An Affordable Way to Enjoy Napa: A Night Stay in Diablo Valley!

Posted on August 2, 2015 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was invited to Diablo Valley to experience their proximity to the Napa Valley.  All Opinions are my own.

With my love of wine, and wine travel, I’m always on the look out for a GREAT deal.  But, more importantly, I’m always on the lookout for more affordable ways to Travel.

Lets be honest, during the Summer, peak wine tasting season in Napa Valley, hotel prices get pretty HIGH, I mean, on a Saturday night, finding a place below 400 dollars a night is pretty hard, so this is when I begin to look elsewhere.

For those in the Bay Area, a GREAT place to stay the night before trekking up to Napa is none other than the Diablo Valley.  Think Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek area of the Bay Area.

Hilton_concord

Affordable accommodations at affordable prices.  Right now, Diablo Valley EVEN has a DEAL out for the first 15 people to Book a Wine Train Experience through their site they will RECEIVE a FREE NIGHT STAY at one of their 9 hotel properties.

We recently experienced one of the Diablo Valley Hotel Properties by staying at the Hilton Concord, and we can honestly say, it was a place we’d stay at again.  The Hilton Concord was conveniently located next to shopping, great restaurants, and for those with families, in close proximity to Waterworld CA.

Hilton-Concord

As soon as we walked into our hotel room, we found it hard to actually leave.  The music was playing for us and the details that were put into the room were a nice touch.  The Robe being laid out on the bed to decorated Wash Cloths into Flowers or Swans.

Room-Service

Room service is available to order for a late night meal (closes at 11pm.)  Or, if you want a Restaurant experience, the hotel restaurant, Plate & Vine.  On the weekends, they even offer a Buffet style Breakfast for you to enjoy before you head up to Napa for the day.

After our night stay at the Hilton Concord, we packed up the car then started our journey towards Napa Valley.  Just a 45 minute ride later, we arrived at our destination: The Napa Wine Train.  If you have yet to experience the Napa Valley Wine Train, we highly recommend it.  It’s truly a ONE OF A KIND Experience in Napa.

Napa

Of course, we had to get a picture in front of the train before picking up our tickets.  The lobby area is decorated just like an old fashion train station.  You can buy a bottle of wine in the shop, gifts out of the gift shops, or even a glass of wine to enjoy while waiting to board.

They will then begin calling out sections of the train to board from A-I.  Depending on your wine train experience.  We were experiencing the late dining Gourmet Lunch, so we were the last to board.

Love-locks

Upon boarding, everyone walks over the bridge where Love Locks  are placed before boarding the train.  Everyone also has their picture taken (which can be purchased at the end of your Wine Train Experience!)

For those of us, in the late dining experience, we are placed in a seating car where appetizers and drinks are served to us first:

Appetizers-Wine-Train

After our appetizers, we were encouraged to explore the train, so, that’s exactly what we did.  From one to the other we traveled through EVERY train car.  It was so fun to do, and yes folks, the train was moving the entire time.

During our exploration, we saw the other diners, we saw our food being made, what was being served for dessert, and enjoyed views at both ends of the train:

Wine-Train-Exploration

If you have a few minutes of free time to Explore, we definitely recommend it, and the DELI Car is worth a visit.  I have to admit, my favorite car of the train.

We arrived back just in time for us to head to our dining car:

Dining-Car

So much care and detail goes into your meals on the Napa Valley Wine Train.  Part of the fun is seeing how the meals come out: Meals-on-the-wine-train

See what I mean?  Left: Rubbed Mustard Pork Tenderloin.  Right: Ahi Tuna over a bed of Risotto.  And we ate every last bite because of how delicious the meals were.

But, of course, for any sweet tooth, the best part just happens to be dessert:

dessert-on-the-wine-train

Left: Chocolate Sin Cake

Right: Creme Brulee

This was our second time on the Wine Train, but one thing we truly noticed was HOW different both of our experiences were.  We left with completely different experiences each time, and that’s what is so awesome about the Wine Train, in that, it can do that.

Whether you pair your Wine Train with a Winery Tour

Or Perhaps a Murder Mystery Night

or a Special Occasion

You will definitely leave with memories for years to come.

Don’t forget, if you are one of the first 15 to book a Napa Valley Wine Train Experience through Diablo Valley, you will RECEIVE a FREE NIGHT Hotel Stay at one of their 9 Hotel Properties.

 


Categories: Travel | Tags: , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Visit to Crater Lake National Park!

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Jamie

Growing up in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 Lakes, means one thing: I feel most like myself when I am surrounded by a body of water.  Of course, it can’t be ANY body of water, but a LAKE.  There’s nothing like a lake that gives you a sense of relaxation, hope for the future and calmness to soothe you (at least for me!)

So, when we knew we were headed to Oregon this summer, I knew, there was ONE place we had to stop off at: Crater Lake National Park.

Crater-Lake-National-Park

This beautiful national park is pretty extraordinary.  You will NEVER see Water this blue, and to think, this LAKE all came to be from a Volcanic Explosion many many many years ago.  The explosion erupted so that it fell in, and over the years, rain, and snowmelt filled up the basin to CREATE this sensational lake.  High cliffs surround  the lake making it difficult for many people to get down to the waters, therefore, keeping the water as blue as it is.

Located about a Hour and a Half North East of the Ashland/Medford Area of Southern Oregon.

It is incredible to see in person:

Crater-Lake

A drive around the lake will take you across 33 miles, but there are many viewpoints along the way to make it your own adventure.  Spend the day hiking, taking photographs from all different vantage points, or find a great picnic spot.

During the winter months, the park does fill up with Snow, and often times, seasonal roads will close down starting as early as Mid-October and last through June.  Other GREAT useful tips can be found here.

There are 2 Camping Sites located within Crater Lake National Park:

Mazama Campground: Open June through September.

Mazama-Campground

It is an entire village at the South End of the lake.  A general store is located on the grounds making it convenient if you’ve forgotten something.

More info:

Mazama Campground has approximately 200 forested sites. Running water, flush toilets, bear lockers, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided. Collecting of dead and downed wood is allowed for campfires within fire rings. A range of site sizes are available; tent to RV lengths. A few sites have hook-ups for RVs. Dump station is available Sites can accommodate up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. Reservations can be made calling 1-888-774-2728 or on-line. Around busy, holiday and vacation weekends, reservations are recommended. Check-in starts at noon. The campground is a 7 mile drive from Rim Village, the closest place to view of Crater Lake.

Lost Creek Campground:

Lost Creek Campground is usually open mid-July through early October, weather permitting. It is a 16 site, first come, first serve campground run by the National Park Service. The campground is tents only with a $10 per night fee, paid through self registration.

Fees to the park are:

Car – $15.00 (7 day pass)
Motorcycles, bicycles &pedestrians – $10.00 per person (7 day pass)

Commercial Vehicles:

  • Capacity of 1 to 6 individuals – $25.00 + passenger fee ($5.00)
  • Capacity of 7 to 15 individuals – $75.00
  • Capacity of 16 to 25 individuals – $100.00
  • Capacity of 26 or more individual – $200.00

Just in case you need a little more inspiration to visit:

Crater-Lake

Crater-Lake-National-park

Crater-Lake

Crater Lake National Park is truly worth a visit.  We had a GREAT time during our visit, and hope to go back one day in the future.


Categories: Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Insider Tips for the Perfect Family Vacation to Yosemite!

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Jamie

So, confession time.  As of this October 1, I have lived in California for nearly 5 years, and have YET to visit Yosemite National Park.  As this year marks their 125th Anniversary, I have made a pact to visit this beautiful area within the NEXT year.

So that means, immense research has BEGUN on this area.  As I’ve begun to dig in and learn where to go, where to stay, and what activities to participate in, I’ve also been getting some GREAT insider information from others that reside in the area day in and day out, and other travelers that have been to the area numerous times through the years.  I will continue to share this information with all of you as the year goes on.

Yosemite_Falls_from_Glacier_Point___Kenny_Karst_1068_2995_20141118102726808_resized_low

Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point: Photo Credit: DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc.

With that being said, General Manager, Brett Archer, of the Ahwahnee Hotel has given some Insider Tips for making the most of your Family Vacation to Yosemite:

1) Rafting down the Merced River is a great way to cool off during the hot summer and provides a new perspective of Yosemite’s landmarks.  There are a lot of beaches at which pull out, take a refreshing dip, and enjoy a picnic lunch.   The Ahwahnee, Curry Village, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, and Degnans Deli can provide a quick, convenient, tasty, and fresh picnic lunch.

North_Dome_and_Merced_River_in_fall_Kenny_Karst_1010_2995_20141117182943838_resized_low

North Dome and Merced River in the Fall: Photo Credit: Kenny Karst/DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc

2) Un-connect the kids from their devices and have them re-connect with nature.  Take part in one of the NPS or Delaware North interpretive programs such as Wee Wild Ones, Starry Skies, or the Junior Ranger Program.  Many of the programs in Yosemite are free.

3) Have some fun learning and laughing with Ranger Ned’s Big Adventure at the Curry Village Amphitheater and then head into the Curry Village Ice Cream Corner for a hand-scooped ice cream cone, hot fudge sundae or rootbeer float.

ls

4) If swimming pools are not your thing, there are many beaches along the Merced River at which to hangout and keep cool.  The beaches at Housekeeping Camp and the Swinging Bridge are easy ones to get to and provide unparalleled views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point along with the quintessential swimming holes.

Merced_Lake__back_of_Half_Dome_Kenny_Karst_989_2995_20141118102628181_resized_low

Merced Lake: Photo Credit: DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. 

 5) The Valley Visitor Center and Indian Village, Happy Isles Nature Center, and Pioneer History Center are all great places to learn of Yosemite’s history, lore, and mythology, and traditions.

YosemiteVillageVisitorCenter-a2

6) The Valley Floor Tour is a cool way to see Yosemite without being trapped inside a bus.  This open air tram affords unhindered and awe inspiring views all the while a National Park Service Naturalist provides a detailed narrative of all that you are seeing.

Header-Valley-Floor-Tour-1.3.6.1__img1

Photo Credit: YosemitePark.Com

I know there’s a ton more TIPS out there, and I’d love to hear some of your own.  Share some of your BEST Yosemite Vacation tips below to make this first trip for me truly successful!

 


Categories: Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment