Remember how we are supposed to go to California on Spring Break? Remember how my husband’s work stopped us? Remember how it all worked out amazing and we ended up in Maine? Well finally…FINALLY…we made to Cali. We started in Napa and being from wine country in NY, I didn’t expect that Napa would be all that impressive. HA! I was absolutely wrong! Napa was ginormous and felt like it stretched forever–it was literally gorgeous vineyard after gorgeous vineyard after gorgeous vineyard. Nothing like the Finger Lakes (although I still love you!)
The concierge suggested we hit up a little vineyard as opposed to the bigger more iconic places. I was a little skeptical at first, especially when the beginning of the tour started in the vineyard’s parking lot, but the tour was just the two of us, and our guide was hysterically hung over. After taking us through their wine cave, we ended up on the property’s back yard and we finished tasting the rest of the wine with lunch in a circle of giant redwoods surrounded by miles of grape vines. It was perfect. Alex was even suckered into buying a case of wine that will be delivered to us in November. I’m not sure if it was because he liked how it tasted, or because it was named “The Dream Team” after his idol, Larry Bird, but hundreds of dollars later, it had better be as good as we remembered!
Have I told you I’m obsessed with cappuccino? For that reason I have to give a shout out to Oxbow Public Market, which had the best cappuccino I’ve tasted since we left Italy. And the heart on the top, adorbs, right?
And I loved how they brewed it! I felt like this barista made this capp with love just for me…and the other four people he had obviously just poured for.
After Napa, we headed to San Francisco by way of the California coast. We made a stop in Marshal and headed to Hog Island Oysters based on friend’s recommendation (for anyone that knows Shaunna, ALWAYS listen to her recommendations!) Hog Island was a little plot of land scattered with picnic benches by the ocean where they pull oysters out from the water right in front of you. It was awesome. Had we known, we could have brought our own wine and made a day of it.
I know it’s creepy I took a picture of a random little boy at Hog Island, but he was just SO cute! Look at the little cowboy hat and boots–I die.
And of course, San Fran! Thank the Lord someone told me that it’s cold there.
Mmmmmmm, street crab…
If you ever make it to San Francisco, make sure you stop at Buena Vista, home of the first Irish coffee. The bartenders still dress, and may possibly be, from the 1920’s.
Clovers in Muir Woods:
Alex’s favorite San Fran day was when we met up with friends and rode bikes over the Golden Gate bridge to Sausalito. We ended up spending the afternoon eating, drinking and hanging out at Bar Bocce.
My favorite San Fran day was when I finally made it to the Tanner’s house, a dream I’ve had since I was 8! But they weren’t even home…HOW RUDE! I kid you not, tears welled in my eyes the minute we saw this house–I think I even heard Jessie and the Rippers practicing in the garage.
(Picture courtesy of Instagram)
So long San Fran! I’m glad we finally made it to see you!
