Fashion-Union Square in downtown San Francisco: San Francisco is one of the trendiest cities in the country, just look around you at all the shoppers and it's easy to tell that you're surrounded by style.
Union Square
Union Square is mostly known for designer fashion and is home to quite a few flagship stores such as Juicy Couture and Levis. If you're a shoe lover like I am, then don't miss the "10022 Shoe" department at Saks Fifth Avenue...trust me, it's something to see.
Also don't miss visiting Maiden Lane in Union Square where you can find designer boutique stores such as Seven Jeans, Theory, and Tory Burch. Maiden Lane is closed off for pedestrian traffic only and so you can even get a quick bite to eat right on the street.
Maiden Lane
Food-Napa Valley: The next day we were off to Napa Valley for some great wine and food. The Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena is a must see. If you're visiting during the weekend try to stop in at a cooking demonstration which includes a take-home recipe, a tasting and a glass of wine. Our demonstration was for an artichoke and fennel salad which was delicious! Next, don't miss eating at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant. In all seriousness the cod and broccoli dish I had is one of the most delicious meals of my life, I never realized fish and broccoli could be so tasty. Plus, if the weather permits sit outside on the patio and enjoy the view of the Napa Valley hills.
Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena
I'm sure that the Culinary Institute of America has great desserts too but my heart was set on eating dessert at the famous Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. Because the bakery is so well known expect to stand in line, during the weekends, for at least 30 minutes. But, it was worth it, we ordered cookies, croissants and macaroons and they even packed it up for us for our flight back home.
Bouchon Bakery in Yountville
We couldn't go all the way to Napa Valley and not take a wine tour and so after the bakery we were off to Domaine Chandon right down the street from Bouchon Bakery for wine tasting. Domaine Chandon is best known for their sparking wines and is a large and well respected winery. In one flight you get four full glasses of wine and even get to take the wine glass home as a souvenier.
Since Domaine Chandon is a large winery we wanted to also visit a small family owned winery and we were off to Madonna Estate in Napa. The experiences are quite different. The tasting at Domaine Chandon was like visiting a trendy wine bar in the city with large crowds and beautiful surroundings while the tasting experience at Madonna Estate was very personal and the proprietor even gave me a fresh cut rose from his personal flower garden. I bought two bottles of wine to bring back home which now is easier than ever with Wine Skins which are sealed bubble wraps shaped like wine bottles which protect the wine bottles in your luggage. Our wine bottles were kept perfectly intact in our checked luggage.
Fitness- Solage Spa in Calistoga: For our last day in California we were off to relax at the Solage Spa in Calistoga. Calistoga is best known for their geo-thermal mineral water which is natural spring water at around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. At Solage Spa we had the Mudslide Experience. They call the system "The Mud," "The Waters" and "The Rest." First you rest in a heated private room with a body mask of a mineral enriched clay and volcanic ash blend mixed with pure essential oils. Next you go rest in a tub of geo-thermal mineral water. Lastly, you finish off taking a power nap in a sound/vibration chair. After the hour long treatment you feel fully relaxed and your skin is soft and moisturized. Afterwards take a swim in their geo-thermal mineral water pool overlooking the Napa Valley hills, it's paradise.
In three short days, I left San Francisco with some new great clothes, great food and wine, and fully relaxed from a great spa experience.
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