JulieSanFransiscoNapa2008

We woke up and had a great workout in the fitness center. The weather was fantastic again. Breakfast was included-so we went to The Boon Fly Cafe. This is open to the public. Great choices and quick service. All the guests are discussing vineyards and restaurants-everyone helping everyone with their itineraries.

We hired a driver from Magnum Tours- jim the owner was very responsive and gave advise. I had reserved a few appointments- I wanted to have some plan. I was not aware-Jamie the concierge-usually made the winery appointments. She probably has great access to some hidden gems.

We went to Jordan-great wine-too pushy on corporate events. Then J-the relative of Jordan. I set up an appointment in the Bubble Room-great food and wine pairings. The property is beautiful-many different wines. The service was fantastic. For a unique experience-this is highly recommended.

We then went to Porter Creek-organic wines in a little shack. Great view of someone else's grapes. Wine was okay-nice server; then Gary Farrel-a great tasting room-wine was nice.

We ran back to the resort for massages. Dinner was at Redd's. This meal was awesome. I wish we had an earlier reservation-very tired from a full day-our server was not so attentive. We passed on dessert-just too tired. This is Napa cuisine at its best.

So, I registered for the meeting and that was pretty much the extent of my continuing education. Lucky for me, my business partner filled out my forms in the classroom. In return, I texted photos of my adventures.

We stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nob Hill. Just outside Chinatown and very centrally located. After working out-a very nice fitness room, Mike and I walked down to the Wharf- a lot easier. We went to Pier 39-like a South Street Seaport/Navy Pier area. Cute shops and sea lions laying on rafts. They are so cute. We bought these tiny doughnuts-I'm so addicted.

We then headed over to Pier 33-Alcatraz boat. I have always had a fascination with this prison and the movie. The weather was so sunny-just a perfect day. We toured the prison with the audio guide-so nice to go at your own pace. I would recommend the tour to everyone. I bought a book from a former prisoner- he happened to be there signing books. I wish I had some time to really sit and chat with him.

After the tour, had some fresh seafood salad, in and out burgers and Irish coffee. We rode a different cable car uphill and went to Chinatown. Had a giant almond cookie. If I were into herbs-they had everything-perfect for the wholistic health nut. Back up the steepest hill and on our way to Napa.

The drive is so easy. We stayed at the Carneros Inn-a perfectly located resort between Sonoma and Napa. We had the cutest little bungalow. Fireplace, heated bathroom floor-large bathroom and an outdoor shower connected to the indoor shower. We had a front porch and backyard deck with table and chairs. The hotel had everything-spa, fitness rooms, market, 3 restaurants-many places to relax and explore.

We settled in and went to Tra Vigne for dinner. This is an Italian restaurant in St. Helena-about 30-40 minutes away. That was the only drawback-travel to dinner. The dinner was okay-chicken very salty-however, the best gelato.

Finally a trip that started out nice and calmly-not overpack or running to gate.

Very nice Flight attendant-Marti- very generous and thoughtful about pouring beverages.

Amanda, Mike and I set out for the big Fall Endodontic Meeting. I, of course, could not pass up a chance to visit Napa on a complete business write off.

The weather was fantastic. Mike and I set off immediately on a sight seeing adventure. We grabbed a trolley car and headed down to the Wharf. I had not been there in years. I loved seeing all the fresh seafood carts. We wandered towards our destination-the Buena Vista-home of the Irish Coffee.

We sat at the bar and had 2 of these wonderful creations. Nice to be in a no nonsense bar. We were feeling a bit toasty and walked back to the hotel to pick up Amanda. We walked up Hyde Street to Lombard-the most crooked street in the World(?).

We went down Lombard-all the amazing homes. Makes you want to live in this fantastic city-I understand why it is so expensive. After trekking up the hills-I would never have to lunge again, we cooled down and went for dinner.

My cousin, Derek and his wife Jen'I' suggested The Salt House on Mission. It is in the financial district. They joined us. The place was a great loft. The meals were fantastic-the crispy shrimp is a must. The portions are large-perfect for sharing. The server split our salads-making it very easy for sharing.

After dinner, we walked back to our hotel. We went through Union Square. So many awesome designer shops. Love to see all the labels. Once again we trekked uphill- somehow we always went up instead of down.