So when I signed up for the Santa Cruz Food Tour last week, I knew I’d have fun, but I wondered if they could possibly show me something I hadn’t seen before.  I was in for a pleasant and tasty surprise.

The Santa Cruz Food Tour is a walking adventure, combining a discovery of the history, architecture and culture of downtown Santa Cruz with noshing at five delicious — as well as interesting — eateries.  Instructed to arrive hungry, I met the group at the Center Street Grill, where we began our two-hour trek with Asian salad, pizza with spinach and caramelized onion, and an eye-full of local art. The restaurant is part of the Center Street Art Center, where all businesses share a dedication to supporting the arts community; works here are on rotation, so there is always something new on display.

Fortified and ready for a little exercise, our group next walked up the hill to Mission Santa Cruz (1791), where our guide regaled us with stories from the city’s earliest days, from Native Americans to missionaries and gold miners. Before the city became known as a beach resort in the late 19^th century, it had its share of wild times, and our guide seemed to have inside information.

Next stop was the Penny Ice Creamery, featuring seasonal organic ice cream made entirely in-house, from scratch. This is unusual; we learned that most ice cream shops that tout “home-made” start with a pre-made base, to which flavors are added. But at Penny Ice Creamery, even the base is made on the premises. The ice cream is dense, similar to gelato, rich but light, with only 15% air in the formula (50% is common).  Flavors include creative concoctions like Pepper Cheesecake. I had my Hazelnut Praline in a waffle cone, the serving vessel of choice here.  With a goal of being a no-waste business, Penny Ice Creamery avoids using plastic utensils and paper cups. The owners were honored last year with seats in First Lady Michelle Obama’s box during the State of the Union Address.

We admired charmingly restored Victorian buildings en route to our next tasting site: the True Olive Connection. Here we sampled strawberries dipped in balsamic vinegar, and sipped a refreshing drink of Perrier with cherry balsamic vinegar. Unusual, yes…and absolutely exquisite.

More anecdotes about the downtown area accompanied our jaunt to the Surfrider Café. The freshest burger buns I ever tasted (baked here throughout the day, every day) encased the organic beef and Gorgonzola cheese sliders we were served.

Our tour ended at the Malabar Restaurant, where the Sri Lankan owner tantalized us with his vegetarian, east-west fusion menu. We sampled roti with curry sauce, put the fire out with banana lassis, then sat back in a satisfied stupor. When I go back, I’m going to try the vegan ice cream.

Four Sisters Inns’ West Cliff Inn began offering a Santa Cruz Food Tour package just last month, melding a stay at the inn with this tour.  Now I know why guests are raving about it.  The traditional Santa Cruz attractions will always be fun, but I’m adding the Santa Cruz Food Tour to my list of must-dos when friends come to visit.

Cold? Yes! But we bundled up, and headed out to discover the delights of this historic Bavarian capital.   First stop: the famous Marienplatz, Munich’s main public square since 1158.   Once the site of medieval tournaments, the huge square is anchored by the Neues Rathaus (new city hall), the tower of which houses one of Munich’s main attractions: the Rathaus Glockenspiel. An outdoor music box, it chimes every day at 11 a.m., with dozens of colorful, life-sized figures re-enacting scenes from the 1600s.

Not far from the Marienplatz is Germany’s most famous brewery and beer hall, the Hofbrauhaus. In this location since 1607, the Hofbrauhaus is the place to go for brats, beer and traditional tunes played by a lederhosen-clad live band. Don’t be surprised if your tablemates break into song and insist you join them!

We also enjoyed the old Bavarian atmosphere at the classic Augustiner-Keller, featuring hearty standards of German cuisine.  Besides huge pretzels, sausages and sauerkraut, diners feast on venison and duck dishes, with recipes that have stood the test of time.

A large public park in the center of Munich, the Englisher Garten is one of the world’s largest urban parks.  Created in the 1750s, the name refers to a less-formal style of garden, becoming popular in England about that time.  Some areas are left to grow as natural meadows, while others are more manicured. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, exploring the many wooded paths, and visiting attractions such as the Japanese Teahaus, monuments, children’s carousel, and of course, a beer garden (Munich’s second largest).  The lovely Kleinhesseloher See (lake), with its three islands, is a popular summer destination but even in winter, it is a beautiful place for a walk.

If you appreciate fine art, a visit to Munich’s Kunstereal (arts district) should be on your itinerary. We especially enjoyed the modern works on display at Pinakothek der Moderne, featuring pieces representing Cubist, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Surrealism and other movements, and Museum Brandhorst, with its comprehensive Andy Warhol collection.

After modern art, our tour of dramatic Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Bavaria (about two hours by train from Munich) was truly a step back in time, and into a fairy tale.  Said to be Disney’s inspiration for the design of Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, this Romanesque Revival palace was built in 1869 for the reclusive King Ludwig II as his private retreat. Today it is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Germany. We were amazed as we wandered through the palace’s opulent rooms.

Another palace at which we marveled was the baroque Schloss Nymphenburg, once the summer home for the rulers of Bavaria.  Built in 1664, the palace and its beautiful grounds are open for tours. The Italian garden here is especially lovely, and the ancient carriages museum is fascinating.

All this walking brings on an appétit, so we were happy to find the Paul Isaak Backerei (bakery) nearby, where we indulged our newfound love of Linzer torte, apple strudel, marzipan cake and chocolate-covered almonds.  (But then I headed out for some shopping…and found I couldn’t fit into my clothes!)

Start three perfect days at the Channel Road Inn, just a block from the beach. Grab a picnic, borrow the inn’s bicycles, and head down the waterfront path past the Santa Monica Pier. Spend a day exploring Bergamot Station and its many art exhibits, then shop on Montana Avenue and the Third Street Promenade.

We love the Getty Villa, just a 10-minute drive away, featuring Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. Got kids? Hit the beach, enjoy rides on the Santa Monica Pier, and venture to the Skirball Cultural Center. The La Brea Tar Pits and Universal Studios are just a short drive away.

Upon your return to the inn, soak in our hillside hot tub, and enjoy homemade cookies, cold drinks, wine and hors d’oeuvres.

“Location, location, location” is as important when choosing a hotel as it is when buying real estate. When you’re in Seattle for either work or pleasure, the Inn at Harbor Steps is the perfect place to stay. The inn’s prime location means you’ll be able to walk almost anywhere downtown, including famous Pike Place Market, just two blocks away. 

     When you aren’t out on the town, the Inn at Harbor Steps will see to your every comfort. The property boasts 28 spacious guestrooms, a fully-equipped fitness center, sports court, Jacuzzi, lap pool and full-length pool. Of course, you’ll also enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres.

     Extend your stay, and take advantage of all the city has to offer.  Make it a romantic getaway, and enjoy the Seattle Art Museum, with both permanent and rotating exhibits, located literally across the street from the inn.  Benaroya Symphony Hall is a block away and has a fabulous variety of musical offerings this fall.  You can take the waterfront train and venture down to Pioneer Square, with its wealth of art galleries, bookstores, antique shops, cool restaurants, and buzzing nightclubs.

     Shopping probably couldn’t get much better than this, with everything from small, trendy boutiques to the flagship Nordstrom’s store.  An afternoon spent roaming the stalls at Pike Place Market, filled with local organic produce, beautiful flowers and gourmet products, is time well spent.  Watch fish fly at the Pike Place Fish Market, stop in at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, and finish with a drink overlooking the water at Matt’s in the Market. 

     Some of our favorite restaurants include The Pink Door, Wild Ginger, The Metropolitan Grill and The Brooklyn.  For a fabulous evening of fun, try Teatro ZinZanni, which includes a five-course Tom Douglas dinner (he runs a number of acclaimed restaurants throughout Seattle) and a three-hour show.

     If you’re traveling with children, the Inn at Harbor Steps offers eight rooms with two queen beds each, perfect for families.  The kids will love soaring up the Space Needle, the extraordinary Experience Music Project, the Museum of Flight and the Pacific Science Center.  And if a cruise is on your agenda, the inn is only a short cab from the departure location.

Situated between the ocean and the mountains, Santa Cruz offers everything from romantic getaways to family fun, relaxation to adventure, casual to fine dining. With its temperate climate you can relax on one of the many sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean, bring the entire family for a fun-filled day at the famous Beach Boardwalk, taste incredible wines and tour many of the vineyards nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 

It is truly a place for all. Santa Cruz is home to the West Cliff Inn, blending historic elegance with soothing modern luxuries. West Cliff Inn is situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean and steps to the beach, the Wharf, the Beach Boardwalk, and Santa Cruz’s unique downtown shopping area.  After you partake in a bountiful breakfast or evening wine and hors d’oeuvres, take a walk along West Cliff Drive to catch the great views of the bay or stroll through downtown, just 10 minutes away.

For dinner, Soif Restaurant, Wine Bar & Merchant is a great California farm to table cuisine where all the ingredients are fresh, local, and organic. Laili Restaurant is also a great option if you want to taste the flavors of the Silk Road and try superb Central Asian cuisine. The Cellar Door Restaurant and Wine Tasting Room  is also very popular amongst our guests. Feeling Adventurous? Hop aboard the Chardonnay II –a 70-foot luxury sailing yacht- for a one of kind excursion on the open water! 

West Cliff Inn also offers fantastic packages, and you can find details on the website here.

Blackbird Inn is right in the heart of downtown Napa

The City of Napa is the hub of the Valley.  Having undergone a revitalization project over the last few years, it is truly coming into its own.  And it’s where Blackbird Inn is located, within walking distance to the waterfront, where you’ll find great shops and restaurants.  Try Ubuntu, innovative vegetarian cuisine or Tuscany, Italian with a modern twist.  On Friday evenings through September, bands perform (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) at Veterans Park on the Napa River, and locals and visitors alike gather for drinks and music.

There are great tasting rooms right in town as well. Try Ceja, and you might even meet Amelia Ceja and discover the extraordinary wines she produces, all while sharing her passion for great food and wine.   The Oxbow Public Market is a great place to wander, enjoy lunch or a glass of wine, and shop in great little boutiques.  Live music is performed on most Friday evenings on the outdoor patio, and is a great place to gather.

Another fun thing to include in your travels is a leisurely lunch on the Wine Train, as you travel up Valley through the towns of Yountville and St. Helena.  If shopping is on your agenda, the Napa Premium Outlets, featuring Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Cole Hahn and many others are a short drive away.  And for the adventurous, sign up for a hot air balloon ride with Balloons Above the Valley, definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Some of the best olive oil in California is produced right here.  Make an advance reservation at Round Pond in Rutherford for their 1 ½ hour olive oil tour and learn about  olive cultivation, harvest and production and then sample their delicious oils and vinegars with gourmet bread, cheese and fresh organic produce. Advance reservations are required ($20 pp) for the tour and tasting and I can guarantee you’ll want to take some home!

Blackbird Inn, a meticulously restored eight-room Craftsman style inn, is at the center of everything, as you enjoy all the Valley has to offer.

Some of the guestrooms accommodate families, featuring a queen or king bed, jetted spa tub, flat screen television, fireplace and a twin bed with a trundle. Our Oceanfront Rooms, with recently remodeled bathrooms featuring jetted spa tubs, look directly out to the water, and are the perfect spot from which to view the sunset. The Newport Beach Hotel, with its proximity to Hoag Hospital and the many businesses in Irvine, is perfect for the business traveler as well, offering a more intimate atmosphere than the large corporate hotel. Complimentary wireless, a business center and gated parking are all available.

Our lobby bar offers a selection of wine and beer which you can enjoy in our lobby or our second floor Seabreeze Lounge. Book early, as Newport Beach is the perfect summer vacation spot!

Claremont boasts a number of great restaurants as well. Try Yiannis for lunch, sit out on their patio, and enjoy one of the best Greek salads you’ve ever had. La Parolaccia is a great little Osteria Italiana, reminiscent of one you’d find in a Tuscan village, and much easier to get to! And the farmer’s market, held every Saturday morning, features local produce and craft items, and is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

If you live in the Los Angeles area, and are looking for a close and affordable spot for a quick getaway, hop on the Metrolink after work, and head to Casa 425. We look forward to hosting you!

Relax poolside at Maison Fleurie

Yountville has to be one of the greatest towns in California. It truly has it all—fabulous restaurants, fun tasting rooms, quaint shops, biking and jogging trails, beautiful weather. And it is home to two of our inns, Maison Fleurie and Lavender. Last week, we redecorated the lobby, dining area and roof top deck and gave Maison Fleurie a whole new, updated look. If your travels are taking you to the Napa Valley this summer, I have some suggestions. After enjoying our signature breakfast, take a morning ride through the vineyards on our complimentary bicycles, savor a fabulous lunch on the patio at Hurley’s, experience a tasting at Frog’s Leap Winery and Charles Krug, both recommended by Gina, our Regional Manger, and plunge into our pool at the end of the afternoon. Try the Rutherford Grill for a fun and casual dinner, or walk to Bouchon, Bistro Jeanty or Bottega, all located right in town. There are fun activities going on almost every weekend throughout the Valley—check out our website or become a Facebook fan of Four Sisters Inns and stay up to date!

Miles of beautiful vineyards provide a scenic and relaxing drive through Russian River Valley..This is the ideal wine country town, designed around an historic, postcard-perfect downtown plaza, with huge, ancient trees, flower gardens, a fountain and an old-fashioned bandstand. A perfect day here might start with a guided walking tour of the town’s historic architecture, with Healdsburg Walking Tours, Inc. (Or, sample off-the-beaten-path taquerias and cafes with their Burrito Walk.)

Guests who enjoy premium wine will enjoy visiting the tasting rooms of wineries in the Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley appellations, both a short drive from town. Check in to the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza, where many of the spacious guest rooms overlook the plaza itself. You can watch the Tuesday evening farmer’s market and other seasonal events from your room!

Book the inn’s popular dining package offering a four-course dinner at Cyrus, currently the hottest table in town and the darling of seemingly every food magazine in the country.  Work up an appetite browsing the art galleries, antiques shops and stylish boutiques in the blocks surrounding the plaza.

One favorite: Arches Gallery, presenting the work of both regional and national fine art painters and craft artists. Meet featured artists at free receptions scheduled throughout the year. Or catch a show at The Raven, Healdsburg’s performing arts theater, presenting live theater, concerts and other performances.