If you follow this blog at all, or receive my (sometimes) weekly newsletter, you probably know how much I was in need of a vacation. April and May were two of my busiest months ever, between weddings and book stuff, and by the time June rolled around, I was ready for a major vacay. Luckily, Matt had friends getting married in Napa last weekend and we decided to make a trip out of it. We spent two night in San Francisco and two in Napa and honestly I could have spent an additional week in each city. I’ve been to both cities several times (I used to make twice yearly trips to SF) but given the pandemic, it had been a while, so it was nice to spend some time rediscovering old favorites. And it was nice to spend some kid free time with the husband! Here are some highlights from our weekend (plus a couple days) getaway!
As with most of our vacations, it started with some cocktails! Once we arrived in SF on Thursday and checked into our hotel (Inn at the Opera, which we love), we walked to a nearby bar and had some fancy drinks. And then we spent our afternoon/evening the best possible way–eating and drinking! From our first bar, we then proceeded to a beer garden for a pretzel and some brews, then we headed for sushi, and we ended the night with pizza and beer. Literally my favorite way to spend a vacation day!
On Friday, we headed over to the Ferry Building for some exploring and shopping, and also because I knew they had a bookstore and also knew they stocked Lease on Love (yes, I checked). They were kind enough to let me sign some books, and of course I bought some books, so you know, not a bad excursion!
Neither Matt nor I had ever had oysters before, and we made it one of our missions for this trip. I have a weird thing with texture, so I fully expected to not be a fan, but turns out, I really like oysters? We had a super bougie oysters and white wine lunch while sitting on the patio of Hog Island Oyster Co and it was divine. So glad I found myself another expensive habit!
Friday night we went to see the Dodgers play at the Giants. Basically the only thing Matt and I majorly disagree on is baseball, and while he has been to many Giants/Dodgers games at Dodger Stadium, I had never been to one at Oracle Park. Happy to report, everyone was pretty chill, but the Dodgers lost so the game sucked (kidding…mostly).
On Saturday we headed up to Napa, making our first stop at Etude Winery, which is one I had been to before and really enjoyed. They have a gorgeous patio and property, so it was the perfect first stop. They mostly have pinot noir, and while I am a white wine drinker, they were all delicious.
After checking into our hotel (Vino Bello), we headed out to tasting number two at Ashes and Diamonds (which, as Matt says, sounds like the title of a YA novel). This winery is mid-century mod style, which I’ve never seen at a winery before. It was super cute and the wine was great so I would definitely go back.
Our third and final tasting was at St. Clair Brown Winery and Brewery, which as the name suggests, makes beer and wine. Not only that, but it is woman-owned and the winemaker/brewer is the only woman in the country to be certified in both! Always here for that. The wine here was great, but honestly, the beer was the star.
Our final day was comprised of the lovely wedding of two of Matt’s friends, and on Monday, we made the long drive home. And even after all of that, I’m ready to go back! If you aren’t already, make sure you’re following @travelswithfalon on Instagram to see even more photos from our trip!
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