Snuggled on the lap of Mt. Shasta sits a gem you’ll want to discover.
The Shasta MountINN, a Bed & Breakfast guests call “the best B&B in California,” calls itself ‘a little inn by a big mountain.’ In reality, it is much more than that.
This Victorian farmhouse, built in 1904, once belonged to Mt. Shasta Mayor Richie Edson. In 1991, the inn was restored and relocated to a cozy corner a few blocks off Mt. Shasta Boulevard. This private corner gives the inn its cuddly feel, yet guests are a quick few blocks from great restaurants, shops and the headwaters of the Sacramento River where the purest water in the state pours through crevices of the mountain.
Four years ago, David Knowles saw this historical building and fell in love. He and a friend purchased the inn and opened for business.
When the first snow came, Knowles needed to learn some new skills. Having spent much of his life in a sunny clime, and a good deal of it on the Big Island of Hawaii, Knowles was not exactly sure how to snow-blow when you have no idea where the path is.
“I thought, ‘what have I got myself into?’ he laughs.
Perhaps it’s aloha spirit Knowles brings with him, or perhaps it’s the way Knowles really listens to his guests when they stay with him, that gives the inn such a community feel. For example, when Knowles first opened and was deserted by his original cook, who decided Mt. Shasta wasn’t her thing, Knowles’ guests taught him how to cook.
“For the first few months after my cook left I passed out breakfast coupons to Lily’s,” says Knowles. “Guests would take pity on me and teach me. I eventually learned how to cook a number of dishes guests seem to really enjoy.”
A most impressive learner, Knowles’ dishes now solicit comments like “the most scrumptious breakfasts, amazing food and the best potatoes ever.” To wake to the aroma of his vegetable egg scramble and potatoes wafting under your door brings a smile, especially if you’ve already tasted this delicious combo. It’s like being awakened by a close friend.
The inn has two bedrooms downstairs and two upstairs, each with a private bath. Several rooms have fireplaces. All rooms have comfy Tempur-pedicTM beds and magnificent views of Mt. Shasta, especially majestic in the winter snow. There is a separate sitting room with massage chairs that massage your back and legs. If you like a more personal touch, Knowles is a talented masseur and runs Shasta Massage on the lower floor of the inn.
Out back there is a private Jacuzzi for two, which sits under pines and is especially inviting when snow lightly drops or when the evergreen boughs spill an occasional snow plop on your head. From there, you can sit in the intimate sauna, which Knowles has thoughtfully stocked with music and essential oils.
Touches like these are sprinkled throughout the home and make guests feel special and well-cared for. From the colors of the robes to the lavender salt scrub on the side of the bath to the many choices of snacks available at all hours, guests can tell their host has spent time thinking about what they might like. As your host, Knowles expertly balances being available with making you feel as if you are alone in the home.
What is hardest to put into words is the magical rejuvenation guests feel after staying at the Shasta MountINN. An inspiring peace runs through the home and through you when you are in it. When you leave, you want to return.
“My repeat business is incredible,” says Knowles.
The guest registries prove it. Nearly every entry reads “we’ll be back” or it’s “our third/fourth visit.” When you stay, you’ll understand why. It’s one of those places you want to keep a secret, yet you can’t help telling everybody you know.
Comments from guests in 2008:
“What a great place, host, food and one of the top two massages ever and I’ve had many!” Leslie and Paul Wilton
“Truly a remarkable first trip to Mt. Shasta. Certainly will not be the last. I’ll be back. It was magical. You made it that way.” Jeffrey Cadorette, Pennsylvania
“Shasta MountInn has been the best b&b experience we’ve had in California. We feel as though we just visited a close family member.” Kim and Curt Barnett, Southern California
“My 60th birthday was one of the best I have ever experienced. Dave, you are a gentle soul and such a loving host. We enjoyed both rooms and your beautiful home. Thank you so much for letting us share everything with you.” Tim and Rose Flood
Contact information:
David Knowles, Innkeeper
Shasta MountINN Retreat & Spa
203 Birch Street
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
(530) 926-1810
Jamie Weil is a freelance writer who recently moved back to her hometown of Cottonwood, Calif., after a 26-year sabbatical. She is currently finishing the revision of her debut young adult novel, “First Break.”
