Page 15 - Carol LeBeau

Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino More than 170 mature native oak trees were transplanted
from other regions of the Reservation and 90 acres of Ber-
When a trip to Las Vegas is just too time consuming, not to muda sod was woven into the valley giving each hole its own
mention expensive with the cost of fuel or airfare, Barona personality.
Valley Ranch Resort and Casino provides a unique alterna- By Judith A. Habert
tive. Located in the scenic Barona Valley just 30 minutes There is nothing more wonderful than a beautifully land-
Photos by Lisa K. Miller
from Downtown San Diego, Barona is one of San Diego’s scaped and challenging golf course for those die hard
premier Indian Gaming Resorts. duffers out there, but I have to admit one of the things that
impressed me most, a sub-par golfer, was their ultra modern
The rooms were absolutely lovely and the surrounding golf carts which offered GPS to help you find the distance to
grounds a lush and vibrant green making you feel as if you each hole and a cooler to keep you hydrated while meeting
were somewhere way out in the country. The acclaimed the challenges of this course.
architects, Bergman, Walls and Associates, designers of the
Paris Hotel and Casino and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Our dinner was at the beautifully appointed Barona Oaks
decided that Barona should reflect the California Ranch Steakhouse where I indulged on one of the best lobster din-
lifestyle of the 1930s. They succeeded beyond expectations ners that I have had in years. Barona’s executive chef Dean
in creating this feeling. From the moment you drive onto Thomas’ use of organically grown local vegetables helped
make this meal unforgettable. The Oaks Steakhouse
is only one of 6 dining options available at Barona, so
if you are looking for variety in your menu it is easy to
find.

In addition to the casino, golf course and wonderful
menus at their restaurants, Barona also offers a spa
and pool so that you can relax and unwind after a
tough day at the tables or on the links. One thing to
note is that liquor is not served in the casino area, but
can be enjoyed with meals and through room service.
There are many reasons why Barona should be con-
sidered for a local getaway, one unique item found
at the Resort is their onsite wedding chapel. The
chapel sits on the edge of a small tranquil lake and is
a Victorian inspired whitewashed structure that seats San Diego
70. A custom crafted stained glass window is the Woman
centerpiece of the chapel, so if you are looking for a
romantic getaway and renewal of your wedding vows
the property you will note the design and colors, 15
stone walls, and oversized fireplace in the casino.
Unique among other casinos, the design and style
makes you feel less like you are in a noisy casino
and more like you are at a country resort. There
is a functioning old mill waterwheel, several lakes,
and period features such as a footbridge and a
restored barn.

Of course, the feeling shifts somewhat when you
enter the casino floor. With 2,000 Las Vegas slots,
video poker and keno machines, 70 table games,
a 15 table poker room, and an off track betting
area. Barona prides itself in offering an astounding
average daily payout of almost $14 million.
Aside from the attraction of the rustic ranch ap-
pearance and the excitement of a Las Vegas casi-
no, Barona Valley Ranch is also home to an award
winning golf course which has the reputation as
one of the most challenging in San Diego. Since it’s open- perhaps Barona is the ideal spot for your next “Staycation”
ing in 2001 The Barona Creek Golf Club has won numerous
awards including Golf Magazine’s Top 10 New Golf Courses Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino
in the nation and the rating as the 3rd best resort golf course 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road
in California by Golfweek Magazine. Additionally, the golf San Diego, California 92040
course has been recognized by Audubon International for www.barona.com
conservation, environmental quality and land management.
Sep/Oct2008