Carneros Inn and the Orchard at the Carneros Inn
Tue, Feb 3 2009 01:59
| wine adventures
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If you want a very special experience, and that is what we need during this very difficult economic time, give the Carneros Inn and the Orchard at the Carneros Inn a try. 
Developed on 27 vineyard acres between Napa and Sonoma Valleys, nestled in the heart of the Carneros wine growing region. It is just 15 minutes to either Napa or Sonoma
It is a stunning resort, with a very unique style of architecture. The architect drew from the 1930s era of wine farming to create the pastoral, peaceful, yet sophisticated setting. The Inn has 86 individual luxury cottages including 10 signature suites. There are private homes, 2400 square feet, available with master suites, 3.5 baths, full kitchens and dens. Each cottage and the homes have wood burning fireplaces, flat screen TVs, high speed internet inside and out, private landscaped patio and courtyard. The over sized bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, an alfresco shower, heated slate floors and superb bath amenities by Red Flower. The accommodations are truly a home away from home. This resort is a Plumpjack Resort, well known in the West.
The resort is surrounded with 6,000 acres of pinot and chardonnay vineyards, a gorgeous view from the exclusive Hilltop area which boasts an infinity edge pool, superb restaurant for alfresco dining, and the Spa.
The Farm is an award-winning dining experience. Of course, it boasts an outstanding collection of wines, some from Plumpjack's own winery. For more casual dining, The Boone Cafe has the best hamburgers in the world. The beef is almost Kobe, it just melts in your mouth. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served there.
The Orchard at the Carneros Inn is a Private Residence Club consisting of 17 luxury cottages and the Owner's Lounge in the center of the Carneros Inn. The Orchard is a member within the Timbers Collection. The Timbers Collection is a portfolio of luxury boutique resorts around the world. The Orchard offers a unique opportunity to own real-estate, full ownership or fractional, at the Carneros Inn with all the services and amenities of the wonderful hotel. With this ownership, you can have the best of both worlds.
Activities abound at and around the resort. I went kayaking on the Russian River. What a beautiful river. Getaway Adventures planned the whole river experience, surprise picnic under towering Redwoods, then returned us to our put- in place.
Cycling is a wonderful way to see the area, taste the wines and just ramble along quiet country roads.
Whether to get- away for a long weekend, or to spend more time enjoying wine country living, Carneros Inn and the Orchard at the Carneros Inn will rejuvenate the soul, inspire your return to life.
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Our Nation's current condition and travel
Thu, Oct 9 2008 11:17
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I am baaaaack! I have been traveling and learning so that I can give you the latest on travel experiences and tips.
First, we have to chat about the current financial situation in the US. Every time you turn on the TV or the radio, it is gloom and doom. The stock market is down; jobless rate is climbing; fuel prices are not stabilizing; you are wondering what is coming next--- and with that thought, travel seems to have slipped from the top priority on the 'bucket list' to the very last.
Yes, we are in a difficult time, But, our Nation has been there before. Many of the financial situations we hear about and are experiencing, have been brought about by man-made circumstances and not market driven. None of these observations change the fact that people and businesses are hunkering down, pulling back on their expenses. The ripple effect is being felt at every level. But, listening to the constant noise and chatter by the pundits will lead you the that friendly pharmacist for your fix of the anti-depressant of the week.
Stop, turnoff the 'noise', go outside and BREATHE. We are going to survive, get through this time and we CAN travel.
As the late George Carlin said, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." So, now is the time to be begin consider what those experiences will be that will 'take our breath away.' We can look around, near our homes, around this great country, to check out what will be our next adventure. When be begin this thought process, those black clouds begin to lift; the smile returns, and there is a spring in our step.
Give it a try and let me know your thoughts.
Travel Tip - Luggage Charges
Travel Tip: Traveling is difficult enough, but the airlines seem to want to make matters worse. Luggage charges are becoming outrageous and they don’t seem to be on a uniform scale. I traveled to Las Vegas last week. I did not pay any surcharge at the point of embarkation, I was surprised. But, upon return, I not only paid the $15. single bag charge, but after a business conference, my bag was 11 pounds over the 50 lb. limit. I anticipated a $50. charge, but now, United Airlines charged me a whopping $125. So, it cost $140 to come home. Where is the consumer outrage over all the nickel and dimming from the airlines?
Tip: check with your airline before you leave home, or at the time of booking, for their airline baggage rules. If you know that you will be carrying more than the limit, the ourfitter company DaKine is making a double bag,2 bags linked as one. It is hinged in the middle and if you are overweight, just unhook the bags and voila, you have 2 bags, and have probably saved some money.
Tip: check with your airline before you leave home, or at the time of booking, for their airline baggage rules. If you know that you will be carrying more than the limit, the ourfitter company DaKine is making a double bag,2 bags linked as one. It is hinged in the middle and if you are overweight, just unhook the bags and voila, you have 2 bags, and have probably saved some money.
Another day, another ruin-The extraordinary country of Tunisia.
Returning recently from a bike, hike and sailing expedition in Tunisia, I was completely captivated by this charming country. Located on the northern coast of Africa, sandwiched between Algeria and Libya, I call it the forgotten land in the Middle East. With so much noise and squabbling from her neighbors, this little Jewel sites quietly awaiting visitors from around the world. The Tunisian people are delightful. They are a mix of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. They live in relative harmony. Their government is their own type of democracy. A traveler may feel safe when there, especially in the capable hands of a recognized guide.
The northern part of the country is much like southern Italy. You feel the Roman/Italian influence in the rolling lush hills, dotted with vineyards, which, by the way, produce excellent wines. They are hoping to market the wines in the West soon.
Southern Tunisia is very different. Hot, areas in the Sahara desert, the Berber people live in homes built into mountainsides, allowing for the ultimate coolness; the Troglodyte people live in the desert, in homes dug 20-30 ft below the surface of the ground. A courtyard is in the center of the deep hole, surrounded by the family rooms. George Lucas, the great film producer/director of Star Wars fame, came to Tunisia, fell in love with the people and the country and proceeded to film his Star Wars features there.
The Roman ruins are the stars of the traveling show. Because of their climate, warm, dry, lack of tourists and huge buses roaming around, low pollution; the ruins are in almost pristine condition. The city of Dougga, about 2 hours from Tunis, is a perfect example. It is laid out on top of a rather step hill, just like in Italy. Two spires or columns are seen from a distance announcing the arrival into the city. I spent 3 hours wandering around the city, following chariot wheels marks, entering ancient ruins of shops along the way; sitting and enjoying the amphitheater, which is used today for special events. You could almost hear the Romans in their bathhouses, the men discussing the day’s events in their latrines, the children playing in the courtyards that were inside their homes. It was spectacular.
Further south in the town of El Jem is the great Roman coliseum. It was the place chosen for the filming of Ridley Scott’s ‘The Gladiator’. The massive structure is amazingly in tact. The floor of the building is still used for concerts and elevator shafts are still there where they transported the animals up onto the amphitheater floor for the fights. Yes, we picnicked in the shadow of the gladiators. Their holding rooms, the places where they worked and practiced their skills were cool and inviting. You could almost hear their ghostly whispers as they prepared to fight and die in front of their ruler.
We were all hoping to see Russell Crowe come out to greet us-but he did not. We left this magnificient speciman of Roman architecture in complete awe.
Tunisia scratched a Middle Eastern itch for me. You can experience the Middle East and not worry about bullets or missiles flying overhead. You can partake of the Muslim culture, and come away with a greater understanding of this region of the world.
The northern part of the country is much like southern Italy. You feel the Roman/Italian influence in the rolling lush hills, dotted with vineyards, which, by the way, produce excellent wines. They are hoping to market the wines in the West soon.
Southern Tunisia is very different. Hot, areas in the Sahara desert, the Berber people live in homes built into mountainsides, allowing for the ultimate coolness; the Troglodyte people live in the desert, in homes dug 20-30 ft below the surface of the ground. A courtyard is in the center of the deep hole, surrounded by the family rooms. George Lucas, the great film producer/director of Star Wars fame, came to Tunisia, fell in love with the people and the country and proceeded to film his Star Wars features there.
The Roman ruins are the stars of the traveling show. Because of their climate, warm, dry, lack of tourists and huge buses roaming around, low pollution; the ruins are in almost pristine condition. The city of Dougga, about 2 hours from Tunis, is a perfect example. It is laid out on top of a rather step hill, just like in Italy. Two spires or columns are seen from a distance announcing the arrival into the city. I spent 3 hours wandering around the city, following chariot wheels marks, entering ancient ruins of shops along the way; sitting and enjoying the amphitheater, which is used today for special events. You could almost hear the Romans in their bathhouses, the men discussing the day’s events in their latrines, the children playing in the courtyards that were inside their homes. It was spectacular.
Further south in the town of El Jem is the great Roman coliseum. It was the place chosen for the filming of Ridley Scott’s ‘The Gladiator’. The massive structure is amazingly in tact. The floor of the building is still used for concerts and elevator shafts are still there where they transported the animals up onto the amphitheater floor for the fights. Yes, we picnicked in the shadow of the gladiators. Their holding rooms, the places where they worked and practiced their skills were cool and inviting. You could almost hear their ghostly whispers as they prepared to fight and die in front of their ruler.
We were all hoping to see Russell Crowe come out to greet us-but he did not. We left this magnificient speciman of Roman architecture in complete awe.
Tunisia scratched a Middle Eastern itch for me. You can experience the Middle East and not worry about bullets or missiles flying overhead. You can partake of the Muslim culture, and come away with a greater understanding of this region of the world.