Northern California Travel

The W San Francisco, One of My New Favorites

March 16, 2017 By kimwheeler No Comments

I love San Francisco, but live in the South Bay, so it’s about an hours drive for me. When we can, I like to take the opportunity to stay a night in the city. It’s always great to do a weekend, like I recently wrote about here, but sometimes we only need a night to make it seem like a getaway. Recently, Max had a holiday work party up in the city and as it started around 7, we thought we’d stay nearby instead of driving back late. I was so glad we did as we discovered the W, which is my new favorite San Francisco hotel.

First of all, it’s location cannot be beat. It’s in the SoMa district, near Market Street and Union Square and as adjacent as you can get to the gorgeous new MOMA which has recently reopened. The work party was at the MOMA, so it was ideal. (More about the MOMA here.)

I found the rooms, especially the ‘Cool Corner King’ we paid a bit extra for, to be extremely spacious by city hotel standards. The rooms are also well designed, modern and yet cozy. If you check the hotel site there are many different types of rooms and they are all designed uniquely, which is fun.

The entry to this room has plenty of space and a big coat closet as well. I love not tripping over my things and not seeing them all over the place in a hotel room. There was also a great tv and best of all, excellent bed and sheets and good lighting to read by. I slept very well.

Our room was also equipped with a modern desk with task lighting, pencils, pins and anything you’d need to work.

Then there was the cute banquette situation overlooking the windows and the hills of San Francisco. Perfect for a glass of wine before going out or to just to put ones feet up, read for a bit and chill.

I thought the decor was fresh and pretty and chic with grasscloth walls, touches of Chinoiserie, white and turquoise.

The bar was stocked with good snacks and drinks beyond the usual selections and the Nespresso machine is always a nice touch.

The well designed bath had a large window seat, natural lighting, shelves for bags, super luxe towels, an excellent shower and Bliss bath products.

There was cute art too like this butterfly collage.

It was a 10/10 as far as a hotel room goes for me.

It was one of those many stormy weekends we have had in Northern California this winter, so the view was a little foggy, but on a clear day even more lovely.

After Max’s work function we joined some friends back at the hotel, in the downstairs lounge. On a weekend night, it was hopping with a DJ, a very cute bar, and cozy spots to have a cocktail by little fires. There was even a cute Pac Man game. It’s an inviting spot to hang out after a day in the city or to have a drink or snack before venturing out. There is also an upstairs lounge as well, The Mix Bar which has craft cocktails. (photo below via the W.)

Two other activities in the W we did not get to were the famous Fit gym with it’s glass ceiling which is open 24/7 and also the famous Bliss Spa.. Maybe on a longer weekend visit.

As part of our stay, complementary breakfast was included and it’s not your typical breakfast buffet. The Trace restaurant was lovely and we had our choice off the menu for breakfast.

Details are everything and they have done a great job to make the breakfast choices very California inspired. The menu has a mix of fresh and healthy choices with fruit and yogurt bowls, hazelnut French toast, organic egg scrambles, smoothies, espressos and even chilaquiles. Food and presentation were lovely and I appreciated the beautiful crafted stoneware they were served on. This was one of the best breakfasts I have had in a long time. Great selection of quality teas and coffee too.

I would love to stay here again and it’s a great base for anyone looking to explore the city, as well as a business stay. I also appreciated the service here as the people were friendly and very helpful. The men in the garage and valet were even over the top, trying to give us great instructions for safe driving during a terrible rain storm and the best routes. Lovely people.

While you are there, there are two other spots I recommend that are nearby to check out, –The Lobby Lounge at The St Regis, is directly next door…

The lounge is gorgeous, has good vibe and many food and drink options. Tea service is also served there daily 2-4 by reservation. I have yet to stay there, but it’s quite beautiful. Max and I having a drink in the pretty Lobby Lounge before his party…

Also around the corner is The Grove, which I written about before and is a very California spot with arts and crafts/wood decor, a big fireplace, great coffee and an amazing local menu for breakfast, brunch or lunch or anytime. It gets quite crowded on weekends, especially outside, so go early for a spot, but do not miss this if you are in SoMa. There are also other locations in the city of this local gem.

Love to hear about your San Francisco favorites too in the comments!

Thanks for reading,

Kim

All opinions expressed are my own as usual and this was not a sponsored post.

Kicking off the Festive Feeling at Filoli and Joules Coats

December 3, 2016 By kimwheeler No Comments

Each year I love visiting the gorgeous Woodside’s Filoli Mansion and their annual Christmas shopping days. The 1915 estate and 654 acre grounds are a California Landmark and on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Bourns who built it were prominent San Franciscans that owned a gold mine in Grass Valley and the Crystal Springs Water Company and Crystal Springs Lake.

In the 1930’s the property was purchased by the Roth family who made the formal gardens famous. Mrs Roth lived there until 1975 when she donated it to The National Trust for Historic Preservation. There are events happening at Filoli all year long as well as classes and tours of this beautifully preserved home and property. It’s an easy jaunt off freeway 280, but enter the gates and you are in a magical place surrounded by green rolling hill, moss-covered oaks and little deer!

The holiday shopping days are usually sold out a few months ahead. So you need to plan by October to go to this. All of the rooms are transformed into seasonal boutiques which are really well done, beautifully decorated and filled with unique finds from cooking items, to holiday gifts and home decor and even some furniture.

The estate inside is just beautiful and in it’s original state. You can even see the old servants buttons and cloak rooms, etc.

Check out Filoli’s site for any upcoming holiday lunches and brunches. They have things for Easter and Mother’s Day and fun summer events too.

One of the shops was scarves, coats, bags and wonderful sweaters. They were carrying the cute line Joules from Great Britain. I had never heard of them before and we fell in love with their perfect vests, raincoats and even rain ponchos. I was in need of a winter jacket and bought this floral number.

It’s extremely warm and I love the floral of course. Check out their website, which has outerwear with the nicest trim and details. I especially like the leather trimmed capes and vests.

Have a cozy weekend everyone!

Kim

Why Humboldt Should Be Your Next Roadtrip

August 26, 2016 By kimwheeler No Comments

The past week we took a small four day road trip up to Northern California. We are in Northern California you say? Well, I mean the very north, Northern California, Humboldt County.

This area of amazing natural beauty, often referred to as being behind the ‘Redwood Curtain,’ is a 6-7 hour drive north of the Bay Area and yet remote enough that most Californians have never been.

Long ago in the era of the family road trip, the ‘redwoods’ were something one did with the family, preferably in a station wagon and most likely in the 1970’s. Now the luxury of time and long family road trips seem almost a bygone era. People want to get to their destination via plane and fast. To all those who have never done a real road trip of multiple days, this is your spot! Do you want to see ancient redwood forests, fern canyons and foggy beaches with a few VW buses thrown in? Humboldt has all this and more!

Flights can be expensive costing as much as a trip to Hawaii and prior rail services that connected here have been sadly been retired. Car is the way to go and it’s a pretty drive.

Leaving from the Bay Area, stop in one of the cutest town on the way up, Ukiah for a lunch.

Our favorite bakery Schats in quaint downtown Ukiah.

This Dutch bakery has at least 40 sandwiches on the menu and makes fantastic bread and sweets. I think The Verdict is the most popular sandwich on their amazing Sheepherder bread. (Did I mention they are across from the courthouse?) Afterward pop into the wonderful Mendocino Book Company around the corner with it’s expansive selection of books, cards and all kinds of lovely things I just can’t find elsewhere.

Back on 101 you’ll pass through some other small cute towns like Willits and Laytonville, and follow the aptly named Eel River which meanders along the highway for a large part of the trip.

Our first stop is always our Arcata.

We were lucky to stay in Arcata at our stepmom Marguerite’s home. She has an amazing yard with a sunny deck and apple trees that back up to the redwood forest.

She could run a Bed and Breakfast she is an amazing gourmet cook and host. I never want to leave.

We picked tons of sweet organic apples and helped set up for a big family dinner the next night.

Isn’t this pretty?

Her front doors!

Arcata where Marguerite lives is a college town, home to Humboldt State University and is perhaps the most charming of the three with a historic main square and a thriving funky cool artist community.

A great weekend in Humboldt can be kicked off at The Arcata Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning! I love this market with fabulous sellers, and an interesting mix of people from students to garden enthusiasts and organic farmers to new age hippies.

The fruits, vegetables and plants are amazing! I was just wishing we had more room to take some of these home in the car.

The people watching at this market is 20 out of 10!

I loved this cute student’s ensemble- fair isle sweater, heart glasses and Bernie bag!

Dreads are a popular look up here for both men and women.

Kale is just the right accessory for your hippie chic look!

My oldest son bought a Bonsai tree from guys we call the Bonsai nerds. They gave us the lowdown on everything we need to ever know about those little trees. Some wonderful honey sellers here too.

Carnivorous pitcher plants and goat’s milk handmade soaps!

They always have an art project going on where anyone can participate. This one was being run by Boy Scouts.

People were working on paper floating lanterns here. This guy’s overalls were so Humboldt.

Love it.

Many impromptu picnics.

There’s also a hula-hoop area where everyone from toddlers to seniors are giving it a go!

While at the market check out the shopping around the town square.

The Garden Gate is one of my favorite shops with inspired and beautiful items locally made.

Giraffe bud vase anyone?

This trip I bought some thick striped raw linen dishtowels there that I’m crazy about.

They also sell some amazing comfortable chairs that are popular to try out as you can see. Not sure who these losers are.

Plaza Design is another must and one of the best curated stores I’ve ever been in! Gorgeous curated home good.

In Arcata two lunch spots are great, Rita’s authentic Mexican food on 8th right by the plaza and also Cafe Brio, a wonderful bakery and restaurant if you can find a table. Coffee from Jitter Bean Coffee Company, also on the plaza is a requirement before a stroll through the market!

Another must while in Humboldt is Los Bagels, something you won’t find anywhere else- a combo Jewish/Mexican bakery cafe with the best organic bagels you’ll ever have. It was begun 32 years ago by Dennis Rael who came from a multi-cultural Jewish and Mexican family. It soon became a Humboldt institution that everyone loves. We never miss a chance to go here and get a slug- their long seeded bagels, and fresh creme cheese. They also have challah, empanadas and fresh guacamole and more bakery items plus great artsy T-shirts and bags. There are two more locations, one in Old Town Eureka and on the Humboldt State campus.

I had to have this cute white shopping tote, one of many fun things they sell.

Eureka is the largest town in Humboldt, is famous for it’s Victorians and it’s cute Old Town. It sits on the waterfront of Humboldt Bay and has many nice seafood restaurants and cute shops. The Carter House is one very nice hotel to stay in here with it’s pretty Victorian buildings.

Interesting note-Eureka is the home of the original Restoration Hardware which began as a supply spot for the many Victorians being renovated and sadly is no longer there or anything like the original store. While in Old Town check out Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate.

Trinidad is the cutest little secret beach town in California …At least that’s what Sunset Magazine said and I agree.

Trinidad was a historic whaling port and it’s also where my husband Max grew up. It sits in a bluff overlooking the prettiest little harbor. There is still a population of around 400, about the same as it was when he grew up here in the 1970’s.

It reminds me a little of East Coast Beach towns.

Now however, it’s a bit more upscale with many beautiful vacation rentals, inns and three cute cafes. This pretty one below is Trinidad Bay Bed and Breakfast which overlooks the harbor.

It is a great little village to walk around.

The Beachcomber Cafe is my favorite spot with it’s organic fare and green ethic.

Those cool bikes parked in front belonged to biking backpackers.

Food is organic, local and delicious. The breakfast bean bowl was tops. Bring your own cup for coffee here. They don’t do paper cups, but you can buy a to go glass for a dollar.

A walk around Trinidad brings you to a few cute shell shops and to the harbor with another landmark spot, The Seascape. It’s right at the bottom of the harbor and you can watch the fishing boats go out if the fog isn’t too thick. Their traditional fare is actually tasty and it’s a cozy spot on a cool day.

I always have to make a stop at Trinidad Art Gallery. I’ve bought some beautiful ceramics there by local artists over the years.

Trinidad State Beach is the walk to do here and it begins with a pretty trail down to the sea.

This is where my husband played all day as a kid in these woods!

Banana slugs may be sharing the trail…

The fog blows in and out all day here in the summertime so dress warmly and in layers. It’s magical this mist!

Patrick’s Point is another great coastal trail in Trinidad if you have time. Agate Beach is also a favorite spot to find agates.

The beach below of the Trinidad lighthouse is also lovely, seen below.

Most of these beaches require a little hike down a trail so bring good shoes with you.

If you have an extra day, drive up the coast an hour to the town of Orick to see Lady Bird Johnson Grove, some of the most remarkable old growth redwoods ever. Here’s a pic I took a few years back at LBJ..

Not far from there is Fern Canyon, a stream canyon through fern covered walls where Jurassic Park II was filmed. Both are worth adding another day to your trip and fortunately are close to each other and can be done in one day.

This shot in Fern Canyon from a few years ago on the same trip…

It’s a blast to walk along all the boards through the creek and along the canyon. You need shoes that can get wet here.

For lodging near to all this in Trinidad check out View Crest Lodge, which has spacious rooms for families and good prices and is central to all these spots north and Trinidad.

Trinidad has a very famous and unique restaurant, Larrupin’ Cafe. Wonderful local food and a beautiful cozy decor make it a perfect ending to a weekend up in Humboldt!

For more information visit this Visit California site which has a good overview of the redwood parks as there are so many.

The coast redwoods are the tallest living things on earth and really have to be seen to be appreciated. No photos can capture the beauty or the smell of the redwood forest. I hope you all get to see this amazing part of the world one day. The little towns that surround this area are charming too and feel a bit like another place and time, which I love and highly recommend as a getaway!

Kim

Photos all Northern Cal Style, except where noted.

Gone Camping or Glamping…Pinecrest Lake Resort

August 7, 2015 By kimwheeler No Comments

I’ve been away friends…doing the camping thing. Some might call it glamping as I got to sleep on a cot and there was a spot to buy fantastic latte’s in the morning. Yay! That said it was still dirty. You should see the laundry, but it was worth the beauty and communing with nature.

Books were read and hammocks were chilled in.

Cards with Papa and dad, games with cousins. Lots of talking, discussing, chatting and yes no internet! Family time.

Cousin quality time.

My handsome brother making breakfast.

Gourmet French toast with fresh blueberries.

Campfires and roasting marshmallows.

Time to do nothing which is so important for kids!

Free ranging, walking across floating logs, swimming and mucking about was done.

Pinecrest Lake is one of those places where families have been going for generations. It’s in the Sierras, not far from Yosemite. I love the long hiking path all around it. It has many historic and beautiful cabins, a small resort, a restaurant and a few shops. There is even a library and a bike rental, and an outdoor movie theatre with the latest family movies and sells popcorn!

The best thing is there are very few bugs and the weather is usually really temperate in July and August. The lake has only quieter boats and no jet-skis or speed boats. Best of all, my boys really love going and my camper husband is in his element.

This trip was all boys!

As much as I love far-flung travel, it’s trips like this that really make you feel it’s summer. It’s also super to get away from it all, and unplug, especially with kids. I highly recommend it as a camping spot if you’ve never gone. It’s camping light, and yet still feel far away from it all!

Hope you are enjoying August!

Kim

All photos property of NorthernCalStyle

A Winter Escape to Napa and the New Senza Hotel

January 21, 2015 By kimwheeler 21 Comments

Have that after the holidays blahs? Need a little getaway to look forward to? It may not have crossed your mind right now, but its’s a perfect and slightly quieter time to visit the gorgeous Napa Valley. The weather is mild, mostly sunny and the slower pace during the winter months makes it a sweet escape for a bit of relaxation, pampering and sun.

I was invited to visit the beautiful new Senza Hotel that opened last fall in Napa. Our Christmas break was an unusual time for us to go to wine country, but it couldn’t have been better. I loved it. This was the scene above on a Friday at Domain Carneros, a super spot to sip bubbly and take in the views, and appreciate being a Californian in winter! It was a quick stop on our way to check out Senza and also visit another favorite, Merryvale Winery in Saint Helena.

I was excited to introduce my husband Max to some of the places I got to on my girl’s getaway to Napa last April.

Besides Domaine Carneros, Merryvale was one I knew he would like. I love Merryvale’s wines! I also love the Schlatter family that runs the winery who are gracious and welcoming. I went to buy my favorite Sauvignon Blanc, but also ended up with the Silhouette Chardonnay which was special, fabulous and something I am now hoarding for a special occasion!!

Jason, a guide in the tasting room was wonderful and we learned more about the recent harvests, reds and had so much fun. We also shopped a bit as the Schlatter’s sell some authentic Swiss products as a nod to their heritage.

Good friends of ours also happened to be up in the area wine tasting, so they joined us at the winery. Sue’s husband Mark is a boutique winemaker in his spare time, so they know about wine. They both really loved Merryvale as well.

We both ended up buying one of these darling button ornaments! A lot of cute gifts, cookbooks and fun things as well as great wine are at Merryvale.

Merryvale is easy to find, right across from Gotts Roadside. Gott’s is a fun place to grab a burger or taco and have lunch outdoors between wine tasting. We had lunch and walked across the road over to Merryvale.

After Merryvale and lunch, we drove back towards Napa and checked in to Senza.

Senza is charming with vine-covered shingled buildings set among vineyards and a pretty pool.

The room exceeded expectations! It was gorgeous, spacious, modern, yet cozy, which ticks all my boxes. Our suite had a small desk, sitting area, fireplace, and mini kitchenette with Keurig and refrigerator.

They did an excellent job of choosing pretty colors and luxe materials in furnishing the rooms. Love the taupe and soft blues combo.

Our room was on the lower floor, but had a spacious patio that had doors for privacy or opened to the pool and grassy area a few steps away. The upper floors had views of the surrounding area and in the morning you could see hot air balloons!

The baths were huge, bright with heated stone floors.

I loved that feature and the spacious two headed shower.

After unpacking we sat in the jacuzzi for a bit before the very nice nightly wine and cheese reception Senza holds by their fireplace or outside on the terrace from 6-7.

Dinner was at Archetype, in Saint Helena. I am obsessed with this place.

Everything about Archetype is perfect to me. I love the menu, the food, fun cocktails and of course the pretty decor with it’s darling little wicker couches and tiny lamps.

The bar is beautiful and they offer a lot of hot teas as well in pretty pots. I tried the Dr Ann cocktail which was bergamot infused gin, lemon and raspberry foam. Amazing! To be fair though, the food is what will knock your socks off.

We collapsed in our super comfy beds back at Senza and woke up to an seriously beautiful breakfast buffet in the cozy lounge. First I snuck in a little reading and coffee by our fire. So cozy!

Besides an oatmeal bar, yogurt, fruit, cheeses and meats, coffee, teas and juices, they offer pastries and bread from world-famous Bouchon Bakery in nearby Yountville.

Of course we had to partake of the Bouchon goodies. They had their amazing bread to toast too. If you believe it, these are even better than they look. Now I know why people line up around the block to buy them. I haven’t had anything like this since I was in Belgium. They were light and not overly sweet as American pastries tend to be. They also had a savory leek and mushroom versions. Wow!

One of the hot-air balloons floating by..

Senza also has charging for electric cars, which is really nice. Above is the Parker mansion the historic part of the hotel which has some lovely suites and rooms.

I loved everything about Senza. They are big on all the details and I love that about a hotel. Don’t miss an opportunity to check it out before the busy season in Napa.

Senza is located between Napa and Yountville which makes it an easy base to explore the Napa Valley from. Winter is a great time to get special rates and deals and there are some fun packages right now that include couples massages and even a hot air balloon ride. Perhaps a fun Valentines getaway?

Kim

A media rate was generously provided for my Senza stay, but all opinions expressed are my own as always on this blog.

Photos northerncalstyle