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The Ranch at Bandy Canyon

January 4, 2017 Mad Hungry Woman 6 Comments

Last month, I was invited to visit The Ranch at Bandy Canyon located in Escondido, not far from the Safari Park. The property is situated in the hills of Escondido and offers up individual cabins ranging in sizes to fit your party.

The history of Bandy Canyon begins in 1870 when John D Bandy staked his homestead by filing for 80 acres of land in the mouth of the canyon. It was a turbulent time and after selling to William H Thompson in 1875, the land boom went bust and the bank foreclosed the property in 1887.

In 1900, Henry Fenton, whose mother Emma was hired as a cook for the property by Thompson, was 28 years old at the time. He saved enough money and purchased 1000 acres of land in the San Pasqual Valley at just $3 an acre. Thirty years later, Fenton created a camp at the ranch for under-privileged boys to experience summer camp.

Fenton passes away in 1951, at which time, the ranch was a massive 4000 acres. His widow Justine Fenton sold approximately 3300 acres to the city of San Diego for $1 million the following year. The deal secured valuable water rights in the San Pasqual Valley, and much of that acreage today houses the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

We arrive at The Ranch just as the sun sets and it is getting darker by the minute. Since we are unfamiliar with the property, we decide to park in the parking area adjacent to the horse stables. We flag down a guy driving by in a golf cart and he immediate ask if I’m “Lau” (he said Luau hehe) and offers to drive us up to our cabin-style cottage — the Eagle. We load up the cart and Robert gives us a little background about the property.

After checking in, Robert helps us with our luggage into our cabin. It is quaint and adorable. The little cottage has two levels with a living room and kitchenette, as well as a bedroom downstairs. The loft upstairs is another bedroom with a bathroom attached.

If you’re looking for a getaway with the family sans electronics, this is the place to go! The cottages are all sans TVs – by design – and the signal is pretty spotty all around. There is wifi available, but you don’t have to tell the kids if you don’t want to.

If you’re not looking to stay overnight, there are other attractions at The Ranch, including horseback riding, and a petting zoo for the kids. The Ranch is also a perfect location for birthday parties, company picnics, or weddings to remember.

Check out their website for more information.

 

Travel cabins, Escondido, getaway, horseback riding, San Diego

Comments

  1. Diane Rutherford Wilkinson says

    January 4, 2017 at 3:03 pm

    I attended a wedding on the property about 3 years ago, It was catered by a food truck. I thought it was a great venue and I believe the bride did as well.

    Reply
    • Mad Hungry Woman says

      January 5, 2017 at 10:22 am

      That’s great to know Diane! Thank you for your feedback!

      Reply
  2. Deb Moretti says

    January 4, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    Looks like a cool place!

    Reply
  3. Mona Mannina says

    December 15, 2017 at 6:07 pm

    My husband and I found this place on Groupon. We stayed 2 nights in the Bluebird. It was quaint and cozy. Not to many amenities but a nice enough breakfast in the morning. The surrounding grounds were absolutely beautiful. In fact we consider bringing our grown family with grandkids to celebrate a renewal of our wedding vows. It’s very relaxing away from the beat and path. Swimming pool, jacuzzi, horses, horse shoes. Can’t say enough

    Reply
  4. Jenn says

    January 1, 2022 at 1:22 pm

    Staying here right now with our extended family. We rented three cabins and all mostly congregated to ours for meals and fellowship! Everyone loves it here and can’t believe they never knew it existed! We found it two years ago and absolutely fell in love with the private secluded beauty it offers. They are opening a restaurant for the guests next month. Can’t wait to come again and try it out!

    Reply
    • Mad Hungry Woman says

      March 4, 2022 at 10:41 am

      It’s such a lovely get away.

      Reply

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About Me

This blog is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I'm passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn't end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.

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