First things first, when visiting wine country, go hungry .. thirsty .. & with great company. Don't go for a day to "sight see". One visits wine country to enjoy .. relax & breathe.. As we all know, wine is suppose to be sipped - not gulped. If your looking for a relaxing weekend on a budget like I, check out Groupon.. We found an unbeatable deal for Calistoga Inn & Brewery. $109 per night - including: wine tasting for 2, beer tasting for 2, $20 off breakfast @ Johnny's & $40 credit @ their attatched (delicious) restaurant (food pictured above). I drove up not knowing what to expect other than the 4 star ratings it had received. I was welcomed by the oh so kind staff, handed my coupons & was left to explore until my sister arrived. I roamed the hallways inspecting our room over looking the outdoor seating for the attached restaurant lit with fairy lights, the balcony overlooking the main street, & the bar staffed by the sweetest bartender (Christian) full of worldly stories. My sister arrived, we indulged in lunch at the outdoor restaurant. I ordered the Mediterranean salad (pictured above) - 5 for 5 on spices & flavor! Upon finishing, we walked the downtown steps from our Inn - unfortunately everything was closed (expect this on Mondays & Tuesdays). We called it for the evening, retired to our room and watched a movie. Keeping the window open I fell asleep to the faint music, summer breeze blowing & giggles from staff cleaning up. I woke up bright & early to my natural alarm clock. I could smell the freshly brewing organic coffee & home-made chocolate chip scones being baked below me in the kitchen (free & f'ing delicious). I headed out not knowing exactly which direction my day was going, but I wound up at the Castello di Amorosa winery only about a mile from our Inn (an old time castle converted into one of the few non-commerical wineries of Calistoga). I attempted to enter, but staff advised it was a $25 fee to enter - which included 6 tastings (not drinking - I was let in for free for opting out of a tour). & No tour needed, just follow the beauty as the sun illuminates the gorgeous sculptures, paintings & amazing views - make sure you dress like your in Italy & bring a camera! I concluded my wandering of the grounds & headed back to my Inn. Not having a plan & now being solo, a local recommended I head to Indian Springs - to enter you normally have to be a guest or a paying spa customer but if you flash them a smile entry is on the house (try it out - again with the free stuff, I know what you're thinking). So, I laid for hours in 80 degree weather .. soaked up some vitamin D & headed back to my Inn. I lay here now as the sun is setting, the birds are chirping, the fairy lights aluminate the courtyard & the warm summer breeze flows through my window. Life is good. Excited more than ever for Italy 2017!
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