San Francisco
Where We Stayed
Parc 55
For once, we actually booked a hotel through the hotel’s
website! After doing a ton of
research and deciding between Parc 55 and The Chancellor, we went with Parc 55
and couldn’t be happier. By
booking through their website we were given an AAA discount, which made the
room very reasonable for the 3 nights we needed it (the 1st night of
our trip, along with the last 2 nights).
Both times we checked in we were early, and we were still treated to a
clean room and fantastic service not only by the front desk, but by all of the
staff as well. Our room was clean,
and had great views of the city.
There was an open, modern feel to the lobby and the aesthetics were
pleasing to the eye. The location
was great as well, right in the downtown area with transportation in close
range.
Parc 55
Parc 55
What We Did
Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 39
After all of the research I did, I expected Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf to be a huge tourist trap. While it was obviously geared towards tourists, there was a quaint charm to the area, and the views of the bay were unbelievable. It really reinforced the notion that there are a ton of different areas of San Fran, each being unique. We got to see the sea lions, walk around the piers, and people watch-which is always a fun time.
Musee Mechanique
Musee Mechanique is located in Fisherman’s Wharf, and is an old-school arcade “museum” for lack of a better term. The machines and arcades all work, and it was a lot of fun to see all of them in such great condition-although it did seem a bit Twilight Zone-ish at times, it’s worth a quick walk-through when you’re in the area.
Musee Mechanique
Musee Mechanique
Lombard Street
Lombard Street was obviously a must for these New Yorkers-even though we were amazed at how hilly in general the city itself was. I suppose we had an idea of the inclines, but were truly taken aback by the steep rises and falls of all the streets (especially when walking up and down by foot!). We drove Lombard Street early in the morning (around 7), and were rewarded with an empty street that we could cruise down at our own pace-I could only imagine how scary it could be in the middle of traffic with the sun in your eyes.
Ghirardelli Square
I was honestly expecting a bit more from this (although I’m not sure where my preconceived notions come from at times). Perhaps in my mind it was more of a miniature Hershey Park with tours and learning and giant characters of chocolate bars. In reality, there are a few chocolate shops, a few restaurants, and a few quaint stores-and that’s basically it. I suppose it can be worth a walk through, but it may not even be necessary if you’re in a time crunch.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz was probably my favorite part of San Francisco. I loved the history of the island, and the boat ride across surrounded by spectacular bay views. We booked our tickets 90 days in advance through www.alcatrazcruises.com, the only official tour company for Alcatraz, and paid $26 each for the 9:10 AM early bird departure. You do have to book early, because they really do fill up quickly-while there they said they only book about 350 people for each entrance time.
The tour departs from Pier 33, which is right off Fisherman’s Wharf, so this would be a great time to combine both aspects of San Fran. Make sure to dress warm, especially with early or late departure times because the temperature on the bay really drops quite a bit-even with a sweatshirt on, in the middle of August, I was quite chilly.
After boating across the bay, you end up on the actual island of Alcatraz. We decided to walk up to the main part of the island, where you’re able to take the audio tour-and if you go up directly after getting off the boat you can beat a bit of the crowds. It was fantastic to see the history of the island, and the audio tour took about 45 minutes, with narration from 4 guards and 4 ex-inmates. You can walk into some of the cells, including an isolation cell. Be sure to go outside while you’re there too, because the views of the skyline and the bridges are fantastic!
The tour departs from Pier 33, which is right off Fisherman’s Wharf, so this would be a great time to combine both aspects of San Fran. Make sure to dress warm, especially with early or late departure times because the temperature on the bay really drops quite a bit-even with a sweatshirt on, in the middle of August, I was quite chilly.
After boating across the bay, you end up on the actual island of Alcatraz. We decided to walk up to the main part of the island, where you’re able to take the audio tour-and if you go up directly after getting off the boat you can beat a bit of the crowds. It was fantastic to see the history of the island, and the audio tour took about 45 minutes, with narration from 4 guards and 4 ex-inmates. You can walk into some of the cells, including an isolation cell. Be sure to go outside while you’re there too, because the views of the skyline and the bridges are fantastic!
Cable Cars
A classic part of San Francisco (can’t you just hear the bells in your head?!), the cable cars were a ton of fun to ride. We were right at the end of the Powell/Mason line with our hotel, but were shocked by the extreme lines at the stop. Instead of waiting, we walked up just 2 blocks and caught the car there-with no wait! They do offer a pass you can purchase, or you can purchase a one-way ticket for $6 while you’re on board. From the downtown Powell Street station you can ride all the way up to Fisherman’s Wharf-again, a great way to explore the area or to get to the Alcatraz cruise.
Golden Gate Bridge
Being the tourists that we are, what would a trip to San Francisco be without walking across the Golden Gate Bridge? We managed (somehow) to catch the bus to the entrance of the bridge, where we were dropped off in the middle of the largest amount of fog I have ever seen. Ever. As in you couldn’t see the bridge fog-it was seriously insane. And then we walked. Once we got past the first “peak”, the crowds thinned out a bit-until we reached the next one. I suppose not everyone is as crazy as we tend to be, and didn’t feel the compulsion to walk the entire 1.7 miles each way over the bridge. I will say though, at times you are rewarded with fantastic sights of Alcatraz and the coast. And one of the best parts, it’s a free activity!
Anchor Brewing Company
Out of all the beer tours I’ve been on so far, this was by far my favorite. It books up early, so book very early-the plus side though is that it’s free (are you noticing a trend with some of the activities we enjoy doing?). The actual building is a bit out of the way, but we were able to take a cab from downtown for less than $10, so it wasn’t terrible. While there, you really get to see all of the intricate aspects of brewing, in an amazingly clean setting. Brewing in a more traditional style, they focus quite a bit on their history within the city and the care that they put into their beer; at present they only have 10 varieties of beer. The tour ends with a tasting of 6 different beers; our personal favorites were the Brekle’s Brown, the Liberty Ale and the Old Foghorn. We're really hoping to find their famous Christmas Ale once it is released.
Anchor Brewing Company
Anchor Brewing Company
Giants Game at AT&T Park
Continuing our tour of MLB stadiums (this was our 3rd of the year), we got to AT&T Stadium for a Giants game. Although the Giants lost (oops), the stadium itself was fantastic-easy to navigate, great food options, and the seats we had (section 321 in right field). Three foul balls came into our section, and we had great views of the entire park and the game. Be sure to bundle up though-it gets cool!
Where We Ate
Boudin
Boudin quickly became our favorite place to eat in San Francisco-such a favorite that we (may) have ate there every day we were in the city. Ok, we did eat there every day. And we ordered two different items over our visits-the clam chowder in a sour dough bread bowl, and a cheese pizza. The food was fantastic, and I swear, it was one of the best bowls of chowder I have ever had. Drool-worthy clam chowder in a tangy bowl made using the same recipe Boudin has been using for over 150 years. Amazing. If you're interested, they also offer tours.
Boudin
Boudin
In-N-Out Burger
Coming from New York it was obviously necessary for us to
eat at In-N-Out Burger, since this was a novel fast food chain for us. While the prices are good for the small
(and easy to navigate menu), and there is a bit of charm to the chain, it
wasn’t necessarily the best decision for two individuals who really never eat
fast food. Still, it was an
experience.
21st Amendment
We went to 21st Amendment right before the Giants game. Although it was packed, we were able to go upstairs and procure a small table (without chairs). Their beers are interesting; we tried both the Xi PA and the Hell or High Watermelon. While I would never personally think of putting watermelon in a beer, it was actually quite good.
21st Amendment
21st Amendment
Yosemite National Park
Where We Stayed
Curry Village
Curry Village was the perfect way to stay in Yosemite. The tent/cabins are in the middle of Yosemite Valley, and they provided a perfect starting point for all of the hikes we chose to do. Our tent had 3 beds, a double and 2 twins. There was one light, 2 chairs, and a box to keep food outside to protect it from bears. If you’re looking for luxurious accommodations this may not be the place for you, but if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Yosemite I could not rave about Curry Village any more. It was awe inspiring to sit in front of our tent each night, and look up at Glacier Point and Half Dome up on either side of us.
A few quick pointers though.
Make sure you bring a ton of layers. We didn’t quite realize that at night it was going to get so chilly-in the three days we were there (in August!) we experienced up to a 52 degree temperature change. Don’t make our mistake and fall asleep with only a sheet covering you. You’ll be cold. Very, very cold.
Bring appropriate hiking gear. Unfortunately, I am apparently not that gifted in this area (remember my “hiking” apparel in Maui?!). I was a bit better this time around, even wearing sneakers (which is unheard of for me), but still-jeans may not be the best decision you make. Because unlike night, daytime is hot. Hot hot. Thin, lightweight pants will probably be your best bet. A sports bra is also probably a good idea. And lots and lots of water.
Curry Village
A few quick pointers though.
Make sure you bring a ton of layers. We didn’t quite realize that at night it was going to get so chilly-in the three days we were there (in August!) we experienced up to a 52 degree temperature change. Don’t make our mistake and fall asleep with only a sheet covering you. You’ll be cold. Very, very cold.
Bring appropriate hiking gear. Unfortunately, I am apparently not that gifted in this area (remember my “hiking” apparel in Maui?!). I was a bit better this time around, even wearing sneakers (which is unheard of for me), but still-jeans may not be the best decision you make. Because unlike night, daytime is hot. Hot hot. Thin, lightweight pants will probably be your best bet. A sports bra is also probably a good idea. And lots and lots of water.
Curry Village
What We Did
Vernal Falls/Nevada Falls
From Curry Village we caught the free bus to Happy Isles, which was bus stop 16. You can follow the crowds of people, along with the mostly paved trail up to the first “lookout” bridge. Here, at least some of the crowds will thin out. You may think to yourself, “Why wouldn’t they want to finish the hike? Look at the pretty waterfall!”. And then you go up via Mist trail. After huffing and puffing away just a bit more, you are faced with an extraordinary sight-over 600 stone steps carved into the side of a waterfall. That, folks, is a LOT of steps.
However, if you can persevere through the 600 stone steps going up, the 1.5 mile uphill hike, and the 1000 foot elevation gain, the views are beyond worth it. You are literally looking out on a beautiful waterfall-Vernal Falls. You may even forget that you’re tired. In fact, you may even be tempted to go up a few more feet (1000 more if you go all the way), and hike another 1.2 miles to see Nevada Falls. While we were sorely tempted, we were also sore-so after going another .5 mile or so we ended up turning around and coming back down. While they say that the hike usually takes about 3 hours to get to and from Vernal Falls, we were able to do the hike, along with the bit extra, in about 2.5 hours round trip. Then again, we may be crazy.
However, if you can persevere through the 600 stone steps going up, the 1.5 mile uphill hike, and the 1000 foot elevation gain, the views are beyond worth it. You are literally looking out on a beautiful waterfall-Vernal Falls. You may even forget that you’re tired. In fact, you may even be tempted to go up a few more feet (1000 more if you go all the way), and hike another 1.2 miles to see Nevada Falls. While we were sorely tempted, we were also sore-so after going another .5 mile or so we ended up turning around and coming back down. While they say that the hike usually takes about 3 hours to get to and from Vernal Falls, we were able to do the hike, along with the bit extra, in about 2.5 hours round trip. Then again, we may be crazy.
Mariposa Grove
Although Mariposa Grove is a bit of a drive from Yosemite Valley, it was totally worth the trek. After about an hour of beautiful scenic driving in our rented Mustang convertible we landed at the grove, where we took the outer trail; 6.9 miles long, for the majority of the trail we were the only ones as far as the eye could see. We could hear small streams, and we were able to take breaks where it was completely silent save the sounds of nature. This was our favorite hike of the two, and definitely one I would recommend.
Glacier Point
Our last morning in Yosemite we took a drive up to Glacier Point. At the end of the road we were able to park our car, and hike up a short ways to a lookout point where we were able to look down on our camp, and out to Vernal and Nevada Falls. To say the views were breathtaking is an understatement. Should we make it back to Yosemite (which we’re really hoping to do in the next few years), we’re planning on taking the bus up to Glacier Point and then hiking the Four Mile Trail down to Yosemite Valley. If we make it sometime in June or July though there is also the opportunity to raft along the Merced River.
Where We Ate
Curry Village Pizza Deck
Each evening after returning from our hike we “rewarded” ourselves with a pizza from the Pizza Deck. A small runs $8, and is enough for two people like us (although many others may want to go with the medium). It was surprisingly good, but that also may have been our exhaustion talking. Within Curry Village there is also a hiking store, a general store (where we stocked up on granola bars, nut mix and beer), a bar, a buffet restaurant, a coffee shop, and a taqueria.
Napa Valley
Where We Stayed
The Old World Inn
Since we had already booked a hotel for San Francisco, and a tent for Yosemite, we decided to try something different and go with a Bed and Breakfast in the town of Napa. From the start, the owners of the Inn were fantastic to work with, answering any questions that we came up with (which were many, since we had never stayed in a B&B before). Upon check-in, we were given a tour of the Inn and shown to our room-Chocolat. The room itself was spacious, reasonably priced, and in good condition. Our favorite feature by far was the projection TV that pulled down from the foot of the gigantic bed. Honestly, the only “negative” thing I could possibly say was that the bathtub was in need of a bit of TLC (and a bath would have been a wonderful thing after 3 days in Yosemite). Everything else though more than made up for this.
The Inn actually consists of two houses right around the corner from each other. We were in the main building, where breakfast was served each morning. Each day began with a starter (chilled strawberry soup and fresh fruit the days we were there), and an entrée with some type of pastry (a mac-n-cheese soufflé and egg frittata, along with chocolate banana bread and chocolate raspberry scones respectively). Alternatively you could ask for the spiced oatmeal, which was my personal favorite. Each night there was a wine pouring in the second building by a local winery, and chocolate desserts back in the main building.
We were nervous about not being as “anonymous” as we generally like to be in larger hotels, but we were pleasantly pleased to find that we could be as interactive or solitary as we pleased. Never did we feel as if we were intruding (another worry of ours), and we weren’t forced into conversations that we didn’t want to have. It really was a fantastic few days at the Inn.
Old World Inn
The Inn actually consists of two houses right around the corner from each other. We were in the main building, where breakfast was served each morning. Each day began with a starter (chilled strawberry soup and fresh fruit the days we were there), and an entrée with some type of pastry (a mac-n-cheese soufflé and egg frittata, along with chocolate banana bread and chocolate raspberry scones respectively). Alternatively you could ask for the spiced oatmeal, which was my personal favorite. Each night there was a wine pouring in the second building by a local winery, and chocolate desserts back in the main building.
We were nervous about not being as “anonymous” as we generally like to be in larger hotels, but we were pleasantly pleased to find that we could be as interactive or solitary as we pleased. Never did we feel as if we were intruding (another worry of ours), and we weren’t forced into conversations that we didn’t want to have. It really was a fantastic few days at the Inn.
Old World Inn
What We Did
Napa Bee Driven
This is the hardest part of my city guide/review to write. Coming to Napa, we knew that we wanted to visit the wineries, and enjoy them freely without worrying about driving. After looking into tours, drivers, and limo companies, we decided upon Napa Bee Driven. Leading up to our stay, Donna was wonderful. I exchanged many, many e-mails with her, detailing the types of wine we liked, the experience we were looking for, and what wineries we should focus on seeing. I had nothing but confidence at this point.
The day of our predetermined tour, we were informed that Kevin would be our driver. He showed up promptly with a cooler of water bottles for us, and even provided us with a discount coupon to the one winery I was focused on visiting. Kevin also asked if we would like to stop at an additional winery, where he could have us comped for a tasting (this turned out to be Jessup, which was our favorite winery of the day). He even kept us out a bit longer than our contract so that we could see some amazing views.
However, the driving itself was, quite honestly, not that great. There were times we were drifting into the opposite lane, and there were moments where we weren’t sure if he was aware enough of our surroundings. We had some papers in the backseat pocket of the car, and he must have gone through them at some point because he discussed them with us later-although the papers weren’t anything important, it still felt a bit of a violation that he went through our car without us in it.
I truly believe that the concept of this company is fantastic; the rates were reasonable, and it seemed to be a much more personable experience than we would have received otherwise. However, it was the execution of the concept that was lacking, and did not leave us as comfortable and worry free as we were expecting of our day.
Napa Bee Driven
The day of our predetermined tour, we were informed that Kevin would be our driver. He showed up promptly with a cooler of water bottles for us, and even provided us with a discount coupon to the one winery I was focused on visiting. Kevin also asked if we would like to stop at an additional winery, where he could have us comped for a tasting (this turned out to be Jessup, which was our favorite winery of the day). He even kept us out a bit longer than our contract so that we could see some amazing views.
However, the driving itself was, quite honestly, not that great. There were times we were drifting into the opposite lane, and there were moments where we weren’t sure if he was aware enough of our surroundings. We had some papers in the backseat pocket of the car, and he must have gone through them at some point because he discussed them with us later-although the papers weren’t anything important, it still felt a bit of a violation that he went through our car without us in it.
I truly believe that the concept of this company is fantastic; the rates were reasonable, and it seemed to be a much more personable experience than we would have received otherwise. However, it was the execution of the concept that was lacking, and did not leave us as comfortable and worry free as we were expecting of our day.
Napa Bee Driven
Jessup Cellars
As mentioned before, this was by far our favorite winery of the day. Thanks to our driver we were given a private tasting, in a private room, with our guide/pourer Bay. Bay truly took the time to walk us through the process of tasting wine, and understanding things that we were clueless about before. The wine was poured generously, but he made us feel comfortable about pacing ourselves since it was our first stop of the day. We spent almost an hour here, and walked away gushing to each other about how fantastic the entire experience was. Bay even went so far as to help us out with places to eat and other things we might be interested in doing within the area. Our personal favorite was “Manny’s Blend”.
Jessup Cellars
Jessup Cellars
St. Supery
I was first introduced to St. Supery wine by a dear friend of mine who visited the winery a few years ago. She graciously shares their amazing Moscato with me almost every time I see her; in all honestly I truly think that there isn’t any gesture a friend could make that would mean more than sharing St. Supery’s Moscato. If you haven’t tried it, it’s heavenly. Sweet, yet crisp and refreshing, there is truly no wine I enjoy more. That being said, it was obviously the one winery I was adamant about visiting during our time in Napa (just to show you how much I love this wine, it was the first present Rob gave me, because the wine is impossible to find in New York-I mean seriously, seriously impossible).
While the winery itself isn’t that impressive (although it is still beautiful), their wines are delicious. So delicious that I was thankful that Rob was with me, because otherwise I would not have been able to procure my three bottles (they currently have a 2 bottle per person limit on their Moscato). In addition, while they offer it through a wine club, the wine club cannot be signed up for again until February. This is how great this wine is. It’s heaven, I promise.
St. Supery
While the winery itself isn’t that impressive (although it is still beautiful), their wines are delicious. So delicious that I was thankful that Rob was with me, because otherwise I would not have been able to procure my three bottles (they currently have a 2 bottle per person limit on their Moscato). In addition, while they offer it through a wine club, the wine club cannot be signed up for again until February. This is how great this wine is. It’s heaven, I promise.
St. Supery
Castello di Amorosa
While our other winery experiences were fantastic because of the wine itself, or because of the experience, the Castel is truly an amazing combination of experience, wine, and fantastic scenery. Built by Dario Sattui, the Castle is an amazing sight to behold. You really do feel as if you are walking through a medieval Italian castle, complete with a cellar and grand banquet room. As if this isn’t enough of a sight to see, the wine itself is spectacular as well. Shawn, our pourer, was sociable and kind, guiding us in the right direction with our choices for the tasting. Our personal favorites were the Il Brigante and the Fantasia.
Castello di Amorosa
Castello di Amorosa
Beringer
Beringer was on our list because while we have easy access to their wines in New York, we enjoy their wines at the price point they produce. I was especially curious to taste their Red Moscato, something that I had never heard of at any other vineyard (if you can’t tell by this point, I really do prefer sweeter wines). It was an enjoyable last stop on our trip, and we walked away with a few bottles, including two of the Red Moscato.
Beringer
Beringer
Where We Ate
Greystone Restaurant at the CIA
Hands down, one of the best meals I have ever had. Although it is a cooking school, chefs aren’t allowed to prepare the food in the kitchens until their last 2 months of a 2-year program. And wow, were they fantastic-the kitchen is open as well, so you are able to watch them the entire time (for an amateur cook such as myself this was a fascinating experience). We began our meal with a wine flight each ($15), along with an Olive Oil flight ($9) that was served with toasted bread and a white bean and garlic puree. For the main course Rob had the cod, while I had the steak. Both were prepared with bursting flavor, including side-dish combinations that I never would have normally tried on their own; when paired with the entrée they intensified the flavor. Finally, for dessert, we shared a dessert sampler ($10), and a dessert wine flight ($15); both were fantastic and the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Once the hospitality manager realized how much we enjoyed the food, he even presented us with the recipes, at which point I was floored.
Greystone
Greystone
Norman Rose Tavern
After a day of wine tasting, Norman Rose was perfect. In downtown Napa, we ate outside while dining on fresh soup, and were within walking distance from our accommodations. One of Bay’s recommendations (from Jessup Cellars), it was a perfect, light ending to our day.
Norman Rose Tavern
Norman Rose Tavern
Our Itinerary
Day 1
Flight from JFK to SFO
Rental car at Dollar
Lunch at In-N-Out Burger
Check into Parc55
Cable car to Fisherman's Wharf
Musee Mechanique
Pier 39
Dinner at Boudin
Drinks at Beer Zone
Day 2
Drive to Yosemite
Check into Curry Village
Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Dinner at Curry Village Pizza Deck
Day 3
Hike outer loop trail at Mariposa Grove
Lunch at Curry Village Pizza Deck
Relax!
Day 4
Drive to Glacier Point
Drive to Napa Valley
Check into The Old World Inn
Dinner at Greystone
Day 5
Breakfast at Inn
Pick-up by Napa Bee Driven
Wineries
Jessup
St. Supery
Castello di Amorosa
Beringer
Dinner at Nathan Rose Tavern
Day 6
Drive down Highway 1 to San Francisco
Return rental car
Check into Parc55
Pier 39
Ghirardelli Square
Dinner at Boudin
Day 7
Alcatraz
Lunch at Boudin
Walk across Golden Gate Bridge
Drink at Beer Zone
Drink at 21st Amendment
Giants game at AT&T Park
Day 8
Tour at Anchor Brewing Company
Flight from SFO to JFK
Flight from JFK to SFO
Rental car at Dollar
Lunch at In-N-Out Burger
Check into Parc55
Cable car to Fisherman's Wharf
Musee Mechanique
Pier 39
Dinner at Boudin
Drinks at Beer Zone
Day 2
Drive to Yosemite
Check into Curry Village
Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Dinner at Curry Village Pizza Deck
Day 3
Hike outer loop trail at Mariposa Grove
Lunch at Curry Village Pizza Deck
Relax!
Day 4
Drive to Glacier Point
Drive to Napa Valley
Check into The Old World Inn
Dinner at Greystone
Day 5
Breakfast at Inn
Pick-up by Napa Bee Driven
Wineries
Jessup
St. Supery
Castello di Amorosa
Beringer
Dinner at Nathan Rose Tavern
Day 6
Drive down Highway 1 to San Francisco
Return rental car
Check into Parc55
Pier 39
Ghirardelli Square
Dinner at Boudin
Day 7
Alcatraz
Lunch at Boudin
Walk across Golden Gate Bridge
Drink at Beer Zone
Drink at 21st Amendment
Giants game at AT&T Park
Day 8
Tour at Anchor Brewing Company
Flight from SFO to JFK