It’s incredibly beautiful in Napa Valley right now. The trees are ablaze with fall colors and the sunlight is warm at noon and the air is scented with wood burning fires and hot apple cider.

So come and splurge. The Carneros Inn in Napa Valley along with Doug White of Beyond the Label, is offering a “Meet the Vintners” package which allows guests to get an up-close-and-personal tour of the private homes and vineyards of Napa Valley’s boutique wine producers.  

Designed to give the ultimate wine country experience, not a single detail has been overlooked. Doug, a third generation resident of the Napa Valley, will immerse guests in the historical, cultural and contemporary heritages of the wine country. Throughout the day guests will enjoy fine wines, a picnic lunch and great conversations, all arranged especially for them at the private homes and estates of boutique wine producers and vintners.

The “Meet The Vintners” package includes:
*Overnight accommodations at The Carneros Inn
*Complimentary breakfast for two
*Touring with Doug White in a private town car service from 11am – 4pm
*Picnic style lunch
*Early check-in and late-check out when available
*Packages start at $1500 (exclusive of taxes and fees)
*Available now through December 2012

Introducing 4 Carefully Designed Getaway Packages, including my fave – the Sea Kayak & Horseback Package! Includes:

-One night stay in a luxurious executive King bedded guest room
-Deluxe Continental Breakfast
-Transportation to a morning ocean kayak tour where guests will learn the basics of kayaking at Smugglers Cove Refugio State Beach, and see dolphins, sea lions and an occasional grey whale courtesy of Captain Jack’s Santa Barbara Tours. Kayak gear is included.
-Afternoon scenic guided horseback ride via a trail along the ocean with park and recreational fees included
-Picnic lunch for two close to a babbling brook and sycamore trees
-Two Inn of The Spanish Garden baseball caps
-Sunscreen/bottled water
-Glass of Wine from Wine Bar
-Signature Molton Brown Bubble Bath
-Wireless Internet
-Parking
Rates start at $749
Restrictions: Package based on availability and restrictions apply.
NOT available Fri or Sat nights during the summer.

The 23-room hotel, which boasts such accolades as one of the country’s best hotels by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards, and named as one of the top hotels in Zagat’s “Top Hotel” Guide, is ideally situated on a quiet residential street near Santa Barbara’s chic downtown. It is here that visitors can browse tony shops, partake in fine dining, and experience world-class art museums and historic theaters, all only a few blocks away from the hotel amid a whitewashed and red-tiled collection of Spanish style architecture ensconced in gardens of climbing bougainvillea, swaying palms and colorful blooming flowers.

Contemporary/sophisticated Spanish Mediterranean-inspired design, luxurious beds with Frette linens, Anichini towels and robes, and Molton Brown bath amenities. This is where Santa Barbara hospitality is at its best. Discover the true spirit of this vibrant city with its historical landmarks, including The Granada, The Lobero, and Arlington Theaters, The Presidio District and the famous Mission Santa Barbara.
Guests enjoy daily complimentary breakfast, nightly turn down service, the use of a DVD library, high speed Internet access, deep soaking bathtubs, fitness center, outdoor heated swimming pool, guestrooms with either a garden or private balcony, and complimentary underground parking.

FOUR packages, with the exception of the Butterfly’s Alive! Package, which ends August 31, are available year round, based upon availability.

Kayak & Horseback Package
Romance Package
Butterfly’s Alive! Package
Cheers to Beer! Package

Inn Of The Spanish Garden
915 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101.
For reservations and information, please call the hotel at 805-564-4700,
toll free at 866-564-4700
or visit www.spanishgardeninn.com

“At one moment, you feel like you’re in the middle of a samba parade in Rio de Janeiro, and in the next moment, you’re in a French music hall of the 1930s or a palazzo in Napoli. It’s a bit like an urban musical travelogue. We’re very much an American band, but we spend a lot of time abroad … and therefore have the incredible diplomatic opportunity to represent – through our repertoire and our concerts – a broader, more inclusive America…”

But here is the twist!

Vocalist Lucy Woodward will replace China Forbes in Pink Martini’s Northern California performances with the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall June 30 and July 1 and at Flint Center in Cupertino July 2. Forbes has withdrawn from the concerts on the advice of her physician, and must take an extended leave of absence from the band to undergo surgery on her vocal cords.

Born in London and raised in New York City, Lucy Woodward’s 2003 debut album led to an international tour and significant press exposure, including a spot on “The Tonight Show.” An award-winning songwriter, Woodward has written and recorded songs for several film soundtracks, including most recently the Golden Globe-winning The Blind Side. Lucy’s second album, Lucy Woodward Is…Hot & Bothered garnered high praise from critics. USA Today called it “a steamy, string-kissed slice of retro British pop by a versatile singer/songwriter.” “Lucy’s a ball, equally appreciable for fans of melodic sing-along baubles and highbrow aficionados of finely honed musical composition.

NPR White House correspondent Ari Shapiro, who sings and records with Pink Martini, will also perform with the band at each of the three Bay Area concerts.

Ticket exchanges, donations, or requests for refunds or gift certificates may be made through the San Francisco Symphony Patron Services Office by calling 415-864-6000 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 30 at 8 p.m. Davies Symphony Hall
Friday, July 1 at 8 p.m. 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

Saturday, July 2 at 8 p.m.** **Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino

TICKETS: Davies Symphony Hall concerts $20-$115; Flint Center concert $15-$75. Tickets available at sfsymphony.org, by phone at 415-864-6000, and at the Davies Symphony Hall Box Office, on Grove Street between Van Ness Avenue and Franklin Street in San Francisco.

Join one of two workshops by Helen Free and Kathryn Abajian for a unique and inspiring literary experience in a less traveled and intriguing area provided by Italy In Other Words.

A week-long summer literary workshop located in the authentic past of Italy’s fortified hill towns, cave dwellings, and remote places where Italian culture is carefully preserved. Our goal is to offer valuable intellectual and aesthetic inspiration found only off well-traveled paths, with great food and good company.

All the details you need to commit to this adventure are right here! Two spots are open!

September 23 – 30, 2011
Optional extension for Antiques Fair, October 1 – 2

Join author Laura Deutsch for a week of writing and traveling in Italy’s jewel, Tuscany.

“We’ll be based in the beautiful, medieval town of Arezzo, home to exquisite Renaissance frescoes and other art treasures. Exploring the softly rolling countryside with vineyards, olive groves, and deep green cypress trees, we’ll visit charming nearby cities and towns. Arezzo’s famous antique fair will take place the weekend after our retreat and you’re welcome to extend your stay if you’d like to attend.

Find your own rhythm and become part of Arezzo’s daily life. Stroll down the Corso Italia, where the locals take their evening passeggiata. Window shop, people watch, stop in the handmade pasta market, relax at a sidewalk café with an espresso or glass of wine. The pace is slow, the people warm and friendly. Life is sweet, la dolce vita.

Most days, we’ll have a morning class in Arezzo and an afternoon excursion. Our visits to local markets, medieval towns, and Renaissance art will provide great material for writers of all genres and offer a rare opportunity for those who would like to write memoir, travel, food, art or history. We’re staying in lovely studio apartments, each with private bath and kitchen, owned by a delightful Italian family. The workshop includes classes, side trips, and time to write. This will be a memorable experience.

We’re going green! For our day trips, we’ll take trains, which are convenient, easy and fun.”

The trip includes:

* Seven nights’ accommodations
* Welcome reception and three dinners
With bountiful markets and a kitchen in your room, it’s possible to eat very well at a reasonable price.
* Writing classes: Most classes in Arezzo; one writing session in Orvieto.
* Tour of Arezzo, including the famed Piero della Francesca frescoes.
* Excursions to Orvieto, in nearby Umbria, with its magnificent Duomo, the Luca Signorelli Chapel, and Etruscan caves.

Cortona, of “Under the Tuscan Sun” fame. This delightful hill town offers shops, lovely churches, two fine museums, and gorgeous views, including Lake Trasimeno.
Poppi, where we’ll visit the castle and take in the glorious countryside.

Arezzo is in the heart of Tuscany and Umbria, 40 – 75 minutes from Florence (depending on which train you take) and 2 – 2.5 hours from Rome.

You’ll have a day at leisure, when you may visit Florence (40 minutes on the fast train) or Siena (1 hour by bus).

If you’d like to extend your trip, we have reserved spaced at our hotel for the Antique Fair.

$3995, based on double occupancy. A limited number of private rooms are available.
Some singles available ($600 single supplement). Rates for trip extension for antiques fair, Oct 1 and 2, upon request.
Payment is due now, as she must send deposits to Italy.
Cost does not include airfare or ground transportation to Arezzo.
(The regular train from Florence to Arezzo is 5.6 euros, from Rome 20.50 euros.)

* Price based on the dollar/euro rate may be adjusted to reflect exchange rate at time of trip.

For more details and to book visit LauraDeutsch.com.

It is with this premise that Sue and I ventured on our girlfriend getaway to the Costiera Amalfitana, relying on a few tips from Susan Van Allens 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go and our sense of adventure.

Centuries of seasons have sifted down to create this heavenly slice of the rich Almalfi Coast layered with ravages of time, rages of passion and ravenous tongues.

Our first encounter is with the debonair General Manager Aaron Kaupp at Palazzo Sasso, a 5 STAR luxury resort built on the foundation of a 12th century castle ruin, as is much of Ravello.

The hotel, perched high on the cliffs, was purchased in 1997 with only one terrace still intact, the rest rubble to the street below. Over the past years the terraces have been carefully restored. A walk through the property reveals the attention to details and the lavish customer experience. Hand painted Vietri tiles tucked throughout throughout caught my eye. Delightful to discover and marvel. Somewhere there is a helicopter landing and far below is a private beach “Sasso by the Sea ” a15 minute shuttle or limo drive from Ravello. Speaking of limo’s, yes. For some that is the only way to brave the roads.

What’s truly different is this hotel is only open from April to October – every year! The first two weeks of April are considered Low Season and have rates to match with sea views starting at $379 Euro to $1600 Euro. Then comes Medium Season til May and then High Season is in full earnest at $530 to $2,300 Euro per night til October 20th. When we visited the hotel in late 2010 it was fully booked in high season – so keep this popular demand in mind when planning your stay.

The hotel boasts 32 deluxe rooms and 11 luxury suites, of which 70% face the breathtaking views.

Enjoy stunning views from the hotel rooms and terraces of red terracotta rooftops and neatly trimmed olive and lemon orchards, each level stacked neatly high above the sparkling Mediterranean below dotted with multi-colored bobbing boats moored along the shore.

One or two terraces down is the open air fitness area and the sparkling pool. The only thing keeping me from diving into the inviting heated pool was the storm clouds gathering on the horizon. The stunning SPA has a hydro pool, Turkish steam bath, assorted beauty treatments and a solarium with Jacuzzi pools.

There is plenty of gorgeous niches to dine al fresco at Palazzo Sasso but with the clouds hovering we opted for the warmth and style at Caffé dell’Arte for a leisurely luncheon. An intimate moorish style dining room attended by the Camenari: Daniele, Franchesco, Victorio and Giraldo. Yes ladies, we were catered to by no less than four Italian gentlemen, clearly long term loyal staff who aim to please the clientele.

We began by toasting to a unique moment in our lifetime with white peach Bellinis (better than the infamous Bellinis at Harry’s in Venice)
Our menu consisted of a salad of fresh arugula with a bitter snap to it, thinly sliced carpaccio exquisitely flavored with a tinge of balsamic on wild bitter greens and three beautifully baked and dressed cannelloni rolls stuffed with ricotta and a dash of Campagna. We ate very morsel – engaging in the studied practice of eating mindfully.

Our waiter Danielle shared with us that the wine we selected was from Costa d’Amalfi Ravello vineyard where vitnerMarisa Cuomo cultivates, collects and presses the wine herself – brava Marisa!

Ahh dessert. The raspberry sorbet sent pleasing shock waves of sweet juices throughout my lower jaw all the way to my ears. The rum soaked Baba was to die for. The lemon sorbet is light and refreshing on top of a crispy flaky pastry layered with white lemon cream and adorned with bits of fresh fruit. Finished with espresso.

Palazzo Sasso is a must stay. If its a bit a rich for your travel budget then plan on dining at this Michelin 2 Star destination and create your very own never-to-be-repeated moment in time.

Travel + Leisure – USA August 2010 – “Named Palazzo Sasso # 1 Hotel in Europe and # 8 in the World in the
2010 World’s Best Awards.

Via San Giovanni del Toro 28
84010 Ravello – Amalfi Coast, Italy
Tel + 39 089 818181
Fax + 39 089 858900

Austin-Lehman Adventures is currently offering two amazing cycle trips in Italy and Austria. The Tyrol Bicycle Tour runs from Innsbruck to Lake Garda. As the company puts it the ride covers three worlds in one: Tyrol (Austria), South Tyrol (Italy with an Austrian twist) and Trentino (Italy).

Those preferring to focus their attention solely on Italy can opt for the Tuscany Bike Tour , a 7 days ride crossing through Florence, Sienna, San Gimignano, and Artimino. Having watched Under the Tuscan Sun way too many times I might have to opt for this one but oh what a choice to have to make.

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Our Guest Blogger Ashley Erdman has recently returned to the US after three and half years living and working in London. An activist, writer and world traveler Ashley will shortly be heading to New Zealand to work on organic farms and cycle around the islands. You can follow her adventures and travels on her blog: bedheadednomad

For five days, March 15–19, the 27th annual Bouquets to Art features 150 floral exhibits inspired by the de Young’s permanent collection. The Fine Arts Museums’ largest fundraiser features floral demonstrations, seated luncheons, teas and a benefit drawing of luxury prizes. This year, Bouquets to Art, sponsored by the San Francisco Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums, celebrates the much anticipated exhibition Balenciaga and Spain and its worth traveling for! For more information on the schedule go to www.bouquetstoart.org.

Purchase tickets to the various events held during this fresh and lively exhibit!

* Tuesday through Saturday, March 15–19, from 9:30 am–5:15 pm
* Extended hours on Friday, March 18, until 8:45 pm
* Museum members-only night on Wednesday, March 16, from 6–8 pm

One of the legendary masters behind these living works of art is our new friend Regula Allenspach Weill. She has been selected for Bouquets to Art for many years running and will be in Gallery 15 this month representing the American painter, “Sam Francis“.

Take 2 minutes to indulge in the pure visual pleasure – 38 pairs of photos on this day in the life of a creative and beautiful family.

We salute your love and your talent Tara!

But this particular Ka-Pow is tempting, tantalizing and down right hard to stop thinking about.

It’s DROGA Confections Put Your Money on Honey – salted caramels made with Northern California wildflower honey, embedded in pure dark chocolate. Four heavenly chunks to savor over and under…

Handmade in small batches from 100% natural ingredients out of San Francisco by a fellow entrepreneur, Michelle could use a bit of LOVIN support! Place your orders online or shop at these Callifornia (so far) shops. And think in multiples – as it will save on your likely re-orders.

Northern California

Andronico’s Market
1200 Irving St
San Francisco, CA

Bi-Rite Market
3639 18th Street
San Francisco, CA

Draeger’s Market
222 E. Fourth Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401

S. California

Goods
1748 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405