Matt Lane

Firming up plans for the Great 2011 RRIV Caravan From the North... would love some local insights into the remaining missing pieces.

We've been very fortunate so far to book great accomodations at reasonable prices in Las Vegas (Venetian), Monterey (Portola Spa) and SFO (Hyatt Union Square). Priceline bidding is a huge asset - so far, we have booked the above at an average of $120 a night.

Looking for recommendations for 2 portions of our trip:

- 2 nights between LA and Monterey along the coast. Where to stop, where to stay, where to eat? Inns, B&B's, hotels?

- 2 nights in Napa (and maybe) Sonoma. This will be our stop between RRIV and SFO. Looking for good recommendations for places to stay, wineries to visit with good tours, and places to eat. Not looking for the most expensive or necessarily Michelin starred, just good memorable stops for 1st timers in the area.

Thanks in advance for any help and insight. Looking forward to meeting many of you at Laguna Seca - Daytona was a blast, we will never miss another RR.

Cheers!

Matt and Nat

Ed Hughes

The Marriott in Buellton/Solvang is a good spot to explore central coast wineries from (Sideways), and the Seacrest in Pismo Beach is a NICE spot on the beach, and a good jump off for the trip up highway 1.

k722070

in the napa area,
get to calistoga and hit the volcanic ash mud baths. I've been staying at place called Indian Springs since 1988 and love it every time.
get one of the cabins and stay a night...do the mud baths...sit by the pond... hang out in the mineral pool til evening...then its walking distance to a couple food places.
very low key place and area.

mpgandco

Must make it down Hi Way 1 to Big Sur!Stop at Post Ranch,Ventana,and Nepenthe.A beautiful drive from Carmel to Big Sur.About 30 to 50 minute drive, depending on traffic.If going South ,just stop at these spots on your way South.Must see!!!

mpgandco

Great breakfast or lunch at Jeffrey's Grill and Catering in Carmel Valley.One of my favorite place's.Eat and then drive through the twisty's over Laureles Grade to Laguna Seca.

2Many Cars

Absolutely do the drive to Big Sur from Carmel. It's some of the best scenery the US has to offer. If you're going further south a stop in Cambria with a tour of the Hearst Castle (reservation required) should be on the list. There are a number of decent places to stay in Cambria.

If you do the Big Sur drive, Rt 1 north of Monterey will be anticlimatic so instead take Rt 101N to I-280 on into SF. Take 280 as 101 gets pretty industrial and 280 is quite scenic. When heading up to Napa Valley take Rt 101 and the GGate Bridge and leave 101 to drive by Infineon Raceway (formerly Sears Point). Continue on up to Napa but when you head north in Napa use the Silverado Trail on the east side of the valley, a far preferrable drive than Rt 29. The town of Napa is at the southern end of Napa Valley but most of the better scenery is further north so be sure to go to the north end of the Valley (basically Calistoga) if you want to see it all. Lots of great places to stay in the valley if price isn't a factor. Auberge, Meadowood, amoungst others, are top notch. If you want upscale in Calastoga try bidding on a night or two at Solage. Sonoma is cheaper and less touristy if Napa is too pricey. Some great roads connecting the two valleys too, like Trinity Road from Calistoga to Glen Ellen.

Watch your speed in and around Napa as you'll see the HP from time to time - and be especially careful if you're wine tasting! They'll generally cut you a little slack but it only goes so far.

mikej

Matt,

A stay in Santa Barbara is always worth it. Eat at Brophy's in the harbor, or Cold Springs Tavern up on San Marcos Pass. Lots of great places to stay, right on the beach, or alternatively, the Hotel Upham in, downtown SB. One of the oldest in SoCal.

In Napa, try the Hess winery. It is a modern art museum AND a winery; their Hess Collection series of wines are good for the $$. Also, on the Silverado Trail, try Sinskey, and Conn Creek. Again, great wines for the money. For places to eat, we like Domaine Chandon. In addition to 2ManyCars recommendations (all good!), we like the Silverado Resort, too.

Have a great time, and enjoy the drive!!

Kika

Matt,

between LA and Monterey I highly recommend Cambria, someplace along Moonstone Beach. Our personal favorite is the Sea Otter Inn.

Matt Lane

Thank you all for this great advice - will digest and get going with plans/reservations!

Cheers!

Matt

mcongleton

If stoping for the night in Monterey I would suggest Passion Fish restaurant in Pacific Grove. Excellent food and reservations are a good idea.

I concure with mpgandco above about Post Ranch. The restaurant there Sierra Mar is excellent however reservations are a must. The restaurant is purched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The resort is not open to visitors however a reservation at Sierra Mar will get you on property 15 minutes prior to your reservation.

Sounds like a great trip !

Mark

cgfen

agreed
Cambria is a nice spot to spend the night.
if you're driving an interesting car, be sure to take Carmel Valley Road instead of 101.
when i asked a hotel concierge about CMV, he said, oh no, you don't want to take that road, it's full of hills and corners..........



have a great trip