WE live in a wonderful retirement community, but once a month, we like to escape to B & B within 2 to 3 hours drive from Davis, CA. As we love to explore different locals, it is rare for us to stay at a B & B where we have stayed before. This place is well worth a second visit. The rooms and common areas are excellent and the breakfast are amazingly tasty and artfully presented. Of the 40 B & Bs we have stayed, this in the top 3.
Room Tip: WE stayed in the Calaveras room which is ADA equipped and ideal for Seniors.
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
Wendi and Bruce truly made me feel as if I were a guest in their home. They were warm, friendly, accommodating, and lovely to get to know.
The rooms were so comfortable, and super clean (a must for me when I travel). The grounds were serene, well kept, and beautiful.
I had never even heard of Arnold before my trip there, but now I can recommend it highly to others, with the caveat that they stay at the Arnold Black Bear Inn.
Just a few miles away is a super cute town called Murphys, which is a great way to spend the afternoon while you are in the area. (must eat at Mineral!! so amazing)
The other direction is Big Tree State Park, which has amazing redwoods to explore.
I wanted for nothing the weekend I stayed there, and that kind of care is what brings people back here again and again.
p.s. make sure you haul yourself out of your cozy bed in time for breakfast…yummers!
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
A group of us rented out the inn for a weekend and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Wendi and Bruce were gracious and their true care for their guests was palpable. They served us the most amazing breakfast - nut-encrusted french toast - keeping in mind some of our party were gluten-free [and made it all vegan most graciously]. They are truly kind, authentic people that want you to feel at ease and have a great time.
The beds were so comfortable and I woke up early to enjoy the crisp air and the walkway from the front sign to the inn door is perfect for walking (and cart-wheeling). There are small touches, like the little rock duck wading in the grass by the walkway and the black bear figurine holding a welcome sign, that delight and create a sense of warmth.
The great locale only adds to how awesome Black Bear Inn is - less than 10 minutes away from the Sequoias in Big Tree State Park and 10-15 minutes from the quaint town of Murphy (host of the amazing Mineral restaurant - try their juicy and crisp Mineral Burger! - and some great small shops).
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
In anticipation of getting married at Black Bear Inn, my fiancee and I stayed overnight on Saturday March 30th. Having visited the property a couple of times previously, we knew we were in for a treat. We arrived Saturday afternoon and were warmly welcomed by Wendi and Bruce and shown to our beautiful room which just happens to be mere steps from the outdoor hot tub. The weather report indicated rain but it was a gorgeous sunny day so we took in some local sights. We returned to the Inn that afternoon to a delicious wine and cheese reception and chatted with some of the other guests. One couple were returning guests and make Black Bear Inn their relaxation destination about 3 times a year (this is now our plan too!!) After a fantastic night’s sleep, we awoke to an Easter basket outside our door! It was a sweet, playful gesture that made us feel like kids again. We then sat down to an amazing breakfast…nut crusted French toast accompanied by thick, maple bacon and fresh fruit, coffee and juice…mmmmm. Everything at Black Bear Inn is done with love, care and attention to detail. You will feel refreshed, revitalized and ready to plan your next visit. The setting is breathtakingly beautiful and the atmosphere quiet and serene. We are so thankful for this romantic getaway, a chance to spend time together and finalize the details of our special day. I can’t think of a better place to have chosen.
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
My husband and I had a wonderful two night stay at The Black Bear Inn. We have spent so much time in the area and this was the absolute best place we have every stayed. Only planned on one night but couldn’t bear to leave so made it two nights. It couldn’t have been more perfect! Excellent food, rooms, privacy and more. We will continue to stay here as long as Wendi and Bruce will let us. Thank you for a wonderful retreat.
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
Recently enjoyed two nights at the Black Bear Inn, and wished we could have stayed longer.
Wendi and Bruce run a definite five star inn, and treat their guests like family, very warm and accomodating. They know the area well, and no matter what activities you may have planned to do while staying in Arnold, they can advise you to make your recreational experience even better, whether it be skiing, hiking, fishing, or wine tasting, they have all the information you could ever need.
The little extras they provide are what sets this place apart from the rest of the B and B’s, such as their excellent wine and cheese plates prepared to your preference in the afternoon, or the option to have Bruce prepare you a customized gourmet dinner, which we took advantage of and enjoyed on our second night. I highly recommend having dinner there, because Bruce’s culinary skills are awesome and you won’t have to drive anywhere!
You will not be disappointed when you stay here and you will be reluctant to leave.
Inn was beautiful, clean and perfectly appointed. Room and bed were very comfortable. Location very convenient to skiing and restaurants. Innkeepers very attentive but not smothering. Very nice wine and cheese in the evenings. We will definitely stay here again!
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
The Arnold Black Bear Inn is a wonderful retreat - we always book our favorite room :) Wendi & Bruce always make us feel right at home. We have stayed here before and this time I needed some TLC because of health issues & they were right there to help me relax & enjoy my stay. Bruce prepared a special breakfast for me & wonderful dinner the 1st night of our stay. My husband went skiiing at Bear Valley & I stayed at “home” relaxing & reading. We will be back :) :) If any one wants a special Inn to enjoy, please stay here !!!!!!!
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
Filed under treat relax breakfast dinner
This was our second trip and we have already booked our third. Wendi and Bruce are just awesome. They are so helpful whether it is accomodating food alergies or booking dinner reservations at great restaurants (and then making sure you don’t get lost - THANKS Bruce!). The Inn is beautiful and clean. The breakfasts they serve are the best we have ever had at a B&B. There are so many things to do in the area, we decided to stay longer next time. Do yourself a favor and go to the Arnold Black Bear Inn. You will not be disappointed.
Room Tip: Check out their website. It has pictures of each room and a list of ammenities.

Filed under food allergies dinner clean brekafast
My wife and two sons had a very nice stay at the Arnold Black Bear Inn. The soaring wood beamed ceilings (no nails used) were beautiful to view as we sipped tea in front of the large stone fireplace in the serenity of the great room. The food and wine was excellent, Chef Bruce prepared the most amazing butternut squash bisque, with roasted garlic and chives. The Calaveras room was spacious, nicely decorated, and super clean. Hosts Bruce and Wendi were very gracious and friendly. Bruce is also a very talented painter, and his works are displayed at the inn.
The Inn is conveniently located about 25 minutes from Bear Valley skiing. I also liked the fact that just down the road there is an auto supply store where you can get necessary items (such as windshield wiper fluid that doesn’t freeze) and my snow scraper, which I forgot to bring.
The Black Bear Inn is convenient, just off the main road, but feels quiet and private. We will be back again, next time with friends.
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
Filed under serenity food wine butternut squash bisque Bear Valley skiing
Bruce and Wendi went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and more during our stay. Bruce is a talented chef and Wendi is a wonderful host. We were surprised to be such a short drive away from some great skiing at Bear Valley. We look forward to our next visit!
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
Filed under skiing bear valley chef
This is more than an Inn this is an experience… Lovely, beautiful and a feast for the heart, eyes and food is amazing! Wendi and Bruce have the art of hospitality The grounds and Inn are so inviting. The great room is big and spacious with views of the outdoors! The Happy Hour they provide with good wine can’t be missed. Would I go again yes and yes!
Loved Arnold Black Bear Inn!
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
Filed under food hospitality happy hour
So beautiful in the winter with the snow on the ground. The food is amazing and the hosts are so friendly and accomodating! I had special dietary restrictions and they were able to work around it by just letting them know in advance.
(Source: tripadvisor.com)
Filed under dietary restriction snow food friendly