A Bit of Historic Charm in Downtown Placerville: Cary House Hotel

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Jamie

Since last year I created an annual fall tradition of heading up to Apple Hill for a weekend to explore the areas apple orchards.  As its one of my favorite times of the year.  After first exploring the area in one day last year, I knew, this year, I wanted to try something a little different.  Instead of overworking myself in just one day, I knew I wanted to find a place to stay overnight.

The question was where?  I did a quick search on Placerville, and came across the Cary House Hotel. At first glance, the hotel does not look too fancy.  From the outside, not the best perspective: cary-house

But once inside, an entirely new story unfolds.  A bit of a historical past.  A place that holds so many memories from Placerville (an old, historic mining town/aka Hangman’s Town.) There are 3 floors within the historic hotel.  Each floor having a different theme.  The 2nd Floor named after Wine Varietals, The 3rd Floor named after area’s Mines, and the 4th floor named after Historical People that had an impact on Placerville or stayed at the Historic hotel.

Lobby-Area-Hotel

In the lobby area, lounge chairs, beautiful stained glass windows, and many historical items GREET you.  Make sure to spend some time reading about the various articles found throughout the lobby.

And then you head to your room.  Each room has a different name related to the theme of the floor you’re on.  We resided on the 4th floor and were given the Mark Twain Room:

Mark-Twain

And the theme continues once inside the room.  In our Mark Twain room, a beautiful historical writing desk sat in the corner (filled with Mark Twain books) and a very comfortable bed.  They even transformed the refrigerator to look like an old fashion safe.  Pictures of Mark Twain were hung throughout the room.

Mark-Twain-Room

But my absolute favorite feature of the room was something very simple:

journal

A journal where former guests of the room could write about their experiences.  Rumor is there’s very friendly spirits that haunt this historic hotel.  Guests are encouraged to share their stories about the hotel, about their stay, or any experiences they may have encountered with spirits.

A few things to note:

There is an elevator, but it’s VERY old.  2 People Maximum or 1 person with Luggage.

Complimentary Parking given at Check Out to the lot directly behind the lot.

Coffee is served from 6am to 9am every morning in the breakfast nook area, but JUST coffee.

There are no Vending or Ice Machines in the Hotel, but water is given out in the lobby area.

And complimentary coupons are given out with discounts to various Downtown Eating Establishments (we recommend HeyDay Cafe!)

BUT, with that being said, we truly ENJOYED our stay at the Cary House Hotel, so much, that I had to write about it.  And yes, we paid for our own room.  And loved that it was in such close proximity to many great restaurants, and the Downtown Area so you could spend some time walking through the various shops of Downtown Placerville during your stay, or even run across a hometown festival like we did (Oktoberfest!)

 

 


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Best WAYS to Spend a Day in San Francisco!

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Jamie

For the past few months I’ve been working in this wonderful city of San Francisco, and along the way, I’ve been learning the ins and outs of this city.  I’ve discovered favorite parts of the city to explore, great places for views, and of course, been picking out some of my favorite spots in the city.

And, this is where I’d like to share these ideas with you.  Some of the BEST Ways to Spend a Day in San Francisco:

1) A Morning at the San Francisco Zoo Followed by an Afternoon at Ocean Beach

Probably ONE of my all time favorite places to drive in the city is along The Great Highway.  This stretch of road goes alongside all the beach sides of San Francisco.  So, to start my day off like this always refreshes me.

It just so happens that the San Francisco Zoo is right along this stretch of ROAD too.  If you love animals, or zoos, in general, a stop off at the San Francisco Zoo should be on your MUST Do list.  Some of my favorites are there too: Penguins, Giraffes, Gorillas and more.

Penguins

I’d begin my day at the Zoo, Grab lunch at the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant then spend the afternoon on the beach.  The perfect DAY if you ask me.

2) All ABOUT the Golden Gate Park

I’m going to be honest.  The Golden Gate Park JUST DOES NOT get enough attention as the rest of the city.  However, whenever anyone asks me places to visit in the city, the park is always one of my top answers.

Whether you love museums, gardens, riding bikes, or just walking around, this PARK has a bit of everything.

Favorites include: Visiting the California Academy of Sciences, A Walk in the San Francisco Botanical Garden, The Japanese Tea Garden, Rent Bikes, Rent Segways, Ride the Carousel and more.  It’s waiting for you!

3) Take a Scenic Drive

When I say this, the key is KNOWING where to go.  Some of my favorites include a drive down Portola Avenue.  One of the BEST views of the city out there.  There is also Twin Peaks.  And the top of Bernal Heights also has a pretty incredible view of the city.

Bernal-Heights-View

View atop Bernal Heights

A stop off inside the Presidio will captivate you at certain points along with taking a trek across the Golden Gate Bridge and capturing all it’s glory.  Again, the views and drives are out there.  You just have to discover them.

golden-gate

4) Don’t FORGET about Treasure Island

Get out of the City for a day and head over to Treasure Island.  This hub is really becoming something. A great place to Wine Taste, Picnic, and take in a view of San Francisco.  A Perfect day trip.

Photo on behalf of The Untz.

If not Treasure Island, spending a day in Sausalito is a must do too.

5) Take in a GREAT Happy Hour

The-View-Happy-Hour

The View on top of the Marriott Marquis, close to the Moscone Conference Center is my ALL Time favorite place for a drink.  I mean, there’s a reason for its name.

But, there are GREAT spots all over the city.  Those afternoon hours, stop in, and enjoy Happy Hour.

6) Shop ’til YOU Drop

Everyone knows Union Square is the Shopping Hub of San Francisco.  And if shopping is your thing, this is the only way to spend a day in San Francisco.  Hopping in and out of ALL your favorite shops.

And of course, a stop inside Union Square for some die hard photo ops: “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”

Union-Square

7) On the Search for Good Dim Sum!

Spend an afternoon in Chinatown, and stop into one of the amazing Dim Sum shops for lunch.  The key? Get there early.

8) Dine with the BEST

Let’s be honest, San Francisco has some PRETTY amazing Chefs.  When in town, you need to take the time to dine somewhere good.  You won’t be disappointed.  Do your research!

9) Explore the Embarcadero

For every visitor to the city, Fisherman’s Wharf is well known.  The place to go for Clam Chowder, but more importantly, the place to walk around for entertainment for hours.  Board for Alcatraz, or walk further down the Embarcadero and enjoy lunch at the Ferry Building, a food marketplace that offers a little something for everyone.

Just off the Embarcodero is Ghirardelli Square, and the famous Cable Car Turn Around.

10) Take in AT&T Park

For the die hard baseball fans, a visit to San Francisco isn’t a visit without taking in a game at AT&T park, where the San Francisco Giants Play.  The Stadium sits right off the water offering some incredible views.

SF Ballpark 1 CA.jpg

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Or, if you’re lucky, enjoy a Ride the Ducks Adventure during the GAME, and perhaps you’ll catch a ball out in the water.

11) Ride a Cable Car!

File:San Francisco Cable Car on Pine Street.jpgPhoto Credit: Wikipedia

There’s nothing else like it.  And it’s pretty affordable too.  Pay as you hop on. Ride to some of your favorite spots: Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and more.

No matter what you decide to do you’ll always find hidden gems on your journey.  Be sure to share some of your favorite below!

 


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Wine Tasting Along the Livermore Wine Trail!

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was invited out to experience Livermore Wine Valley this past July.  These were my adventures and findings along the way.  This is part of a 3 part series.

There’s a reason or two that I love visiting the different California Wine Regions.  One such reason is the fact that different regions EXCEL at different varietal of wines over others.  Another reason is learning the deep, rich history that a region may have.  Just in case you haven’t read the History of Livermore Wine, you need too.

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And, another reason?  It’s honestly meeting the people behind the wineries.  So many of the Wineries in Livermore Wine Valley have a rich history, whether they’re the family’s behind Steven Kent, Wente, or Concannon, to Wineries that started because they were originally farmers, and wine kind of fell into their lap.  It’s in hearing their stories, supporting their hard work, that make it so much fun to visit.

And lets be honest: Every Region has a little something different to offer.

As I first made my mark into Livermore Wine Valley, the first thing I honestly noticed was HOW CLOSE it was to the Bay Area.  From Sonoma County, it was just a hour and a half drive for me.  Even closer for those that live in the East or South Bay of the Bay Area.

And as I drove into Livermore, it was surreal seeing Grape Vines, and a few feet away full on neighborhoods.  But I kept Trekking, and made it to my first stop: Wente Vineyards. It was my goal, as a first time visitor to the region to pay homage to the families that helped to CREATE it.

Wente_vineyards

What I instantly notice WAS all of the outdoor space.  A perfect spot to hang out with friends and family, and make a fun afternoon of sipping on Wente Vineyard Wines.  Grab your favorite Chardonnay, since, lets be honest, Wente is responsible for 80% of the Chardonnay clones found all across California, and enjoy the afternoon.

I also instantly put my eyes on the newest space with the Wente Winemakers Studio.  A space that invites YOU to come inside and partake in interactive classes to learn about the process of Wine Blending, Wine Making and more.  Honestly, this space is incredible:

Winemakers-Studio

The Studio also has their own Wine Tasting Bar, where you can partake in a variety of flights and more.  Definitely worth spending an afternoon there.  Hours of Operation: 11am to 5pm Thursday-Sunday.

After exploring around Wente Vineyards, I then headed over to Concannon Vineyards to honor homage to another Winemaking family that has been pretty Vital to California.

Concannon House

The first thing you instantly notice as you drive up to the Vineyard is the House that sits stoicly on the land.  Yes, the house that James Concannon resided in.  The house was built in 1885, and still stands on the property today.

The Estate also has gorgeous picnic grounds to reserve, and is host to Underdog Wine Bar, a place to spend an afternoon enjoying lunch or dinner as you enjoy some of your favorite Livermore Wines.

Concannon-Estates

Picnic Grounds at Concannon Estate

After exploring around Concannon, I then crossed the street, drove a few blocks, and stopped into Steven Kent Winery.  For those that may not know, Steven Kent, has a huge following within the Livermore Wine Valley, but more so, his family has left a legacy throughout California, as the Mirassou family brought the first Pinot Noir grapes to the land.  As Mirassou Wines was taken, and also trademarked over the years, when Steven decided to start his own winery within the land he grew up around, Livermore, he landed upon his own name, Steven Kent.

Steven-Kent-Winery

The Steven Kent Winery is very simplistic, but to be honest, when you visit this winery, it’s not about the winery nearly as much as its about the Wine.  When you enter, you truly taste the difference in the wines.  And to me, exactly the reason WHY this is a must visit when visiting Livermore Wine Valley.

After a day of Wine Tasting, a stop into Downtown Livermore or Downtown Pleastanton should be on your list.  For cute little boutiques to restaurants and wine bars, the downtown areas are growing immensely!  This was not so much the case just a few years ago.  A true look at the growth of this area in just the past few years!

Downtown_Livermore

There are over 50 Wineries in the Region.  When you can visit you can easily pay homage to the families that helped to create the Livermore Wine Valley Regions like I did, or you can explore more intimately with smaller, family owned properties.

There’s a little something for everyone within this region.  The next article will focus on the Taste Our Terroir Event that takes place in Livermore Wine Valley every July!


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