The Felton Crest Inn is one of those B&B's where privacy and elegance go hand-in-hand. It's near Santa Cruz, between San Francisco and Monterey, and is very close to the Henry Cowell Redwoods State park, a pristine and beautiful reserve. Owner/manager Hanna Peters, originally from Hamburg Germany, enthusiastically greeted us as we arrived and commended us to enjoy the champagne and a bowl of fruit awaiting our pleasure in the room. Our room, the Tree Top Penthouse, was superb, as good or better than what you find in a luxury hotel. It has a glorious king-sized bed, fireplace, Jacuzzi, big screen projection

If you want an escape from everyday pressures take a vacation without a plane flight, try the Inn at Felton Crest. This beautiful Bed & Breakfast is located in the Mountains of Felton, but feels as if you have left the world behind.

Hanna Peters welcomes guests from Texas, New York, Tahiti, Finland, Germany, Austria and Asia as well as guests from all over Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties. Each person who visits is treated as if they are a long lost friend. Visitors from Philadelphia wrote in her guest book "The moment we met you we both felt we had stumbled on an old friend, a kindred spirit!" The Inn has also had a share of famous guests. Lindsay Wagner and Peggy Fleming have both stayed. Peggy Fleming even used the Inn at Felton Crest for a photo shoot.

Hanna had a long and interesting journey from her homeland of Germany to become a luxury innkeeper. Hanna was born to a working class family in Germany. She had great difficulty learning English in school and was told to give it up and go play with her dolls. But she didn't let that stop her. Instead, Hanna worked hard and in 1967 she traveled to Rochester, New York to work as a nanny. By the time her year contract expired, Hanna had fallen in love and gotten married. The marriage lasted 16 years and brought Hanna to her beautiful house in Felton.

After the divorce, Hanna realized she had to return to the working world. She started a house cleaning business. "My hands paid for my house," she says. Two girlfriends walking in Capitola inspired her to turn her house into a B&B. Laura Jones from Chateau de Fleur in Capitola as well as the owner of the Depot mentored and guided her through the difficult first years. Again, Hanna persevered. Everyone said that people only wanted to stay near

Five years ago, Hanna's parents passed away. This marked a time of change for Hanna. "I realized how quickly our lives can end so I decided to quit housekeeping and concentrate on my Bed & Breakfast."

Hanna is a member of the B&B Association of Santa Cruz County and has served as president for 4 years. The group works on marketing and helping each other. One example is that each member takes the phones for a week and then refers guests to the B&B that best fits their needs. Soon there will be a web site - www.bnbinns-santacruzca.org. For now, you can visit Hanna at her web site www.feltoncrestinn.com.

"For a child who could not learn English, I have come a long way. I am now a successful business woman. I believe that what goes around comes around" states Hanna. In that spirit, Hanna is hosting a German exchange student next year. This is her chance to repay the boy's grandparents who helped her family after WWII with food and clothing.

"Everyday is like Thanksgiving. I get to set the table and treat my guests." Hanna does like to spoil people. Every room comes with a bottle of champagne, a bowl of fresh fruit, a cheese tray, chocolate kisses, fresh flowers and a nice breakfast in the morning. It is a place to rejuvenate. A chance to walk in the woods, see the stars and inhale the great mountain air. Within five miles of the Inn there are hiking trails, Roaring Camp Railroad, antique stores and wonderful wineries. Felton also has a great selection of restaurants to try.

So escape from the kids, send back the airline ticket and vacation in a little slice of local paradise.