We had a family wedding in Napa and so we flew in and out via San Francisco. Richard's daughter, hubs, and the two oldest joined us in San Fran before driving to Napa via Muir Woods. Had a quick-ish lunch at Mel's Diner downtown and then Richard went to pick up his suit and rented tux. More on that later. The rest of us enjoyed the beach, had Ghirardelli hot fudge sundaes, and ate clam chowder out of a sourdough bowl. In other words, got the "taste of San Francisco" without the Rice A Roni.
We saw cable cars, hilly streets and clocked over 15,000 steps in one day. The kids were thrilled with all of it, so that was nice. Got a nice, foggy day with the Golden Gate Bridge peeping out and a good view of Alcatraz, but the Sea Lions on Pier 39 were busy breeding and not on view. Richard and I found a terrific New York bagel shop near out hotel (https://locations.noahs.com/us/ca/san-francisco/2075-chestnut-st) and grabbed one while the kids slept in.
For a decent bed, clean sheets and good AC, you can't go wrong with Sure Stay Best Western near Fisherman's Wharf for a budget find. No elevator, which ended up being bad for Richard's knee.
The drive to Muir Woods was great, with a quick stop for lunch at Chipotle (super fresh chips) and a new pair of Vans for Lindley when she discovered hers were falling apart. The Serendipity was strong on this trip. Let me explain. Richard's rental suit and tux DID NOT FIT. But DXL had an off the rack, no tailoring needed suit available, so he went and picked that up while we toodled at the Wharf. He met us for dinner at the Wharf, found a parking space literally feet away from our table (no walking or stairs for his now sore knee), and we had a terrific meal.
Once we got to the hotel after dinner, Richard's 5 year old granddaughter had said "I will help carry you up the stairs Poppa." And so she did, and she lifted his big ol leg up to his stomach, toppling him slowly over onto the cement of the parking spot we were able to get (miracle). BUT, his son in law was right behind him and gently lowered his 315 pounds to the ground, no injuries. So we now feel we have dodged two serious bullets with suits and injuries.
The following day we head for Napa via Muir Woods, cannot get a parking slot, but since Richard can't walk anyway, he just dropped us off. The kids and grands got the full experience of the majestic Redwoods for an hour, a cool chill to the air with dappled sunlight, mushrooms, slugs and more. It was divine. We then found the Vans store, which was next to the Chipotle, the one place we know picky eater grandkid will eat. Glimmers abounded on this trip.
We got into Napa by noon, and the kids needed to be at the rehearsal, but our rooms were not ready. Thankfully Richard's sis (MOG) was in her room, so everyone got to get cleaned up and changed, while a family friend expertly ironed all the things that needed irons. Rehearsal group had their fun at the church, their early dinner, and then joined us all for a Meet and Greet Garden Party that was fabulous. Italian gelato with an authentic Italian who made it dishing it up, Italian Wedding Cake (OMG I had never heard of it before, and they made it live in front of us) and an incredible guitarist/singer. Very nice couches, comfy chairs and custom pillows, and a really laid back vibe.
Saturday was the wedding, but we squeezed in a really long day at the pool with the kiddos first after having a good breakfast at our space. Then a meeting at the shuttles and a 30 minute drive into the hills surrounding Napa to a beautiful "church on a hill." No A/C, but we had fans, custom made for the occasion. A lighthearted ceremony, done in less than an hour, and then photos and shuttles back to the resort. The reception was outstanding. At one point I walked out with Richard for some air. When we walked back in, literally the entire wedding party was on the dance floor! Not one person was seated out of over 100. We joined them for a minute (Richard's knee), then I stayed and danced with all the fam while he sat.
An incredible meal, a touching toast by the bride's dad, and then onto the wedding cake. There were live horns and a drummer supplementing the DJ and the kids did not leave the dance floor for the entire night. Come to think of it, most people didn't leave the dance floor all night long.
We finished up Sunday morning with a brunch from 9 to 11, and then toodled over to the Oxbow Public Market, a European style food hall we highly recommend. https://oxbowpublicmarket.com/ Had some incredible sushi, and then a lot of the kids and Richard's brother followed us over there. We had a table outside by the river, big enough for us all. Most were leaving that night, but Richard and I booked another night to go to PRESS Restaurant with Nicholas and Miranda. Our stay at Napa Inn and Spa was idyllic, with a front porch and rocker, and another glimmer, live music from a tent next door while we waited for the Uber to PRESS!
Side note, we had a lot wrong with our room at Silverado Resort. For $1000 a night it was unacceptable. They ended up comping us almost $1000 for "late check in, hot/cold backward in kitchen, kitchen drawers broken, burners not seated flat, fridge door shelves broken, ants in sink, two roaches seen, flooded kitchen floor from rusty dishwasher, and loose floor board near Richard's side of bed."
Napa Inn and Spa, in contrast, was ideal. A great bed, great sheets, good shower, fantastic breakfast, and a front porch rocker. They also moved us so no stairs required. Lots of outdoor gathering spots and pretty gardens outside as well.
PRESS Restaurant. A deep and varied regional wine cellar with by far, the very best meal of my life. Incredible if you are a foodie, or a wine connoisseur. Unforgettable. $250 for the tasting menu. Another $250 if you do the wine pairings. Worth every penny for the food, I no longer drink wine, but they said it was extraordinary. There are wines there that you cannot get anywhere else in the world. The very deepest wine cellar in the Valley. Michelon starred restaurant. https://pressnapavalley.com/
And then back home! Quick trip from Thursday to Monday, but in spite of delays, Lindley and her family made it all the way home, and we were able to be on the same flight to get back to Denver early for us. A final Glimmer:)
