This summer, my husband and I were looking for a fun way to celebrate our 21st anniversary. Well, how about spending the night in a train caboose?

At the Featherbed Railroad Bed and Breakfast Resort in Nice, Ca., you get to stay in one of nine theme-decorated railroad cars. Set in a park-like setting overlooking a private boat launch and pier, it is a unique escape from the ordinary and the perfect way to get some quality alone time. Since all of the rooms are beautifully restored old cabooses, it feels like a private hideaway.

We viewed the themed rooms online and reserved La Loose Caboose. The bordello inspired décor included a burgundy Jacuzzi tub for two, a mirrored ceiling and even a velvet painting bought at an auction at the Mustang Ranch! An additional feature was the seating for two way up high in the cupola. What a wonderful way to view the sunset over the lake.

It’s a long and windy road to Lake County, so after check in, we headed over to the Blue Wing Blues Festival in Upper Lake. The event was located in the courtyard between the Tallman Hotel and the Blue Wing Saloon and Café. On our night, the festival featured John Lee Hooker, Jr. and opened with Side Of Blues. Between the balmy weather, the delicious BBQ and the outstanding music, we almost felt like we were in New Orleans!

The next morning we enjoyed a homemade breakfast served in the dining room by our gracious hosts, Tony and Peggy. A nice touch was the heart shaped waffles with fresh fruit and hand whipped cream.

Properly fueled, we rented a kayak for two and paddled around Clear Lake, conveniently located across the street from the Featherbed. Our goal was not to tip over (especially not in the algae which gets bad towards the end of summer) and I’m happy to say we were successful! This is the perfect area for wildlife viewing and we spotted herons, egrets, pelicans, ducks, grebes and jumping catfish.

Upper Lake and Nice are very small towns where there isn’t a lot to do. We checked out some antiques shops and the one not to miss is Clarke’s Collectable Lunch Box Museum in Nice. I guarantee you will see the lunchbox from your childhood among the 700 plus that are displayed!

Some wonderful wineries are starting to spring up in Lake County such as nearby Ceago and Tulip Hill. We didn’t have time to visit, so maybe next time we’ll combine our wine tasting with a stay in the Wine Country car. Or, maybe we’ll take a ride on the wild side and stay in the Easy Rider room. Helmets are optional…