Many believe writing a book takes tremendous time, dedication, solitude, and focus. AND it does. But what they don't know is what it gives back. Check out this podcast interview where I talk about my awakenings: Spotify Apple More of my vineyard vagabond life...
If you think you're too cool to stay at a Holiday Inn or Hilton Garden, Bernardus Lodge is the place for you in Carmel Valley Village. Lux dining on site and a relaxing spa may make you never want to leave. But head to their tasting room in the village a few blocks...
A winemaker put it best: Lake County is a blossoming appellation. Whether that means it was once a thriving resort that is suffering from temporary economic decline or it is in its emerging growth phase is unclear. But you can tell just driving around that locals do...
No town can wow you with ghost stories quite like Placerville. Sure, ghosts are everywhere. And I've stayed in my share of hotels in this beautiful state that admitted to being haunted. But none has been studied by experts as much as the Cary House. No ghosts...
A little bit north of all the other Sierra Foothill wine regions (Amador and Calaveras) lies El Dorado County where the Shenandoah, Fair Play, El Dorado, and Sierra Foothills AVAs show off their juice. The county's biggest city for restaurants and places to stay is...
I know I'm supposed to be ramblin through new undiscovered country. But there's just so much to cover here! I think El Paso De Robles has more wineries than Napa. Also, I just love how the food landscape of downtown of Paso Robles has changed even since my last stay...
The road less traveled with all its benefits makes you get a bit more creative and resourceful with lodging. A town like Placerville simply does not have as many hotel or bed and breakfast options as other well know destinations. But that doesn’t mean you have to...
Special occasion meals at the Boonville Hotel are always at this roadhouse restaurant. This month, it is only open on weekends for a prix fixe dinner but every course served would make Julia proud. Farm-to-table fresh ingredients inspire the cooking staff based on the...
The easiest way to satisfy your inner Gypsy is to rent one of these cool huts for a wine getaway or a farm stay at the Philo Apple Farm. What’s a farm stay? I didn’t know either but it does sound like it defines itself. Here’s where...
Many have asked about where I'm staying in this logging town and often complain I don't post enough photos. Truth is, I'm a horrible photographer. I have a good sense for capturing a moment but fail at lighting and angles. But here are a few that illustrate my living...