Back in July, Davin and I made a yearly family plan for July 2015-2016. It was basically all the things we wanted to do, places we wanted to go and experiences we wanted to have.
One of our favorite decisions we made was that that twice a year, Davin and I would try and get away for a few nights to connect. It’s never easy or inexpensive, but it is one of the few priorities we wanted to put time, energy and finances towards.
So the Napa area has been kind of a diamond hidden behind lots and lots of vineyards and sprawling hills for me.
There are SO many wineries, SO many restaurants, so many places to stay… and it’s not just Napa. It’s St. Helena, Calistoga, Yountville, Sonoma, Heldsburg and then some.
Thomas Keller’s take-out, Addendum.
Thursday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
For $16.50, guests have a choice of either our famous buttermilk fried chicken or barbeque pork ribs or pulled pork sandwich, each accompanied by two house-made sides. (From website, click for more details)
Seriously, look how gorgeous Yountville is in the fall. Gorgeous. The weather was perfect around 73 degrees, I love California.
About to open deliciousness and begin our vacation.
Oh my. 
Also, I had a fresh lemonade. Possibly from this adorbs little lemon tree. Davin had a St. Florian’s Flashover IPA. Addendum was a perfect way to get into vacation mode. 1 – we didn’t make the food. 2 – it happened to be crazy delicious. 3 – we had a full meal without any interruptions.
Yountville in the fall.
Of course, the wine train. I think they should have a running tally of how many engagements have happened aboard this historical gem. They probably do.
Free bikes to borrow and ride around the property. We brought our own, because you know, we’re professionals;-)
Because I love hotels and resorts and such, here is a detailed photo inventory of the Harvest Cottage King. In case you were equally as curious about it. We’ve always been interested in this place, it’s just the prices were a bit extremely high. Fortunately for us, they are remodeling the pool and apple orchard, so prices were significantly lower than usual. Thank you remodel prices!
Rocking chairs on the front porch. Quiet times.
Cozy times.
Private back patio with outdoor bathtub, shower and dining table.
Heater over the lounge chairs. Gas fire pit.
Fountain in the back.
Succulents!
Heated floors in the bathroom.
Doorway to the outdoor shower.
Outside of Farm, bocce ball courts and a market.
The pool on the top of the hill.
Snacks from the market, tiding us over till dinner.
Dinner at Harvest Table in Saint Helena. Chef Charlie Palmer’s is in the background in the pink shirt. Celebrity sighting!
Sat outside, they gave us gals blankets. The chef in the background is Levi Mezick, he was so calm the entire time. A bunch of us were watching him and were amazed at the peace he exuded. The food and ambiance were incredible. Highlights were the shrimp and grits, marinated calamari and the bone marrow crusted sirloin. Delish!
We tried guessing the ice creams in the sampler, but we only got two right! They were yummy regardless.
Bring your own s’mores. The front desk informed us that they sell a s’mores kit for $25 or $35 bucks, but she hinted at the idea that we could easily grab our own from the grocery store for much less, so we did. 
Brunch at Ad Hoc. $34 per person, and you split it. Totally worth it.
Ambrosia salad. One of the best salad’s I’ve ever eaten. IN. MY. LIFE. Whaaaaat? Think they might serve this up in heaven.
The waffles were a B-. Sorry waffles!
This steak and eggs with potatoes and ranchero sauce was CRAZY good. I’ve never had steak for breakfast. It made me happy I wasn’t a vegan anymore. I wish I could eat this again.
After all that food, we went on a ride. I don’t think Davin’s heart rate went above 65. Mine however… let’s just say I was outta’ breath.
He’s a beast and this is his new way to take photos. Then we came back for naps and champagne. This was a very tasty and light champagne. We were celebrating our anniversary after all. Carneros surprised us with the bottle upon our arrival, and since we already had free glasses of wine, we saved it for the next day.
I recommend it.
He’s totally fake sleeping;-)
We grabbed take-out tacos at Gotts Roadside in downtown Napa ad then watched Jurassic World, (insert raptor sounds and tapping clicks;-)
The next morning, we had breakfast at the Boone Fly Cafe. Mmmmmmmmm.
These tiny doughnuts are a must. World Famous Boon Fly Donuts Baker’s Dozen – 9.75. A dozen sounds like too many, until you eat one are realize if you’re sharing you only have five left. I think it’s very possible they are indeed world famous. Best doughnuts I’ve ever had. Please go eat some if you are ever in Napa.
California Benedict with hash browns. Love me some CA Benedict.
We sat at the bar because there was no room in the dining area. We met the bar tender who’s worked there for the last 12 years. One of the most non-judgmental people I’ve ever met. He and his wife both work on the property and they are rad.
Also, it was raining, my fave.
They gave us umbrellas on our porch to stay dry. So thoughtful.
In this photo, Davin is being nice, posing, but he’s really very hungry and probably wishes I would just stop taking photos.
On our last night we ate at Farm. This was their tasting menu. 
This was a decomposed french onion and grilled cheese. That white honeycomb looking piece is cheese. It was crazy delicious. I wish I could have you taste it by looking at the pictures. 
And dessert!
Meanwhile back home… Frosty’s from Wendy’s! Yay for Papa and MeeMaw! It’s about to get real all up in here.
On the last day we went wine tasting. My favorite was Peju. I liked the taste of Carnival and Provence.
I told you, he loves this pose.
Also had some R + D Kitchen for lunch. Everyone there was so friendly and the food was yummy of course. Can’t really go wrong in Saint Helena with the restaurants.
We came home refreshed and relaxed.
Shout out to Papa and MeeMaw for holding down the fort with four littles! We came home and the kids were better behaved than when we’d left, soooo that’s amazing.
This post was brought to you by the grandparents, who make all of our lives better by just being who they are.
Love you dad and mom!!
As always, thanks for reading!
