have created such a beautiful and romantic place, that, frankly, I didn’t want to leave.

And I haven’t even told you about the food yet!

The cookies are incredible. In-cred-ible. I can’t begin to describe them other than to say that I don’t think I’ve ever eaten a softer, more delicate cookie in my life. They are melt-in-your-mouth wonderful and I challenge anyone to eat just one. And don’t worry if you eat them all that first night, all you have to do is ask and the tin will be happily refilled.

Breakfast arrived promptly at 9:30 with a discreet ring of the bell (yes, we chuckled to see the barer of our meal jog quickly back across the driveway so as not to intrude upon our privacy). Monday’s breakfast featured:

Black Raspberry Juice
Strawberries and Cream
Baked Apple Oatmeal with Milk
Sandlake Breakfast Pie (think quiche)
Marionberry Coffee Cake

Tuesday’s menu featured:

Orange, strawberry, and banana juice
Chocolate Lemon Fruit Cup
Granola with Milk (I believe the granola was made from scratch)
Sausage links
South of the Border Eggs
Mini Cinnamon Rolls




Every bite was delicious and there was plenty (plenty) of food. We so enjoyed our escape and the peace and quiet we found. The time we spent together was nothing short of amazing and we hope to return to the Sandlake Country Inn soon!

Need an escape? Diane was kind enough to give me some postcards with a 10% discount to the Inn for your first stay of two or more nights. I’d be happy to send you one for the asking. I have only a couple so this will be on a first come, first serve basis. Simply leave me a comment requesting a postcard.

Coming up next: Photo's of our escape