Afternoon light on the terraced gardens, a hammock still swaying, six bags dropped by the cloud couch. Here is our Friday to Sunday bachelorette plan for up to six at Blossom Sanctuary, just outside Etna in Scott Valley: facials in town, yoga in the garden, a sauna and cold plunge day in Ashland, a mountain lake, macarons and a long dinner you can walk home from. Embrace your Blossom era.
Book these first
Friday spa time. Citrine Lounge Spa in Etna is open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, so Friday afternoon works. Book online, and ask how many of you they can see at once.
A table for six. Reserve Friday dinner at Denny Bar Co. on Tock.
Macarons. I'll say it plainly: Little Whisk Baking Co. makes the best baked goods around. She bakes by custom order and is known for her macarons, so order early. Her sourdough, made mainly for friends and family, is the secret that bread lovers will die for; ask about it when you order. Macarons are made with egg whites, so they aren't vegan, while plain sourdough is usually just flour, water and salt.
Friday: facials, Main Street, the long dinner
Early afternoon. Come straight to Citrine. Choose the Signature Facial (1 hour), an hour of Reiki or a spa pedicure, and stagger the bookings so whoever finishes first can wander.
In between. Hair or lashes before the big night? The Parlour, a salon in an old bank building on Main Street, does hair, eyelash extensions and waxing, with walk-in haircuts Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Then settle into the house. Welcome snacks and drinks are waiting.
Evening. Walk to Denny Bar Co. on Main Street for the long dinner. Share wood-fired pizzas (the Asado, the bacon dill pickle) and order cocktails made with the distillery's own vodka, gin and whiskey. Take your time. Nobody has to drive.
Late. Lights off, sweaters on, and out to the walled garden, which was made for staying up with the stars.
Saturday: the garden, then Ashland
Morning. Yoga on the terraced gardens. The second bedroom has yoga mats; bring your own if all six of you are practicing. Prefer a teacher? Ask the concierge about a private class with Kreate Yoga, who works with Blossom on wellness programming, or check the schedule for Yoga with Chai Perlman and book ahead.
Late morning. Drive to Ashland, Oregon: about 68 miles and 1 hour 15 to 20 minutes on Highway 3 through Fort Jones and Yreka, then I-5 north over Siskiyou Summit.
Afternoon. Spend it at Chozu Bath & Tea Gardens, a Japanese-style bathhouse with a sauna, cold plunge, steam, massage and a tea and sake lounge, open until 10 pm on Saturdays. Get in touch ahead of time to plan a visit for six.
Dinner. My Ashland picks for six: The Noble Fox, with house beers, craft cocktails, and vegan and gluten-free options, or cocktails on the deck at Brickroom, over the Plaza, with live music on weekends. Cocorico, modern Mediterranean from a menu that changes daily, takes parties of up to four, so save it for a smaller night. The splurge is MÄS, chef Josh Dorcak's Japanese-style counter: one seating of 12, Thursday to Sunday, reserved on Tock, so six of you would fill half the counter. Its kitchen can't accommodate vegan or vegetarian diets. His newer oyster and sushi bar, NAMA, is the other sushi night in town. Not a sauna crowd? Skip Chozu and drive up just for dinner.
Night. Your sober driver takes everyone home over the summit.
Sunday: a mountain lake, then home
Morning. In season, mid-June through October, drive about 13 miles from Etna via Sawyers Bar Road to Taylor Lake. The walk is 0.6 miles round trip with 50 feet of gain, wheelchair accessible, at about 6,500 feet. Bring the last macarons and a warm layer. Want more? Hogan Lake starts from the same trailhead: 3 miles round trip with about 1,500 feet of climbing.
Out of season, skip the lake. Walk into town for coffee at Wildwood Coffee instead, and give the wood stove one more hour before the drive home.
Who sleeps where
Up to six sleep at the house, two to a bed:
Main bedroom: a California King under vaulted ceilings, for the guest of honor and one lucky friend.
Second bedroom: a queen bed, a writer's desk, yoga mats and kettlebells.
The loft: a full bed up a ladder, "only accessible to the adventurous," with a chaise lounge and a bird's-eye view. Assign it before the second cocktail, not after.
Who drives
There is no taxi or ride-share service in Scott Valley. Friday is easy: Denny Bar Co. and Etna Brewing Co. are a walk from the house. Saturday is 68 miles each way over a mountain pass, with the drive home after dark, so choose a sober designated driver before anyone orders a drink. Taking two cars? Then you need two. Give them first pick of the macarons.
Good to know
Citrine is closed Sundays, Denny Bar Co. closes Monday and Tuesday, Chozu closes Monday, and MÄS runs Thursday to Sunday. Check hours before you go.
Taylor Lake's season runs mid-June through October, and snow is possible from late October.
In winter, chains or traction tires may be required on Siskiyou Summit; check TripCheck and Caltrans QuickMap. Coming home, the California border station asks a few questions about fruit, plants or firewood.
Oregon has no sales tax, but Ashland adds 5% to restaurant meals.
Cooking in? Shop at Ray's, Etna's grocery store, or ask us to arrange a private chef for an added fee.
Adding friends for a party at the house? Everything is welcome. For more than 14 people on the property at one time, let us know ahead so we can help with the proper permits.
Planning the rest of the wedding year too? See our wedding planning guide, from the bridal shower to the honeymoon, and members can build it all in the wedding planner in the Members Portal.
When the date is set, see open dates and prices for your weekend at Blossom Sanctuary. Join the Sovereign Circle free through December 31, 2026 for the member rate and a gift with your first stay. Planning for a group? Text the concierge at 530 572 1122 or write to Concierge@blossomsanctuary.com.
