It's never too often to have a girls' trip. Even though we went to
San Francisco a couple of months ago for my birthday, the idea of a Napa spa getaway was too good to pass up. Our itinerary would be similar to
the trip Sandy and I did a year ago, with a couple of new restaurant experiences added in.
On Saturday morning, Sandy, Karen and I drove to Napa in time to have lunch at
Oxbow Public Market. Even though I had eaten at
C Casa last time, the lines were moving quickly so we ate there again, but tried different entrees. The dungeness crab salad was super fresh and delicious!
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| part of Oxbow Public Market |
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| dungeness crab salad from C Casa |
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After lunch, we headed to
Spa Terra at the
Meritage Resort, housed inside an underground wine storage cave. The three of us enjoyed soaking in the jacuzzi and being pampered from head to toe. It was great that Spa Terra accepted
SpaFinder gift cards; you can usually buy discounted ones at Costco or gift card exchanges online.
After our treatments, we made our way to the
Embassy Suites Napa Valley. I was fortunate to find award night availability on a Saturday night during high season. All Embassy Suites rooms have a separate bedroom and living area, and include a complimentary made-to-order cooked breakfast and manager's evening reception.
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| sofabed in living room |
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| microwave/fridge/coffee |
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| good sized bathroom |
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| shower/tub combo |
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| Giovanni toiletries |
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| additional vanity in the bedroom |
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| comfy double beds |
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| closet |
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| free wi-fi and breakfast |
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| room service menu |
We didn't have time to enjoy the hotel's happy hour due to early dinner reservations at
Torc, serving modern cuisine focused on local ingredients. We ordered the prix-fixe menu; it wasn't gut-busting, but as expected for the price. I would select from the regular menu if I were to return.
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| squash blossom amuse-bouche |
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| hamachi crudo |
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| pork belly |
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| rice pudding |
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So after dinner, we dropped by
Ben and Jerry's next door for second dessert.
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| I needed some "Chocolate Therapy" |
Back at the hotel, I was pleased to find
Pokemon Go pokestops and gyms on site, so Sandy and I walked around and played for a bit before bed.
The next morning, we enjoyed a hot breakfast in the atrium, then walked around the beautiful grounds - not your typical Embassy Suites.
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| the hours are spot on; it was very busy at 9:30 |
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| eggs cooked any way you like |
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| two hard-working employees |
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| tasty salsa |
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| buffet as well, with baked goods, fruit, etc. |
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| chorizo omelette |
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| pretty hotel grounds |
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| resident black swan |
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We checked out of the hotel, then headed to
Domaine Carneros, specializing in sparkling wine. The chateau and estate were picture-perfect. The three of us were still pretty full from breakfast, so we ordered sparkling wine by the glass and a cheese plate...delicious! Tasting reservations are required and can be made online. Another tip: the main parking lot can get full, with stairs leading to the chateau; a second parking lot is available a few blocks further down Duhig Road with no stairs required.
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| expansive views |
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| the chateau |
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| tasting menu |
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| wine and cheese |
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| watching the grapes getting crushed |
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Afterwards, we visited the
Napa Premium Outlets for some shopping. We all managed to find something to buy!
And that was the end of our girls' getaway to Napa...super fun! It's awesome to have destinations like this right in our backyard.
What's next on the agenda? Viva Las Vegas...stay tuned!
***
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Another disclaimer: The intention of this blog was to remind Future Me in full detail about where I went and what I did. I could have made it private, but I frequently get questions from family, friends and internet folks about how I planned things, got deals, etc., so instead of repeating the story over and over, I direct them here. If you are offended by anything I say or do, save yourself the discomfort and kindly click away from my blog. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!
Awesome blog. I miss you already!
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