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Viansa Winery (Sonoma County)

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Address: 25200 Arnold Drive Sonoma Ca. 95476

Viansa Winery is situated on a hilltop with a distinctive Italian atmosphere and charming old world architectural design. It was founded in 1990 by Sam and Vicky Sebastiani which were both Tuscan born and Sonoma raised. But in 2018, the winery was taken over by Jun and Christian Sebastiani which are both 4th generation Sebastiani family. Viansa is famous for it’s iconic 270 degree views of the Sonoma Valley, good wine selections and it’s wood- fire pizza. The Viansa Winery is about 1 hour and 5 minutes (45 miles) from San Francisco/Daly City via US-101 North. It is open 7 days a week from 10 am- 5 pm. The Viansa Winery is currently by reservation but also accepts walk-in customers. Children and dogs are allowed but keep your dogs on leash and outdoors.

We arrived early at around 10 am which our appointment was scheduled at 10:30 am. Since we arrived too early, we decided to check out the surrounding area and took pictures of the property. The winery grounds are very clean, relaxing, beautiful and full of colorful roses and flowers in it’s garden. We checked in at the Marketplace/Deli and were assisted/greeted by the two friendly hostesses named Tonya and Denise. We were immediately escorted to our outside Private Outlook table area which are perched along the vineyards with an amazing view of the Sonoma Vineyard and Valley floor. There were also a lot of outdoor tables situated all over the property with a gorgeous view of the vineyard. And most of the tables have sunshades to keep their customers cool on a sunny day. We also noticed that there were a lot of playful and colorful birds flying near the private outlook. And there were only 3 custom private outlook situated infront of the hill overlooking the vineyard below.

We were immediately greeted by our server/sommelier Gabriel who was very knowledgeable, professional, friendly, fast, and provided us with excellent service. He brought our first set of wine for tasting and followed by our charcuterie board good for 3 people with a wide variety of cheeses, meats, fruits and jams. I ordered a bottle of water while my daughter had a bottle of apple juice. We were given compostable plates, spoons, forks, and knives. We also ordered their famous wood-fired pizza for $20 but we had to walk over to the Pizza station and placed our own order. We were given a pager and notified us when it was ready and had to take the pizza to our table by ourselves. We didn’t order dessert as we were full with all the food that we had ordered. Before we left my wife purchased 2 bottles of wine and bought the delicious Fig jam and Brie cheese at their Marketplace/Italian Deli. The Marketplace sells real food such as freshly prepared sandwiches, drinks, souvenirs, breads, crackers, fruits and many more.

Here are some of Viansa Winery’s current wine tasting options and all prices are per person.

Summit Tasting seated on a hilltop terrace good for 2-10 guests with a price of $35 for non members and $28 for winery members. Vista Lounge Tasting good for 2-10 guests for lounge and 2-4 guests for the firepit area. The price is $50 non members and $40 for wine members. Private Outlook Tasting perched along the hillside vineyards good for 2-6 guests. The price is $75 non members and $60 for wine members. Fireside Tasting in the rustic loggia alcove good for 2-10 guests. The price is $75 non members and $60 for wine members. Wine Library Tasting good for 4-10 guests for the price of $95 non members and $76 for wine members.

Overall, we were satisfied with the quality of the food and the outstanding service of our sommelier Gabriel, Hostesses Tanya and Denise . It’s a magical place that transported us back to Tuscany Italy due to it’s casual relaxing atmosphere and architectural property design. The relaxing views of the Valley floor, the outstanding service, and the warm sunny weather made our wine tasting experience at Viansa very memorable. Our experience at our Private reserved custom outlook area is worth the costs due to it’s amazing unobstructed view of the Vineyard and the Sonoma Valley.

Tips:  They have a large parking lot area for all their customers. The parking lot area is made up of sand and gravel. They also have a live performance on weekends to entertain their customers. There is a cafe called Sonoma’s Best at Cornerstone Sonoma Shopping Mall that served delicious Gelato (Peanut Butter flavor) which costs $10 for 3 scoops. And there is an Olive Tasting experience at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Both locations are very close to Viansa Winery. There were also some picnic tables in the back by the lawn and Pizza station area but without a view. And also on the side of the property under the shaded Trees with a partial view.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about the Viansa Winery after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel or place to stay near Viansa Winery close in Sonoma.

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Le Meridien Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

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Address: Motu in French Polynesia

The Le Meridien is a luxurious resort on an islet in Bora Bora and surrounded by the most beautiful lagoon overlooking the famous Mt. Otemanu. Bora Bora is surrounded by lots of small islands known as Motus. Le Meridien was built in the late 90’s and is the first luxury resort situated on a Motu. Le Meridien resort has 98 guests rooms and suites with complimentary Wifi’s, 3 restaurants, 2 outdoor pools, lagoon and white sand beach. Most of the resorts rooms were overwater bungalows and a few beach bungalow villas situated around the beautiful lagoon. The resorts has a one of a kind turtle sanctuary and an ecological center located behind the resort’s protected lagoon. The different types of accommodations are Pool Beach Villas, Overwater Lagoon Villas, Overwater Lagoon Premium, Overwater Otemanu Premium, Overwater End of Pontoon.

It took us about 9 hours flight one way from San Francisco to the Island of Bora Bora. My family and I had to fly from San Francisco to Honolulu and took another flight (about 5 hours) to the town of Papeete in Tahiti. We stayed overnight at the Inter-Continental Resort in Papeete and took a smaller plane in the morning to Bora Bora which took us about 45 minutes. As soon as we arrived in Bora-Bora Airport we were greeted by a representative of the Le Meridien Resort. We were escorted and directed to the private speed boat that took us to the resort. It was about a 20-30 minutes boat ride from the airport to Le Meridien. It was a fun ride as the weather is sunny and we had a friendly boat driver. The driver explained the history of the Island and showed us the different areas or point of interest. My daughter was happy and surprised when our boat driver removed the top cover of the boat for us to enjoy the beautiful warm weather.

Upon our arrival at the resort’s loading dock, we were greeted by a friendly front desk attendant named Ning and another staff member that was singing and playing Island music with a ukulele. We were amazed with the clear turquoise ocean water, overwater bungalows. lagoon, pristine white sand and the amazing view of Mt. Otemanu. We ate at Te Ava restaurant and explored the property as we waited for our room to be available. Te Ava was a casual, cozy, outdoor restaurant on the sand with purple adirondack chairs and caribbean theme settings. The restaurant is open daily and serve meditterrean menu and other such as sandwiches, pizzas, and fresh local seafoods.

We rode a golf cart to get to our one bedroom Beach Villa with large terraces, double hammocks, sunbeds and has an outdoor private swimming pool. The best part is that our Villa is very spacious and in front of the beautiful lagoon with clear water. We had a view of the beach, lagoon, and the resorts restaurant. My wife and daughter opened the Villa and were surprised, happy, and speechless to see a complimentary bottle of champagne for our Wedding Anniversary and a special cake for my daughter’s birthday. Our Beach Villa had a really nice Island style decor, a huge bed with a canopy, a private tub, open standing shower room and an outdoor patio overlooking the beautiful blue lagoon.

We ate breakfast and dinner at the Hotel’s signature restaurant called Le Tipanie which means “Breakfast” in Tahiti. It’s a very romantic, cozy, open air setting, overwater restaurant with a view of the beautiful lagoon. The restaurant is open daily and serves breakfast buffet and an a la carte menu for dinner with international flavor and French Polynesian traditions. The fun thing about the restaurant is that they provided us fish food to feed all the fishes in the lagoon. They even have large rocks under the lagoon water that spelled “Le Tipanie” and it’s also illuminated at night. The food was very good, fresh and has a wide variety of choices that includes the local Tahitian dish called “Poisson Cru” which is a raw fish marinated in citrus juice and coconut juice.

The best part was when we visited the “Turtle Sanctuary ” and Ecological Center. My family and I had the opportunity to learn about the turtles, watched the feeding of turtles, cleaned the turtles with a brush and swam with them in the private lagoon. It was a very unique and memorable experience for us that we will treasure forever especially my daughter. We had to book and pay a fee for the special experience. Guests can even renew their vows or get married in their beautiful overwater Chapel with a glass bottom floor overlooking the lagoon and Mt. Otemanu. The white sand beach with warm, crystal clear, calm water and overlooking the overwater bungalows and Mt. Otemanu is an unforgettable experience. The white sand on the beach was so soft and powdery. They even offer free stand up paddle boards, kayaks and snorkels for guests to use and have jet ski’s available for rent.

Overall, we enjoyed our short stay at the Luxurious Le Meridien Bora Bora Hotel which is a beautiful paradise hotel with soft white sand and a view of Mt. Otemanu. It was a one-of-a-kind experience for my family to stay on a large Beach Villa with your own private swimming pool. It was fun waking up in the morning with the stunning view of the lagoon, beach and Mount Otemanu. The Hotel’s landscape was very clean, lively due to its colorful tropical flowers. It’s a great unique and romantic place to stay with your family and loved ones while enjoying the overwater bungalow experience. It was a fun and memorable experience to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary and Birthday celebration in a luxurious, Island themed style Hotel in one of the most romantic place in the world called Bora-Bora.

Tips: We stayed for another 3 days at a resort close to Le Meridien called InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa. We were transferred from Le Meridien to Thalasso Spa via private shuttle boat. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa have a beautiful overwater bungalow with a private swimming pool. They even offer a sting-ray feeding experience for it’s guests. Le Meridien Hotel has an on-site wellness center where you can book private massages and facials. The hotel offers it’s guest a complimentary shuttle boat from the hotel to the main town of Vaitape which takes about 20 minutes one way boat ride. The beach fare attendants can also show you how to open a fresh coconut. Le Meridien Hotel has a large chessboard, foosball tables and chair lounges all over the property that is great for watching the sunrise or sunset. If you want to save money, go to the town of Vaitape and buy your groceries at the town Market.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Le Meridien Resort in Bora Bora after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel/room at Le Meridien Resort Bora Bora or it’s surrounding areas.

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Seacrest Oceanview Hotel(Pismo Beach)

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The Hotel is located on the Central Coast and a few minutes away from the Pismo Beach Pier. It is situated on a cliff with direct access to the beach via a flight of stairs. The hotel provides different selections of guest accommodations such as the Deluxe signature oceanfront, Coastal view, and standard rooms. Some of the hotel amenities are 3 gas BBQ grills, 3 outdoor hot tubs, an outdoor heated pool, free wifi complimentary continental breakfast, and many more.

It took us 4 hours drive from San Francisco via US 101 to Pismo Beach. The drive was very relaxing and passed through a lot of beautiful wineries. We reserved and stayed at a Coastal View room with two queen beds. Our room (#211) had a view of the Pismo Beach Pier and a partial view of the ocean from our private balcony. It was one of the best views that we experienced and it felt like we were in Hawaii. We took the private stairs to the beach and had a picnic. But it was a challenge and got tired of going up the flight of stairs. (LOL) We bought bottled water and snacks in our backpacks. On our last day, it was a low tide so we were lucky enough that we visited the small caves and tide pools along the beach. We even walked for about 20-30 minutes to Pismo Beach Pier and bought some souvenirs at the gift shop near the public restroom. We also took a family picture on the 7-foot neon sign of Pismo Beach.

Overall, we enjoyed and loved the gorgeous views from the Hotel lawn and from our room’s balcony especially during sunrise and sunset. We enjoyed and maximized all the Hotel amenities such as the complimentary continental breakfast, lots of parking, onsite restaurant (Willow), private beach access, swimming pool, hot tubs, fire pits, complimentary teas, coffees, and hot chocolates and they even have an ice cream cart in the lobby which they sell ice cream.

Tips: The hotel provides a water dispenser near the lobby where you can refill your empty water bottles and save money. We also ate at ADA’s fish house and bought the famous cinnamon bun at Old West Cinnamon Bakery. They are about a 10-15 minutes drive from the Hotel. The strawberry-glazed cinnamon bun is very good and delicious.

Let me know if you have any questions and what you think about the Seacrest Oceanfront Hotel after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel at SeaCrest Oceanview Hotel or its surrounding area in Pismo Beach.

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Bistro Don Giovanni Restaurant (Napa)

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Address: 4110 Howard Ln, Napa, CA 94558

Bistro Don Giovanni Restaurant is a fancy Italian dining restaurant that serves fresh traditional Italian dishes and is open for lunch and dinner. In 1993, Giovanni and Donna Scala opened Bistro Don Giovanni Restaurant in Napa. Donna Scala who is a renowned Chef later died in 2014. Chef Donna Scala’s legacy was continued by his husband Giovanni and current Chef Scott Warner. Bistro Don Giovanni Restaurant is one of the famous Restaurant in Napa.

The Restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor heated seating with colorful sun shade. We arrived for lunch at Bistro Don Giovanni restaurant at around 11:30 a.m. which is the time when the restaurant just opened. We were immediately greeted by a friendly hostess and was seated at one of their outdoor heated table closest to the beautiful vineyard. There was a beautiful, whimsical water fountain situated in the middle of the garden. And all their outdoor tables were situated in their relaxing garden overlooking the beautiful mountains and the vineyards.

We decided to celebrate our Easter Sunday lunch at Bistro Don Giovanni Restaurant in Napa. The friendly waiter named Juan provided us with a Fresh Focaccia bread with olive oil to dip the fresh warm bread. We started out with an appetizer and ordered the famous “Grilled Octopus” with frisee, arugula, potatoes, olives, lemon and olive oil for $18. The grilled octopus was soft, flavorful and not too rubbery or tough and was grilled to perfection. And for our main entrees, we ordered “Pollo Alla Diavola” which is an oven roasted spicy rocky junior half chicken, Linda’s brocolli, natural jus for $35. The chicken’s skin is crunchy outside but very soft and moist in the inside. “Ravioli” with spinach, pecorino, bellwether ricotta lemon cream for $18. And my wife had a special menu of the day which is a fresh fish with capers and a special creamy sauce on top with a side of vegetables and potatoes. And for our dessert we ordered their special mango and coconut sorbet which is shaped like an Easter egg and a duck shaped cookie. The special sorbet dessert is so refreshing and melts in the mouth. As for our cocktail drinks my wife ordered the “La Vida Flora” made up of La Vida Mezcal, Amaro Montenegro and pineapple juice for $16.

Overall, we were satisfied with the quality of the food that we ordered. The gorgeous view of the mountain and vineyards, the great service, outdoor seating and the beautiful sunny warm weather made our experience extra special. We would highly recommend the Bistro Don Giovanni Restaurant due to the quality of food and the amazing Napa view. The best part was meeting the owner Don Giovanni and took a picture with him and my family. He was approachable, friendly, inviting and a warm personality.

Tips: Make sure that you reserve the earliest time since they get so busy on weekends. The restaurant is close to Meritage Resort and Spa with a bowling alley, Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, Town of Yountville with Bouchon Bistro and Bakery famous for their sweet and delicious pastries. V. Sattui Winery which is about 20 minutes drive and famous for their dessert wine “Muscato”.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about Bistro Don Giovanni Restaurant after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel/room close to Bistro Don Giovanni Restaurant in Napa Ca.

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Morro Rock (Morro Bay)

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Address: 60 State Park Rd. Morro Bay Ca. 93442

About 23 million years ago, plugs of long-extinct volcanoes formed the Morro Rock which is a State Historic Landmark. It is located in the City of Morro Bay and is part of San Luis Obispo County. Morro Rock had been designated as a bird sanctuary for the Peregrine Falcon and other bird species.

We drove for about 30 minutes from Pismo Beach. And we took US Highway 101 north to CA-1 north towards Morro Bay/Hearst Castle. Our drive to CA-1 North was very relaxing and scenic. We drove through Morro Bay Blvd all the way to Morro Rock. And we had to pass through a powerplant with three 450 foot tall smokestacks that were visible from miles away. There was ample free parking, walking trails, and public restrooms. We watched and enjoyed the different species of birds, sea otters, and other marine animals throughout the area while we ate our lunch. Some tourists watched and took pictures of a few sea otters that played in the water. The weather was very nice and sunny but became windy in the afternoon.

We saw a few warming signs posted on Morro Rock stated that there is no climbing on the rocks permitted and you can’t walk around the Morro Rock the entirety. During our first visit, we ate at Giovanni’s Fish Market Galley and had their delicious BBQ oysters, fish tacos, and halibut burritos. But this time we decided to eat at Tognazzi’s Dockside Restaurant and had their famous clam chowder soup with sourdough baguette, and calamari. They even had a local band performed and played music for the customers.

Overall, it’s a good place to hang out, enjoy the view and wildlife, walk around, eat and shop around the local stores and restaurants. It’s a good place to bring your family and just enjoy some quality time outdoors. But please make sure that you bring a jacket since it can be windy some days.

Tips: Since my daughter loves apples we went to Crill’s Salt Water Taffy candy store and bought a few varieties of candied caramel apple which is near Giovanni’s Fish Market and Galley. Make sure that you wear your masks, practice social distancing and wash or sanitize your hands. If you like seafood check out Kicker’s Seafood Restaurant in Morro Bay.

Let me know if you have any questions and what you think about the Morro Rock Hotel after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you

Click here to find a hotel/room close to Morro Rock in Morro Bay Ca.

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Meritage Resort and Spa (Napa Valley)

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Address: 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA 94558

The Meritage Resort and Spa along with Vino Bello Resort a timeshare property opened its doors in July 2006. The Meritage Resort is located in Napa Valley which is known for its wide-ranging mix of charming B&B’s, chic luxury hotels, restaurants, and a wide variety of wineries. The resort offers a high-end 322 room property located in the business with free bottles of wine. Some of the rooms have a patio with an amazing view of the outdoor swimming pool, underground cave, and the vineyard situated on the hill.

It took us about 1 hour and 10 minutes (53 miles) to drive from San Francisco to Meritage Resort and Spa via I-80 East, CA-29 North/Sonoma Blvd, exit 19 from CA-37 West. We were surprised to see that they also have a unique, and vintage dining car restaurant on the premise. Some of the Hotel’s amenities are a spa treatment on an underground estate cave called Spa Terra, a winery vineyard, heated outdoor vineyard pool, bowling alley, farm-to-table restaurant Olive and Hay, fitness center, and a wine tasting room.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and was checked into our room. I contacted the hotel a few days earlier and asked them if they can set up something for our Wedding Anniversary. I let my wife and daughter open the room and were surprised, happy, and speechless to see a complimentary plate with a wide variety of cheese, crackers, and a free bottle of champagne for our Wedding Anniversary. Our room had a really nice Tuscan style decor with an outdoor patio overlooking the beautiful vineyard, underground cave, and the clear blue water outdoor pool. There was even a complimentary slice of delicious chocolate cake with a note saying “Happy Anniversary. Our room was moderate size with a very relaxing and cozy ambiance.

After we checked in our nice room, we went out to check most of the property amenities. The one that caught our attention is the “Spa Terra” which is the world’s first underground spa. We didn’t get a chance to go inside the cave but were informed that it has soaking pools, water walls, steam grottos, and private treatment rooms. We then proceeded upstairs or up the hill that led us to the 9 acres, a sloped vineyard located on top of the underground spa cave. My daughter’s eyes widen as she saw the two large outdoor heated pools with private cabanas. We passed through a few corn holes along the walkway closest to the outdoor pool by the vineyard.

The best part was when we visited the “Crush Lounge” with 6 luxurious bowling lanes, foosball, pool tables, and shuffleboard games. We ended up playing bowling and ordered a few food items on the bowling alley menu. My daughter was surprised and danced when they turned on the disco lights in the bowling lanes which made it exciting. The food that we ordered was good and was delivered into our lane.

Overall, we enjoyed our short stay at the Meritage Resort and Spa which is a hidden gem in the Napa Valley area. It was a one-of-a-kind experience for my family to sleep inside a genuine train caboose with modern amenities in a rustic setting. It was fun waking up in the morning with the stunning view of an underground cave, swimming pool, and a vineyard. The gardening landscape was very colorful due to its colorful flowers. It’s a great unique and romantic place to stay with your family and loved ones while enjoying tasting wine. It was a fun and memorable experience to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary in a luxurious, Tuscan Themed style resort in the heart of Napa Valley.

Tips: The resort’s vineyard on the hill is a good spot to watch the sunset. There were several fire pits with outdoor seatings available throughout the property. The resort is about a 15-minute drive to Oxbow Public Market, Napa Valley Train, Napa River Inn, Morimoto Restaurant, and a wide variety of local restaurants. There is also a premium shopping outlet located near the Resort. And don’t forget to visit the “Grape Crusher” sculpture located on top of the Vineyard on the hill. Vista Collina Resort is located adjacent to the Meritage Resort. There is a farm-to-table restaurant located at Meritage Resort called Olive and Hay.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Meritage Resort and Spa after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel/room at Meritage Resort and Spa or around the area close to the Resort.

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Yosemite National Park in Winter Season (Mariposa County)

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Address: 7403 Yosemite Park Way Yosemite National Park Ca. 95389

Yosemite National Park is such a magical place with different places to highlight each season. But I will be writing about our first-time experience at Yosemite National Park during the winter season. Our goal to visit Yosemite this year in all four seasons is finally accomplished and checked off from our bucket list. But visiting Yosemite in the winter season is very unique and magical. We choose to visit Yosemite in winter by using a Tour Company called Incredible Adventures. We were picked up around 7 a.m. in one of the designated hotels in San Francisco by our Incredible Adventures driver/tour guide. The tour is for one day about 14-15 hours and the cost is $169 per adult and $139 for kids 12 years old and under. The tip and food are not included with the one-day Yosemite Tour package. There were a total of 9 passengers on the tour. Our travel time took us about 4 hours from San Francisco to Yosemite via Hwy 140 El Portal. And there was no ice or snow on the road in the El Portal area.

But everything changed after we passed the park entrance for a few miles and saw ice/snow on the road and on the side. The scenery suddenly changed into a beautiful mystical winter wonderland. My daughter’s eyes widened and were full of excitement as she saw all the snow on the side of the road. There were a few people on the side of the road cheerfully playing in the snow. Our first stop was the Tunnel View and there were a lot of visitors, crowded and the parking lot is full of melted slushy ice. We took a lot of great pictures with the view of the waterfalls and the valley being covered with snow as our background. We then drove through Yosemite Valley at around 1 p.m. and parked at the Yosemite Valley Market as our meeting place. Our knowledgeable tour guide/driver gave us an overview, tips, and places to explore for our 3 hours of free time. We separated with the group and explored the Lower Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadows, and Sentinel Bridge.

There were a lot of people at the Lower Yosemite Falls area but the amazing view of the gushing waterfalls and rocks covered with snow was well worth the effort getting there. It took us about 20 minutes to walk from the Marketplace. After the falls, we then proceeded towards the Cook’s Meadow and Sentinel Bridge. We were in awe as we saw the view of the Cook’s Meadows which was so magical and it’s like a winter wonderland. We played in the snow, threw snowballs at each other, made a snowman while my wife explored the area and took amazing pictures. What’s more interesting are the beautiful pictures that we took of both the Cook’s Meadows and Sentinel Bridge with the waterfalls and the half-dome in the background. The reflection of the half-dome in the water by the Sentinel Bridge was very serene and beautiful. The entire Cook’s Meadow and Sentinel Bridge were all covered with bright, white powdery snow. We then walked and arrived at the Yosemite Market at 4 p.m. to prepare for our departure.

We made a few stops such as the El Capitan Meadow which was another beautiful place overlooking the famous El Capitan. And lastly, our final stopped was at a popular spot called the Valley View where you would see a picturesque view of the El Capitan, Merced River, Bridalveil Falls, and the El Capitan Meadow. There were a lot of photographers gathered since it is one of the popular spots for picture taking with the entire view of the Valley. It’s also a recommended area to take pictures during sunrise and sunset with El Capitan’s beautiful reflection on the water. The Valley view is the last tourist area for taking pictures before you exit Yosemite Valley via highway 140 El Portal. We arrived at our San Francisco Hotel drop-off area at around 8:30 p.m.

Overall, it’s one of our memorable trips to Yosemite National Park as it transformed the entire park into one magical winter wonderland. Its winter scenery is like a scene from one of the famous 2005 Fantasy film movies called “Chronicles of Narnia”. We can’t wait to go back again to this beautiful, mystical winter wonderland place called Yosemite.

Tips: Always check the road conditions and weather in Yosemite via the park’s website. Bring tire chains in case it is needed and an ice trekker for your shoes to minimize or prevent you from slipping or falling due to wet ice or black ice on the road or throughout the park. For food and souvenir needs visit the Yosemite Village Store with lots of parking. Bundle up and bring gloves, scarf, hand warmers, beanie, snow pants, waterproof snow or hiking shoes, lip balm, snow jacket etc. There are ample public restrooms available in the Valley.

Things to do in Yosemite during winter: Cross-Country skiing, snowshoeing, the outdoor ice skating rink at Curry Village, snow tubing, sledding (Crane Flat area), snow playing area (near the south entrance, and strawberry near Sonora pass), stargazing, and visit the museums, etc.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments, or what you think about Yosemite National park in the winter season after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel close to Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County.

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Ahwahnee Hotel (Yosemite National Park)

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Address: Yosemite National Park #1 Ahwahnee Drive Yosemite Valley, Ca. 95389

In 1927 Ahwahnee Hotel opened for business and is called the Grand Hotel, well known for its stunning interior and rustic architectural design. The hotel is also a Natural Historic Landmark. It has been previously visited by queens and presidents such as John F. Kennedy, Herbert Hoover, Eleonor Roosevelt, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philips, and many more. It provides guests with elegance, hospitality, and great history. The Hotel is also in close proximity to Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. The Hotel is 150,000 sq ft Y shaped building and has 123 rooms which are 99 hotel rooms and 24 cottages.

It took us 4 hours and 15 minutes (220 miles) drive from San Francisco to Ahwahnee Hotel via CA-140 El Portal way. The El Portal route is less switchbacks and winding roads compared to CA- highway 120. We were in awe when we arrived at the entrance of the beutiful Ahwahnee Hotel. We were immediately greeted by the bell hop attendants, took our bags and brought it inside the hotel. We only waited in the lobby for a few minutes as our room was ready. We were impressed and surprise by the rustic and architectural design of our room with a private balcony facing the Glacier Point and Half Dome. And we have to use an old room gold keys and not the more sophisticated key card being used nowadays. The rooms decor is very classic and rustic with one bedroom, bathroom and a living room space.

We decided to explore the Hotel and walked around their architecturally designed lobby with 2 huge fire place, piano and some old artifacts and collectible items. My wife ordered a cocktail at their Ahwahnee bar which serve cocktails, small appetizers, and are only open from 2-9 p.m. It’s a great place to unwind and relax after a day of outdoor activities. We also visited and had lunch at their famous elegant Dining room which was named the crown jewel of Yosemite dining. We were impressed at the elegant, large dining room with Cathedral windows and a 34 ft high cross beam ceiling. Due to covid restrictions, we had to order first by the bar and had to eat at the available tables on a first come, first serve basis. We ordered chicken tenders for $9.25, Ahwahnee Boysenberry pie for $13.50, Seafood pasta for $25, soup of the day (miso soup) for $8.50 and seasonal grill cheese for $18.50. We were lucky enough to find an available table right by the cathedral window overlooking the meadows and trees. The tables were consistently cleaned and sanitized by the restaurant staff members. All our food came in large portions and delicious especially the seafood pasta and the Boysenberry pie. My daughter was surprised and happy to see from our window a few deers hanging out by the meadows.

Overall, it’s a very nice and grand Hotel with lots of amenities and great service. We would definitely come back again and stay overnight in the future. Some of the amenities are free WI-Fi, shuttle, valet parking, concierge, swimming pool and childcare services.

Tips: The Hotel is very close to The Village Store for reasonable price grocery items, Park Clinic, Degnan’s Deli, picnic areas and there is a giftshop inside the hotel for basic necessity and snack items. They also sell a wide variety of high quality chocolates. There are also a few tables available outdoor if you prefer to be outside. The outdoor swimming pool is open but we didn’t get to try it. And you can walk around the meadows just be careful of the deers especially during mating season. They have ample parking but don’t leave any food or scented items as the bears can break into your car at night if they smell food or scented items.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about The Ahwahnee Hotel and Restaurant after your visit in the comments below. And kindly subscribe, comment, and share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel close to Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County.

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Big Sur River Inn

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Address: 46800 CA-1, Big Sur, California 93920

The Big Sur River Inn is a very unique Inn with an Adirondack chair situated on the river. So you can sit down on the chair, eat and play in the water. It’s very relaxing and has a great ambiance. It’s great scenery for a photo opportunity. We also had ice cream on their small Ice cream truck situated near the gas station.

We purchased their famous homemade apple pie at the Restaurant which costs us $40 dollars for a whole pie with 10 slices or $8 a slice. The pie was so delicious that we ate half of it while driving along Big Sur. LOL… The River Inn is the next area after the Andrew Molera State beach. We got lost the first time since our car GPS routed us to Andrew Molera State Beach. Make sure you wear your slippers or water socks to enjoy the river and watch out for the slippery and sharp rocks. The river water is cold but you will get acclimated after a few minutes. Just sit back, enjoy and relax in the chair while you put your feet in the river. Enjoy Mother Nature at its best!

Tips: There is also a gasoline station located onsite and an ice cream truck. If you want to see Redwood Trees, explore trailheads, and enjoy the creek. There is a State Park called Pfeiffer Big Sur that is close to the River Inn. Or visit Pfeiffer Beach famous for its purple sand.

Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about The Big Sur River Inn after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.

Click here to find a hotel/room close to Big Sur River Inn in Monterrey County.

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Chateau Montelena Winery (Napa County)

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Address: 1429 Tubbs Lane Calistoga, California 94515

*** On your visit please mention to Chateau Montelena Winery that you’ve seen the review via our travel blog at www.explore2places.com

The Chateau Montelena Winery was founded in 1882 by Alfred Tubbs and built the famous stunning French inspired Stone Castle that was carved into a hillside overlooking the vineyards, Chinese Garden and Jade Lake. The winery is one of the oldest six wineries in Napa and is located in Calistoga and grows good quality wine grapes and award winning wines. Chateau Montelena is a French inspired castle and California grown wines. It won the Paris Wine Tasting competition in 1976. The winery is about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours (85 miles) from San Francisco via US-101 North. It is open 7 days a week from 9:30 am- 5 pm. Reservations are highly recommended but also accepts walk-in customers. All visitors must be 21 years old or older.

I contacted the winery the same day and was informed that they accept walk-in customers only until 3 pm. The scenic drive to the winery was very relaxing with the gorgeous view of the mountains and beautiful wineries. But be careful as you drive through the Petrified Forest Road as it is a two way winding road. We arrived at Chateau Montelena at around 3:15 pm and the weather was a mix of light rain, cloudy and sun. The property grounds are beautiful, clean, and relaxing with lots of trees and colorful flowers. The amazing view of the famous Stone Castle on top of Jade Lake was so picturesque, beautiful and rustic.

As we arrived at the door of the Chateau, we were immediately greeted by the friendly and welcoming wine tasting room staff members. They were very knowledgeable, professional, friendly, fast, and provided us with an excellent service. The architectural design inside of the wine tasting room is very modern with French influenced. And their semi-private wine tasting rooms were renovated and previously living quarters. Since we arrived late and they usually stop taking walk-ins at 3 pm. We just purchased their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon based on their recommendation. My wife purchased a small (37.5 liters) bottle of their popular 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon wine for $120. The friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating Tasting Room Assistant Manager “Mark” provided us a brief history of the winery and showed us around. Mark took a picture with us and signed our wine bottle that we purchased for our travel blog.

As per my wife, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon’s flavor is robust but not overpowering and deceptively soft on each sip. She paired the wine with a hearty harvest salad with balsamic dressing.

Overall, we were very satisfied with the quality of the wine and the outstanding service of the Assistant Tasting Room Manager Mark Rettig and the entire staff. The unobstructed view of the beautiful vineyard, outstanding service, the beautiful Chinese Garden, and the Jade Lake made our wine tasting experience very memorable. The best part of our experience was getting our wine bottle signed, saw the ice snow on top of Mount St. Helena and the beautiful white swan swimming in the middle of the beautiful Jade Lake with the Pagoda in the background. It was like a scene from a famous Movie.

Tips: Don’t forget to visit the Jade Lake which is located near the customer parking area. They have a large parking lot area made up of sand and gravel for their customers. Chateau Montelena is about a 15-20 minutes drive from Safari West. Drive safely as you pass through the Petrified Forest (about 8 miles) as the road is winding. The winery is also close to a few wineries such as Tamber Bey which have horses in the winery, Newton Winery and the Old Faithful Geyser.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about the Chateau Montelena Winery after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you. Please don’t forget to subscibe to our blog.

Click here to find a hotel/room close to Chateau Montelena Winery in Calistoga Ca.