Why do I sound a bit thrilled
with the opportunity to write this article, and share some highlights. Very
simple, I grew up in California, and know these areas like the back of my hand.
I work in the hi tech industry, and travel internationally to many countries
quiet often.
Well, actually, I have many business associates, and true
international friends, and a long time ago, I picked up a few travelers I knew
very well, and did in fact what I just recommended, spent the weekend in Napa
Valley, and did every highlight Im going to touch on.
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Marriott Walnut
Creek
Overview
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Rates
| Map
2.9 miles/4.6 Km from Fisherman's Wharf
The Walnut Creek Marriott
offers deluxe accommodations and superior facilities in Contra Costa county
thirty miles northeast of downtown San Francisco.
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it now!
Hilton
Concord
Overview
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1.2 miles/1.9 Km from Fisherman's Wharf
The Hilton Concord is
located in the East Bay area of San Francisco/Oakland, just off I-680 and
Willow Pass Road, one mile west of downtown Concord. Catering
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it now!
Best Western
Americania
Overview
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4.9 miles/7.8 Km from Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco is a city
of excitement and beauty, with the hustle and bustle of sightseeing and
business by day and the magic and glamour of dining and
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it now! |
Now this started back in the
1980s , but once the word got out, a jam packed weekend to be remembered, then
onward to business on Monday, guess I should have changed careers, travel
guide, limo driver, Spa or Resort operator, because I still to this day, have
not seen it all, and enjoy every time I get the chance to visit, and show
people a super adventure.
So, in a nutshell, here are some real life
things to do if you ever get the chance to visit Napa Valley. Note, this is not
an advertisement, but a real short cut adventure, and can save you lots of
wasted time in your travels, and even save you some money.
Winery
Tours Simply there are so many, you cannot see them all in two days. I
recommend, do some research online, find the ones you would enjoy visiting over
the weekend, or longer if time allows. Now, caution, nowadays many do charge a
fee, approx. $10 for tasting typically, so unless you are visiting smaller
wineries, allow an hour plus for planning. Second caution, make it fun, but use
common sense, someone needs to be a designated driver, since we are talking
about wine tasting. Think this through for safety, and fun. Hire a limo, go as
a group.
Ballooning The Valley Now, I fly a lot, however I did have
one Doctor friend who really wanted to do this in a bad way, and I am not
really crazy about heights like many.
However, I did set it up, with
very experienced people, and what a rush this adventure was. Early morning,
very clear, and calm, no wind at all, so time of year for this adventure needs
to be considered.
I might add, there is always a risk, but I saw
everything from this adventure alone, and took the most pictures of the
vineyards possible which I still have today, enlarged, and framed. So this one
is a special reward different from all others.
Next to this there are
flight excursions around the valley, but the Balloon, allowed a peaceful, noise
free natural adventure, moving very slow, pictures were very clear. I recommend
this for the real brave adventurer, you will never forget this one.
Tour Packages I thought I would mention this again, a bit different, but to be
considered. Limos, Stretch SUVs, Buses, can all be arranged in advance, whether
you fly in, need a Resort to stay, and tailor your visit in any manor, can be
setup in advance.
This works very well for small groups, and
surprisingly wine tasting, by Limo is reasonably priced as a group. Drivers
know where your destinations are. Yes, the Valley is big, you could get lost,
so lots of good considerations when planning your trip.
Resorts Spas,
BBs Thought I would also touch on any overnight planning. Some of these resorts
are up to 5 star, based on your budget and plans, resorts can sometimes be at a
winery, with restaurants on site, which makes for a relaxing setting on a real
working vineyard. Just the scent of wine, and the oak barrels alone is a great
experience.
BBs are quiet common all around the valley area. Its
difficult to recommend anyone specific, simply because there are so many, and I
have enjoyed many different ones, so no complaints, people are very friendly
and kind. I can recommend search online, pictures, package specials off season,
etc. will get you started.
Travel the Valley By Train Yes in fact they
have a very old refurbished train package available. I did this once, many
years ago. It all depends on your style, if you do not like driving this is an
option to consider.
The train not only takes you sight seeing around
the valley, but also serves gourmet meals to anyones liking. That was a treat I
remember well.
I do not usually make specific recommendations, but I
rated this adventure right between a 4 and 5 star level, and was really
impressed how well everything went. So, in this case, go check them out, at
their website address at winetrain. Great to kick back, and relax for the
entire day adventure, and no traffic problems Im aware of.
Head South
Well, my home city is actually south of Napa Valley in Santa Barbara, truly a
resort city on the ocean backed by mountains and island views. Santa Barbara is
about a 6 hour drive from Napa Valley, but well worth it, simply Napa Valley
has its history and many vineyards, however is not the largest wine producer in
California, did you know that ?
I will tell you, it is somewhere in
between, which I will cover in my next article heading south to Santa Barbara.
I hope you enjoyed these highlights of Napa Valley, things to do,
places to go. Sometimes there is so much information it is overwhelming, and I
wanted to help sort things out for anyone planning a trip there.
Now,
there are certainly many more great things and places to go, but these I have
experienced, so feel free to consider my adventures in your trip, and hopefully
save some time, costs, and help plan a memorable adventure.
Reed Langdon grew up in
California. He publishes many articles with great memories of adventures and
places to go throughout California, and shares his experiences. If you would
like more information and details on Wine Country be sure to visit his site at
http://www.visit-wine-country.com
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