San Francisco Bound
On Saturday, I am headed to San Francisco and the Napa Valley. To say I am excited, doesn’t really cut it. I am elated, beside myself, about to burst.
My traveling companion is a good friend, Sarah, who I have gotten close to since I moved to Nashville. This summer Sarah is moving to Chicago – she got a fancy job to match her fancy degree from Owen — so this time with her will be exceptionally special. We will be joining forces with one of my best friends from Birmingham, Allison, who moved to San Francisco last year. I miss “Ali” so much and secretly pray that we will get her back to the South soon. Maybe I can convince her of this after a glass of wine or two? (Of course I am kidding, I would never do that 
)
Looks like the weather is going to be perfect. And by perfect I mean, high of 65, low of 55 and sunny. EVERYDAY we are there.
I was born a planner (hopefully this is not going to be a problem for my traveling companions) so we have a rough schedule working. There are a few things we have not ironed out. (Like when I will get to properly congratulate one of my childhood friends, Meredith, and her new fiancée.) But here is what we’ve got on the agenda so far:
Just a warning: I get really excited about restaurants, and we are going to one of the epicurean capitals of the World, so we’ll be carefully planning each meal.
Saturday - Arrive in San Francisco. Eat luch someplace fabulous (TBD). Take leisurely drive to Napa and enjoy some wineries. Dinner at Mustard’s. Spend the night in Napa.
Sunday – More wineries. More leisure. Lunch at Jordan. Maybe some shopping? Dinner someplace wonderful (TBD). Spend the night in Napa.
Monday – Wake up and head back to San Francisco. Sightsee. Eat. Shop. Dinner at Beetlenut with one of my best friends from college, Laura, who I have not seen since 1999 LITERALLY.
Tuesday – More of what we did on Monday. Dinner at Bar Tartine.
Wednesday – Catch a flight back to beautiful, and hopefully dry Tennessee.
Now do you get my uncontainable excitement? What fun trips do you have planned? What San Francisco must-sees are missing from our itinerary?
I am so excited for you even though I have to acknowledge that, yes, you are in fact rubbing it in and I am jealous! Please give my former home (and Ali) a hug for me and have a fabulous time! Bring me back something good!
Plouf is fabulous for lunch, especially if you like Mussels. At least I think they’re open for lunch. Yep, they are. Check it out… http://www.ploufsf.com. Another amazing place to hang out is at the Ferry Building. You can eat at a number of wonderful restaurants (tacos to die for!) or just graze as you go from booth to booth.
Cool wineries to check out: Hendry, Jarvis, Frank Family, Silver Oak. Have a wonderful time at Jordan.
I want to go too! I never did get to spend enough time wandering around the city when I worked for Chronicle.
Hope you have a wonderful trip. Haven’t been there in years. Is Alioto’s still there? Once had dinner by the window on July 4, watching the fireworks over the bay. Go if you can.
have been there, but no specific recommendations…have a great time!
I am so jealous! Ya’ll are going to have a blast. Ali is a great hostess. Take lots of pictures and give Ali a hug for me. Love ya!
Ashley
Oh I’m so excited for you! Funny you should mention this. I’m booking tickets and reserving rooms for a trip to Eureka and Ferndale a few hours north of SF. Research for The LIghtkeeper’s Daughter.
I’ve been to SF several times. Driving up and down the steep streets is a little scary but exhilarating! Hope you have a super trip, sweetie!
So happy I was on the schedule! Such a great time and so wonderful to see you and meet your great friends! Looks like I will need to plan a trip to Nashville soon!
You will love SF. I went with my sister about 18 months ago when she went on business and loved it. It’s very laid back for a big city and has a very artsy vibe which was perfect for me. I’m itching to go back again. Have fun! Found your site through Without Wax.
oh and if you like a good steak try Boboquivaros on Lombard St.
San Francisco is my favorite US city. Well, at least my favorite I’ve visited.
Hope you had a great time.
Look at you, CMH! Commenting on my blog. I am so impressed. I wish you were going with us. And yes, we’ll hit Pluto’s for you.
Thanks for all the suggestions Chris!
Thanks John!
I’m not sure about Alioto’s. I will keep an eye out.
Will do!
Colleen, you have such a cool job!
Loved seeing you too! Yes, you must come visit Nashville.
Just got back. LOVED it.