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A drive along the California coast on Highway 1, known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), is an awe-inspiring journey that everyone should do at least once! The PCH runs from San Diego all the way to Washington State, but if you don't have time to do the whole thing you will still be amazed by the views of any portion you choose to do. One of the most famous sections of the PCH is the part between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Along this route you can see the famous Big Sur area and cruise through a number of awesome California coastal towns. This is the journey my friend and I took on a recent girls' trip to California. I will give you our itinerary as a starting point, but you can easily add many more stops or spend more time in some of the areas if you have the time. You can also eliminate some of our diversions if you don't have a full10 days or if you want to make it all the way down to San Diego on your epic California coastal journey. Day One-San Francisco You can view my previous post on our whirlwind day in San Francisco here. This is definitely a place where you can add more time if you have it. If not, use our plan to see as much of San Francisco as you can in ONE day! Days Two and Three-Napa and Sonoma Valley This was actually one of my favorite parts of the trip! View my previous blog post about my magical experience in California Wine Country here. Napa and Sonoma Valley aren't actually on the coast, but we wanted to make sure we could spend some time wine tasting before heading down the PCH and we are so glad we did! Day Four-Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz and the 17 Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea My friend and I are extreme planners, but on this trip we decided to go outside our comfort zone and try to "wing it" with hotels after we left Sonoma Valley. This new approach didn't last long once we tried to find accommodations along the coast in the summertime, especially during the post-COVID vacation boom. We couldn't find anywhere along our planned coastal journey to stay on Saturday night, so we grabbed the only room we could find in Emeryville located across the Bay from San Francisco by Berkeley. Even though it wasn't exactly on our agenda, it was a very nice hotel and gave us a comfortable place to rejuvenate after all the wine-tasting of the previous two days. Half Moon Bay: We got up early the next day and headed back over to the coast to hop on the PCH down to Half Moon Bay. I always think of the band Train when hear about Half Moon Bay and if you are a Train fan you know what I mean. We stopped at the well-known Barbara's Fish Trap ( www.barbarasfishtrap.com ) for an early lunch. I am not a big seafood fan, but the crab cakes were delicious! TRAVELER TIP: Bring cash because they don't accept credit cards and go early because a long line will form and there aren't a ton of tables. We also saw long lines at Sam's Chowderhouse down the road, so if you can't get into Barbara's Fish Trap for your seafood fix this looks like a good alternative. After lunch we drove down the coast to Waddell State Beach to watch all of the surfers and kite surfers. If I was younger and more adventurous I would definitely try kite surfing because it looks awesome! Santa Cruz: From Half Moon Bay we drove south on the PCH to Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is a cute little beach town with a boardwalk and some beautiful cliffside walkways to take in the surrounding scenery. We parked on the street near the Natural Bridges State Beach and then walked along the West Cliff Drive scenic pathway that hugs the coastline. The pathway provides breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. If you want, you can walk the pathway all the way to the Santa Cruz wharf. It is generally flat so it is a very easy walk for everyone and you can go for as long (or as short) as you want. We didn't visit the wharf while we were there because it was a Saturday and it was extremely crowded, but it looked like a fun place! The Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546 ) is also in Santa Cruz and is a great place to see California Redwoods. There is a vehicle day use fee of $10, with discounts for seniors and larger fees for tour buses. The Park is nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains and has 15 miles of hiking and biking trails. There is an easy walking loop that takes you through a grove of old-growth Redwood trees with the tallest tree towering 285 into the air and measuring 16 feet wide! The oldest trees in the grove are 1,800 years old. 17 Mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea: Heading south on the PCH, you will find an entrance to the beautiful 17-Mile scenic drive from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are three other entrances so depending on where you are coming from another entrance may be more easily accessible. There is a $10.75 fee per vehicle to enter the 17-Mile drive and once you enter you will follow a map through several points of interest, forested areas, coastline views, beautiful mansions, and famous golf courses including the world-renowned Pebble Beach golf course. Depending on how long you linger at the various points of interest or scenic overlooks, the drive could take up to 3 hours. If you are heading south on the 17-Mile scenic drive you will end up right at Carmel-by-the-Sea which is where we planned to stay for the next three nights. Day 5-Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Monterey and Big Sur As I mentioned above, our well-intentioned plan of "winging it" on our California road trip didn't work so well. So much for us trying to be more relaxed about our travel planning! When we discovered that we were going to have trouble finding reasonably priced hotel rooms along our route, we got right to work planning out our accommodations for the rest of our journey. We decided to stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea for three nights as it was centrally located to many of the sites we wanted to see. It was actually kind of nice to have a home base for a few days and not have to pack up and move every morning. I guess Ann and I are not the relaxed, "go with the flow" travelers we had hoped to be! But it all worked out in the end and the moral of the story is that we are going to continue with our natural state of being super planners. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: We started our day with a beautiful six mile hike at the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The Reserve is just a mile or so south of Carmel right off the PCH. You can see my more detailed blog about visiting this "Crown Jewel" of the California State Park System here. Carmel-by-the-Sea: After our hike, we stopped in downtown Carmel for some lunch and shopping. There are several excellent restaurants in downtown Carmel, it just depends on what you are in the mood for. We ate at the Mission Bistro (https://missionbistrocarmel.com ) right in the middle of the downtown area. I had a Burrata Salad with grilled chicken that really hit the spot after our morning hike! The shopping in downtown Carmel is equally as satisfying with many exclusive shops and boutiques to find whatever you may be looking for or discover that thing that you didn't even know you needed! Monterey: Next we drove north on the PCH back to Monterey to check out some of its highlights, including spots made famous by HBO's hit show "Big Little Lies". We drove through Cannery Row, a cute little shopping area in the area's old cannery buildings. It looks like there are mostly touristy shops in Cannery Row as opposed to the boutique shopping in the downtown Carmel area. After cruising through Cannery Row, we set off to scope out the various location shots from Big Little Lies. First stop was the Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey (not to be confused with the giant tourist attraction Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco). There we ate at Palace Trattoria which served as the set for Blue Blue's Cafe, the quaint coffee shop overlooking the harbor where the main characters met to drink coffee and spill tea. Apparently the restaurant has been mobbed with BLL fans since the show aired so they can sit at an outside table and share their own gossip. Of course Ann and I had to do the same and get a picture! Next stop was to Lover's Point Beach in Pacific Grove where we learned that the Blissful Drip coffee shop from BLL didn't actually exist but was a set constructed at the Lover's Point Beach. The set is long gone, but we snagged a picture at the Beach anyway. The final BLL location to scout was the Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur so we headed south on the PCH to check it out. Big Sur: From watching Big Little Lies, I was under the impression that Big Sur referred to a beach town along the California coast. While there is a small unincorporated village with a collection of small roadside businesses and homes called Big Sur, when you hear someone talking about Big Sur they are most likely referring to the rugged stretch of California coast between Carmel and San Simeon. It is bordered to the east by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the west by the Pacific Ocean. You travel through the area by the narrow 2-lane PCH. Hold on as you take sharp turns, veer toward seaside cliffs and try to take in the spectacular views of the coastline. It is not for the faint-hearted...just ask Ann who got very nervous as I drove the winding road. It is totally worth braving the journey as it is some of the most picturesque scenery in the world. The opening credits of Big Little Lies shows just a glimpse of what it is like driving over the Bixby Creek Bridge. Day 6-Capitola City Beach, Ragged Point and Morro Bay Capitola City Beach: We headed back north to the northern end of Monterey Bay to the Capitola City Beach. This a small urban beach known for the bright, colored hotel rooms built right on the sand that offer a beautiful backdrop to the beach. There are several shops and restaurants along the Esplanade right by the beach. We ate at the Margaritaville restaurant that sits right on the beach looking out at the ocean and the colorful buildings. Ragged Point: We then headed back southbound on PCH and drove along the Big Sur coastline again (once is not enough!) until we got to the south end of Big Sur. There we pulled off at the PIedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery which is home to more than 7,000 Northern Elephant Seals which are the second largest seals in existence. You can see the stats on the picture above! Morro Bay: Next stop...Morro Bay! Morro Bay is a quaint little village right off the PCH. It is known for a large volcanic mound at the end of Morro State Beach called...what else...Morro Rock. Morro Rock is 576 feet tall and is the dominating feature of the town. There are several eateries along the harbor if you want to make this a lunch stop on your road trip! Day 7-San Luis Obispo After Morro Bay we headed to San Luis Obispo (or SLO as the locals call it) to crash for the night. We stayed in a charming family owned hotel called the Apple Farm Inn (www.applefarm.com). The Inn has 106 unique and charming rooms and is centrally located for easy access to SLO's many sights. After we dropped off our bags, we headed over to Avila Beach to relax from our travels and catch a few rays. That night we strolled along the bustling Higuera Street to check out the shops. I made several purchases at an adorable store called The Junkgirls (www.junkgirls.com) which was filled with unique and handcrafted gift and decor items. I highly recommend a stop here! Off Higuera Street is the infamous Bubblegum Alley where pieces of chewed gum cover the walls (see pic below). Gross or cool? Only you can decide. Other sites in SLO we didn't get a chance to check out are various wineries, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (a 1700s Spanish mission with a museum), the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus, and of course nearby beaches and hiking trails. SLO has a very cool vibe and I wish we could have spent a little more time checking it out! Day 8-Solvang and Santa Barbara Solvang: After a restful night sleep at the charming Apple Farm Inn, we hit the road to head to a spot a little inland from the PCH. Ann had done some research and suggested we check out Solvang, a small city in the Santa Ynez Valley known for its Danish architecture and wineries. We are so glad we took this side trip! Solvang, which is Danish for "sunny fields", is an adorable destination known as the "Danish Capital of the World". You may recognize the name as it has been featured or mentioned in several different TV shows or movies. Most notably it was the setting for the movie Sideways starring Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church as two men traveling through the Santa Barbara wine country. They stay at the Hitching Post so we had to snag a picture of that landmark! You feel as if you have been transported to a European village as soon as you enter the Main Street that goes through the middle of town. You can take a leisurely stroll down Main Street and take in all of the shops that fill every nook and cranny of the buildings lining the street. Of course you can't leave Solvang without trying some of the delicious danishes that can be purchased at any of authentic Danish bakeries in the area. We also hit the Sunstone Winery, a Santa Ynez Valley winery, on our way out of town. What a great day...Solvang was definitely one of my favorite stops on this trip! Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara is a short 45 minute drive from Solvang and where we planned to stop for the night. We stayed at The Eagle Inn ( www.theeagleinn.com ) and I highly recommend it. It has a perfect central location and a delicious free breakfast in the morning. After checking in we strolled along the harbor and checked out the city. Santa Barbara has a great vibe and is a place I would even consider living! The lively downtown features an outdoor shopping area that runs along State Street with tiled courtyards, fountains, chain retailers and small boutiques. Artwork is sprinkled around the town including bronze statues and wall murals. There are several hip cafes and outdoor restaurants, breweries and wine bars. We ate at a brewery called The Cruisery located at 501 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA ( www.thecruisery.com ) which gets its name from "Brewery + Beach Cruiser = Cruisery". The Cruisery has an awesome outdoor eating space to provide for entertaining people watching in the historic downtown area while we relaxed with good food and drinks. After dinner we took in more sites and caught a beautiful sunset over the harbor to cap off an incredible day! Day 9-Ojai and Santa Monica Ojai: Ann suggested we take another detour off of the PCH to check out Ojai (pronounced "OH-hi") which is a small city in Ventura County located in the valley of the Topatopa Mountains. Ojai sits in one of the few east/west valleys so the early morning sunrise fills the valley with sunshine and the late sunsets create a "Pink Moment" painting the surrounding peaks in rosy hues. There is a strong Bohemian vibe to the city and spirituality is a big part of the culture. Apparently the valley lies in a geomagnetic vortex zone where energy fields arise from deep within the earth's core and visitors come to visit the many wellness retreats and meditation centers. The restaurants and cafes in Ojai are all locally owned and serve artisan food using local organic produce. The views driving into the valley were stunning. We parked at the head of a hiking trail that took us up above the city looking down into the valley. (SIDE STORY: I didn't see the sign advising not to leave ANY valuables in the car due to high theft and left my purse in the car. When Ann mentioned the sign I freaked out and rushed to get back to the car so I didn't fully enjoy the hike and the beautiful views. So, travel tip...make sure to read all warning signs and take any valuables with you if you hike so you can leisurely enjoy the beauty surrounding you!). After the hike and heart-racing return to the car, we stopped in town to have a quick drink at the Topa Topa Brewery. I had a hard Kombucha which was very tasty and made me feel a little healthy while drinking. Santa Monica: Feeling calm and restored after our visit to Ojai, we headed to Santa Monica where we planned to stay for our last night before flying out of LAX the next day. In all honesty, Santa Monica didn't feel particularly relaxing or safe. We walked around and checked out the famous (or infamous) Santa Monica Pier. It felt like something we had to do, but it wasn't really our scene. Lots of typical boardwalk food and the traditional boardwalk rides and games. We came, we saw and we quickly left. From there we walked over to the Third Street Promenade which is a three block car-free, open air shopping area. We strolled up and down the street and checked out the Santa Monica Place mall located at the south end of the Third Street Promenade. While it was nice enough, there is nothing especially noteworthy or unique about this area. We were getting travel weary from our epic 10-day long journey, so we returned to the hotel room to rest up for our long journey home the next day. The next morning we got up early to walk along the ocean and it became clear why so many people look fit and healthy in California. The beach volleyball courts were already packed, the boardwalk was filled with runners, walkers and roller bladers, various exercises classes were being held up and down the boardwalk and beach including HIIT and Spin classes. It would be so awesome to take a spin class on the beach looking out at the Pacific Ocean! New experience for my bucket list. Day 10-Hollywood, Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive and HOME! After our early morning walk in Santa Monica, we jumped in the car and drove towards LA. Even though I lived in San Diego for several years and frequently took day trips to LA and surrounding areas, I had NEVER seen the Hollywood sign in person so that was on my agenda. We first went to the most popular viewing spot in Griffith Park. Griffith Park is one of the nation's largest urban green spaces (5 times the size of New York's Central Park!). There are several hiking trails up to the Griffith Observatory that has a great view of the Hollywood sign. You can also drive up to the Observatory, but this spot is EXTREMELY crowded and parking is difficult if not impossible. Since we had limited time and were not prepared to hike, we needed to find an alternative viewing spot. With the help of Google and Ann's stellar research, we found that there is a lesser known viewing spot from Lake Hollywood Park. To get there you drive through a residential neighborhood up a steep, hilly road. You will know once you get there because although not the most popular, it is still crowded. Snag the first parking spot you can find and walk over to the park for a perfect viewing spot! After all this time I finally can check this sight off my "to do" list. Before leaving California, we stopped at the iconic In-N-Out Burger one last time. Can't visit California without stopping at least once. Delicious and inexpensive! After lunch we drove around Beverly HIlls and stopped to walk on Rodeo Drive. The 90210 zip code has a reputation for a reason. The streets are beautiful and the homes are amazing. Rodeo Drive is crazy and it kept bringing up "Pretty Woman" vibes for me. I wanted to go into a shop and say "Big mistake! Big! Huge!", but unfortunately wasn't planning to go in and drop a load of cash shopping. Since shopping on Rodeo Drive wasn't in our budget, we wrapped up our sightseeing and headed to the airport to catch our flight home. CONCLUSION This was an amazing journey that cannot be completely captured by words and pictures. However, I hope that by sharing some highlights from our trip you will be inspired to plan your own California Coast road trip. I felt like I got to do it twice...first in person and then by reliving it when creating this blog post. Both times I felt awed, overwhelmed and grateful for the experience. If you have had your own amazing California Coast trip, please comment with additional input and ideas for those currently planning their epic adventure! Let's go!

"My only regret in life is that I did not drink more wine." -Ernest Hemingway The second stop on our epic California road trip was Sonoma and Napa Valley. The well-known wine country is 45 miles north of San Francisco and only about an hour's drive (depending on traffic getting out of the city), but there is a local airport if you want to fly right into the region. A getaway to this area is magical and you feel like you have been transported to a whole other world. So grab those cute sandals you couldn't wear in San Francisco, throw on a a cute sun dress and your most stylish sunglasses or sun hat and get ready for an incredible experience! Where to Stay...Napa or Sonoma Valley? This is an age old debate...should you go to Napa or Sonoma when you visit the region. I say, why not BOTH? They are only 20 to 30 minutes apart and if you are there for a few days you can easily spend time in each location! The common advice is that Napa is bigger and more commercialized while Sonoma is quainter and more low-key (and probably a tad cheaper). My personal observation is that this description is accurate, but they are both great spots. In addition to the central area in both Valleys, there are also lots of smaller towns within each region that are also charming and would make a great home base while visiting. I recommend doing some on-line research about the various wineries that you would like to visit, map out your choices to see where most are located and then make a lodging choice based on that. You can either stay in one place for the whole time and drive around (or find transport) to explore the entire region or you could choose to spend a night or two in each location. We stayed at the El Pueblo Inn in Sonoma ( www.elpuebloinn.com ). El Pueblo Inn has been family owned and operated since 1958. It has a good location which is walking distance to local grocery stores and Sonoma Plaza (the shopping area mentioned below). With your stay you also get a good continental breakfast to get your day started, a peaceful courtyard with beautiful landscaping, and a nice pool/hot tub area. Some of the rooms have balconies. The downside was our room was a little dated and dark. However, El Pueblo Inn is very reasonably priced (relatively-most hotels in either Valley are a little pricey) and for the cost, the benefits mentioned above far out-weighed the negatives. Besides, we were really only in the room to sleep so dark is good, right? There are many, many choices for lodging throughout the Valleys and you probably can't go wrong with most of them. What to Do: Uhhhh...wine tasting and tours, of course! See below for just a few suggestions from the hundreds of wineries in the area. I personally would not try to book more than three in a day, but two is probably better. First, you don't have to rush to get from one place to the next and can sit and enjoy the wine and the ambiance of each unique winery. Secondly, you do get full from all of the tastings (especially if you eat at some point in the day-which you definitely should with all that wine drinking!), so you become less enthusiastic to taste as the day goes on. Hiking-If you (or your liver!) need a break from the wine consumption, there are many hikes in the area to get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery in the Valleys. Disclaimer: We didn't do any hikes during our visit, but I saw information about many and I can only imagine the views from some of the hikes is amazing. Go to Alltrails.com to find descriptions of hikes in the area Shopping-Sonoma Plaza located in the center of Sonoma is a beautiful 8 acre square park with cute boutiques, gift shops, and restaurants lining all sides of the park. Downtown Napa is a larger commercial district with more stores and fancier dining establishments. St. Helena in Napa Valley also has a Main Street of cute stores and restaurants (including some of the places recommended below!). Make a note that most stores close at 6, so don't plan to shop after a day of wine tasting because the doors will be locked by the time you get there. We learned this from personal experience. Cruise Around and Take in the Sights-If it is within your budget, I HIGHLY recommend renting a convertible and driving around the area with the top down. Driving through the miles and miles of vineyard lined hills with the wind blowing through your hair and the sun on your face is a feeling like no other. Taking an afternoon to drive around both Valleys (or maybe even over to the coast) is a very enjoyable way to spend the day! Where to Taste: There are literally hundreds of wineries in the area. Making a choice of which ones to visit will depend on a number of factors. What to Consider: Is there a wine you really enjoy that comes from Napa or Sonoma Valley? If so, you may want to visit that vineyard to learn more about it or to try other varieties made by the winery. Alternatively, you may want to branch out and try new wines that you don't already know about. What do they offer? Some vineyards only offer tastings. Others have options to take a tour. Does the vineyard offer food? Most have options to purchase cheese or charcuterie boards, but some have more substantial offerings and you may want to visit these places closer to lunch or dinner. See below for description of Charles Krug Winery which had wood-fired pizza we could order with our tasting and it was delicious! What is the cost? There is a range of costs for the tastings offered at the various wineries. The difference depends on what type of tasting or tour you sign up for, as well as the size or notoriety of the winery. Generally, tastings range from $40-60. The tasting and tour we took at Schramsberg Vineyards was $80. It is important to assess what you get for the tasting fee to determine if it is worth it or not. Sometimes we got less for the more expensive tastings. That was always a bummer. Do you want to go to a larger, more commercial winery or a smaller, family owned vineyard? I suggest including some of both in your schedule. There is definitely a different vibe to each. The smaller vineyards feel more personalized and relaxed, but there is nothing like the magnificence and grandeur of some of the larger vineyard properties. Where are your staying? As I noted above, the areas are close so it is definitely doable to get to both. However, if you don't have a designated driver and/or you are trying to do many tastings in a day, you may want to make sure the vineyards you choose to visit are in a more concentrated area. There are options to take a Wine Train or other organized tours which eliminate this question (and concerns about driving) as they will have pre-arranged stops. If you are overwhelmed by all of the options or don't have a specific preference, this may be the choice for you! Please note that advanced reservations are required for most, if not all, wineries. This could also impact your choices if you wait too long and can't get a reservation at your preferred vineyards. The only exception would be if you take an organized tour or Wine Train because your reservation will be included with your ticket. Wineries We Visited: Below is a description of the vineyards we went to. I started with my favorites first, but it was hard to rank because they all were amazing in their own way. Schramsberg Vineyards-1400 Schramsberg Rd., Calistoga, CA 94515 www.schramsberg.com This vineyard was my favorite! So much so, that I joined their Wine Club and will receive deliveries of their wine four times a year. Schramsberg Vineyards is a smaller family owned vineyard that makes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir based sparking wines. They were one of the few vineyards that offered a tour along with tasting and I think this really enhanced my experience. The tasting took place in the darkened caves where bottles and bottles of sparkling wines are aging. The Schramsberg Vineyards are home to the first caves dug for wine storage and was the first hillside vineyard in Napa Valley established in the 19th Century. The vineyard was almost destroyed by wild fires recently and as you drive up the hillside you can see from the scorched trees how close the fire came. There is a monument on the property thanking the local firefighters for saving their vineyard. The cave tour was a little more money then other tastings, but you got six tastings and the tour of the caves so it was definitely worth every penny. The tour made it a total experience and I actually learned a lot about wine and wine tasting in general. I highly recommend including this vineyard on your schedule. Domaine Carneros-1240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559 www.domainecarneros.com As described on their website, "Domaine Carneros is a singular winery best known as a small grower-producer of methode traditionelle sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, estate vineyards, and a breathtakingly beautiful chateau." The chateau sits high on a hillside and the patio overlooks gorgeous scenery as you enjoy a flight of FULL-SIZE glasses for your tasting. This is where scheduling three tastings in a day became a problem. By the time we got here we were full and couldn't even finish all of our glasses! If you add this winery to your schedule, make sure to put it earlier on the itinerary before you stomach gets too full. Inglenook-1991 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573 www.inglenook.com Iglenook is the vineyard owned by Francis Ford Coppola (the director of many popular films including The Godfather movies). Fittingly, the entrance and property of the Inglenook winery looks like something from a movie. Funny story-we didn't read our reservation closely enough and couldn't figure out how to open the grand gate. Once we figured that out, we tried to video ourselves driving through the gate but it started closing on us when we where only part way through! Security had to reopen the gate so it didn't close on us. I can only imagine the laughter that was going on in the Security Guard station watching us struggling! Slightly embarrassing, but oh well...you only live once and you have to capture the moment. In any event, we finally got through the gate and took in the gorgeous estate before making our way out to the terrace for our tasting. The woman who managed our tasting was so enjoyable and knowledgable that she made the whole expereince! After the tasting we explored the property a little more and there are exhibits related to cameras and filmmaking due to Mr. Coppola's day job along with the history of the vineyard. Charles Krug Winery-2800 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574 www.charleskrug.com Charles Krug Winery is Napa Valley's oldest Winery Estate. It was established in 1861 by Charles Krug, the visionary father of Napa Valley winemaking. It was purchased by the Mondavis, wine-making royalty, in 1943 and for over 75 years and four generations they have been operating the winery. There is some Mondavi family drama related to this winery and the Mondavi estate down the road. Be sure to ask for the details if you visit this winery. The tasting room also has a medallion on the floor that marks the spot of a time capsule buried underneath, so that's pretty cool. The other thing that makes this winery stand out is the delicious wood-fired pizza you can order with your tasting. I would make sure to plan your visit to Charles Krug around lunch or dinner so you can kill two birds with one stone! Beringer Vineyards-2000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574 www.beringer.com Beringer is a large commercial vineyard. The property is definitely beautiful and the wine was good, but this was my least favorite of the vineyards we visited. The cost for the tasting was a little more expensive and you didn't get much for that value. Small tastes, brief description and not much else. Wasn't bad, but wasn't anything special. Where to Eat: I sound like a broken record, but there are many, many places to eat throughout Napa and Sonoma Valley and again, you probably can't go wrong with most choices. My friend Ann is a master researcher, so she found some excellent places for us to grab a bite to eat. I should make it clear right now that I am NOT a foodie. Ann and I both decided before we left on this journey that food was not going to be a major part of our budget, so we did not look for or eat at any fine dining establishments. We looked for places with delicious food that were quick and budget-friendly. If that is what you are looking for, I am your girl! Below are a couple of places we found that met the above criteria in spades! El Molino Central-11 Central Ave., Sonoma, CA www.elmolinocentral.com El Molino Central is a small Mexican Restaurant that serves tortillas, tamales and fish tacos. They also serve beer and wine to go. Its colorful exterior gives you an idea of the vibe. There is no indoor seating, but they have a large patio area that was very crowded when we got there. Always a good sign! The prices are moderate and the food is excellent. I ordered the Chicken Enchiladas Suizas and was in heaven. Living in upstate New York, I have missed authentic Mexican food. I grew up in Colorado and lived in San Diego for a bit so I am spoiled. Ann ordered the fish tacos and gave them two thumb's up. Gott's Roadside-933 Main St. (Hwy 29), St. Helena, CA www.gotts.com Gott's Roadside is a classic American roadside grill that serves a variety of burgers and other traditional roadside options, but it also has vegan choices. They also have some unique California-inspired dishes and seasonal specialities. All menu items use locally sourced ingredients. Their menu also includes sushi, fish tacos, salads and hand-spun organic shakes. There is bound to be something for everyone on their menu. And because it is in Napa, you can also order wine by the glass or the bottle or you can try a Frose, a frozen blend of rose wine, strawberry and citrus. The stars were aligned when we got there because there was no line and we just walked right up to the window to order. However, a few minutes later there was a super long line and every time we drove by Gott's again there was long line. So if you go, be prepared to wait in a bit of a line. But as I noted above, when there is a crowd there is definitely a reason. The food was delicious. Also, keep your eyes peeled for celebrities because I am pretty sure Kristen Chenowith was sitting with a group of LA friends at the table right next to us! Charles Krug Winery-2800 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574 www.charleskrug.com Check out the section above about the Charles Krug Winery to see a picture of the yummy wood-fired pizza we had at our tasting. You don't have to pay for a tasting to go in and order a pizza, so keep this in mind as a dining option even if you don't want to sample their wine. SO BOTTOM LINE-PUT NAPA AND SONOMA COUNTY ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST! If you haven't been to Wine Country yet, start making plans immediately! You won't regret it. Plan that long-awaited girl's trip or romantic getaway, depending on your situation or your mood. Either way it will be an experience you will never forget.

You don't have to go to London to see a crown jewel (and you can get in a hike at the same time)! Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has often been referred to as the Crown Jewel of the California State Park System and it is just as gorgeous as the Queen's Crown Jewels. This beautiful area is only minutes from nearby towns Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea and has a network of well-maintained trails that provide the perfect opportunity to get moving and enjoy the scenery! About Point Lobos Natural Reserve Point Lobos got its name from offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos ("Point of the Sea Wolves") where the sound of sea lions carries inland. Part of the California Park System, Point Lobos is actually designated as a natural reserve. This designation affords it the highest level of protection in order to forever preserve the area's unique beauty and ecological significance. This makes Point Lobos an especially great destination for nature lovers and conservationists. There are numerous hikes in the Natural Reserve that can take you along the coastline, through headlands, coves and rolling meadows. As a natural reserve, there is always plenty to observe no matter what time of year you visit. There are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and rich flora and fauna of both land and sea. You may also catch glimpses of many different forms of wildlife such as seals, sea lions, sea otters and migrating gray whales (December - May). You will most definitely observe many different seabirds, including pelicans. It is amazing to watch these birds soar across the sky and then dip down and skim along the ocean for their food. The Nitty Gritty Details About Visiting Point Lobos Natural Reserve Getting there: Point Lobos Natural Reserve is located right off of Highway 1 about three miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. You will see signs for the Reserve entrance from Highway 1. Hours: The Reserve opens at 8:00 am and currently closes at 7:00 pm (with last visitor entry allowed at 6:30 pm). All guests, including walk-in guests must exit the Reserve by the posted closing time. Cost: You must purchase a day pass if you drive in to the Reserve. A general day pass for most vehicles is $10.00, but it drops to $9.00 if you have a senior citizen in the car. There are additional charges for vans and small coaches or buses. Parking: There is parking available at the Reserve, but there is only enough parking for 75 vehicles. Once that fills up, visitors must park on the shoulder of Highway 1 (which can add 1/2 of a mile to a mile extra distance to your hike before you even get to the scenery!). Point Lobos is a very popular destination during the summer months or on holiday weekends. Therefore, if you want to secure one of the 75 parking spots, you should plan to arrive before 9:30 am or after 3:00 pm. Temperature: Even though you are in California, don't expect the temperatures to be extremely warm at Point Lobos. Due to the geographical location, the temperatures in this area remain fairly cool. Temperatures generally range from 57-65 degrees. In the summer months, mornings often have a foggy marine layer blanketing the coastline which burns off by afternoon. You can experience slightly warmer temperatures if you postpone your visit until September. In any event, it is usually breezy by the coastline, so always make sure to dress in layers so you can remain comfortable whenever you visit. Where to Hike: As noted above, Point Lobos has a network of well-maintained hiking trails. There are many different hikes to take depending on the time you have, the ability levels of the people you are traveling with and what you want to see. There are also specific options for those visitors with disabilities. You can start with the Point Lobos website to get a feel for the different options at www.pointlobos.org/plan-your-visit/suggestions. Additionally, you can find many different hiking options at alltrails.com/parks/us/California/point-lobos-natural-reserve. We chose to do the Point Lobos Loop Trail which is 6.7 miles in length and listed as "moderate" in difficulty. I would say that the Loop Trail is generally pretty easy, but the moderate rating probably comes from a few locations where there is an increase in elevation to get to vistas for great views. If you have time, I would highly recommend the Loop Trail because you really get to see it all. We saw stunning rocky coastlines, beautiful inland forests of Monterey Pines and Cypress groves, tide pools, serene meadows filled with wildflowers (it was still spring) and a variety of wildlife habitats. Because we kept stopping to observe things or take pictures, it probably took us a good 3-4 hours to do the complete loop, but it was totally worth it! Look at these shots: A few things we missed on our visit to Point Lobos: There are free docent-led public walks daily. This allows visitors to see the Reserve through experienced eyes and gain insight that you would miss going it alone. These docent-led hikes are usually less than a mile in length so you could take advantage of this opportunity and still have time to explore on your own (with some additional knowledge under your belt!). There is a mobile phone tour and app that you can use on your hike. You can find it at pointlobos.org/media/cell-phone-tour. I wasn't aware of this when we visited, but I probably would have enjoyed getting a little more background and information on the sights we were seeing! I am pointing this out so you won't have to miss this wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Reserve! If you go and try it out, let me know how it is! We did not dive while we were there (primarily due to the fact that I do not dive), but did see a group of divers, probably from the California State Parks or CSU Monterey Bay, doing some research in the area. The Reserve is one of the richest marine habitats in California so there is a lot of research of the marine ecosystem in order to support a healthy coast and ocean and sustain the California Marine Protected Areas. Visitor diving is only allowed at Whalers and Bluefish Coves. Proof of certification is required. If you wish to dive in this amazing ecosystem, you will get permission upon entering the Reserve. Reservations are recommended and a must for weekends and holidays. If you are looking to get active during your visit to the Monterey/Carmel area, look no further then the Point Lobos Natural Reserve. You can go for an hour or the day, you can jog or you can hike, you can take selfies with incredible backdrops or paint pictures of the scenery, you can picnic or you can dive. The choices are endless and the experience is priceless!

On a recent weekend trip to Providence, Rhode Island, I thought I was going to have an unexpected need for Bill Murray and his crew of Ghostbusters! I was in town with my daughter Madison and my niece Sophie to attend a bridal shower for another niece, Sarah. We planned to go the night before the shower so I booked a room at the Graduate Providence right in the center of the downtown area. The hotel used to be the famous Biltmore Hotel and is on the National Register of Historic Places (it was added in 1977), so I thought it would be cool to experience a little bit of Providence's history. The hotel was originally built in 1922 and has been through many ups and downs (as well as many different owners) over the years. Most recently it was purchased in 2017, renovated and renamed the Graduate Providence as part of a boutique chain of "Graduate" hotels in college towns across the US. Although it has been renamed, the iconic "Biltmore" sign still sits atop the building in a nod to its' historic landmark status. When we arrived, I left Madison and Sophie in the car while I went to check in. I entered the beautifully designed Art Deco lobby to get our room keys. As I said, the new owner has a chain of "Graduate" hotels in various college towns that pay homage to the history of the local colleges and universities and celebrate the famous students from the nearby schools. The room keys are designed as the Student IDs of these celebrity students. We got three "graduate" keys: David Byrne (of the Talking Heads) who went to the Rhode Island School of Design during the 1970-71 term; Kara Walker (an American contemporary artist) who got her MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1994; and Andre Leon Talley (an American fashion journalist and former creative director and American editor-at-large of Vogue magazine) who got his Masters of Art degree from Brown University in 1972. After checking in, I went out to grab Madison and Sophie and our bags. As we entered the beautifully appointed lobby, Madison immediately said "This hotel reminds me of one in American Horror Story! I swear this place is haunted!". Sophie and I nervously laughed off her premonition and proceeded to admire the exquisite decor and interesting architecture. When we got to our room, Madison Googled the hotel on her phone and exclaimed "OMG! It IS haunted!". She then filled us in on the spooky details of the hotel's history. The construction of the hotel in 1922 was financed by Johan Leisse Weisskopf, who was a rumored Satanist. He apparently wanted to create a location where he could educate others on the basics of Satanism. At his instruction, the hotel was built with unusual features such as chicken coops on the rooftop which were rumored to keep chickens to be used for sacrifices in Satanic ceremonies. (However, some say these coops were installed to keep chickens and ducks to offer diners fresh, local fare at the prestigious hotel.) He also dug hot springs in the basement supposedly for purification ceremonies. Additionally, during the Prohibition Era, the Biltmore's basement operated as a speakeasy frequented by mobsters and several related murders occurred during that time. This sordid history has given the hotel a reputation as a haunted establishment. Ghost hunters have used advanced equipment to record high levels of paranormal activity at the hotel. Various hotel guests over the years have reported mysterious happenings such as seeing ghostly apparitions in the hallways, unexplained doors slamming and hearing loud parties with clinking glasses and laughing with no actual source. One of the main ghosts reported to occupy the hotel is a financier who lost all of his money in the stock market crash of 1929. He was staying in a room at the Biltmore on the 14th floor when he received the devastating news and was so distraught he threw himself out of the window. Guests of the hotel have reported seeing someone fall past their window on lower floors but there is no body when they look out the window to check. If you google "Biltmore Providence Haunted" you can find many other recounts of guest's spooky experiences while staying at the hotel. True to Madison's intuition, the hotel was named "America's Most Haunted Hotel" in 2000. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it), we did not experience any supernatural occurrences during our stay. What we did experience was a very beautiful hotel with a unique theme and interesting decor. The rooms continued the local "graduate" theme with a mural of black and white photos of famous students of the nearby schools. The sitting room had a "library" feel keeping with the college vibe. The titles of the books on the painted wall were creative and entertaining. Although we didn't have a lot of time to explore other parts of Providence on this trip, the hotel had a great central location close to many of the attractions in the area. I would definitely stay at the Graduate Providence again when I return to Rhode Island to explore Providence and nearby Newport (hopefully soon!). If you are looking for the full on ghoulish experience, it would be a GREAT place to stay for a creepy Halloween getaway! Maybe you will get to meet some of the hotel's more "permanent" guests...if you're lucky!

San Francisco is an amazing city with so much to see that most people take at least three days to take it all in. You could easily fill a whole week with activities (including day trips to outlying areas like Napa/Sonoma or Yosemite...although these areas are entitled to a trip all their own!). I have been to San Francisco on many occasions and am usually there for at least a long weekend. However, on this particular trip, my friend Ann and I were doing an epic journey down the northern California coast and only had limited time (limited=a day!) to spend in the City by the Bay. Ann had never been to San Francisco so we had to be very efficient in our planning to fit in as much as possible. From my previous visits, I had several things I wanted to show her that would have easily filled the day. But Ann is an expert researcher and came up with some additional things to check out that I had never seen and we wanted to add them to the already busy agenda. Lucky for us, we are both hyper-organized and compulsive planners. So between the two of us were were able to come up with a ONE day schedule that pretty much covered the whole San Francisco area. If you only have a day, you can use our plan to make sure you really SEE San Francisco. However, I recommend that you take this itinerary and spread it out over a few more days if you have the time. It would certainly be more relaxing! The "San Francisco in One Day" Agenda Following is the list of the things you can do in San Francisco in a day. You can do them in any order that makes logical sense for you depending on where you are staying. We stayed at a motel right across from the Presidio, so our day started there. I should also note that we did have a car that allowed us to drive to some of the places, but if you are adventurous and looking to get in your steps for the day you can walk (but be prepared for some intense hill workouts as you walk the steep streets!). Alternatively, you can grab Ubers to get to some of the more out of the way locations. First Stop-The Presidio The Presidio is a national park located at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was originally home to native people, then subsequently became a military post under flags of Spain, Mexico and the U.S. It is 1,491 acres (5% of the total area of San Francisco!) and includes museums, hotels, restaurants, hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic areas, beaches, a golf course and other things I am sure I am forgetting because there is SO much there. Entry to the Presidio is free. We walked along a path that took us down to an area called Crissy Field. This restored area used to be an airfield and now has wide green fields for picnicking or sports, a marshy area for bird-watching and nature observation, a wide beach with a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay, and nice flat trails for walking or biking. This is one of many spots in San Francisco to get a great picture with the famous Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Second Stop-Marina District/Fisherman's Wharf From Crissy Field, we followed a walking path heading toward the Marina District and Fisherman's Wharf. The path goes along the coast, so on the way we had more amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as some great looks at Alcatraz. We walked along the harbor and saw all the beautiful boats anchored there (with the ever-present Bridge in the background) as well as some of the beautiful colorful homes which line the street across from the harbor in the affluent Marina District. Ann is a big coffee drinker so when we spotted a coffee truck parked near the Marina Green with a LONG line (always a good sign) we figured we had to stop for some refreshments. I don't drink coffee, but scored a delicious chocolate croissant! The guys working the truck were extremely energetic and friendly so it was a nice boost to our morning. After our coffee break, we continued along the path to the Fisherman's Wharf area. Fisherman's Wharf is VERY touristy, but you can't come to San Francisco and not see it. That would be like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Fisherman's Wharf has a lot to see so there is bound to be something for everyone. There is the iconic Ghiradelli market place where you can get delicious chocolate or ice cream treats, the sea lions who are usually swimming and sunning at Pier 39, tons of touristy shops to pick up that souvenir you think you have to have (but then don't know what to do with it when you get home), great restaurants and of course great people watching. Fisherman's Wharf is also where you pick up the ferries to Alcatraz or nearby Sausalito (which we didn't have time for this trip). Unfortunately, we also missed the Pier 39 sea lions because of the season (we were visiting in June but I have included pics from a previous trip I took during September when they were there). We ate lunch at the iconic Boudin Sourdough restaurant. They are known for their clam chowder served in sourdough bread bowls. As I don't like seafood and Ann wasn't that hungry, neither of us had that specialty dish so I cannot personally recommend it. However, as noted above about the coffee truck, when there is such a buzz about something there is usually a reason. So, if you like clam chowder, you should definitely put it on your "Must Try in San Francisco" list! Boudin's also sells sourdough loaves in the most adorable animal shapes that kids (or kids at heart) would love! We were able to watch the masters at work creating these masterpieces. Third Stop-Powell-Hyde Cable Car/Lombard Street Like Fisherman's Wharf, you can't go to San Francisco and not ride a cable car. That is sacrilege! So imagine our disappointment when we found out that the cable cars had stopped running during the pandemic and were not scheduled to restart until August! There is nothing like riding an open air cable car up and down the steep streets of San Francisco. I was so disappointed that my friend was going to miss that experience. But the Travel Gods were looking down on us! We went to the Powell-Hyde cable car station (located across from the Ghiradelli Marketplace) and found the cable car operators were training and preparing for the August re-opening. Ann asked if we could get a ride and they offered to give us a free short ride from Fisherman's Wharf up to Lombard Street (which is where we wanted to go to anyway). Just goes to show it never hurts to ask, because you might get exactly what you want! So Ann and I got on the cable car with one other bold soul who must have asked for a ride and took a trip up, up, up the steep street. It was the best cable car ride I have ever had because there weren't crowds of people blocking my view and it was free! We got dropped off right at the top of Lombard. Perfect! And we didn't have to walk up that hill! Lombard Street is that famous "crooked" street that you always hear about. It gets its reputation from the eight tight turns in one block. It is located in the Russian Hill District just a short (uphill) walk (or if you are lucky, cable car ride) from Fisherman's Wharf. You can walk up or down Lombard Street depending on which side of the block you find yourself on or you can drive down the one way winding street. In addition to the multiple curves, Lombard is also know for it's beauty. The homeowners on Lombard all maintain beautiful landscaping which adds to the iconic reputation. Fourth Stop-Painted Ladies/Haight-Ashbury/Union Square/Chinatown At this point we went back to get the rental car to continue our explorations. We plugged in our destinations to Google Maps and took off. First stop was the famous "Painted Ladies" across from Alamo Square at Hayes and Steiner Streets. You may recognize the Painted Ladies from the opening of Full House. It is one of the most photographed locations in San Francisco. The open space of Alamo Square across the street provides the perfect location to get a good photo of the Painted Ladies with the San Francisco skyline behind them. It would probably be a great photo op at dusk, but our jam-packed agenda didn't allow much leeway for that kind of timing. In addition to the Painted Ladies, there are other Victorian homes around Alamo Square that don't get the same attention, but are just beautiful (if not more so!). We hopped back in the car and drove a short distance to the historic Haight-Ashbury District to step back in time. The District was one of the main spots for hippie and counterculture activity in the 1960's and it maintains that vibe. Back in the day it was home to revolutionaries and famous singers such as the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin. My subsequent research on the area indicated that you can drive by the old Grateful Dead home (710 Ashbury St.) and the old Jefferson Airplane home (2400 Fulton St.). We didn't know to do that, but make a note if you head to this area and are a fan of either of those bands. The Upper Haight area is filled with boutiques and hip restaurants, as well as flamboyant clothing stores, piercing and tattoo parlors, while down the hill in Lower Haight there are alternative bars, consignment stores and music shops with old vinyl. There is definitely a cool, hippy vibe to the place that is totally different then the rest of San Francisco. We didn't take the time to get out and walk around, but it is on my "To Do" list the next time I go back. After we left Haight-Ashbury, we cruised by Union Square in the central downtown area. Union Square refers to a one-block plaza and the surrounding area that has the largest collection of department stores, upscale boutiques, gift shops, art galleries and beauty salons in the U.S. There are also many hotels in this area. I have stayed in the Union Square area on past trips and it is a nice central location, especially if you are interested in shopping while in San Fran. A few blocks from Union Square is Chinatown. We just cruised by the Dragon Gates this time, but I have enjoyed the delicious Chinese food served up here in the past and can confirm that it was delicious! There are so many restaurants to choose from, but I don't think you can go wrong with any choice in Chinatown. Fifth Stop-Land's End-Coastal Trail Land's End is a hidden gem in San Francisco. It is not one of the more obvious attractions, but is certainly one of the most beautiful! The Coastal Trail at Land's End is a hike that takes you along the rugged coastline, weaving in and out of cypress forests. There are great views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. It is generally an easy hike, but there are portions where there are increases in elevation that are moderately challenging. You can make it as easy or hard as you like. Even a short walk along the flat part of the trail will give you breathtaking views. If you are a photography buff, be sure to bring your equipment because there are numerous spots to take amazing photos! Below are some examples of the different shots you can get at different spots on the Trail. (Disclaimer: I am a novice photographer so imagine the pictures you can get if you are an expert!) If you go a decent distance on the Coastal Trail, out and back will probably take one to two hours depending on how far you go and how often you stop to take selfies! In my opinion this is a "MUST SEE" when you go to San Francisco. Helpful hint: There is a visitor center with restrooms by the parking lot nearest to the old Cliff House. I would park there and visit the restroom before you head out. Sixth (And Final!) Stop-Golden Gate Bridge Park After the busy day of sight seeing we had, it was time to head out to Sonoma/Napa Valley for the next stop on our California Coastal journey, but before we actually drove over the Golden Gate Bridge on our way out of town, we stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge Park at the base of the Bridge. Here you can get the "up close and personal" shot of the Bridge (like the one at the beginning of this blog). There is also a visitor center area with restrooms, information, souvenirs of the Bridge and food. If you walk down a path past those buildings, you come to a nice little spot to grab the perfect Golden Gate Bridge selfie. So there you have it, how to explore San Francisco in ONE day! If you can stay longer, I would definitely recommend it, but it can be done if timing only permits a short stay. Some Additional San Francisco Tips Here are some other general tips for traveling to San Francisco: Mark Twain once said "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Just because it is in California, doesn't mean it is warm! September is the warmest month in San Francisco, so that may be the best time to visit if you have flexibility. Otherwise, be sure to pack clothes for cooler temperatures or at least throw a jacket and a pair of jeans into your suitcase. Along the same line as necessary apparel to pack, be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. You will be walking around a lot! You will also be walking up STEEP hills, this is guaranteed no matter what direction you are heading. Although San Francisco is a trendy town and you may be inspired to wear those cute, stylish sandals, you will be regretting that choice pretty quickly. In this case it is better to feel good then to look cute. Save those cute shoes for Napa! Don't be alarmed by the fog you will wake up to every morning. San Francisco is known for its fog, but it generally burns off by mid-day (but this doesn't mean it will be warmer...see above!). You will hear this over and over when you visit San Francisco, but do NOT leave any valuables in your car whenever you are parked. Car break-ins are rampant. Even with all the warnings, I overheard a couple of different people talking about getting their car broken into and their things stolen. They are not joking when they warn you about this problem. If you can't take it with you, try to leave everything else in your hotel or at the very least in the trunk out of sight. Stay away from the Tenderloin District. This is an area of high concentration of homeless and is known for being dangerous. As in a lot of other places, the pandemic has hit San Francisco pretty hard and has increased their already large homeless population. I didn't see an extraordinary increase from my prior visits, but just be aware that this is a problem in some areas, particularly the Tenderloin District. We didn't do it on this day due to time constraints, but I highly recommend a tour of Alcatraz if your agenda allows. You take a ferry over from Fisherman's Wharf and can tour the famous prison. It is very interesting (not to mention the amazing views of the San Francisco skyline you can get while on the ferry!). Another thing we didn't do this time that I have done in the past is a ferry over to Sausalito for the day. Sausalito is a quaint little town with cute boutiques and many restaurants. It gives you the opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy all the coastal views while also letting you see a different location. I hope this blog inspires you to plan your visit to the City by the Bay (hopefully with a few more days to explore!). I highly recommend a trip to San Francisco if you haven't been yet. As you can see, there is so much to see and do! I welcome any other tips or suggestions from your travels to San Francisco as I definitely hope to go back again!

Are you a seasoned veteran of NYC and looking for something new to do? Or maybe you are a visitor to NYC looking for something unique and special to do in addition to the typical touristy experiences? I have a recommendation that works for either camp. Sign up for a baking workshop at Atelier Sucré. Not only do you get a unique experience, but you leave with tasty treats that you made yourself! Sounds like a win-win to me. Atelier Sucré is the vision of New York based French pastry chef Simon Herfray. Atelier Sucré provides high quality French pastries and other delicious food as well as providing fun cooking experiences for customers. Atelier Sucré is located in the heart of East Village and utilizes state of the art appliances and tools to allow would-be chefs to create culinary delights! My daughter Madison had purchased a workshop to make French Macarons as a Mother's Day gift for me. French Macarons are a treasured treat in our house as they are gluten free and both of my daughters have Celiac Disease so need to avoid the gluten that is in most cookies and pastries. We finally scheduled the workshop and we had so much fun! They place you in groups of four to utilize the supplies and ingredients. We were paired with a nice couple visiting from Switzerland. That added even more international flavor to our French Macaron making. The workshop started promptly at 6:30 and was over by 9:00. The chef teaching the workshop prepared the meringue (which I understand is the trickiest part of making French Macarons) and we mixed the dry ingredients that we folded the meringue into. If you are a fan of Schitt's Creek you will chuckle at the requirement to "fold in" the meringue. If you know, you know. :). We were able to pick a color for our cookie shells and all the different choices made for a colorful display! After the cookie shells baked, we were provided three different fillings-chocolate caramel ganache, strawberry preserves and lemon curd to make the Macaron cookie sandwich. We had fun creating an assortment of French Macarons and were provided with a box to bring our creations home to share (or eat ourselves!). They also gave us the recipe for the shell base, the meringue and the fillings as well as the cookie template to use at home to make each cookie shell a consistent size. Bakers of all experience levels are welcome at Atelier Sucré and they provide all the equipment and tools that you will need. There are numerous workshop times available and there are a variety of choices of what you can bake. Most workshops are around $90/person. Here is a sample of the other types of workshops to choose from: French Croissants Christmas Yule Log New York Bagels Crème Brúlee, Chocolate Mousse and Madeleines Chocolate Soufflé and Apple Tart Eclairs and Cream Puffs To view the different dates and times for the various workshops click here. We had a great time and our French Macarons were delicious. I highly recommend this unique experience for a girl's weekend, a bachelorette party, family experience, special date or just because you are looking for something fun to do! Bon Appétit!

DISCLOSURE: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you click on the links of the products mentioned and make a purchase. If you have read my previous blogs, you know I frequently provide links to hikes or walking routes from All Trails. All Trails is an application that provides detailed, hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos, crowdsourced from a community of over 40 million hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, trail runners, road bikers, rock climbers, snowshoers, skiers and strollers. There are over 350,000 curated maps that users can access for almost any location they find themselves. Users can filter to find the route that is exactly right for them given their chosen activity, their fitness level and their surrounding areas. It is an indispensable travel tool when visiting areas that you are not familiar with. All Trails can be used for free to find appropriate trails and routes nearby, but All Trails also offers an All Trails Pro subscription that gives subscribers access to some very important benefits. An All Trails Pro subscription offers the following perks: Download maps to stay on track even without service. Never miss a turn with off-route notifications. Keep friends and family informed of location with Lifeline. See air quality, pollen and weather details on any map. The even better news is that access to these benefits is available at a very reasonable price! An annual subscription to All Trails Pro is $2.99/month (billed once at $35.99). If you are reading this blog on or before November 30, 2022, you can explore more for less because All Trails is offering 50% off an All Trails Pro subscription making it only around $18.00! What a perfect gift for that active, adventure seeker on your gift list! Use this link to access the All Trails site and subscribe to All Trails Pro for yourself or give a gift subscription. In addition to benefitting yourself or a loved one with an All Trails subscription, you can also benefit the planet! All Trails is a member of 1% For the Planet, a non-profit organization that protects the environment and helps to increase equitable access to the outdoors to everyone. All Trails contributes 1% of its annual revenue to 1% For the Planet so your subscription purchase helps to increase their contribution to this worthy organization. So subscribe to All Trails Pro today and get ready to explore the planet with confidence! In case you missed it, here is the link to the All Trails Pro subscription page to make it easy for you to purchase that holiday gift and check it off your to-do list! Happy trails!

When visiting Boston, there is no shortage of museums to explore to get your cultural fix. But if you haven't checked the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum off your to-do list, I suggest you move it to the top for your next visit to Boston! I will admit that art museums are not generally my favorite (I tend to prefer photographs over paintings and admittedly don't have enough art history knowledge to fully appreciate what I am seeing). However, the story behind the creation of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the intrigue surrounding the unsolved art heist that occurred here in 1990 made this art museum a favorite for me! Isabella Stewart Gardner Isabella was a progressive woman for her time. She was known for being a free-spirit and used her strong, out-spoken voice during a time when women and their rights were severely restricted. She and her husband shared a love of art and culture and after her father's death she used her inheritance to begin collecting art. Over the years she amassed quite a collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, manuscripts, rare books and decorative arts. Following her husband's death in the late 1800's, she decided to fulfill their dream of creating a space to showcase the treasures. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was opened in 1901 and Isabella moved into a private residence on the 4th floor of the museum building so she could dedicate her time to personally arranging the works of art in her private collection in the historic galleries on the first three floors. She never fully explained her reasoning or thought process behind some of the arrangements or the pairings of works in certain rooms, leaving the observer to contemplate the scene and try to make their own connections. Isabella believed that art possessed the power to change lives and she made it her life's mission to collect art from around the world and share it with the public. When she died in 1924, she left the Museum "for education and the public forever". She funded an endowment to operate the Museum after her death, stipulating that nothing in the galleries be changed or moved and that no items be acquired or sold from the collection. When you visit the Museum you will see the items she personally chose and they are displayed exactly as she personally arranged them over the years! The Museum The Museum has three floors that surround an open courtyard. The structure of the Museum resembles a Venetian palace. This is an intentional design concept created by Isabella as a nod to Venice, a spot that she and her husband frequented to soak up the art and culture of the time. The three floors are divided into various galleries or "Rooms". Again, each Room was very intentionally established and organized by Isabella. You will receive a detailed map to guide you through each Room. The map also highlights the certain pieces of art to keep an eye out for in each section as you make your way through the Museum. In addition to the map, you can also access a free guided audio tour on the Museum's website to give you additional information about the Museum and the art pieces in each Room. We used this audio tour on our visit and it was very informational! Be sure to bring headphones with you so you can listen to the audio tour while you wander through the rooms. Access the audio tour here. The Museum is full of beautiful art pieces collected by Isabella over the years, but the heart and soul of the Museum is the center courtyard. It is the first thing you see when you enter into the Museum building. Only women inhabit this space. All figures depicted in the artwork and statues in this space are female. This is a reflection of Isabella's strong feelings about female empowerment and women's place in the world. This part of the Museum is a living, breathing art installation as the plants in the Courtyard are changed about every six weeks. As you can see from the picture, mums were being highlighted in the garden when we were there. The Courtyard was definitely my favorite part of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum! The Art Heist One of the more intriguing aspects of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is the unsolved art heist that occurred in 1990. In the early morning hours of March 18, 1990, two men dressed as Boston police officers obtained entry into the Museum by claiming they were responding to a disburbance. Breaking protocol, one of the security guards allowed them in through the employee entrance and at the fake officer's request left the watch desk. The two security guards on duty were handcuffed and tied up in the basement. The Museum has motion detectors, so the movements of the thieves in the Museum were recorded. Works of art were taken from the Dutch Room, the Short Galley and the Blue Room. The thieves made two trips to their car with stolen artwork and left at 2:45 am. The whole theft took 81 minutes from entry to getaway. It remains the single largest property theft in the world. They ultmately stole 13 works of art valued at $500 million dollars, including three original Rembrandts, five Degas drawings and a Napoleonic bronze eagle finial. The Rembrandts were cut from their frames and the empty frames remain hanging in the Dutch Room. The frames are kept empty as placeholders for the missing works and symbols of hope that they will one day be returned. While the crime remains unsolved, the Boston police have narrowed the suspects but have been unable to close the case. There is still a $10 million dollar reward for information leading directly to the recovery of the works. There is a separate $100,000 reward for the return of the Napoleonic eagle finial. If you want to learn more about the theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the investigation, there is a good Netflix series titled This Is a Robbery: The World's Biggest Art Heist. Visit the Museum The Museum is open every day except for Tuesdays. Admission is free for kids under 18, $20 for Adults, $18 for seniors and $13 for college students with a current ID. One cool fact about the Museum is that if your name is Isabella, you have lifetime free admission! The Museum is popular and tickets for busy days sell out fast, so I recommend reserving a timed entry ticket online here if you are planning to visit. We were lucky to be able to pop in on the spur of the moment, but it was a Monday in November so not a high traffic time. Although I am not a huge art museum fan, I really enjoyed my day at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for the art, the history and the intrigue! Plan your visit soon!

On May 3, 2023, US travelers must be REAL ID compliant in order to board domestic flights and to access certain federal facilities. If you haven't already secured your REAL ID compliant identification, you better start planning to avoid the deadline rush as May 3rd approaches. What does it mean to be REAL ID compliant? The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 pursuant to recommendations by the 9/11 Commission that the Federal Government set minimum standards for issuance of sources of identification (such as driver's licenses). The Act establishes minimum security standards to be met by states for the issuance and production of licenses and identification cards. The Act also prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting driver's licenses or identification issued by those states that don't meet the Act's standards. The deadline for states to meet these standards is May 3, 2023. A compliant REAL ID license or identification card will have a star marking in the upper right hand corner. A few states, including New York, have an option for an Enhanced Driver's License or Identification Card which will meet the REAL ID requirement. The Enhanced ID will have an American Flag in the upper right hand corner instead of the star marking. The difference between REAL ID and an Enhanced ID is that an Enhanced ID can be used to travel to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries without a passport BUT ONLY if traveling by land or sea. Traveling by air to these locations will still require a passport. Of course, if you have a valid Passport that will suffice as a REAL ID compliant document for purposes of domestic travel and you will not need to obtain a REAL ID driver's license. However, if you want to use your driver's license for your domestic travel you will need to obtain the REAL or Enhanced ID before May 3, 2023. How do you get a REAL ID? You can get a REAL ID by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Before you go, you should visit your state''s DMV website to determine what documentation is required by your state to receive a compliant REAL ID. At a minimum, you will be required to provide documentation that shows the following: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Legal Status. Again, your state may impose additional requirements so check the DMV website so you can gather all of the documents you will need. The DMV website will also indicate the cost for obtaining a REAL ID. In New York, the cost for a REAL ID is the same as the cost for a standard driver's license or identification card. New York is one of the states that offers the Enhanced ID and there is an additional $30 charge for that. It generally takes about two weeks to receive your REAL ID, so plan accordingly in order to ensure you receive it before the deadline if you have domestic travel planned. Also consider that the closer it gets to the deadline, the longer it may take to receive your REAL ID due to an increase in requests. Do you still need your Passport? Yes! The REAL ID only applies to domestic travel within the US. As noted above, an Enhanced ID can be used to travel to Mexico, Canada and some Caribbean countries if you are arriving by land or sea. International travel and air travel to Mexico, Canada and those Caribbean countries will still require a Passport. Any other questions? If you still have questions about the REAL ID deadline and the requirements for obtaining a REAL ID, check out the Department of Homeland Security's website here.

When I was visiting Colorado last summer, my sister took me to breakfast at a charming place called Gracefull Community Cafe. Gracefull Community Cafe is located in Historic Downtown Littleton and is a place where people of all backgrounds can gather, eat well, and be inspired to give back. It is owned by my sister's friend, Heather, who also created Gracefull Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation used to support the Cafe's operation. It was Heather's dream to create a place where community could come together and eat one good meal a day regardless of their ability to pay. The Gracefull Community Cafe is the result of that dream. Their own words can describe the mission of the Gracefull Cafe better then I could, so I grabbed this from their website which you can find here: We believe that names are important; that each person has an unique story and gift to offer this world and that every person should have access to one good meal a day. That is why paying is always optional, as is paying extra to help provide a meal for someone else. So come and join us in whatever way makes sense for you –share a cup of coffee with a good meal, volunteer with us, but most importantly, experience community. Gracefull Community Cafe is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 7 am to 2 pm. The Cafe is a craft coffee shop with a full kitchen and all food items are made fresh on site. They have some basic menu items, but then they have daily breakfast and lunch specials. The morning we went the breakfast special was Banana Bread Pancakes and they were amazing! The Gracefull Community Cafe provides many ways for people to give back. We came for a meal and paid extra to cover expenses for those who cannot afford to pay. There are also volunteer opportunities as the Cafe operates with two shifts of three volunteers each day. Gracefull Community Cafe accepts direct donations to help fund its' mission to provide meals for those in need. Learn more about Gracefull Community Cafe's specific contributions to the Littleton community and all the ways you or your organization can help here. After a delicious breakfast or lunch at Gracefull Cafe, you will be fortified and ready to shop at the many stores in Historic Downtown Littleton, many of which also have their own charitable missions supported by your purchases! It is a way to have a great day and feel good about giving back to the community as well.

A short drive south of Saratoga Springs is the charming, historic village of Ballston Spa. Ballston Spa has a walkable downtown area filled with restaurants, coffee shops, antique stores and boutiques. I had heard great things about one store in particular and went to check it out. The store is called Nourish and it sells all types of quality apparel and gift items. Every purchase at Nourish provides funding for meals for kids in need. Their tag line is "Gifts That Give Back". Almost all of the merchandise in the store features hand-drawn mandala designs created by owner Betsy Seplowitz. Each design is an original, hand-drawn design. As explained in an informational brochure, Betsy does not use stencils or sketch out her designs in advance, but lets the patterns develop as she draws. She does not erase or correct, just transforms the lines into patterns and patterns into the mandalas. The designs are unique and beautiful and there are many different designs to choose from. They sell a selection of t-shirts and sweatshirts in adult and children's sizes. You can also find baby clothes with the mandala designs. There is a variety of other gift items including tote bags, water bottles and coffee cups, color in mandalas and other art supplies, and many other gift items all with the Nourish touch. The great thing about buying anything at Nourish is that you can "Nourish Yourself While Nourishing Others". Betsy told me that Nourish works with Regional Food Banks that coordinate programs to provide nourishing meals at home for children ages 5-18 who live in food-insecure households. A "food insecure household" means a home where the kids do not consistently have access to enough nutritionally adequate food. By purchasing product from Nourish, you are supporting the Regional Food Banks efforts to serve even more kids. It lifts your soul to know you are providing help to kids in need. The tag on each items tells you how many meals are being provided with your purchase. For instance, the purchase of this water bottle provided 14 meals for kids in need. There is a sign in the store that keeps a running total of meals provided by the store. The day I was there the tally was 126,600! With Christmas fast approaching, go check out Nourish and help others while finding amazing gifts for all those on your list! You can visit their store or shop on-line at NourishDesigns.com.

Chamonix-Mont Blanc is a charming alpine village and world famous ski resort situated near the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy. It sits in a valley surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, including Mont Blanc, which is the highest summit in the Alps and the highest point in Europe. At 4810 meters high, Mont Blanc is always covered in snow hence the name which translates to "White Mountain". The area become more of a tourist destination after hosting the Winter Olympics in 1924 and continues to be a popular vacation spot. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Chamonix-Mont Blanc is a must-see destination for you. In the warmer months, Chamonix-Mont Blanc is a mecca for hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers and paragliders. There are hiking routes for all ability levels and many trails have alpine huts and chalets along the trails for refreshments and meals. There are also overnight accommodations if you want to continue your hiking or biking journeys over multiple days. To find the best hiking or biking trail for you in the Chamonix mountains, check out AllTrails. If you are visiting during the Winter months, of course you will want to ski at the world renowned ski resorts in the Chamonix valley. There are five different resorts offering a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders alike. Check out information about the Chamonix valley ski resorts here. If you need a break from all the activity, or if outdoor activities are not your cup of tea, there are many other things to do in Chamonix-Mont Blanc. Shopping. The picturesque village of Chamonix is filled with tourist shops, ski shops, and upscale boutiques. Dining. Dining options in Chamonix range from casual cafés to traditional brasseries to fancy gourmet restaurants. We had dinner at restaurant called Joséphine that is right on the Main Street. Joséphine has a charming outdoor patio looking out at the breathtaking mountain vistas. There are blankets on each chair in case you get chilly while eating (a lot of the European cafés had these blankets matching their decor and I think it is a wonderful idea that American restaurants should incorporate!). I had a delicious bowl of French Onion Soup (which I ate too quickly so no mouthwatering photo) and a yummy Nutella crepe for dessert. Take Those Insta Worthy Pictures. As you walk around the village there are amazing photo ops around every corner. From the stunning mountain peaks, vibrant flowers bursting with color (in warmer weather obviously), street art, historic architecture, and any number of other visually stimulating scenes, you will not want for pictures to remember your visit. Some of the best pictures I took from my whole trip were captured in Chamonix-Mont Blanc. L'Aiguille du Midi. Take a 20 minute cable car ride from the heart of Chamonix village to L'Aiguille du Midi. From here you can get to the highest viewing terrace at 3842 meters giving an incredible 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding Alps range and looking directly at Mont Blanc. There is also a clear plexiglass viewing platform called Step Into the Void that lets visitors feel like they are floating over the mountain range (I would guess only interesting to those who do not have a fear of heights!). There is no extra charge for this, but apparently there are usually long lines. If I am lucky enough to return to Chamonix-Mont Blanc I will definitely include this excursion and can't wait to Step Into the Void. Ride the Panoramic Mont Blanc Gondola. From the top of L'Aiguille du Midi, you can hop on the Telecubine Panoramique Mont Blanc Gondola. The Gondola will take you on hour long journey to Courmayeur, Italy, past Mont Blanc and over a landscape of glaciers, mountain tops and valleys. Tramway Du Mont Blanc. Take a train ride on one of the highest rack railways in France. The train runs from Le Fayet and Saint-Gervais ending at Mont Blanc. If the exertion of hiking or rock climbing is not your thing, this train ride can give you the mountaineering experience by giving you panoramic views of the vistas of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountain peaks. Mer de Glace. One of the largest glaciers in Europe, Mer de Glace is just a short train ride up from the Chamonix village. Mer de Glace, which translates to "Sea of Ice", is rapidly shrinking as a result of climate change. Once you get to the top, you have the opportunity to enter the Grotte de Glace, a 100 meter long ice cave allowing visitors to have an inside view of a glacier. There are lots of places to stay when you visit Chamonix from independently owned condos to 5-star luxury hotels. Our group stayed at Mercure Chamonix Centre which was conveniently located in the heart of the village, just a very short walk to the stores and restaurants. The included breakfast was an incredible buffet of choices, including gluten free options (which I always appreciate having two daughters with Celiac Disease). I highly recommend this hotel for its location and amenities. Find out more about rates and availability here. So whether you want to visit Chamonix-Mont Blanc in the warmer months to hike, bike and explore or in the winter to shred the slopes, you will find a charming alpine village with spectacular views and plenty to do. I hope to get back some day to soak in more of the beauty and experience more of the local atmosphere!