Where to Stay: Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, California

I recently discovered an idyllic hotel and it is too good not to share. Calistoga Ranch, nestled in a canyon in Napa Valley, delivers rustic luxury at its finest. It feels like a world away, but in reality you are less than 2 hours from San Francisco. North of Yountville and St Helena, it’s a lovely destination for escaping some of the busier parts of Napa.

Upon arriving you are whisked away in a golf cart to settle in to your room. The rooms are all built around outdoor spaces. Our room - on the creek side (highly recommend over forest for the privacy and more immersion in nature, we could hear the river running from the bed) - was two spaces separated by a large wooden deck. One room had the bed and a large bathroom, the other was where you’d hang out with the couch, coffee table, kitchenette, desk and half bathroom. A unique set up for sure, but it was refreshing to spend so much time outside - even though one of the days we were there was super rainy!

There are lots of special touches around the hotel - a glass of local wine upon check in, a on-site chicken coop and pen with two baby goats for the kids to check out. The pool is beautiful, set on a large grassy knoll, with views of the surrounding woods. We didn’t spend much time there due to the rain, and having a one year old! But would love to go back and enjoy that beautiful space.

The on-site restaurant The Lakehouse is reserved for guests of the hotel, so it felt very quiet and intimate, but the food was outstanding. It’s set all the way at the top of the property - up a big hill. If the weather permits, definitely sit outside on the deck and enjoy the view of the lake. We ate there both nights.

Last but not least, the spa is worth a mention. The Calistoga area is known for healing mineral waters, and the spa has several soaking pools of different temperatures for guests to soak them in. I indulged in a fantastic massage that was equal parts relaxing and therapeutic.

— IF YOU GO —

Details… 2 hours north of San Francisco, this intimate property boasts 50 freestanding lodges immersed in nature. Outdoor showers, gas fireplaces and private hot tubs are a few of the many amenities. The highly attentive staff delivered impressive service and will accommodate any need.

Pack… A swimsuit for soaking in the mineral waters or relaxing by the pool.

Plan Ahead… Book a massage and spend some time at the spa to take advantage of the mineral waters.

Day Trip… Explore the small, charming towns of Napa Valley. In St. Helena, try a breakfast sandwiches on the famous English Muffins at Model Bakery, lunch at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch or burgers at Gott’s. Further south, check out La Calenda, the newly opened Mexican restaurant from Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame), the always indulgent Bouchon Bakery or one of my all time favorites Ad Hoc for a delicious family style meal.

Weekend Away: Palm Springs, California

I love a good weekend getaway and Palm Springs never disappoints. It used to be a weekend escape for movie stars from LA, now it’s known for its mid-century modern architecture, music festivals and trendy hotels.

A few of my favorite stops on this trip: brunch at Norma’s at the Parker Palm Springs, drinks at the Ace Hotel pool, more brunch at Cheeky’s and lots of time hanging by the pool. Check out all my recommendations from past trips in my Palm Springs Travel Guide.

Weekend Away: Dillon Beach, California

Marin County is one of those magical places that seems more beautiful every time you visit. Lucky for us, living in San Francisco has given us the opportunity to explore the area many times over the past few years. In need of a quick weekend away in November, we booked an Airbnb in Dillon Beach on a whim. We had never been to Dillon Beach before and hadn’t even heard of it, but most of our other favorite places in the surrounding areas (Inverness, Point Reyes, Tomales) didn’t have much availability left for the weekend.

Dillon Beach is a super small community a few miles off Highway 1, so seems to have remained a bit of secret. I’m so glad we ended up here - our Airbnb was cozy, the small beachside town was a beautiful, sleepy spot to escape for a few days and enjoy time with our family. A good reminder to always be open to exploring new places!

— If You Go —

Pack… Comfy clothes for lounging and sneakers to walk on the beach. If you’re a surfer (I wish I was!), bring your board and wetsuit. The beach is protected here (right at the mouth of Tomales Bay) which makes for gentle waves.

Eat… Dillon Beach Coastal Kitchen is now open for lunch & dinner (and looks delicious), but otherwise there aren’t other food options. Wish we had brought our own food to make in the well-stocked kitchen (and on the grill!). The Tomales Bakery is about a 10 minute drive and was a good stop for breakfast pastries. And The Marshall Store is always my favorite and worth the drive.

A sunny Sunday in Stinson Beach

I love getting out of town on the weekend — even just for a day trip. This weekend we woke up early, packed up the car and crossed the Golden Gate Bridge before 9am — the best way to avoid traffic is to get on the road before anyone else is up. The scenic 20 mile drive led us to an idyllic morning in Stinson Beach.

Stop at Equator Coffee in Mill Valley’s Tam Junction, the local chain’s first cafe, to fuel up for the drive. Highway 1 has been closed for over a year thanks to construction work fixing the roads after heavy rains, but with no crews working on Sunday we were able to drive the iconic stretch of coastline down into Stinson Beach.

If you are feeling adventurous, pull over right before you get to town and embark on the Dipsea to Matt Davis Trail. Its a 7 mile loop that takes you through fields with ocean views and a lovely wooded stretch with waterfalls. I’ve done this hike many times and its my favorite trail to hike in Mt Tam. But today we went straight for the beach. A perfect October morning, crisp, clear and quiet, save for a few kids heading out to surf and the fisherman on the shore.

After a leisurely walk up the beach, we were the first ones in line at the Siren Canteen when it opened at 11am. Right off the beach, it is just the most charming spot to grab a (delicious) bite and enjoy the scene. Burritos, quesadillas, tacos, nachos and burgers are all on the menu - I love the shrimp diabla quesadilla (or burrito!) and the carne asada nachos. Spend a few hours soaking in the small beach town vibes before heading back to the city.

Just Back From: South Lake Tahoe

Sometimes there is nothing better than a road trip to get out of town, explore a new place and re-connect with the great outdoors. A highlight of our long weekend in Tahoe was the well-located, stylish and welcoming Coachman Hotel. The details will impress those with a keen eye for design and the well stocked bar and hot tub will take care of the rest! Pop over to my South Lake travel notes for more tips on how to make the most of your time on the lake!

A Birthday Surprise

I'm lucky I married a guy who loves exploring and experiencing new places as much as I do. And he is also one heck of a good planner himself. Bonus points for his undying love of a good surprise. 

To mark my recent milestone birthday, my lovely husband secretly packed an overnight bag (bathing suit, running shoes - the essentials) and loaded it into the car without my knowledge. As we set out to do some Saturday errands we were in fact (and still unbeknownst to me) on our way over the Golden Gate Bridge for a night away!

The Cavallo Point Lodge has been on my radar for awhile. My parents visited a few years back and had a wonderful time. It is also just a quick 10 minute drive from our apartment and we've driven past the exit often. But when we actually turned off the highway I still wasn't sure what was up.

A room with a view. 

However, from the minute we arrived and the valet whisked away our car, I was blown away.

The service was top notch throughout our entire stay. We had one of the eco-friendly, contemporary suites with views of the Golden Gate Bridge just steps from the main restaurant and bar, but we felt completely removed and secluded. Our room, with a large gas fireplace separating the bed and the sitting area, was a perfect place to relax with some wine and watch the fog roll in and out of the city. We didn't get a peek into the historic lodging, though I can report they are completely charming from the outside. I would definitely recommend a stay in the contemporary lodging - especially as most of them have the unbeatable Golden Gate Bridge views!

After arriving and settling into our room, we explored the property a bit, stopping by the pool and the spa to soak in some sunshine (all with a glass of wine in hand, naturally). We didn't take advantage of any spa services but the aptly named Healing Arts Center & Spa definitely has me itching to plan a return visit. 

Before dinner we stopped in to the Farley Bar. This is one of those cozy wooden bars that you could spend hours in cuddled up by the fireplace. We had a reservation at the hotel's Murray Circle restaurant so we didn't stay long. But there are no complaints here. Dinner was a highlight - one of those meals that exceeded our expectations, all the way through to dessert. We indulged in local oysters, kale salad, duck ... and enjoyed it all. 

A lazy breakfast on the patio the next morning was a perfect way to wrap up our quick getaway. Cavallo Point Lodge is one of those fabulous hotels where you can relax and be pampered but also feel close to nature and enjoy breathtaking views no matter where you are on the property.

For us, it was such a treat to get away without actually having to travel. I loved every minute of my birthday surprise. Can't wait to go back!