Napa Valley Celebrates Arts in April!

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Jamie

April 1st has come and gone, and the month awaits us.  One way to get out and enjoy the warmer weather and the beauty of Napa is through the ARTS.

Arts-in-April

Every April, Napa comes together to celebrate the ARTS in a variety of events all month long: Arts in April officially kicks off April 2nd at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville:

Event happening throughout the month of April include:

“Napa Valley Collects” | Opening Reception 
Thursday, April 2; Museum Members – 5-8 p.m., General Public – 6-8 p.m.
Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville

“Napa Valley Collects” is a distinctive selection of works from private collections throughout Napa Valley, featuring impressive works from world-renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Warhol and Andy Goldsworthy. Cost is $10 for museum members, 5-8 p.m., $20 for guests, 6-8 p.m. Napa Valley wines and abundant refreshments will be served.

“HOLY” by Gordon Huether Studio, installed at Bardessono for the upcoming “UPCYCLE ART@badessono”

The “Napa Valley Collects” exhibit will run April 3 through May 31, 2015.

Winemaker’s Private Collection
Monday, April 6, 10 a.m. and Sunday, April 12, 5 p.m.
hope & grace wines, 6540 Washington Street

Visitors can sip on limited production wines from Charles W. Hendrick’s private collection while admiring various art forms, including abstract, oil on canvas, lithography and conceptual art. Charles will be there for a meet and greet, to explain how and why he acquired each piece in the collection, in addition to answering questions about hope & grace wines. Tastings are $15 per person.

Art, Antique & Collectible Appraisal Day
Wednesday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville

Art, Antique & Collectible Appraisal Day is an opportunity for collectors to bring art, fine wine, jewelry, books, furniture, manuscripts and more, to be professionally evaluated by Bonhams – a prominent international auction house – for current market values, for a small donation of $10 per item – limit of five items per person.

UPCYCLE ART@bardessono | Artist Receptions  
Thursday, April 9, 5:30 p.m. and Friday, April 10, 7 pm.
Lucy Restaurant & Bar, 6528 Yount St, Yountville

There will be two artist receptions at Lucy Restaurant & Bar to connect with eight talented local and Bay Area artists whose work, made from upcycled and repurposed materials, will be on display April through June at Bardessono Hotel | Restaurant | Spa, located at 6526 Yount Street, Yountville. Light bites by Chef Scargle of Lucy and wine tastings by Blackbird Vineyards will be served. The public is invited to “join” the event on the Bardessono Facebook page if they plan to attend.

Artists include: Gordon Huether, Tor Archer, Albert Dicruttalo, Clint Imboden, Barbara Kronlins, Gugger Petter, Eric Powell and Tim Yankosky.

Jessup Cellars TasteMaker | Taking it to the Streets with Author Heather Jacks
Thursday, April 9, 7-9:30 p.m.
Jessup Cellars Tasting Gallery, 6740 Washington Street, Yountville

Part of Jessup Cellars’ TasteMaker series, Taking it to the Streets with Author Heather Jacks – author of “The Noise Beneath the Apple” – will feature a lively discussion and “meet and greet” with the talented producer and music journalist. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased through CellarPass.

The Art of Creation at Domaine Chandon
Thursday, April 9, 2p.m., Friday, April 10 2-5 p.m., and
Sunday, April 12, 2 p.m.
Domaine Chandon, 1 California Drive, Yountville

In celebration of Napa Valley Arts in April, Domaine Chandon will be highlighting its newest art installation, as well as its popular permanent art collection. Visitors can tour the property’s curated art collection at 2 p.m. on Thursday April 9, Friday April 10 and Sunday April 12 with Senior Chandon Ambassador, Ellen Flora.

On Friday April 10, 2-5 p.m., there will be a special live demonstration of ceramic clay firing. Wine Country Clay, artists–in-residence at Domaine Chandon since 2011, will be at the winery with a demonstration of the Cermanic Process: Firing and Forming.

Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m., meet Bay Area artist Dennis Puglisi, who will lead a tour of his art, sharing the inspiration behind his remarkable paintings, which include a series based at Domaine Chandon.

All events are non-ticketed and do not require a RSVP.

Art, Sip and Stroll
Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Town of Yountville, 6550 Yount Street

Art Sip and Stroll is an afternoon to savor fine wines while strolling through the Art Walk in the charming and elegant town of Yountville. The route will be easily walkable, however the Yountville Trolley will be running all day to meander visitors through town, free of charge. Cost is $10 for an all-day tasting bracelet, with all proceeds supporting the Yountville Arts Fund. Tasting bracelets will be available for purchase at several locations throughout Yountville.

A one-day-only art show and sale, open to the public, will be exhibiting the works of 47 highly regarded California artists whose work will be professionally juried. This “Show and Sale,” newly added this year, is a place to meet the artists and purchase works that inspire, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington Street.

Collective Conversations | A Discussion on the Art of Collecting
Monday, April 16, 6-7 p.m.
Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville

Many collectors acquire art for deeply personal and aesthetic reasons – yet others value art as a visual narration of time and place. Join Doreen Schmid, guest curator of Napa Valley Collects, for a conversation featuring several collectors from the 2015 exhibition. $5.00 admission; free for members.

“Brave Art” | The Justin-Siena High School Visual Art Show Opening Reception
Thursday, April 23, 6-8 p.m.
Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville

135 visual art students will have their best work on exhibition at the Spotlight Gallery in Napa Valley Museum, April 23 through April 30. Art gives our youth a unique means of expression, and helps to capture their passions and emotions in a variety of mediums: dry and wet media, non-traditional sculpture, digital art and digital film/video. The opening reception will be held April 23 from 6-8 p.m., open to the public.

Where to stay in Yountville during Napa Valley Arts in April
Bardessono is offering an Art@Bardonesso package in collaboration with Napa Valley Arts in April, featuring overnight accommodations in a luxury suite, a private tour of the hotel’s rotating artwork and sculpture on display, an “art-inspired” appetizer and two beverages at Lucy Restaurant & Bar ($75 credit), and a map of the Yountville Art Walk. The starting rate for this package, available through May 1, 2015, is $685 per night.

Villagio Inn & Spa and Vintage Inn: Inspired by Napa Valley Arts in April, both Villagio Inn & Spa and Vintage Inn are offering Arts in April packages that run April 1 through April 30.  Packages cost $925 per couple, and include:

Two nights of luxurious accommodations for two – only available Sunday-Thursday.

  • Complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival
  • Sumptuous daily champagne breakfast and afternoon tea service
  • Complimentary access to Spa Villagio facilities and amenities on the day of your scheduled spa treatment
  • Complimentary daily access to the hotel fitness center
  • Two 50 minute wellness massages at Spa Villagio – available Monday-Friday

 


Categories: Napa Valley, Northern California, Wine | Tags: , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Where to go in California this Spring!

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Jamie

Oh California, you sweet state you.  Every year when it comes to choosing a destination for the Spring, the hard part is actually choosing where to go.  California has some GREAT options.

Lake-Tahoe

For those in the Midwest or out East, California has plenty of options for that much needed warm getaway.  For those that reside in this gem of a state, there’s also fun locations easily accessible to enjoy in the weeks ahead:

Palm Springs:

Whenever I think of Spring Break, there’s one town that ALWAYS comes to mind: Palm Springs.  Hotels with pools upon pools to lounge around, cocktails to enjoy, and soaking in the sun.  That is my idea of a good time.

BUT Palm Springs has other options too: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an unforgettable view, and many GREAT trails to hike upon.  Rent bikes for the day, enjoy VillageFest every Thursday evening, or take in a museum.

San Diego:

I never tire of seeing photos of San Diego.  The Southern City of California has so much to offer.  With many people’s favorite zoo: The San Diego Zoo, or the many museums along Balboa Park to taking in the Ships along the waterways, to one of the best hotels out there at Hotel del Coronado there’s always something to explore in this fun, beloved city.

Los Angeles:

I spent a good 3 years down in LA, and the majority of those years were exploring new spots to frequent.  I’d ALWAYS run across something to do, and often times, people forget how much fun a staycation in your own city can be.

Los Angeles has plenty of museums: The Getty, LACMA, Griffith Observatory, MOCA, and more.  The Los Angeles Zoo, Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade, 3rd Street Farmer’s Market and more.  And lets not forget the miles and miles of FLAT beaches surrounding the coasts of LA.

Catalina Island:

Catalina-Island-093-600x400

Who knew taking yourself 22 miles away from the streets of Los Angeles could offer so much tranquility? But, oh, can it especially when it’s on its own island.  Catalina Island offers quiet, tranquility, and adventure all at the same time.

The island truly caters to both romantics and families offering the best of both worlds.  Get out snorkeling or diving, or take in a tour right on the island.  Or enjoy your time on a vacation rental property to feel as if you own a piece of the island for a few days.

Get an ice cream treat off the boardwalk, or take in the sun, or rent bikes or a golf cart to go exploring.  The adventure is up to you in what you want to do.

Santa Barbara:

When I was in Los Angeles, this is a place I wish I would have spent more weekends at.  Just a short 2 hour drive North of the city, Santa Barbara is always a fun getaway.  With so many of the streets walker friendly, small shops and wine tasting rooms to explore, it’s a fun place for vacation.

Monterey Peninsula:

Monterey-Bay-Aquarium

Monterey is seriously one of my favorite California destinations.  My first part is the first glimpse of the peninsula when I’m driving towards Monterey off the 152.  That view gets me every time.  With Monterey having so many different tours to choose from such as Behind the Scenes at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Whale Watch Cruises, to Eco-tours along a bird estuarary, there’s something for the entire family.

A destination that gets you outdoors and near the water.  Spend a day at the beach, go hiking along Point Lobos, or just enjoy walking along Fisherman’s Wharf.  Monterey will always create family memories.

Santa Cruz:

The boardwalk that is full of rides right along the beach MAKES for the perfect destination for the entire family.  A fun easy getaway for anyone within the Bay Area, or even those along the Central coast.  Spend the day at the beach then end the night playing games and enjoying the rides.  Guaranteed for lots of fun and laughs.

San Francisco:

fishermanswharf

San Francisco is ALWAYS a fun city to visit for a few days.  Just leave the car at home.  Jump on a Cable Car, enjoy walking along Fisherman’s Wharf, or take in the outdoors at the Golden Gate Park, or a few museums while you’re there too.

But one of the best parts of San Francisco is just people watching.  You just may never know what you’ll run into.

Mendocino:

If you’re looking for something a little more quiet, heading a bit further north to the Mendocino Coast is highly recommended.  Get out of the city, and just enjoy the much quieter life off the Pacific coast.  Scenic views, small town love, with exquisite meals.  This little piece of heaven is always a favorite getaway for me.

Lake Tahoe:

laketahoesmall

California is also home to one of the prettiest lakes I’ve ever seen.  Although nothing compares to seeing a Great Lake in person!  Lake Tahoe is such a pretty recreational area to explore.  Whether you want to gamble at the casinos at South Lake Tahoe, or take in a few hikes for epic views of this beauty of a lake, or get out on a boat, this is always a perfect getaway location.

Yosemite/Sierra Nevadas:

Anyone that has a deep love of camping, the outdoors, or just Nature, in general needs to get out to Yosemite or the Sierra Nevadas to let go of the stress of life, and let Nature show you a good time.  California is home to some incredible National Parks that are just waiting to be explored.

In all seriousness, are you headed anywhere for Spring Break this year?  If so, where?  Have any Vacation memories of the past?

 

 

 


Categories: Around the US, Bay Area, Central California, Northern California, San Francisco, Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Common Mis-Conceptions Mid-Westerners Have about California!

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Jamie

I was recently thinking about some of the things I thought about California before I ended up moving here, and realized how VERY wrong some of those misconceptions were to me. So I thought I’d write out a list of common misconceptions, we, as Mid-westerners, often have about California. (Keep in mind I’ve been in California for over 4 years now so my views may have changed a bit since then!)

Pigeon-Point-Lighthouse

EarthQuakes will make you never want to visit California:

I get this one a lot.  My mom often told me she was afraid to visit here because when she finally would, the BIG one would hit.  After experiencing my first Earthquake this past summer (a 6.1 ya’ll) I understand the misconceptions that are centered around Earthquakes.

Especially how the media portrays the damage of an Earthquake after.  Although, if you are in the heart of the epicenter, there is a ton of DAMAGE and it is very scary and life-threatening, but for many, an Earthquake happens, and you were like, ‘EARTHQUAKE.”

It’s funny being in California now because when one happens, my facebook lights up with status updates now.

What did my first Earthquake actually feel like?  I was lying in bed, and I felt the ground slide left to right underneath me.  Since it woke me up in the middle of the night it took me a bit to realize what was happening, but yes, it’s exactly that, the ground shaking beneath you.

California-Coastline

San Francisco’s Right Next Door to Los Angeles, right?

When Friends and Family come to Visit, I hear this a lot.  Reality?  California is as large as the majority of the entire Eastern Coast of the United States.  So, how many states are on the East coast?  Exactly.

A typical drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles takes 6 hours, and folks, this is without any traffic involved.  Now, add traffic, and we’re talking 8 to 9 hours often.  Los Angeles to San Diego? 2 Hours.  Los Angeles to Santa Barbara? 2 hours.  San Francisco to Napa Valley? 1 1/2.

Things take time to get too.  With that being said, The BAY AREA is huge, and there’s not always an easy way to get from Point A to Point B because guess what?  There’s this entire BAY of Water in between things.  So plan out things if you’re planning on driving places around the BAY.

Everyone’s a Surfer:

Bahahahahahahah.

Have you seen me?

Exploring-Young-Woman

This, my folks, is a girl residing in California, who is, indeed, not a surfer!  Thanks Beverly Hills 90210 for this misconception.  Yes, there are people out there that LOVE to surf.  Yes, as Californians, we love our beach, but for many, we forget to get out to the beach except for a few times of the year.

Life gets in the way.  It is not always our way of life. There are people who work, drive, sell things, create, write, manage people, and more.  And people, guess what? That even avoid the beach too!

Everyone Comes to California With a Dream and Ends Up Staying:

I have to admit I thought this one for a very long time.  Even my first year out here I met a ton of people who were coming in from different US States across the country to reside in California.  I’ve met writers, potential actors/actresses, and filmmakers.  I even made a list of all the different license plates I’d see driving around Los Angeles. To this day, there’s just one state I have not seen: Delaware.  People from Delaware do not come to California (kidding!)

But then, I started to meet people that, omg, GREW up in California too.  One thing I can TELL YOU about the people of California is that they are motivated, hard working, and Entrepreneurs. They have an idea, they aren’t afraid of putting that idea into action, etc. But a lot of people that live in California love this state, and if they leave, find they really, really miss it.

But there’s also people that come here, end up hating it, and head back home again.  When I moved here, I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of California.  I thought I’d end up hating it, actually.  But, instead, I fell in love with it.

It’s Just About the Movies or the Beach:

Catalina-Island

So, so, so wrong! Although, the BEACH is a big draw along with the movies.  People are honestly surprised how much California has to offer.  There is so much more to California than Hollywood.

For those that like small towns?  There’s tons of those, and lots of towns that keep that small time in mind.  Even in the city of Los Angeles, there’s places like Alhambra, Arcadia, Sierra Madre to explore.

Or the beautiful Coastal Towns along the California Coastline: Cambria, Pismo Beach, Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, Monterey, Bodega Bay, Mendocino, La Jolla, and more.

For those that have a love of the arts? Omg, California is the place for you.  Just check out Venice Boardwalk, a Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk, or Laguna Beach.  Head to San Jose’ Silicon Valley for their 1st Fridays Art Walk and array of Galleries, or local beach towns and see the local artists at work.  Californians love their art, and the artists that create.

For those that love the outdoors?  Yosemite? Sierra Nevadas? Redwoods? Sequoia National Parks, anyone? There’s a little something for everyone, and plenty of parks and hiking trails throughout this beautiful state.

If you have an interest, I bet you will find it in California.

So, tell me, if you lived out of California, what were some of your misconceptions about this State before moving here, coming to visit, or perhaps you still have them back home?

 

 

 

 


Categories: Around the US, Travel | Tags: , , , , | 5 Comments