Instead of strolling the Boboli Gardens, taking in Taormina or poking through Positano I found myself in the Pacific Northwest!
visiting Vancouver and loving Victoria BC, snacking in Seattle, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge, leaving my heart in San Francisco all over again, winery hopping in Sonoma, shopping the galleries of Sausalito and Carmel by the Sea, lunching in Catalina and even visiting the Baby Panda in San Diego---
*Vancouver,BC-
STAY at the perfect Wedgewood Hotel, service and style oozes from this charming and gracious Relais et Chateaux jewel. Don't Miss!!!---a great City Tour with Vancouver Tours, Granville Island, Stanley Park-you can spend a week in this park and the views of English Bay.
*Victoria, BC-
A Perfect Jewel of a city--Take a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride along the Inner Harbor, have a traditional tea at The Fairmount Empress-be sure to explore this Grand dame of a hotel Don't Miss!!!--- Munro Books,you will speak in hushed tones as your roam through the shelves, Rogers Chocolates, a 125 year old tradition-just inhale!! and The Butchart Gardens--
Plan extra time to just sit and take in the wonders of the many gardens of Mrs. Butchart's dream come true...have lunch in The Dining Room and ride the carousel!!
*Seattle,WA-
With just a short day to take in Seattle walk your feet off and visit the Pioneer Square District, be sure to take in the views of Puget Sound and munch your way through Pike Place Market -
Don't Miss!!!---the flower stalls at Pike's Market, for $5 you can scoop armloads of bouquets.
*San Francisco,CA-
Yes Tony, each time I visit the City By the Bay I leave my heart there. This trip---an extraordinary opportunity to sail into the city right under The Golden Gate Bridge and a visit with family at a memorable dinner at the sublime Murray Circle at Cavallo Point-just over the bridge with stunning views.
Don't Miss!!!---Golden Gate Park and an afternoon strolling Sausalito.
*Sonoma, CA-
A day in wine country is a funny thing for someone who does not drink wine but you don't have to sip your way through to fall in love with Golden beauty of the landscape of Sonoma.
Don't Miss!!!---An amazing day with a Private Tour from Terrific Tours-D.J. gave us a day to remember as we hopped from winery to winery. Each winery has its own personality much like they wines they produce...Go Visit---Viansa Winery, Buena Vista, one of the oldest and most traditional wineries in California,
Artesa-go for the dramatic views stay for the art and architecture,
Imagery Winery-not just a winery but a gallery of Label Art designed exclusively for the Imagery brand and Chateau St. Jean--my favorite with its glorious gardens...
You'll need LUNCH!! at The Girl and The Fig---simply wonderful-of course don't miss the grilled figs and take home a bottle of Fig and Orange Blossom Body Lotion--as yummy as lunch was!!
*Carmel by the Sea -
This stop needs no suggestions as there is not an inch that you can go wrong visiting---I love it here and did not want to leave. Stay!!! at L'Auberge Carmel ,the quintessential Carmel spot..or if you have a puppy with you, Carmel is known for its Pet friendly lifestyle, head for Doris Day's Cypress Inn, gracious,nostalgic and great fun Don't Miss!!!---A walking Tour Gail Wrausmann and Carmel Walks showcasing an insider visit to Fairytale Cottages, history and secret spots...Jan de Luz Antiques and Linen shops---exquisite French Style, antiques, linens and scents-their soaps are even Oprah's choice...Rittmaster, for lovely California casual clothing and accessories, A Great Place for fun, funky and interesting Home and Garden ideas, Twigery, Michael Merrit's floral art gallery is alive with color and beauty. Hungry yet?? Casanova--for romantic French Country and Italian plates.
*Catalina Island, CA---
an island treat, reminiscent of the harbors of Italy yet very California. Don't Miss!!!---Strolling around the harbor to the historic Casino , pop into Ciao-Baci for lovely gifts and accessories and head up to The Inn on Mt. Ada for an afternoon in the Wrigley family home, lunch and views fit for a millionaire.
*San Diego/La Jolla, CA-
Hit the heat wave in San Diego but that didn't stop us from a memorable day thanks to the wonderful!!! trip planned by San Diego's Insider Tours' Jeannette de Wyze who knows how to do it right!! I cannot rave enough about Jeannette's attention to every detail...she was a joy to spend the day with and made sure we did not miss a highlight-- The Zoo,it was so hot at The Zoo that everyone was asleep
Renewed with a fabulous lunch on The Ocean View Terrace at The Val, La Valencia, I adore this hotel...there are views even from the Ladies room!!, Some quick shopping in La Jolla, drives along the coast and in the neighborhoods and a great stop to see the Grand Dame-The Hotel del Coronado...Jeannette--we will be back to spend the day with you again!!!
