Last night we very begrudgingly returned from our Napa & San Francisco trip. Tony Bennett isn't the only one who left his heart there! Such a romantic and enchanting escapade. The weather was glorious the entire trip, sunshine and sea breezes.
We stayed in Napa at one of our favorite hotels, Vino Bello. We like this hotel because it is well located and budget and family friendly. Kiddy pool, boccie ball, spa, vineyard, walking trails, wine caves, and near shopping and restaurants. The rooms even have full kitchens or kitchenettes and washer/dryers. 
We visited our favorite winery, V. Sattui, and also ventured across the street to Dean and Deluca. Located in St. Helena, a sweet little Napa Valley town full of quaint shops and eateries. Both purveyors are loaded with epicurean treats and fantastic wine. V. Sattui offers many dessert wines - my husband's favorite. The most extraordinary, in my opinion, is the Angelica. A mixture of muscat and brandy (must be paired with cigar). Pictured right is a gourmet sugar and salt bar at Dean and Deluca. I was mesmerized by the salmon pink Himalayan salt bricks! Apparently the bricks can be heated and used for table top sauteing. How much fun would that be at a dinner party???
We made the one hour drive south to San Francisco and stayed in Tiburon (across the bay) at the Tiburon Lodge. We checked in, walked into our room, looked around - then both simultaneously broke out into 70's porn riff: bom chicka wah wah! Mirrors everywhere! We had a good laugh and short conversation about black lights before I back peddled to the front desk, 2 year old in tow, and sweet talked them into a much improved room. (Honey will get you further than vinegar!)Tiburon and Sausalito (slower paced and full of dining and shopping) are across the bay and a scenic ferry ride to downtown, highly recommended! Generally hotels in SF will charge $60 for parking. We drove in order to execute the "grande finale" planned for the day.
Although we have been several times, it is still soooo difficult to choose activities when in SF. So much to do! Like most parents, we centered our day around experiences for Lauren. We hopped a trolley car up Mason then sauntered back down Hyde. Along the way to Ghirardelli Square we passed Lombard, the classic winding road. (Pausing at all windows displaying the most dreamy lah-dee-dah's a girl has ever seen!)
We sampled Ghirardelli Chocolate but were ecstatic to find Kara's Cupcakes! Some were gluten free so Lauren could indulge. We then stumbled upon the Crown and Crumpet Tea Salon. Seriously, the most adorable store I have ever seen. Future trips will be planned accordingly! A nap drive soon ensued landing us at Golden Gate Park which is over 1,000 acres and has something for everyone. Lauren had a blast playing at Koret Children's Quarter and riding the Carousel. 
Mommy's turn! I threw out the idea that I wanted to break in my Nike Triax 13's on the Golden Gate Bridge (1.7 miles). My husband agreed and dropped me off on the south end of the bridge then picked me up on the north end. Articulating what a thrill that was is extremely difficult. The sun was shining, there was a salty ocean breeze, the view was truly magnificent. I thought it might be tough - long and cold, it wasn't. I didn't come down off my high the entire way accross the bridge.
I walked, jogged, listened to the new runner's playlist on my iPod and snapped pictures. At the end, I could finally see my family. I took off at a sprint and so did Lauren. We both ran into each others open arms. "I found you on the red bridge mama!" she exclaimed. I will never forget that moment and I told her that I hope she doesn't either.
Other than the weight gain I loved our trip. Hello steak day!
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Sounded like a wonderful trip, one I can't wait to make!!
Wow! What a wonderful trip! So glad you went- the weight gain was worth it!
Fantastic trip!! You gave me some good ideas for my next SF rendevousz! Glad you had a good time!
Glad you had such a nice time and the pics are beautiful.
I'll be going to San Fran in October - first time there but it's to write the bar exam so it won't be all about pleasure but I'm sure looking forward to seeing the Golden Gate bridge.
Great blog! Wonderful pics. Thanks goodness for steak days!
One of the things that can be the appeal or deterrence is the wide variety of circumstances you can run into at a hostel.
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