St. Helena: Wydown Hotel; hotel review

Wine Country

Wydown Hotel  

1424 Main St., downtown, (707) 963-5100.  12 rooms.  Continental breakfast.  Free parking.  No pets. 

Located at the edge of the town’s main shopping street and next door to the town park, this outwardly dark-grey 1886 Victorian building has been gutted so you might be a bit surprised to find inside the Wydown Hotel with a lighter edgy, contemporary style.  The lobby is particularly spacious, with several couches and a table bearing newspapers and magazines.

exterior of Wydown Hotel in St. Helena, California

lobby at Wydown Hotel in St. Helena, California

upstairs hallway seating at Wydown Hotel in St. Helena, California

All guest rooms are on the second floor, and an elevator helps lift any luggage up there.  Beds are made with smooth, ironed white cotton linens and duvet cover, and topped with a posh faux fur throw.  Unfortunately, no bathtubs are available, but a mini fridge is stocked with complimentary still and sparkling water plus fruit drinks.

guest room at Wydown Hotel in St. Helena, California

guest bath room at Wydown Hotel in St. Helena, California

A complimentary breakfast is served in The Tea Room adjacent to the lobby.  In the evening, many good restaurants are within walking distance, and additional stellar Wine Country establishments are a short drive away.  A complimentary pass to Health Spa Napa Valley (it is 3 blocks away) is provided to guests and allows access to their fitness center and a 25-yard outdoor heated lap pool and hot tub, as well as to eucalyptus steam rooms and a discount on spa treatments.



The well-curated resale shop La Boheme operates adjacent to the hotel and can be entered through the lobby.  It is filled with nicely curated merchandise that includes bargain treasures, and proceeds benefit Napa Valley Hospice and Adult Day Services. 

La Boheme resale shop operates off the lobby at Wydown Hotel
in St. Helena, California

More things to do in St. Helena.

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images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

The most interesting Carmel art galleries; things to do

1 South

The most interesting Carmel art galleries

There are dozens of art galleries in Carmel.  Here are a few of my favorites.

●Carmel Art Association  

Dolores St./5th Ave., (831) 624-6176.  Daily 10-5. 

The Carmel Art Association gallery is Carmel’s oldest and the nation’s second-oldest artist-owned cooperative (the oldest is in Rockport, Massachusetts).  It has showcased California’s best artists since 1927.

Carmel Art Association gallery in Carmel, California

●Galerie Plein Aire  

Dolores St./6th St., (831) 250-5698.  Daily 11-5. 

Galerie Plein Aire displays original works of art from a group of Monterey Bay plein air painters.  Known as Informalists, these artists interpret natural landscapes in impressionistic and expressionistic styles.

Galerie Plein Aire art gallery in Carmel, California

●Jones & Terwilliger Galleries  

6th Ave./San Carlos, (888) 278-0040, (831) 626-9100. 

Jones & Terwilliger Galleries specializes in fine art.

Jones & Terwilliger Galleries art gallery in Carmel, California

●New Masters Gallery  

Dolores St./Ocean Ave., (800) 336-4014, (831) 625-1511.  M-Sat 10-5:30, Sun 10:30-5:30. 

The work of accomplished contemporary artists is shown at the New Masters Gallery.

New Masters Gallery art gallery in Carmel, California

●Photography West Gallery  

Dolores St./Ocean Ave., (831) 625-1587.  Thur-M 11-5. 

Photography West Gallery specializes in photography by photographers who do/did their own darkroom printing, such as Ansel Adams, Brett Weston, and Christopher Burnett, plus more contemporary 21st-century artists.  Monterey Peninsula residents are emphasized.

Photography West Gallery art gallery in Carmel, California

●Rodrigue Studio  

Dolores St./Ocean Ave., (831) 626-4444.  M-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5. 

Rodrigue Studio gallery is devoted entirely to Cajun artist George Rodrigue’s pop art blue dog.

Rodrigue Studio art gallery in Carmel, California

●Thomas Kinkade Studio in the Garden  

Ocean Ave./Dolores, (831) 624-3363. 

Located in the middle of the Der Ling Lane passageway, finding this sweet gallery is part of the pleasure.  The Thomas Kinkade Studio in the Garden gallery operates within a typical Kinkade cottage and is depicted, but of course, in a painting by him.

Thomas Kinkade Studio in the Garden art gallery in Carmel, California

●Weston Gallery  

6th Ave./Dolores, (831) 624-4453.  Tu-Sun 10:30- 5:30. 

Run by the family of the late Edward Weston, who died in 1958, the Weston Gallery showcases contemporary color photography as well as classic black-and-white photography by artists that include Weston, Ansel Adams, and Morley Bae as well as emerging artists such as Linda Butler, Mark Citret, and local music-industry luminary Chip Hooper.

Weston Gallery art gallery in Carmel, California

More things to do in Carmel. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Francisco: Christmas lights and sights; things to do; staycation at Hilton San Francisco Union Square

San Francisco

I spent last Saturday around Union Square in San Francisco.  And oh what sights I did see!

Neiman Marcus Christmas tree

2017 Christmas tree at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco

ice skating at the Holiday Ice Rink

kittens in the windows at Macy's 

2017 Christmas kitten window at Macy's in San Francisco

Santacon 

participants out in full force

Santacon 2017 participants lined up at Sam's Cable Car Lounge in San Francisco

CanStruction snowman 

at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square 

(this snowman is constructed from cans of food that can feed 1,300 people and will be donated to the local community after Christmas)

CanStruction 2017 at Hilton San Francisco Union Square in San Francisco

In fact, I spent the night staycation-style at the Hilton.  We packed our necessities in just one backpack, took BART too and fro, and enjoyed Union Square like a tourist.  We ate dinner at the hotel's Urban Tavern restaurant and enjoyed a nightcap and spectacular city view at the Cityscape Lounge on the 46th floor. 

backpack on bed at Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Need a Stocking Stuffer?  

Alcatraz's first ever "Buy One, Get One Free" ticket promotion makes the perfect gift to stuff in your Christmas stockings.  And only local residents can book it.  Dates are January 30 and 31 plus February 6 and 7 in 2018.  Residents of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma counties are eligible.  

Call (415) 981-7625 or visit www.alcatrazcruises.com to purchase your tickets NOW.  

More about Alcatraz.  

More San Francisco Bay Area Christmas events.

Another San Francisco staycation.

More things to do in San Francisco

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.  

images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Francisco: Holiday Tea at InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco; things to do

San Francisco

InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco

Hotels everywhere roll out the carpet with special events for the Christmas season.  Here in San Francisco, the legendary InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco does the same.  Think afternoon Holiday Teas served with individual 3-tiered trays holding tea sandwiches, scones, and sweets.  And the 12 Cocktails of Christmas, each served with a souvenir cocktail charm--how about a Ten Lords a-Leaping made with Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka, Chambord, cranberry juice, and fresh raspberries?  Earlier, Thanksgiving features a petting zoo in the lobby, and later, New Year's Eve brings on a New Year's Eve dinner and dancing special at the Top of the Mark. 

Holiday Tea at the Top of the Mark, InterContinental Mark Hopkins
in San Francisco

tea tray close-up at Holiday Tea
at the Top of the Mark, InterContinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco

More San Francisco Bay Area Christmas events.

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images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Tamon Tea; restaurant review

80 North

Tamon Tea  

2055-A Center St./Shattuck Ave., downtown, (510) 647-9370.  Daily 10:30-6.  Cash only.  

In this tiny, little hole in the wall, you’ll find an array of simple, affordable Japanese delicacies.  Omusubi--seaweed-wrapped triangles of rice wrapped around a choice of fillings--are made fresh when ordered at Tamon Tea, so the rice is moist and warm; brown rice is an option.  Fillings include the very popular unagi (eel) as well as spicy tuna, sukiyaki beef, pickled plum, Spam, and many more; $3/each.  Donburi bowls are more filling; $8.  I adore chewy mochi, and when it is made fresh, like it is here, it is as soft as a baby’s butt.  Kushi dango stuffed with red bean and threaded on a stick, includes flavors that tend to be fruity--mango, pineapple, strawberry, and blueberry; $3/stick of three.  (Dango is a dumpling made with rice flour; “hanami” indicates they are stuffed with azuki beans; “mitarashi” indicates they are glazed with sweetened soy sauce; “kushi” indicates they are served on skewers.).  A machine from Hawaii produces powdery shave ice that is particularly pretty with blue Hawaiian ice cream soda.  For drinks, choose from a plethora of teas.  Plan to take away your order, as there are only a few tiny tables squeezed into the back.  

exterior of Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California

order counter at Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California

dango selection at Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California

pleasant service at Tamon Tea in Berkeley, California

 
Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.  

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
 

1 South

Introduction to Carmel

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

A Little Background

"They had take the direct country road across the hills from Monterey, instead of the Seventeen Mile Drive around by the coast so that Carmel Bay came upon them without any fore-glimmering of its beauty.  Dropping down throgent pines, they passed woods-embowered cottages, quaint and rustic, of artists and writers, and went on across wind-blown rolling sand hills held to place by sturdy lupines and nodding with pale California poppies.  Saxon screamed in sudden wonder of delight, then caught her breath and gazed at the amazing peacock-blue of a breaker, shot through with golden sunlight, over-falling in a mile-long sweep and thundering into white ruin of foam on a crescent beach of scarcely less white."    
    --Jack London, from Valley of the Moon, 1913

A well-established getaway destination, Carmel is best known for its specialty shops, cozy lodgings, and picturesque white sand beach.  Located adjacent, exclusive Pebble Beach, is famous for its spectacularly scenic golf courses.  And Carmel is super dog-friendly, perhaps the most dog-friendly place I’ve ever been.  Water bowls for dogs are found outside many shops, and canine lovelies are seen everywhere with their doting owners.  However, they are not permitted in Deavendorf Park--the town’s main park.  

crazed doggie with tongue exposed in Carmel, California

Carmel is also known for the things it doesn't have.  No street signs, streetlights, electric or neon signs, jukeboxes, parking meters, chain businesses, or buildings over 2 stories high are allowed in town.  No sidewalks, curbs, or house numbers are found in the residential sections.  And buildings have no screens on windows (because the town has no flying, biting bugs) and no air conditioning (because it is not needed).  These absent items help Carmel keep its village ambiance.
 
Do be careful.  Eccentric laws in the town make it illegal to wear high heels on the sidewalks (but you can get a permit at City Hall).    

exterior of City Hall in Carmel, California

It seems that almost every weekend some special event is scheduled in the area, making available lodging perpetually scarce.  Book accommodations far in advance, especially for the quainter venues, and consider taking advantage of the special rates often available for midweek stays.   


Guided Tour

Carmel Walks  

(831) 642-2700.  u-F at 10 am, Sat at 10 & 2.  $30.  

The 2-hour Carmel Walks walking tour of the village visits secret pathways, hidden courtyards and gardens, fairy-tale cottages, and even spots that have connections with famous artists, writers, and movie stars.  The enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide for my walk was a local artist, Kelly Steele.  

Carmel Walks guide Kelly Steele in front of rustic newstand in Carmel, California

Getting There
Located 120 miles south of San Francisco, and 70 miles south of San Jose.

More Information

More things to do in Carmel. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

San Luis Obispo: History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum; things to do

101 South

History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum  

696 Monterey St., (805) 543-0638.  Daily 10-4.  Free. 

Located in a former Carnegie Library building located across the street from the mission, the History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum features exhibits that highlight the history and culture of this county.  A group of panels describes the growth of the area as it became more accessible with the automobile, and a small theatre presents a 15-minute history of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area.  The downstairs has been converted into offices and research areas and is not accessible.  

exterior of History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum
in San Luis Obispo, California

display at History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum
in San Luis Obispo, California

display at History Center Museum of San Luis Obispo County Museum
in San Luis Obispo, California

More things to do in San Luis Obispo.

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images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: La Marcha; restaurant review

80 North

La Marcha  

2026 San Pablo Ave./University Ave.  D Tu-Sun; two Happy Hours, 4-6pm & 10pm-12am, free tapas with purchased drinks. 

The vibrant La Marcha restaurant seems to be the busiest spot on the block, usually with a line waiting to get in.  A relatively small space, its two sweetest tables are tucked into the front bay windows and extra seating is found at the bar.  Overall, it evokes an authentic cozy atmosphere that I remember from tapas bars in Spain.  A TV above the bar adds to the ambiance.

interior of La Marcha in Berkeley, California

sweet window seating at La Marcha in Berkeley, California

bar at La Marcha in Berkeley, California

There are more than 20 kinds of tapas.  Salads are also an option, and the restaurant is known as well for its large variety of paellas (there are six).  I was attracted to La Marcha by a special event sherry-pairing dinner that I was unable to attend.  So at a later date my dining companion and I had our own private tasting with the assistance of knowledgeable Jason (indeed, the entire staff is friendly and helpful), who explained the finer points of each of the dry sherries in my flight covering the five main styles--from a light fino to a robust oloroso.  I came away knowing that I favor a robust sherry.

Jason delivers sherry flights at La Marcha in Berkeley, California

tapas and sherry flights at La Marcha in Berkeley, California

Our tapas selection included patatas bravas, a trio of croquetas (mushroom, salt cod, chicken), albondigas (wild boar meatballs), gambas (prawns with heads on), goat cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers, and cumin lamb sliders.  I regret that I missed the bruselas (grape-sweetened fried Brussels sprouts).  Next time.

wild boar albondigas at La Marcha in Berkeley, California

Our perfect ending to this repast was traditional churros con chocolate.

churros con chocolate at La Marcha in Berkeley, California

The extensive drink menu includes eight sherry flights, plus wines, ciders, Spanish beers, and an extensive collection of fortified wines, sweet wines, and sherries.   “La Marcha” is a reference to the typical late-night Spanish bar crawl, where patrons stroll from place to place and enjoy small plates and drinks throughout the evening.  Here you can stay put and do it all in one spot.  In addition to special event dinners (including sherry-pairing and cider-pairing as well as winemaker dinners), the restaurant offers two daily happy hours and half-off sangria every Sunday (the popular sangria here is made with Tempranillo wine, oloroso sherry, fruit juice, chopped fruit, and a splash of Pedro Ximénez).  And, every Tuesday is Flamenco Night.  Ole! 

In honor of International Sherry Week, November 6-12, 2017, La Marcha is hosting an array of events--including a three-course sherry pairing dinner and educational sherry flights, plus the inaugural “Night in Jerez,” the ultimate sherry-tasting party featuring tapas, paella, and a live flamenco show on November 10.  Check the website for more details. 



Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Capitola: Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria; restaurant review

1 South

Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria  

504 Bay Ave./Capitola Ave., (831) 462-1200.  Daily 6:30am-8:30pm; $.  No reservations. 

The talent behind it all here is Gayle, who once worked at Berkeley’s Chez Panisse, and her husband Joe, who once was a house painter and musician.  Their story is of the little bakery that grew and grew, expanding from a tiny storefront operation to occupying the entire building as Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria.  It is an unpretentious bakery extraordinaire, featuring cases laden with a plethora of soul-satisfying, made-from-scratch choices that sometimes make a person dissolve into an abyss of indecision. 

It’s self-service here, so pick a number and then decide what to put on your lunch tray.  The red-potato salad?  Yes.  Christie’s coleslaw made with fresh ginger, cilantro, and peanuts?  But of course.  The albacore sandwich prepared with housemade mayo and on an herb-cheese roll?  Most definitely.  But leave room for a dessert--perhaps the moist German chocolate cake, or maybe an éclair, a pecan crocodile bar, or some other decadent delight.  Sidle up to the coffee bar for a drink, and then settle down either indoors at one of the French mosaic “earthquake tables” made from crockery broken in that infamous 1980s quake, or out on the cheery enclosed brick patio. 

A take-home order can be prepared for pick-up after dining; don’t forget to include a loaf or two of European-style bread, a bag of the melt-in-your mouth crostini, and maybe one of the dome-shaped lavender marzipan-frosted princess cakes, too.  Oh, and don’t forget the soups, or the spit-roasted meats prepared in a brick roasting oven imported from Italy, or . . .

counter at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California

cookies and cupcakes at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California

covered patio dining at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California

"earthquake table" at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California

spectacular cakes at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California

lavender Princess Cake at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola, California

 


More things to do along Highway 1.

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images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Berkeley: Nico's 1508 (CLOSED); restaurant review

80 North

Nico's 1508  

CLOSED  1508 Walnut St. Suite B/Vine St., in Walnut Square, Gourmet Ghetto, (510) 280-5920.  L M-F, D daily, Sat-SunBr. 

Located around the corner from Chez Panisse and next door to original Peet’s, this newer kid on the block welcomes you with a friendly neighborhood bar and is both family-friendly and a good choice for a special occasion celebration.  When I arrived for dinner at Nico's 1508, the bar was packed with happy people and we were seated in a very private small booth just across from a family in a bigger open booth.  The small booth was separated off with lovely curtains and had the option of drawing a heavier curtain across the opening to the restaurant.  Frank Sinatra and friends added a soothing, romantic air to the ambiance.  Very nice.  Sidewalk café seating is also available, and a rooftop patio with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge--the perfect spot to watch the sunset--is coming. 

We started with delicious roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with goat cheese, a balsamic reduction, and pine nuts.  Note that bread is served only by request.  It would have gone nicely with the sprouts, but we decided to skip asking for it so that we could more fully enjoy our mains.  Other tempting starters included burrata with oven-dried tomatoes, steamed mussels, and a house pate with fig jam.  For mains, he had a firm and flavorful Hawaiian white walu with fingerling potatoes, and I had a substantial and tasty pappardelle pasta with a braised lamb sauce atop an herbed ricotta foundation (enough was left over for dinner the next day).  He had a Malbec from La Costa in Argentina, and I had a Zin from Cline in Sonoma.  Other mains that interested me were the huge Nico’s Burgermonger, a braised short rib of beef, and brick-roasted boneless half chicken with root vegetables and housemade mole sauce.  Housemade desserts include a popular crème brulee and more, but I think the best must be the one we luckily selected--a mascarpone layer cake with white chocolate frosting. 

I’ve heard the sandwiches and side salads at lunch are very good, and a weekend brunch offers both traditional and creative choices along with bottomless mimosas.  A nightly Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. offers all appetizers, bottles of wine, and signature cocktails at half-off.  It is interesting to know that Chef Munther Massarweh was the youngest Executive Chef in the history of Chicago’s world famous Pump Room. 

exterior of Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California

bar at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California

interior of Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, Californian

delicious Brussels sprouts at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California

waylu fish at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California

pappardelle pasta with a braised lamb sauce at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California

marscapone layer cake at Nico's 1508 in Berkeley, California

 


Way more things to do in Berkeley.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers