Besties' Napa getaway weekend - August 6-7, 2016

It had been a while since I've spent time with my best friend Sandy so we decided to hit the road for a quick Napa weekend getaway. Though we rarely drink, we still find much to do in wine country. The Napa area is home to spas, shopping and fine food, which we both enjoy.

Our first stop was lunch at the Oxbow Public Market, just like a tiny version of the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco or the Lancaster Central Market, filled with quaint shops and eateries. Sandy and I split a herb crusted rotisserie half-duck half-salad platter from C Casa, and we didn't even finish it - such a big portion. Dessert was a selection of organic Italian pastries from Ca' Momi Enoteca (which no longer has a presence in Oxbow...what happens when I delay blogging my trips for almost a year).

you can't see it, but we're playing Pokemon Go here

Then it was time for our massages at Spa Terra inside the Meritage Resort. Sandy heard that the spa was built into a wine cave so we had to check it out. Also, Spa Terra accepted SpaFinder gift certificates, which you can get at a 20% discount at Costco during holiday season or sometimes on Costco.com.

No pictures allowed inside but it was certainly located in an underground cave; we did not even have cell service. Same-sex facilities included a huge jacuzzi and steam room. Surprisingly there weren't too many people there on a Saturday afternoon.

walking through the pool area to reach the spa

"estate cave" entrance

pretty big inside

After the massages and getting our fill of the jacuzzi and steam room, we showered and headed to the Doubletree Hotel and Spa Napa Valley to check in. I redeemed 50,000 Hilton HHonors points for a 1-night stay, which wasn't too bad considering that most of the hotels in Napa were either really expensive or sold out.

each room was "named"

signature warm chocolate chip cookies; free waters

comfy double beds

view of the lagoon outside our window

TV, coffee/tea service, mini-fridge inside cabinet

Diamond benefits

Aroma Actives toiletries

bulk toiletries in the shower

Dinner was at FARM restaurant. I was here before with Kaleb back in 2014 and enjoyed the tasting menu. It didn't disappoint this time either.

table in front of the fireplace

the tasting menu

a-la-carte menu page 1

a-la-carte menu page 2

salmon amuse bouche

served bread and individual butter

hamachi crudo

carmelized diver scallop

suckling pig confit

lamb loin

lemon custard cake with blueberry fro yo

complimentary petit fours

The next morning, Sandy and I enjoyed a hot breakfast (complimentary for Diamond members) at the hotel's on-site restaurant, Table 29. You can get omelettes made to order and waffles. Continental selections were served buffet-style.

cereal, breads, pastries, whole fruit

pastries, yogurt, cut fruit

I got an omelette for my hot selection

After our meal, we checked out of the hotel and headed to Napa Premium Outlets for some shopping. The store selection was limited, but Sandy and I were able to find a few things we liked.

For lunch, we stopped by Melted, specializing in waffle sandwiches. I had never tried one before and it lived up to expectations. Melted is small with limited seating. I still remember that tomato soup...dee-licious!

shared a large "Pigs on the Wing"

That was the end of our besties' weekend in Napa. What's next? A pleasant day hike to Lake Sylvia...stay tuned!

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