“Wine” in Napa

Hey all!

So tomorrow we head out on our road-trip back! We’re heading to some really cool places, so although this post won’t be super exciting, get ready for a couple of really awesome ones (hopefully, if I have wifi…)

We haven’t done much in the five day since I last posted; it hasn’t been very nice, and we’ve mostly just been trying to relax in our last few days here in a house before we’re on the road for nine days.

Friday we spent most of the day in the neighborhood. We grabbed lunch at a local Sunset District diner called the Bashful Bull II. When we walked in, we were the only ones there, the windows lined with empty booths. Unable to even fathom going somewhere else we were so hungry, we stayed anyway. Everyone got something different; grilled cheese, omelets, French toast, and I had the chicken fingers. You won’t go hungry here, as every meal comes with two or three sides, and the prices won’t empty your wallet, everything is under $12. If you’re not looking for a whole meal, the milkshakes are perfectly handmade to order, and the pie is fresh and warm with lots of ice cream.

After, we took a walk along Ocean Beach. In the day this beach is filled people walking their dogs and surfers, but by night, large groups of people take over the fire pits, lighting up the night, and the two windmills of Golden Gate Park. It’s a truly beautiful, and fun place to be on a Friday night.

Saturday we all piled into the car for one more “trip” before the long one. We made our way up to the one and only Napa, California. We spent the afternoon in the town center exploring the wine, shops, and waterfront that it offers. Obviously while we were there, we HAD to get lunch/wine, and so we settled on the local California chain Gott’s. Gott’s is not a typical burger place, they have every kind of burger you could imagine, with a California twist. I had the so-named “California Burger” topped with a Fried egg, Swiss cheese, bacon, arugula, balsamic onions & mayo on a toasted egg bun. This thing was AMAZING. Though you might not think that the flavors go well together, Gott’s does them perfectly. Mom had the Crispy Teriyaki Chicken sandwich, and though spicy, she gave it high remarks. Chicken, fried-crisp, tossed in house-made teriyaki sauce & served with romaine lettuce, pickled carrots & daikon radishes, jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, toasted sesame seeds & spicy mayo on a toasted egg bun, this is an INSANE sandwich, but be prepared you will not have any left. The turkey burgers, and mini corn dogs were also a favorite.

After lunch, we walked around and tested the shops. One such place, a little bakery called Sweetie Pies was so enticing that we all had to take a little something home. Now, I’m not much of a sweet tooth, but I can’t ever say no to Red Velvet Cake, and once I saw the Red Velvet Cake whoopie pie sitting on the counter, I knew I was done for. I don’t normally like whoopie pies, but this was one of the best pastries I have EVER had. The cake was moist and perfectly made, and the frosting was actually cream cheese frosting, rather than the normal whoopie pie thicker, more vanilla tasting frosting.

The rest of town is one of the most beautiful places you have ever seen. The streets are lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafes. If you need information, stop into the Napa Information Center, where you can book tours, find maps, and buy keepsakes. We did not get to tour a vineyard to much dismay, but the drive through to the town center is almost nearly enough.

Sunday and Monday were spent lounging, and getting ready to head home. It’s been a week of lying low, but don’t worry, adventure is coming soon! We head out around noon tomorrow, and our first stop is Pismo Beach, California! Looking forward to stopping at the Santa Monica Pier along the way! Wish us luck!

xoxo