There’s nothing I love more than an immersive vacation experience—one that transports you to a time and place that connects you with the past in a palpable way while adhering to modern standards and expectations. This is what I encountered during my stay at the historic Napa River Inn in downtown Napa Valley. But, don’t let […]
Healdsburg is hot. This verdant area has award-winning wines, acclaimed restaurants, a zeal for local products, and friendly residents. And it’s an easy drive from San Francisco—when you gauge the traffic correctly.
It’s the perfect time to visit wine country—no crowds, no unbearable heat, and no traffic. Usually bustling with tourists and cars inching along Main Street, St. Helena’s popular restaurants, prime parking spots, and space at the wine bar in your favorite tasting room are all available at this time of year.
Once you’re beyond California’s Highway 101 and headed west to Bodega Bay, the drive is through open farm and ranch land, orchards, and vineyards—serenity in every direction. Then it’s over the hills and to the coast. If you’re lucky, there’s no fog and you can see the harbor and the Pacific Ocean shimmering just beyond. […]
If you’re in the mood for a wine country getaway that doesn’t require you to drive after you’ve arrived, then downtown Napa is the place—just stash your keys and relax. On a good traffic day, make the drive from San Francisco in an hour. And after the recent earthquake, Napa needs your support. Visit and help out […]
“Wow!” Stepping onto my second-story terrace, I was awestruck. Hanging in the sky above me was a hot air balloon, so close it seemed I could reach out and touch it. Talk about your wine country welcomes! The cheery orb continued within close sight, sailing in slow motion above the red tile roofs and in […]
Life during the week is crazy. Having a weekend trip mirror that intensity is pure insanity. It’s great when a getaway is easy and relaxing. That’s what makes it thoroughly enjoyable. Not too long ago, my husband and I meandered along Westside Road, the 12-mile drive between Healdsburg and River Road in Sonoma County. It’s […]
Guerneville, situated in the Russian River resort area, is a wonderful town from which to discover this idyllic region. Be active or relax; you win with either choice. The area has been a getaway destination since 1877 when it was first connected to San Francisco via railway.
The sleepy town of Napa has recently undergone a metamorphosis beyond just a place to sleep while visiting wine country, due in part to the abundance of gourmet restaurants, shopping, wine tasting, and entertainment—all located downtown. On a recent visit to the wine county I decided to explore Napa by getting out of my car and […]
Time to brighten up your winter with a trip to the friendly farming community of Sebastopol in the lush Russian River Valley. Settled in 1812 by Russian explorers, the beautiful landscape was first planted with Gravenstein apples. Sustainable farming practices have prevailed for more than 150 years.