Highland Springs Resort

Plan ahead for the horse-drawn tours and workshops, since they fill quickly and need online reservations. There are complimentary sun umbrellas for the rides. I found it best to eat before shopping, because there are so many farm-made organic products, including olive oils, teas, honey, lotions, and essential oils, sold in several spots. The Grand Oak Sausage with sauerkraut was divine. Parking can mean a long walk to the entrance, so bring a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Cash and credit both work for entry and food. The lavender-honey ice cream took a long time to get in the sun, but it was delicious. There was also a lovely kids' craft area and storytelling. The lavender festival at Highland Springs Resort was one of my favorite outings this year, thoughtfully planned and staffed by friendly, knowledgeable people. It made for a beautiful day as long as I paced myself and stayed hydrated.

I miss how Highland Springs Resort used to be. The buildings all need repairs, and none of the rooms are available. The restaurant has closed too. It feels like the proceeds are going elsewhere, and I suspect they may be trying to get what they can from the old resort before selling the land in the near future.

The lavender scent and the beauty in every corner made this feel like a place where love comes true. The food was great too. I wish I'd bought more souvenirs, and I'll visit again.

We went to 123 Farm for the Sourdough Festival while my husband and I were in the area working a short travel-nurse contract. We paid for parking and booked two hands-on workshops. One workshop was cancelled last week, but when we asked for our money back, they refused and offered credit for another workshop or festival instead. We aren't local, and none of the other workshops appealed to us, so we explained that we needed a refund. They said refunds were only available with the ticket protection plan, which is meant for problems on the purchaser's side, like illness or injury. We could attend; they were the ones who cancelled. I emailed to explain why that policy didn't fit the situation, then got no response. It's ridiculous that 123 Farms won't return our money. I'm so put off by this that I won't attend the festival, and we'll apparently lose even more by skipping the second workshop. They'll also lose whatever we might have spent on the grounds. They've lost us as future customers, and I hope others take this review seriously. It feels like they're keeping our money, and makes me wonder if they're desperate for funds and might do the same to other patrons. I planned to contact the Better Business Bureau and my credit card company about what I consider fraudulent charges. Don't visit or give them your money. They don't employ good, honest people. UPDATE: The California BBB tried to reach Highland Springs Resort and 123 Farm to help get our money returned, but heard nothing. The complaint will stay in their file. Don't give them your money, they're unabashedly stealing ours.