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Grown-up getaway: What to do in Fredericksburg Texas in Hill Country

August 20, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Haven’t considered Texas Hill Country for your next Grown-Ups Getaway? I hadn’t either, until checking out this pastoral oasis in the heart of Texas. Warm almost year-round and with much, much more to offer than it’s small 10,000 population suggests, the quaint German-Texan town of Fredericksburg beckons. Couples will find ample B&Bs, guest houses, and boutique hotels, prime shopping and dining, and exceptional wine tasting. Here’s what to do in Fredericksburg Texas in Hill Country:

Acclimate to Fredericksburg with a stop at the visitor’s center one block of Main Street on E. Austin. From here, you can take a trolley tour of the historic buildings in town, including the famous Sunday Houses (which German immigrant farmers would use on the weekends when they came into town for church and trading) and the kirche (fortress and central meeting hall, still at the heart of Fredericksburg today). I recommend this tour as a good way to orient one selves and get an idea of where you’d like to return to during your stay.

Wine tasting along Main Street:

The Hill Country is home to 50+ wineries. These wineries lie predominantly along Highway 290 (more on that in a minute) but many have tasting rooms right on Main Street in Fredericksburg. They are only open until 4 or 5 pm, so get there in the afternoon after a light lunch, but these tasting rooms are a great way to sample the best the area has to offer either before or after wine tasting along 290. You can’t miss them: literally, there are tasting rooms about every third or fourth storefront along Main Street. Enjoy!

Wineries:

The Fredericksburg wine scene is emerging and with a vengeance. Pick up a Texas Hill Country wine map at the visitor’s center or look at texaswinetrail.com or wineroad290.com but focus on 2-3 wineries you want to see most on and just off Highway 290. It’s nice that the wine scene in the area is so concentrated. I recommend Four Point Wine at 10354 E. US Highway 290 first, as this winery combines the best of three wineries in Texas, with options for wine tastings daily and even wine and cheese and wine and chocolate pairings scheduled most days (reserve in advance via the website).

Next, check out additional offerings along 290 before diverting off the highway to lesser-known but rare-find Narrow Path Winery. Narrow Path has a brand-new ultra-modern tasting room overlooking pristine Hill Country scenery, with charcuterie plates and some of the best wine I tasted in the Hill Country. It’s worth the detour.

En route back to town, make a stop at Das Peach Haus to taste some additional local wines and check out the many artisanal jams, jellies and marinades on offer at Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods (on site). This historic fruit stand is now much more!

Shopping:

Fredericksburg is well-known as a shopping mecca. For a town of about 10,000, it has world-class boutique shopping, and even for the non-shoppers among us, you’ll want to carve out some time to stroll Main Street and the surrounding blocks. Why? Four words: Fairtrade and locally owned. You can’t really go wrong, but I especially recommend peeking into L.M. Easterling Boot Company if you’re considering custom-made cowboy boots (a process that takes several months and will set you back several grand) or just want to check out their off-the-shelf options for a fraction of that price. (Headquarters Hat on Main Street is also a fun choice for more economical boot shopping). Definitely make a stop at Raven + Lily too, where absolutely everything in the store is fairtrade. Owner Kirsten Dickerson sources her wares from marginalized communities of women worldwide, and every item for sale, from dresses to jewelry to leatherwoods, has a story. While there are several Raven + Lily locations nationwide and a robust online business, the owners live local and are likely in the shop.

Dip down a block to two to check out the antiques and eclectic mix of offerings off Main Street, then cross to Backchalk Home and Laundry for a delightful mix of home goods and furniture sourced from around the world by local owners.

If you didn’t take time to stop at their fruit stand, Fischer & Wieser has a tasting room on Main Street, too. This local jam and jelly business is so much more than that: it’s a truly local business that now incorporates a store with local jams, jellies, glazes and marinades. You definitely want to buy their blackberry chipotle marinade to take home. If you have time to reserve a cooking class, go to www.fwcookingschool.com.

Bike riding:

The Hill Country of Texas offers miles and miles of quiet country roads ideal for cycling. Rent bikes with Hill Country Bicycle Works on 702 E Main Street and enjoy suggested routes through the pastoral terrain. This is called Hill Country for the reason; don’t expect not to work for your evening wine or beer. However, you’ll be rewarded with lovely live oaks, pastures of cattle (and maybe a donkey or two) and goats and sheep. Hill Country Bicycle Works offers road bikes, hybrids, and even electric bikes for rent out of Fredericksburg or Kerrville.

Wildseed Farms:

Often a must-do for anyone visiting Fredericksburg, Wildseed Farms not only offers photo ops with bluebonnets and poppies but affords the opportunity to buy wildflower seeds for your region (the gardening for dummies equivalent, in my opinion!). Also onsite are casual lunch options and plenty of shopping (boutique and garden variety) and wine tasting at on-site Wedding Oak Winery. Are there better wineries to visit on 290? Yes, but the location sure is convenient!

National Museum of the Pacific War:

You can’t visit Fredericksburg and not visit the National Museum of the Pacific War. www.pacificwarmuseum.org This impressive museum is at the quality to belong in a world-class city, and yet it thrives in Fredericksburg, home of celebrated admiral Nimitz (born in Fredericksburg). This sprawling museum floored me, truly. I would expect no less in Washington DC, truly. Plan to devote most of a day here, with breaks (your ticket, only $15 for general admission) is good for 48 hours for a reason). If you ask at the front desk, they’ll tell you what not to miss if you only have a few hours, but I suggest spending the morning, then returning after lunch for at least an additional hour. This museum not only honors the life of Admiral Nimitz and celebrates the service of George W. Bush (Texas native) but primarily pays tribute to the many, many men and women who sacrificed so much during WWII. What I love best: this museum doesn’t erase. It shows the experience of both Americans and Japanese during the conflict in the Pacific in multiple galleries and interactive displays. Don’t miss the Pacific Combat Zone (a block away) with houses the garage for WWII vehicles and a reconstructed battlefield. Those who love WWII planes and boats will be in heaven.

Where to eat in Fredericksburg:

Der Linderbaum: Start with traditional German food to get a feel for Fredericksburg. Come hungry, because this is German food at its finest, and plan to linger to enjoy live music and soak in the ambiance.

Milagros: The live music and inviting patio are at the stars at Milagro’s, which serves a rather eclectic mix of traditional Mexican favorites like fajitas and enchiladas and Fredericksburg staples like sausage and sourkrout. Even on weekdays, live music can be found; on the night we visited, the country music duo sang a mixture of traditional country songs (think Kenny Chesney and Johnny Cash) to Tom Petty numbers and 90’s alternative. It was a delightful mix.

Tubby’s Ice House: Stop at Tubby’s for lunch after making your way through the National Museum of the Pacific War (yes, this is a must-do). Trust me, you need their frosé (frozen rosé) if the weather is at all warm (which it will be). Pair it with one of Tubby’s street taco options or burgers.

La Bergerie: This artisanal market specializes in fine wine, cheese and charcuterie (make yourselves a picnic to go). The wine is hand-picked from fun and affordable local bottles to rare finds, and tall charcuterie is cured at La Bergerie with heritage Texan meats. www.labergerie.com

Where to go for after dinner nightlife:

Elk Store Winery and Distillery:

Do yourselves a favor and head here after dinner, located right on Main Street. Long a reputed wine bar and beer bar, Elk Store now boasts a distillery, too, with made-on-site gin, whiskey, moonshine, and vodka. The bar staff will walk you through a tasting, or you can’t go wrong with their menu of prohibition-era cocktails. I recommend the pecan pie moonshine (straight up or mixed). You’ll want to linger here an hour or more, either in the cozy interior with walls of wine bottles or out back, on the attached patio with fire pit.

Luckenbach:

Have you heard of Luckenbach, Texas? Made famous by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, who penned an idyllic ode to the burg, Back to the Basics of Love. Luckenbach was once a trading post back in 1849, where Comanche Indians traded commodities with American settlers. In 1970, the entire town was put to sale, and bought by a trio of Texans who ‘didn’t want their bar to close’. It’s second life began as a bar, dance hall, and watering hole for locals. Today, Luckenbach has live music 364 days a year from 1 pm until closing. It’s eight miles outside of Fredericksburg, five miles south of the intersection of Highway 290 and FM 1376. Their bar takes cash only, so come ready!

Where to stay: Herb Farm

Stay where you won’t miss your kids…because kids aren’t even allowed. Fredericksburg’s Herb Farm is indeed a working herb farm with an attached restaurant in a historic Fredericksburg homestead. The current owners (who also own the unique Hangar Hotel that abuts the Fredericksburg airport) have added fourteen quaint guest cabins and a 15,000 square foot spa facility. This is the place to stay on the edge of town for rest and relaxation…and not a kid in sight. Pets are not allowed in the cabins either, and while not part of your stay, 90% of guests opt for a spa treatment during their stay. The onsite restaurant has a full bar and delicious breakfast menu, though breakfast is not included. Between cottages, the herb farm beckons with meandering trails between the lavender and thyme. Yes, it’s as idealistic as it sounds.

If you can’t get a cottage at Herb Farm, numerous apartments for rent along Main Street offer historic yet comfortable lodging right in the center of the action, which means you can leave your car parked for days.

Disclosure: I was invited to Fredericksburg Texas for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.

Grown-Up Getaway: Wine and dine in Lubbock Texas

August 17, 2021 By Amy Hagstrom

Last spring, we outlined the perfect Grown-Up Getaway to charming Fredericksburg, Texas, in the Hill Country. Now we’re back with one more–perhaps unexpected–Texas getaway: Lubbock. Everywhere I went in Fredericksburg, I was told by winemakers that their grapes came from this city in the West Plains. So naturally, I had to go see Lubbock for myself.

If you’ve driven through Lubbock, Texas before, you might assume this west Texas city of approximately 250,000 is primarily comprised of strip malls and suburbs. However, dig a little deeper into the heart of Lubbock, and you’ll find some true gems hiding in plain sight.

What to do on a Lubbock Texas getaway:

Lubbock is a college town, so most of its culture spans out from Texas Tech and the recently growing urban downtown core area.

Starting your days:

Starting with your morning cup of joe, head to J&B Coffee in the college district for great drip brew and breakfast sandwiches, or to Sugar Brown’s Coffee, where you can soak up great ambiance inside or outside.

Wine tasting:

This is big country, with an abundance of land. As winemaker Bobby Cox of Pheasant Ridge put it, if Texas wineries planted on half the land available, they’d grow more grapes than Europe’. As a result, tasting rooms in Lubbock’s High Plains AVA can be spread out, and often, vineyards are off-site. That said, here are the best options for your Texas wine tasting tours.

Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars

Burklee Hill Vineyards: With an inviting tasting room located in the Historic Kress Building in downtown Lubbock, Burklee Hills tastings that can be enjoyed indoors or out. The owner has been growing grapes since 2002, and has been custom crushing since 2016. They make a particularly good dry Muscat, and have won awards for their Malbec.

McPherson Cellars: Back in town, McPherson Cellars is run by Kim McPherson, whose father, Doc McPherson is considered the ‘Father of Texas wine’. McPherson Cellars offered the best of anything I tasted in Lubbock, so it’s a must-do. Plus, the tasting room is easy to get to, and fun and funky. The outdoor patio is inviting with couches and sculpture art, and across the street, McPherson’s wife runs one of the best restaurants in town (see below). Not to be missed at McPherson: the dry rosé, Grenache, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese.

English Newsom Cellars: Located out-of-town on Woodrow Road, English Newsom Cellars is also the real deal: their huge facility is putting forth serious contenders for the best wine in Lubbock, in my opinion.

Pheasant Ridge: Out of town on Courtney Road, Pheasant Ridge is the oldest winery in the area, and the 7th oldest in Texas, bought in 1978. They grow seven varietals on-site, and while the tasting room isn’t fancy, there’s a nice canopied seating area out front, with views of their 30 acres of vines (more are off-site), and like CapRock and McPherson, especially, their staff in the tasting room know their stuff.

Are you more of a beer person? Brewery LBK is the area’s up-and-coming brewery, located downtown in the Pioneer Building!

Dining:

If you follow our plan for a Lubbock weekend, you’ll spend the bulk of your day at area wineries, so plan on light bites and charcuterie plates until dinner. I promise you’ll want to come to the following restaurants hungry.

The West Table Kitchen and Bar:

With a seasonally-changing menu and a young chef who has returned to his hometown after training in California and working across the US, the West Table on Broadway Street makes use of prime downtown space in what used to be the historic Lubbock Hotel. Now, it’s a fine dining venue with high ceilings, tile floors, and exposed beams, with an attached artisan wine event space and the afore-mentioned Brewery LBK in the same building. Make sure to try one of their craft cocktails; I loved their spin on a Whiskey Smash. Get the roasted poblano peppers if they’re offered as an appetizer.

Tip: Upstairs the Pioneer Pocket Hotel offers renovated suites with clean lines and contemporary touches. Stay here and you can go right downstairs for coffee in the mornings.

La Diosa Cellars:

Tucked away in downtown Lubbock across the street from McPherson Cellars, La Diosa is the success story of Sylvia McPherson, wife of winery owner Kim McPherson. She’s put her interior decorating background to work to create a warm, eclectic atmosphere, and her tapas-forward menu is the real deal. She’s tapped into her family’s Spanish and Mexican heritage to create a unique and truly beautiful menu. Start with the sangria, and don’t be afraid to be adventurous.

Cocina de La Sirena:

This gem for modern Latin American cuisine is located right off the highway, and looks quite unassuming behind an old motel-turned-artisan boutique strip. But step into the courtyard and you’ll find patio dining under twinkling lights and a cozy interior with a stellar bar. Come for happy hour and small plates, or settle in for dinner, but either way, the margaritas and homemade salsas outshine almost everything (and that’s saying something). The owner is truly passionate about local sourcing, and everything is fresh.

Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room:

Best known for its fondue (in West Texas? Yep!) this restaurant serves to showcase the best of Texas wine, plus varietals from around the world. They have over 650 labels, so plan to stay awhile!

Want more to do? Try to plan your trip for the First Friday Art Walk downtown, which features food trucks and multiple gallery openings, and learn more about Lubbock native Buddy Holly’s history at the Buddy Holly Center. In spring of 2020, a huge downtown development project, the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Sciences, will open across from the civic center, offering theater space and event space with the capacity to host Broadway productions and world-class musical guests.

Grown Up Getaway: Miami beyond the beaches

February 11, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Maybe you’ve ‘done’ South Beach. Or maybe, you remember the Miami of the ‘80s and ‘90s, when South Beach defined the city. Whether beachside clubbing and hot days on the sand are not for you, or whether you’re ready for something different, check out Miami beyond the beaches for your next Grown-Up Getaway. Here’s your ready-made itinerary for your Grown Up Getaway Miami:

Start in the artsy Wynwood neighborhood:

Wynwood perhaps defines the ‘new’ Miami better than any other single neighborhood. An eclectic mix of art galleries, trendy bars and restaurants, and boutiques, Wynwood may have become gentrified from the time of its artistic roots, but it’s still a great representation of the mixing pot that is Miami.

Start with a stroll through the neighborhood to appreciate the street art…don’t worry, you can’t miss it. Wynwood Walls sits at the epicenter of the street art movement, with commissioned murals across several blocks. Enter at 2520 NW 2nd Avenue, where you’ll see arched gates into the artwork. (It’s free to enter.) Between murals, a few galleries are open within Wynwood Walls, as well as a juice bar and a few other small cafes.

After seeing the ‘official’ art of Wynwood, walk through the next few blocks, wandering at will and popping into additional galleries and boutiques and checking out more unofficial murals, some as impressive as the commissioned work.

Grab a pre-dinner drink at Alter, which has an inviting outdoor bar just adjacent to the small dining room. Make a reservation to eat here to taste celebrated chef Brad Kilgore’s inventive pre-fixed menu (he also creates his magic at Brava, home of one of Miami’s hardest-to-get reservations).

If you’re looking for a more casual meal, head instead to Rust, a hole-in-the-wall on 2nd Ave in the most gentrified of ways. Located down an open-air marketplace hallway in the heart of Wynwood, Rust is owned by a Uruguayan transplant who has made Miami his home. Featuring a globally inspired menu that includes everything from chivitos (Uruguayan sandwiches) and Spanish tortillas to ceviche, Rust is a place to linger on the patio with a sangria and tapas to share.

Spend your next day in Museum Park:

Ten years ago, Miami’s downtown became a ghost town after work hours. With the addition of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County located within easy walking distance to Museum Park (featuring the stellar Perez Art Museum Miami and brand new Frost Museum of Science), that all changed. Now a hub for performing and visual arts lovers, this region of Miami is vibrant day and night.

During the day, linger during the morning at the Perez (PAMM), where two floors of permanent and featured art exhibits are on display. Make sure to leave time to stroll outside, where Adirondack chairs and hanging hammock chairs invite you to sit a while to enjoy the ocean breezes and views of the bay. Grab a coffee at the museum cafe, or better yet, head over the the Arsht Center to enjoy lunch at the cafe at Books and Books. A Miami institution, Books and Books is located in their original Sears storefront, and features a farm-to-table style menu upstairs from the bookseller.

Check out the Frost Museum of Science (yes, even if you’ve left the kids at home). This brand new museum is actually divided into four buildings: the Frost Planetarium, Aquarium, and North and West Wings, where you can learn about the core science behind living systems, the solar system and known universe, the physics of flight, light and lasers, the biology of the human body and mind, and much more. If nothing else, see a show at the planetarium (or come back at night to see it set to contemporary music such as Pink Floyd or U2.

In the evening, see a performance at the Arsht Center. This massive and beautiful center features visual art embedded in the design and architecture, and offers space for both large-scale musical theater performances, ballet and symphony, and intimate plays and dance performances. I was lucky enough to see The Death of Harry Houdini in the small black box theater, and was blown away.

Note: if you take Uber to the theater, they’ve made it easier for you to identify where you’ll meet your driver with pre-set stations…otherwise, the sprawling center spread over several city blocks proves problematic.

Do some shopping:

For the most impressive shopping malls, you’ll want to go to Brickell City Center (or farther out, Coconut Grove). The City Center is a LEAD certified building with an amazing (and beautiful) eco-design feature: the climate ribbon spans over the top of the open air mall, collecting rain water for reuse and simultaneously managing climate control. (It truly feels cooler in the mall than just outside.)

You’ll find no shortage of shopping opportunities in City Center (Saks is the flagship), but perhaps the bigger attraction are the bars and restaurants, as well as the luxury movie theater. We recommend a movie followed by drinks on the rooftop bar, Sugar.

Where to stay and how to get around:

Miami, unfortunately, isn’t a pedestrian friendly city, nor does it boast great public transportation, but it IS improving. If you stay in the Brickell area, you can easily transit between City Center and Museum Park by MetroMover, the free metro line that’s located downtown. Otherwise, you’ll need a car, which is why I recommend a Midtown hotel. You’ll be within about 10 minutes’ drive from Wynwood, Brickell, and Museum Park, all without getting on a freeway (and thus avoiding traffic).

The Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Midtown is a brand new hotel located in Midtown that’s quite frankly the nicest Hampton I’ve ever stayed in. See our review here. Valet parking is reasonable (or better yet, use Uber in Miami) and the stay includes an upscale complimentary breakfast and nice outdoor pool with lounging areas. You get a lot for your money here, and you won’t be in your room much, anyway. There’s another location in Brickell, which would be a good choice if that’s the neighborhood you decide to focus on, but you’ll save money staying in Midtown. Finding travel deals is now simple and can be done in a jiffy especially when you want to cut down your budget.’

If you DO bring the kids:

Check the Arsht Center website for options of kid-friendly shows…there are many! The Frost Museum of Science is a home run, and the Perez Art Museum offers kid programming every first Thursday, as well as special programs for the family. All the dining options listed above, with perhaps the exception of Alter, are appropriate for kids of any age.

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Grown-Up Getaway: Sonoma County without the kids

January 28, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

Sonoma County is certainly a kid-friendly destination, but to best enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, fine dining, and wine tasting opportunities of this region of Northern California, we suggest planning a getaway to Sonoma County without the kids. Here’s how we went about it, including our favorite wineries, dining opportunities and hotel options.

Grown-up Getaway: Sonoma County without the kids

Sonoma County runs parallel on the east with Napa County, and as such, all the wineries and tasting rooms of both counties are easily accessible to you. We think it’s best to break up the county into sections by city, then decide where to stay and what attractions you most want to visit. We drove from Southern Oregon and filled our days with wineries, quaint shopping districts, and restaurants.

Healdsburg:

This town represents some of the best of Sonoma County, with a pretty downtown shopping and wine tasting district and nearby wineries that will wow you. We came in on scenic Highway 128, so we could take in the rolling hills lined with wine grapes to immerse ourselves in our location. Along the way to Healdsburg, we stopped at Silver Oak winery, which has recently built a very impressive LEED-certified facility in the Alexander Valley, and at adjacent Hawkes, both of which produce big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tip: To enjoy popular Sonoma and Napa wineries without crowds and the need for reservations, consider visiting in the off-season, as we did. We had our share of rain during our January visit, but we also got the full attention of staff at wineries and felt completely relaxed.

Once in Healdsburg, we shopped along the central square where we found a lot of fun boutiques and fair trade stores that we doubt the kids would have had the patience to peruse. If you want to stay the night in Healdsburg, you have a wide array of options, from AirBnb rentals to traditional B&Bs and inns. Try The Girl and the Fig for lunch, if you want to linger over a meal here.

Santa Rosa:

We continued to Santa Rosa, where we settled in at The Sandman. Recently renovated in 2017, The Sandman has been elevated from roadside motel to an up-market boutique feel. The value is definitely there, especially in the off-season, as you get a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, free parking and WiFi, included basic breakfast, and a staffed poolhouse bar (during the weekends). During the summer months, look for weekend pool parties with food trucks and live music! The Sandman is pet-friendly and the rooms have been upgraded to have a chic, modern feel. We were within easy access to downtown Santa Rosa, where we ate a fun meal at Gerard’s Paella, and within just minutes of Healdsburg wineries.

Poolhouse at The Sandman

Sonoma:

From Santa Rosa, we drove about 45 minutes to downtown Sonoma the next day, where we once again browsed boutiques and bookshops, stopped in at Basque Bakery, and had our pick of dozens of tasting rooms. This is a great way to taste area wines more efficiently if you don’t have time to visit the wineries themselves. We spent the better part of a day here, before heading just outside of town to visit Cline Cellars, which we found delightfully down-to-earth (the most affordable wine we found in the valley, but also simply very friendly) and the adjacent Jacuzzi Winery, owned by the same family.

Shop window in Sonoma

Sonoma coast:

From the town of Sonoma, it’s easy to head out to the Sonoma coast on Highway 1. After a scenic hour drive, you’ll hit the coast at Bodega Bay. From here, we drove north up the beautiful California coastline to Jenner, where we were warmly welcomed for the night at the gorgeous and cozy Timber Cove Resort. Built in the 1960s and modernized and updated beautifully since, I cannot recommend Timber Cove enough. After our drive, we were welcomed with a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage from their bar called The Remedy (made with ginger beer to ease any rolling tummies after curvy Highway 1). The spacious lobby had a warm fire roaring, and even in the off-season, the bar was well-populated. We settled into our room, which featured a record player (with a full library of records available to us!) and other retro touches, plus a fireplace (gas burning) and balcony overlooking the stormy sea.

We half-wanted to get right into our cozy robes and curl up with a record, but instead we made it back to the lobby to dine at Coast Kitchen, Timber Cove Resort’s restaurant. The oysters were among the best we’ve ever tasted, and the wine list, as you might imagine, was impressive. Definitely, plan to spend at least one meal here.

Tip: Timber Cove Resort’s WiFi is spotty at best, but that’s okay! There are plenty of board games in the lobby, you have music to listen to, and out on the patio outside the main building, ping-pong and pool tables await, as well as a nice paperback book and many seating options overlooking the ocean.

Timber Cove boosts 25 acres, dotted with benches, nature paths and hiking trails. Consider getting the lay of the land with a personal tour of area hiking options with Unbeaten Path Tours, a local business that introduce guests to nearby Salt Point State Park, Sea Ranch architecture, and the Point Arena Lighthouse and Stornetta Lands National Monument. Timber Cove guests on the Seascapes tour will get an on-site tutorial of our trails, the Bufano Peace Obelisk and the Yakutia Totem (called a Serge).

Fort Ross is also only a mile or so away, a California State Historic Park showcasing a Russian-era church and compound with a National Historic Landmark designation. Fort Ross is surrounded by sandy beaches, panoramic coves, and redwood forests.

After a 1-2 night stay in Timber Cove Resort, we recommend heading back to Sonoma to round out your trip with a few more wineries, or heading north up Highway 1 to explore the Mendocino coast next!

Disclosure: We explored Sonoma County as guests of Timber Cove Resort and The Sandman. All opinions remain our own.

Grown-Up Getaway: Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street

January 10, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

If your usual Las Vegas stomping grounds include only the Strip, or if, like me, you think ‘been there, done that’ when it comes to a Las Vegas getaway, a stay (or even just a day) in historic downtown Las Vegas may be just what you need to see this city from a different perspective.

Downtown Las Vegas is located toward the ‘top’ of the Strip, above the Stratosphere, and retains some of the original roots that made Vegas such a glittering, fun-loving city in the 1950s and 60s. We recommend spending time here only during an adults-only Las Vegas getaway, as its authenticity includes more than a dash of grittiness.

What to do during the day:

You’ll want to center your downtown Las Vegas day on and around Fremont Street. Head to the Downtown Container Park, located at 707 Fremont, and check out this artsy and interesting outdoor shopping and dining area created out of shipping containers and box cars. You’ll see a huge praying mantis at the entrance (an art piece, perhaps?) and layers of fun boutiques, coffee houses, and bistros in the area surrounding shaded seating. Expect good music, a clean, friendly atmosphere, and even a big playground for kids.

Next, go to the Mob Museum, located at 300 Stewart, just a few blocks from the Container Park. Built as a nod to Vegas’ mobster past, the Mob Museum includes true stories of organized crime, including crimes in Vegas history. It’s put together in an interactive, immersive way, with several levels of exhibits and displays.

Where to eat:

In the daytime, head to the Commissary, located at the bottom of the Downtown Grand, for great breakfast burritos, espresso, and sandwiches. Do yourself a favor and skip the hotel buffets at old-school casinos like the Golden Nugget or the Fremont. In the evening, try Itsy Bitsy, located at 150 Las Vegas Blvd. This ramen house offers up steaming bowls of ramen noodles and rice dishes, served alongside amazing sake. Try the cucumber sake for a refreshing, light drink.

For an after-dinner cocktail or two, avoid the ‘street’ drinks in plastic cups found along Fremont in favor of the Griffin bar, which surprises with a cozy English pub interior (with a pretty bare bones exterior). As an alternative, the Downtown Grand’s Art Bar, located on the ground floor, has great drink specials and a bright, tasteful, and airy atmosphere.

What to do at night:

You won’t find world-class shows or impressive hotel interiors downtown, but you will find a slice of Vegas culture unlike even that you see on the Strip. The Fremont Street Experience includes the massive, bright, neon-canopied pedestrian-only street where zip-liners fly overhead, bands play live, and casinos beckon on every corner. In the street, the people watching is fantastic; expect to see everything from half-naked people to open drunkenness to beggars and street performers (both talented and untalented). As noted above, this is not an atmosphere for children, but can certainly be a fun culture shock for an adult getaway.

Zip-lining above the crowd will set you back $20 per person for the lower, slower line and $40 for the high line. Plan to buy tickets at the start of the Fremont Street (where the covered area starts) well before you want to zip…the wait time tends to be about an hour. You don’t have to wait in line; rather, you’re issued a time to return.

Live music is generally fun and loud, and on the hour, the entire neon ceiling of the Fremont Street Experience comes alive with images and video to coordinate with music. For a non-gaming, non-partying crowd, one evening (or even one hour) on Fremont will be enough, but I can certainly see the authentic appeal for the wilder set.

Heading to Vegas with the kids? Check out our guide to Las Vegas with kids, our top kid-friendly attractions, and where we think you should stay.

Grown-Up Getaway: Sunriver Oregon escape

December 6, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

We’ve written about planning a winter or spring getaway to Sunriver, Oregon with your family, and about skiing at Mt. Bachelor with kids and snowshoeing with teens in the Deschutes National Forest. Sunriver is an ideal playground for outdoorsy families, located just outside of Bend in the Central Cascades, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: Sunriver Resort makes for a great grown-up getaway as well. If you can fend off the parent guilt, head to Sunriver (in any season) and enjoy spa pampering, peaceful and inspiring nature walks, and plenty of good food and drink.

Where to stay in Sunriver:

When you have the kids in tow, we recommend renting a vacation home through Sunriver Resort. With the whole crew on vacation, you definitely need to kitchen and laundry facilities. However, switch gears for your grown-up getaway. Stay in one of Sunriver’s 245 guest rooms and suites, called the Sunriver Lodge Village. These accommodations offer luxuriously appointed guest rooms adjacent to all the resort amenities. You can get a single room, or upgrade to a suite, which includes a kitchen (with everything but an oven), fireplace, deck, and upstairs bedroom. You can even order room service to your door, even in the townhouse-like suites. Each section of the Lodge Village has their own outdoor hot tubs, but you can also use Sage Springs fitness center and spa (more on that below). What to upgrade, the River Lodges (similar name!) are more luxurious and located along the river, with wonderful views.

Where to eat:

When we come to Sunriver with the kids, we always seem to end up with a take-out pizza from the shopping center. I’m no food snob, but during a grown-up getaway, this won’t cut it. During my stay, I was lucky enough to time my visit with the Month of Chocolate, which was celebrated with specials in the spa, resort restaurant menus, and with special accommodation packages. Find chocolate-y goodness, plus amazing cuisine and ambiance any time of year at:

Carson’s American Kitchen: Sunriver’s newest restaurant is all about Pacific Northwest flavors in a casual setting. Hey, it’s Oregon…almost everything will be casual. The menu is seasonally-driven, which I always find makes for a more special experience. Try one of Carson’s salads…they’re a full meal and locally sourced when possible.

Twisted River Tavern: I love an upscale bar with great ambiance, and Twisted River delivers. Formally called Owl’s Nest in the main lodge, Twisted River has undergone a makeover for a lodgy-retro-sheek feel. Not only do they serve inventive craft cocktails, but the tavern menu is both satisfying and sophisticated. You definitely won’t feel like you’re at the kiddie table. On weekend nights, expect a DJ playing fun dance music (it does get a little loud after 9 pm).

What to do:

Obviously, you need to relish some ‘me’ time during a grown-up getaway, which means you need to head to Sage Springs Spa. If you’re staying at the resort, you get access to Sage Springs’ fitness center, lap pool, and whirlpool spas. You also get access to their locker rooms, which may not seem like a big deal…until you see them. These luxury locker rooms include jacuzzi tubs with nature soundtracks and starry night sky features, steam rooms, showers with full products to help you get ready for your day (or evening), and relaxation areas.

If you’re a spa guest, you also get access to the spa relaxation room, where you can sip tea and relax with a book or magazine. I got a facial during my stay, but made sure to stay extra to enjoy the ambiance in my spa robe and slippers. If you’re not utilizing the spa, still come by for the lap pool, indoor tennis courts, or state-of-the-art exercise machines. These machines were just replaced last year. There are also fitness classes and yoga offerings.

I can’t stand to be somewhere as beautiful as Central Oregon and not spend time in the outdoors, so during my grown-up getaway, I broke out my snowshoes and headed into the mountains. My favorite place for DIY snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is along the Cascades Highway en route to Mt. Bachelor. For snowshoeing, head to Dutchman Flat Sno Park, right next to the ski resort, or Swampy Lakes Sno Park (which has dedicated snowshoeing trails) and for nordic skiing, try Virginia Meissner. Don’t want to go it alone? We recommend Wanderlust Tours for any guided excursions. I’ve actually enjoyed the outdoors with Wanderlust three times now, and each time has been a joy, with kids and without. Wanderlust is based in Bend, but operates out of Sunriver, too.

Of course, downhill skiing abounds at Mt. Bachelor, or, a bit further afield past Sisters, Oregon, Hoodoo. And even in winter, the Deschutes River shines. Take a walk and go birding, or even biking if the grounds are snow-free. When there is snow, it’s possible to cross-country ski in the resort.

If the weather allows, Sunriver is criss-crossed with paved bike trails, so bring your road bike. Tennis courts are also available, as well as a full exercise facility. In summer, raft with Sun Country tours, or go low-key and enjoy the lodge pool. In season, there’s also golf, which is a huge deal in Central Oregon.

Or here’s an idea…just relax. Sunriver’s main lodge features the Living Room, an inviting space with gorgeous views and an oversized fireplace just waiting for you to curl up with a good book.

Tips for finding more activities at Sunriver:

Check for seasonal events and promotions. During our stay during the Month of Chocolate, we were lucky enough to enjoy a ‘Chopped’ style cocktail-making competition in Twisted River, in which four bartenders contended for a title. I was even called forward to judge! At the same time during our stay, Sunriver was hosting s’mores by the fire in the outdoor fire pit by the lodge, complete with story hour for adults and kids.
Take full advantage of the grounds. Along the bike and walking paths, not far from the lodge, visitors will find the nature center and observatory. Both operated independently from Sunriver, they are affordable, informative, and offer events you may not want to miss.
Act like a local. Don’t forget that Sunriver is a community as well as a resort. Ask about ongoing events and classes. Tennis tournaments are held regularly at the Sage Springs complex, and are open to guests if they register, and regularly-programmed culinary events take place monthly. For instance, the last Friday of each month, Sunriver hosts a winemaker’s dinner. We joined the dinner on the Friday of our stay, and met other guests, a few locals, and the wine distributor for the featured NW winery. In this case, the winery was aptly North by Northwest (King Estate).

As I disclose whenever applicable, I was hosted at Sunriver for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own.

Grown-up getaway: Ashland Hills Hotel

September 3, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Now that school has started, this is a great time to get away with your partner to toast another great summer. Autumn travel has the advantages of providing less crowded hotels and restaurants, and off-season hotel deals are the norm. Recently, my husband and I enjoyed a getaway to Ashland, Oregon for a romantic, yet still adventurous, stay at Ashland Hills Hotel.

For us, this getaway was a staycation: Ashland is our hometown. But this small Southern Oregon town is full of character–and more importantly, great entertainment venues and dining options–making it an ideal grown-up getaway for anyone within driving distance.

You won’t lack for quality lodging options in Ashland, ranging from quaint B&Bs to luxury escapes. For our most recent getaway, we tried Ashland Hills Hotel, which hits upon a perfect middle ground. This elegant property used to be nothing special until bought by the same folks who run several top-notch Rogue Valley hotels, including one of my favorites, the historic Ashland Springs Hotel. Knowing this boosted my confidence that we’d be in good hands at Ashland Hills Hotel, and we certainly were!

The hotel is located on the south side of Ashland, placing it on the opposite side of downtown but adjacent to some of the area’s best hiking and outdoor recreation. From this location, it’s easy to get to Emigrant Lake, Mt. Ashland, and Crater Lake, and you’re still only about five minutes by car from downtown Ashland.

The renovated lobby is spacious, airy, and calming, and our king bed room overlooking the pool was also generously sized. We had the usual amenities, such as coffee and tea service, and a mini-fridge, plus there are additional on-site amenities that really up the value, such as tennis courts and free bikes to use. Free WiFi and parking was a nice touch as well, both of which I no longer assume will be granted at higher-end hotels. The entire feel of Ashland Hills Hotel is what I’d call ‘gently retro’. It’s not over-the-top, but the retro furnishings, colors, and woodwork are tasteful and appealing.

The continental breakfast set out on the Mezzzanine is standard…nothing amazing here, but a good value for a free breakfast and in a nice setting away from the lobby with plenty of seating.

What to do in Ashland:

Early fall is a great time to visit Ashland. The weather is still warm, which means couples can take full advantage of the many hiking and biking trails in and near the city limits, SUP or kayak on Emigrant Lake, or book a whitewater rafting trip. The downtown sector of Ashland is entirely pedestrian-friendly, with interesting shops and eateries lining Ashland Street and Main and the downtown square.

Walk through Lithia Park: this downtown park is vibrant in fall, and even in September, before the leaves change color, it’s a sanctuary of leafy green goodness. Walk among the ponds, and be sure to venture further up the park past the children’s playground to see the many acres beyond the lawns and formal gardens.

Hike or bike the White Rabbit: This network of trails and single track snake through the hills overlooking Ashland, and are accessible at the end of Ashland Loop Road or Park Street. Lots of signage within this hiking area ensures you won’t get lost (just stay on trails to avoid poison oak).

Take in an Oregon Shakespeare Festival production: Ashland is famous for its OSF, and tickets are often discounted after school starts. Take in a show (Shakespeare or otherwise) in the outdoor theater before the season is over. Note that many other smaller theaters churn out good productions in and around Ashland, too. Consider looking into what’s playing at the Caberet in Ashland or the Craterian in Medford.

Go wine tasting: The Rogue Valley boosts over 30 wineries, many of them award-winning. Venture north and drive along the Applegate Wine Trail or the Upper Rogue Wine Trail, or try some local Ashland area wineries like Weisinger, Bella Fiore, or Pebblestone.

Dine anywhere downtown: Seriously, you can’t go wrong. Our favorite dining options on the square or downtown include Amuse or Larks (fine dining), Standing Stone (brew pub), Liquid Assets (wine bar), Smithfields (locally sourced) or Brickroom (killer cocktails), and Sesame (Asian fusion). For brunch, look no further than Morning Glory.

Indulge at Waterstone Spa: Waterstone is part of the hotel group that runs several top-notch hotels in the area, including Ashland Hills Hotel, which means it’s easy to combine a stay with a treatment here. We opted for foot soaks for a quick but refreshing service following a short hike in the area as part of Ashland Hills Hotel’s Wild Pacific Crest Trail package.

Walk along part of the PCT: Speaking of which, the PCT runs right past Ashland near the Mt. Ashland recreation area and Pilot Rock. This is a great area to take a day hike, even if you won’t be trekking the trail from start to finish. We like to hike a few miles when we can, accessing the trail from the Mt. Ashland access road off I-5.

As we disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Ashland Hills Hotel was complimentary, for the purpose of review. All dining and activities in Ashland were at our expense.

Grown-Up Getaway: How to spend a weekend in Reno, Nevada

March 14, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

I know…you thought I was going to say Las Vegas, right? But I prefer Reno, Nevada to Vegas any day…this medium-sized city is nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and offers plenty to do in the outdoors in addition to gaming and entertainment. Here’s what to do and where to go…with some unexpected surprises along the way!

Grown Up Getaway: Reno Nevada

Where to stay:

You have your pick of casino hotels in Reno, but for the greatest variety of dining options, entertainment and nightlife, pick either the Eldorado, Circus Circus, or Silver Legacy. They’re all connected, and right in a row on Virginia Street, within walking distance of the off-site venues I suggest visiting. In fact, the trio is now called THE ROW, Reno’s most luxurious row of accommodations, dining and spas.

What to do:

To me, the interiors of almost all casino hotels look the same: like the interiors of all malls or cruise ships. Without the benefit of daylight, I get really stir crazy. The good news is, after checking in and getting settled, you can easily step outside and walk along The Riverwalk District for views of the Truckee River. Keep going a few blocks from the hotel complex down Virginia Street to The Midtown District for a more eclectic, art experience with boutique shops, eateries and breweries.

You can easily while away a half day here, checking out the vintage clothing shops, record stores. bubble tea shops and breweries. This part of Reno used to be avoided by most residents but is enjoying a new identity. It’s still gritty, and to be honest, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it when I first walk along the streets (there are still quite a few of the low budget motels and adult bookstores I remember from the past). But after perusing the new shops, I fell in love. There’s an excellent clothing exchange and antique shop called Junkee’s, and one for children’s clothing called Sippees. Mostly, you’re walking along Virginia Street proper, but in a few places, little nooks and crannies lead off to clusters of brew pubs and wine bars. There’s even an ice cream sandwich shop utilizing all local ingredients (called Simple Ice Cream Sandwiches on South Virginia Street).

Best of all, Midtown sports a beautiful collection of murals. Check out a map here, but if you just walk through the district, you’ll see most of them. Once you reach the Truckee (back toward the Eldorado), you can check out the ‘Space Whale’ art installation that was brought here from the Burning Man Playa. If you want to see more art, the Wilbur D. May Museum is adjacent.

In the evenings, Reno offers an abundance of shows and performances; just check the listings for your particular dates. And of course, there’s casino gaming as well. Alternatively, you could also check out this online poker game where you can get a $20 promo at Global and play wherever and whenever you want to.

Spend your second day exploring the outdoors. There are over 30 golf courses within the Reno area, as well as a whitewater kayaking park directly in downtown on the Truckee. Within 20 minutes of downtown Reno, Mt. Rose offers skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobiling in the winter and mountain biking and hiking in the summer. Just drive another 15 minutes or so on the Mt. Rose Highway to reach the northern Nevada side of Lake Tahoe at Incline Village. Spend time at Ski Beach in the summer, renting paddle boards or kayaks or just enjoying the sunshine.

Where to eat:

In Midtown, check out Brasserie Saint James on S. Center Street or Sup on South Virginia Street. If you’d rather stay in the hotel after freshening up, head to Roxy or La Strada in the Eldorado for the best ambiance. Canter’s Deli in the Silver Legacy is a nice option if you want something casual before catching a show at The Laughing Factory next door.

Have you enjoyed a weekend away in Reno? What are your recommendations?

Grown-Up Getaway: Salt Lake City weekend

February 5, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

A Grown-Up Getaway in Salt Lake City? Absolutely! If you haven’t visited Utah’s capital city in a while, you’re in for a surprise. The culinary scene here has exploded, with top chefs from all over the US planting their flags in the city. Craft cocktails are alive and well in watering holes all over Salt Lake City (yes, really) and visitors have a variety of downtown lodging to choose from.

Whether you come to Salt Lake City as a stopover (SLC is a hub airport, after all), or you’re planning to ski in the canyons or in Park City after a taste of urban life, this city in the heart of the Wasatch makes for the perfect Grown Up Getaway for a Salt Lake City weekend.

Where to stay: historic Peery Hotel

Book your reservation at the Peery Hotel, located directly downtown next to the best restaurants, the Salt Palace convention center and Temple Square. The Peery is a historic hotel that’s recently enjoyed a refreshing; walking into the well-appointed lobby felt like a breath of fresh air. The understated yellow tones merged perfectly with the crackling fireplace and cozy seating in the lobby; the adjacent bar and Carnegie’s Public House beckoned.

My room at the Peery overlooked the courtyard, which at first, I saw as a detriment. In fact, it made for a quiet night’s stay, with views that still overlooked the city. The bathroom was over-sized to the point of being opulent, with a jetted tub for two and lovely black-and-white tiled floor and pedestal sinks.

All the rooms at the Peery feature king beds, but ours included a pull-out couch, so could fit a family of four if needed. The bed was uber-comfy and I loved the plush robes.

Cocktails at the Carnegie’s Public House:

Right downstairs off the lobby, Carnegie’s offers pub-fare, but focus on the the cozy bar. I ordered a classic Manhattan here with High West whiskey (a must in Utah, in my opinion). The bar ambiance is warm and welcoming; order an appetizer at the bar if you’d like.

Dinner at Current Fish and Oyster:

You won’t be disappointed in an intimate dinner at one of Salt Lake City’s most up-and-coming restaurants. Current Fish an d Oyster headed up by chef Alan Brines, who has worked previously in Park City and across the Pacific Northwest. Inhabiting a historic building, Current Fish and Oyster has a distinctly urban ‘packing house’ flair, with high ceilings, lots of brick and exposed beams and a gorgeous outdoor patio with fire pits in the summer. During our winter visit, the interior was lively and abuzz with a Sundance Film Festival crowd. I highly recommend the oysters (an ever-changing selection flown directly to SLC daily) and the seafood stew. The wine list is deep, and the cocktail menu inventive.

As alternate dining option, should you have multiple days, we recommend From Scratch (self-explanatory) and Stanza (contemporary Italian), both in the immediate vicinity.

For a change of scene, especially if you won’t be venturing outside of SLC for the ski or mountain scene, consider booking a reservation at Log Haven. Located on Millcreek Canyon Road a world removed from downtown, Log Haven used to be that one tired restaurant every local family booked for anniversaries, celebrations and birthdays. Today, it shines, renowned for its seasonal cuisine and mountain vibe.

What to do:

Visit Temple Square, take in a Jazz game, or enjoy the shopping downtown and in the Sugar House neighborhood.

What is your favorite activity in Salt Lake City? Please share in the comments!

Grown-Up Getaway: What to do in Orange County without the kids

November 10, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

What? Go to Orange County, home of Disneyland, without the kids? Yep! And here’s why you need to go with the fellow grown-up of your choice (and what you need to do):

Orange County without the kids:

Orange County has recently surprised me with mixed use buildings, a more urban flare, and a departure from the beach-and-theme-park vibe I’ve long been used to. Here’s what not to miss in four Orange County cities, including Anaheim.

Spend a day in San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Beach:

Located on the southern end of Orange County, San Juan Capistrano lies adjacent to the beach towns of Dana Point and Laguna Beach, but offers something different than sand and sun. One of the oldest communities on the west coast, visiting San Juan Capistrano adds a layer of history and old-world beauty to your Southern California vacation. Start at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, and try to time your visit to coincide with one of their tours. The powers that be currently at the mission are taking great care with preservation and history, and provide excellent tours for just a nominal fee over the entry fee.

From the mission, peruse the shops adjacent, then cross the railroad trips to the neighborhood of Los Rios. This oldest neighborhood in California is tucked away amid an almost garden-like network of quiet streets, and the cafes, boutiques, and clothing stores here are all run by owners who live on premises.

Head up the coastline through Dana Point to the artist haven of Laguna Beach. Take in the pretty streets and impressive art galleries, stroll through the Festival of the Arts or the fun and funky Sawdust Festival if you’re visiting during the summer season, then throw all your impressions of elegant art and refinement out the window during a counter-culture tour of Laguna with Doug from La Vida Laguna. This fascinating walking tour is a new offering from this company that also leads kayak, surf, and paddle board tours and rentals, and talks visitors through the (slightly) dark and completely fascinating underbelly of Laguna, from the time it served as a hotbed of the LSD craze of the 1960s and housed the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, championed by infamous Timothy Leary.

The two-hour tour isn’t all ‘60s drug culture; during the walk, I also learned a lot about the historic origins of iconic Laguna landmarks and the history of many of the famous shops and homeowners in the area. At the end of the tour, take your pick of Laguna eateries with views of the Pacific.

Enjoy at spa day in Huntington Beach:

Treat yourselves to a spa day a the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. There are many spas in Orange County, but I recommend this one because of the value proposition: with a spa treatment, you can stay at the property all day, enjoying not only the spa amenities but the pools. Valet parking is included, room service can be brought to the spa, and the Watertable, the Hyatt Regency’s on-site dining venue, is a perfect compliment. And if you crave some beach time, it’s right across the street via pedestrian bridge.

Experience world-class theater in Costa Mesa:

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, located in Costa Mesa, offers all full line-up of theater productions. Whereas I might have assumed I’d need to travel to Los Angeles for quality theater, the Segerstrom impressed. Begin your night with the fixed pris menu at Silver Trumpet, located directly across the street from the theater. Try one of their craft cocktails or ask for the impressive wine list.

Wine and dine:

Speaking of good food, if you explore only one Orange County dining and shopping mixed-use space, make it the Packing House, located in the Packing District of Anaheim. Just minutes from Disneyland, the Packing House is located on the site of an orange packing plant, now converted to two stories of fun, funky, and locally-sourced food, art, and handmade items.

Be sure to get to the Packing House with plenty of time to stroll, then endure the hard part: picking just one or two places to eat. Split up, and return to the central tables with bites to share. Cuisine is quick-serve, and ranges from Indian and Vietnamese fare to Southern comfort food and boba tea and smoothies. If you visit in the evening, be sure to visit The Blind Rabbit, an authentic speak-easy, with an unmarked door (ask for directions).

Outside the Packing House in the greater Packing District, take your pick between breweries with plenty of outdoor seating and live music, and a selection of wine bars.

Similar to the Packing House, OC Mix is located nearby in Costa Mesa, with more craft and handmade items, plus a smattering of unique home decor and design offerings. An outdoor space with Adirondack chairs and other seating is a good place to chill with a tea or coffee, and two wine bars, including LCA Wines, with unique offerings from around the world for excellent prices, offer tastings.

Eat at ARC if the weather is on the cooler side; this warm-hued venue makes meals entirely on open flame and in a wood-fired oven, in an open-concept kitchen. The casseroles and meat dishes are rich and comforting, and the craft cocktails are on point. If you’d rather eat outside, head to Taco Maria for some of the best upscale tacos in the OC (these are not street tacos, by any means). Take them to the courtyard to eat al fresco.

In nearby Irvine, Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine is tucked away in a largely corporate-looking business district, but has a hopping happy hour, as well as truly spectacular cuisine. Start with one of the artisan cocktails, then pursue the extensive wine list (two days a week, Monday and Tuesday, there are no corkage fees if you want to bring bottle of your own). The best thing about Andrei’s: 100% of its profits goes toward retinal eye disease research, in honor of Andrei Olenicoff, the owners’ son and brother. Yes, 100%.

Where to stay:

Treat yourselves to a truly sleek, new hotel with a beautiful lounge and excellent fully-catered breakfast, right in the heart of Irvine. The Marriott AC Hotel Irvine is a business-leisure hybrid with a second-floor outdoor pool and lounge area, a full bar and lounge indoors, and an upscale breakfast buffet (not complimentary) that serves two additional made-to-order offerings per morning as well.

While the AC Hotel does charge for breakfast and parking, it makes up for these factors in its ambiance and convenient central location. The hardest thing to plan during an Orange County vacation is drive time with traffic, and by staying in Irvine, you’ll be within 15 minutes of Costa Mesa and Anaheim, and less than 30 minutes from Laguna and San Juan Capistrano. I enjoyed the ‘city’ vibe of the hotel, since so often, Orange County is equated with ‘beach’ or ‘Disney’.