Alright fellow Lemoore NAS Navy spouses, this blog post is for you! I was born and raised in the Central Valley, and this is a recent discovery for me, and one of the best kept secrets in the foothills. So I can tell you as a local – you will not find a more romantic spot to get away for the weekend than the River Jewel Suites.
See, I already knew that Three Rivers offered some great foothills scenery that would make for a lovely date. With its small town charm, an arts and crafts ambiance that belongs to this unique slice of California wilderness, and crazy friendly people everywhere you go (from the locals to the tourists that trek here from around the globe), you just can’t go wrong in Three Rivers.
But when friends who are new to the area would ask me about places to stay, I kind of drew a blank. My usual answer was, uhhhh, in a tent? I guess? My experience with Three Rivers lodging pretty much consists of the roadside motels doting the 198 on the way to the Sequoias. Nothing that would inspire images of candlelit dinners and bottle of bubbly. But after being asked on more than one occasion what and where I recommend in Three Rivers for family vacations and romantic dates, I finally decided to do some digging around on the ol Google machine.
That is how I stumbled upon The River Jewel Suites in Three Rivers. Opened just five years ago by Larry and Diana Jules (and their friendly dog Colt!), this secluded getaway sports a five star rating on TripAdvisor, a five star rating on Yelp, a five star rating on Air BNB, and a five star rating on the River Jewel Facebook page. For those of you review junkies like myself, you know that this just does not happen very often unless a business is truly exceptional.
I reached out to Larry and Diana to learn more about their business and to explore the grounds myself first hand and I learned that.. HOLY SMOKES IS THIS PLACE EXCEPTIONAL!!
Located in the foothills of the Sierra just minutes from the entrance to Sequoia National Park, The River Jewel in Three Rivers offers spectacular riverfront lodging in a private, peaceful setting. Run by a wonderful couple, (loving and passionate homeschool parents, woot woot!), they decided to create this enchanting getaway once all their kids grew up (the main suite used to be the kids play area / loft!) Larry has an extensive background in construction, and Diana has professional experience in interior décor and staging real estate, so this place exudes an effortless charm that makes the former Disneyland cast member in my soul feel right at home!
We stayed in the Kaweah Gem, just one of the three suites (although a fourth is currently in the works), and we were greeted by Diana, who showed us around with a mini tour of the property before turning us loose to roam the grounds. Our room was stocked with fresh towels, organic soaps, shampoo, coffee, fresh fruit and snacks and the sound of soft jazz music playing over the gentle roar of the river just steps away from the suite!
The Kaweah Gem has amazing views, a California king-size bed and all the amenities you could want. The property is also fully furnished, from the suites to the outdoor kitchen area. Cooking utensils from knives to casserole dishes to pots, pans and champagne flutes to cooking staples like oils and salts, these suites have everything you need to feel at home away from home. For instance, I had forgotten my book with local hikes at home, and when we first set our bags down in our room, we noticed that they had my book sitting on a shelf with many others that were a fun read by the river!
Our room also featured a mural painting of the landscape from a local Three Rivers artist, and a childhood toy train of Larrys circled the track of the landscape.. just one example of the many treasures, antiques, family heirlooms and creative handcrafted projects Larry and Diana use to decorate and furnish the suites with. We found countless special touches, hidden treasures and thoughtful additions to all the suites on the property (CLICK HERE TO SEE SOME MORE PHOTOS WE TOOK OF THE OTHER ROOMS AT THE RIVER JEWEL!), and the originality of the accommodations set this location apart as truly a unique in the Central Valley.
We spent a fun two days in Three Rivers, exploring the local shops (will be following up with a blog post on some recommendations for Three Rivers shops and attractions!) and then spent the evening baking a locally made pizza on the outside kitchen, and drinking champagne on our private patio, watching the sun set over the hills and marveling at the star-studded sky. We spent the morning by the river, sipping on hot coffee and listening to morning bird song by the water.
Wow Gingi. .. this place sounds great, 5 star all the way around. By the sounds of it they need more than one extra room, hopefully they can build on a few more ♡ xox
Yeah, I can totally see why this place is booked up all the time.. I kind of want to keep this place on the down low so I can keep it all to myself!! lol!
Wow, such a lovely place!
I love these pics!!!!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
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Thank you! It WAS quite lovely!
Ah California, so beautiful.. and so far away from me! I was showing my husband the photos because it looks like such a great place to relax and recharge and refresh. Nothing like nature to make you feel ready to go back and face the world. AND… what big rooms – that shower!
Yeah, the shower was my husbands favorite part, haha! You guys need to make it out here sometime! You would love it!!
What a dream! I have never slept in a California King, but I’ve never been impressed with regular kings at all!
After co-sleeping with two toddlers for the past year, I am convinced we now cannot live without one.. haha!
The River Jewel sounds like a fantastic place to stay! I love that they even included books in your suite 🙂
Yeah, it had a much more personalized bed and breakfast feel than just an average inn or suites… seriously, husband and I are planning on going back every year for our anniversary! <3 <3 <3
What a cute place to stay
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Very romantic place and stunning pictures! Thanks for sharing Gingi!
♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
Of course! Thanks for reading! <3
Simpy magical, dear! I love how the door opens up to the lovely garden 😀
Yeah, the back area had winding paths down to the river… simply magical!!
what a fabulous little getaway for you both!!
😉
Muito bonito esse lugar!
Ótima segunda!
Beijo! ^^
Such a great review, this looks like a peaceful little slice of heaven. Amazing photos, thanks!
It really was, it is one of those places where pictures just do not do it justice!
This place is heavenly! Wow!! I love the decor and the scenery is fab. I definitely wouldn’t mind spending some days there. LOVE!
Wishing you a blessed week, beautiful. 🙂
http://missymayification.blogspot.co.uk
Did you check out the photos of the other suites? The one we stayed in had the most mainstream look and feel decor-wise.. but it was heavenly! Would love to come back and try out the other rooms! <3
Oh my … what a gorgeous retreat!
This place looks so beautiful, Gingi. Happy new week, girl.
xox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
You too Lenya! <3
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Wowza that is a beautiful place! I am so jealous. Two whole days there. Lucky duck!
Two days in Three Rivers, one night at the River Jewel.. seriously enough to fill up our happy for a long time!! haha!
This place looks pretty amazing!!
Blog: http://fiftyshadesofpink.blogs.sapo.pt/
Instagram: @sarafqueiros
It was!!! <3
What a wonderful place!
ARedLip&Love
Aw! My dad lived in Lemoore as a kid, so even though I’ve never been, it always has a special place in my heart. That looks absolutely gorgeous!
xx katie // a touch of teal
Lemoore is about a good 45 minute drive from Three Rivers, but it is the perfect distance for a weekend getaway for all us Navy wives! lol!
Well, I can’t say romantic getaways happen in my world, but I love the idea of getting away. Looks so fun. And I noticed the Mrs. Meyers soap on the countertop, now that’s my kind of getaway. I guess I’ll just have to live through your lovely shots.
Oh my gosh girl! You crack me up!! I seriously squealed with delight over the Mrs. Meyers soap on the counter too, haha! <3
This place looks perfect for a couple romantic getaway, plenty of space to enjoy the time together and I love when there are local shops and bakeries near, always so interesting to explore!
Yes, my husband and I had not gone out exploring in Three Rivers in YEARS.. so many amazing shops have popped up, and we are soooo impatient to get back now!
fabulous eroom, fantastic decors
I’d love to know your opinion on my new post
fashion blogger italia
kiss
Beautiful post.
http://www.thestylegalaxy.com
Out of this world.
It looks a fantastic place to stay, and your pictures are a joy to look at.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan! <3
What a beautiful setting! Your photos are gorgeous! Looks like the perfect place to stay!
Jill
Doused In Pink
It really was!! I hope my photos do this place justice, it really was SO NEAT!
How beautiful! Unfortunately California is a bit far for us for a weekend getaway, but it looks like an amazing location.
If you are ever in the area, checking out the Sequoias, you have GOT TO stay here! <3
I felt like going for a getaway after seeing this post! The location is beautiful and definitely does look romantic, thanks for sharing!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Thank you for stopping by!!! <3
Goooooooooorgeous!
Thank you for taking me to The River.
Brilliant. I can smell the fresh air from the bedroom!
WOW.
I know, I want to go baaaack!!! hehe..
this is great! i hope you’re doing well 🙂
mfashionfreak♥blog
Wow stunning place! 🙂
Check out my new post on whattostyle.blogspot.com
xoxo,
Jessica
STUNNING! Oh how I would love to live in California.
Come live heeeere!! We can be roomies! haha!
Oh my!! I wish I could visit this gorgeous place <3
Such a cool place to rest and relax. I love that rattan ceiling fan..
Yeah, the whole feel of the place was super nice! <3
Great inspiration!
Have a nice week-end!
Gil Zetbase
http://gilzetbase.com/
Whoa, I want to go there. It’s beyond charming!!!
That place looks so cozy and amazing! 🙂
xx Jamie | With Love, Jamie