Oh Sausalito, you steal my heart every time I visit. It is truly a picturesque city on the bay and similar to the beautiful villages on the rugged coastline of Italy. Whether staying in the city for a few nights or visiting for the day here are some of our favorite things to do.
1.) Eat or have a drink at The Barrel House– Our absolute favorite place to grab a bite to eat in Sausalito.Put your name in for a table outside even if there is a long wait, it will not disappoint.My favorite spot is at the bar outside that overlooks the bay and the San Francisco skyline. I could sit here for hours with one of their delicious cocktails or entrees and just take in the gorgeous views.
Barrel HouseBarrel House- View from seats on outside deck
2.) Stay at Inn Above the Tides- Splurge for a truly serene and unparalleled experience.Book a room with a balcony and enjoy every moment as you sit above the bay and enjoy the amazing views.We have stayed here twice in the same room, Queen with a balcony.
Inn Above the TidesInn Above the Tides- View of Sausalito from balcony
3.) Take a walk along the waterfront– Take a stroll along the water and enjoy the cool bay breeze hitting your face, the vast views of the bay and rolling hills with homes scattered across. There are several benches along the way you can stop at to enjoy the picturesque village and water views.
Relaxing on a bench in SausalitoWalking path in Sausalito and view
4.) Go for a run! One of our favorite runs was to Moore Rd Pier. The views here are just spectacular and the run itself had several pretty vantage points. We are avid runners and having a chance to experience new and beautiful scenery when running is a runners dream. On a clear day grab a selfie on Moore Rd Pier, you won’t regret it. We have had the picture taken here on display for two years.
Golden Gate Bridge VistaGolden Gate Bridge Vista
5.) Get lost in the shopping– Whether you are looking for a shirt or souvenir that says Sausalito, shopping for boutique clothing or art, or even shopping for children’s clothes there is a shop for in this quaint city for you. There is even a Christmas store, called The Holiday Shoppe if you collect ornaments from all the places you visit like I do. Jewelry by the Bay is a great store to pick up some jewelry, or other unique accessories. I bought a hair clip here that I have received compliments on every time I wear it. If you are looking for some cute baby clothing, look no further than Cha Cha Cha. I am expecting a little girl and on the last trip to Sausalito I really found some great deals and adorable clothes here.
6.) Take a picture with the Golden Gate. There are a few options from the Sausalito side of the bridge to get great photos at. Our favorite spots are Battery Spencer and the Golden Gate Bridge View next to the Lonely Sailor Statue. The view at Fort Baker is a great vantage point as you are level with the Golden Gate. The view by the statue is below the Golden Gate, but still beautiful. I would try going when the skies are clear, but if you are on limited time it is still worth going no matter the weather.
7.) Visit the Avenue of the Giants– Muir Woods is only a short drive away. If you have time, I would not miss these big beautiful trees. There is nothing like staring up those huge trunks in awe of how big and old they are.
Muir Woods
8.) Take the Ferry across the bay to San Francisco. When else are you going to have the opportunity to cross the Bay, passing Alcatraz while enjoying views of the Golden Gate? If you are not staying in San Francisco at all on your trip this is also a great way to travel into the city to spend the day or a few hours. You can not only miss the traffic but the headache of the Golden Gate Toll.
Ferry to San Francisco
9.) Visit wine country! Downtown Sonoma is about 50 minutes and Downtown Napa is about an hour. There are so many amazing wineries to visit that you will most likely want to add a separate leg to your stay to experience them. If commuting from Sausalito, be sure to take a tour, hire a driver or use a ride share so your commute will be safe after the wine tastings.
These are just a few of the many things you can do in Sausalito, but this quaint city is definitely worth a stop on your Northern California trip!
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, but truly desire the tranquility of the Sausalito area with views of the bay? Consider Mill Valley, just a short drive away.
In the 8 trips we have taken to Northern California it is always a debate on where to stay. While some trips we have stayed in both San Francisco and Sausalito there are trips where you want to combine both of the cities into one segment so you can see other parts of beautiful California.
We have stayed in Sausalito a few times and have loved our time there, but not the price tag of the location. There are few hotel options here, which helps drive the price tag up. As an alternative there are many places that are a short drive from Sausalito, one being Mill Valley.
While we have considered staying in Mill Valley a few times, we always decided we didn’t want the extra hassle of driving into Sausalito. If only we knew what we had been missing out on! This trip we made the decision to stay at the Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley and it is not to be missed! We booked the first two days of our vacation here and loved it so much that we returned for the last night of our trip. Who wouldn’t love this view, right?
Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- View from balcony
Acqua Hotel
Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Front of hotelAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- LobbyAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- LobbyAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- Back of hotelAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- View of hotel roomsAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- OutsideAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- Enclosed space with fire pits
The view from the back of the hotel was just beautiful and so serene.
Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Outside patio view
Complimentary Breakfast
The hotel provides complimentary breakfast and everyone in our party agreed it was the best we had on our trip. Each of the 3 hotels we stayed at offered a complimentary breakfast. The breakfast was served on the second floor. You could sit at one of the many tables inside, or you could bring your breakfast on the patio outside on the first or second level. There was also an all glass enclosed area on the 2nd floor that had gas fireplaces. You could enjoy the beautiful views while staying warm when the wind picks up, which we all know that bay breeze can be chilly!
Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary breakfastAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary breakfast (Scrambled eggs, sausages and veggie frittata)Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary breakfast (Bagels, breads, pastries)Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary breakfast (Cereals)Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary breakfast (Waffle maker)Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary breakfastAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary breakfast (hard boiled eggs and yogurts)Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary breakfast (Toppings for oatmeal)Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary breakfastAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary breakfastAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- Breakfast Area
Complimentary Wine and Cheese
There was wine and cheese served at 5 pm which was looked forward to every day. One wine they served I am told was truly amazing and rivaled if not beat the taste of several wineries we visited this trip.
We were lucky to have stayed during some beautiful weather and one night we enjoyed the wine, crackers and cheese on the patio outside. The other nights we enjoyed them in the glass enclosed area on the second floor, with the fireplaces turned on. We were able to watch the sunset and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful water views from here. Surprisingly the heat retention in the enclosed area was great!
Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary wine and cheese receptionAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- View from tables outside at wine and cheese hourAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- Wine and cheese hour by the firepitsAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- View from enclosed space with firepitsAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- View from 2nd level of hotel
Complimentary Fresh Baked Cookies
At 7 pm warm cookies were served in the lobby, which were delicious and something we always looked forward to.
Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Complimentary cookies in evening
Junior Suite Fireplace
We reserved a Junior Suite Fireplace which is located on the 3rd floor. The king bed was very comfortable. There was a small living area in the room which we used to store our luggage.
Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Junior fireplace suiteAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- Junior fireplace suiteAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- Junior fireplace suiteAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- View from roomAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- View from balcony
The bathroom was spacious and had a tub and a separate walk-in shower. There were dispensers in the shower containing shampoo, conditioner and body wash. I enjoyed this as you didn’t have to try to squeeze out the last bits of shampoo from the small bottles typically provided, but you could use as much as you wanted.
Acqua Hotel Mill Valley- Junior fireplace suiteAcqua Hotel Mill Valley- Junior fireplace suite
Sausalito is less than a 10 minute drive from the hotel. You can easily enjoy either the beautiful seaside town or take the ferry across to San Francisco. You are also only about a 20-30 minute drive to Muir Woods.
Both Guadalupe and Judy, the sales manager provided amazing customer service and made our stay absolutely perfect! This stay was part of our anniversary trip and they sure went out of their way to make it special with a bottle of wine and some delicious chocolates.
We would definitely return and we are sad we didn’t find this gem sooner!
Where to stay in sunny San Diego?There are so many beautiful areas to see and so many things to do.We have been to San Diego twice and both times we have stayed in the Gas Lamp Quarter.The first time it was an easy decision since we were travelling for a conference and it was at the Hard Rock Hotel where we had a negotiated rate.
The second trip was for pleasure and this was a much harder decision.I did a lot of research on where to stay.We were ultimately very torn between staying in downtown San Diego and La Jolla.When we had visited last time our favorite place was La Jolla and we were in awe of it’s beauty.
A few criteria we were looking for were: newer hotel, beachfront, rooftop pool/ bar and a convenient location to restaurants as we did not want to rent a car.In searching for these amenities, I quickly learned we would not be able to have them all.We decided on the Pendry, as this hotel had recently opened in 2017, among other features.We are huge fans of new hotels, who isn’t?Another feature we look for in a hotel room is a walk in shower. The Pendry’s shower is very unique, having glass on three sides and situated in the center of the room. Now don’t worry if you plan to share the room with someone you would like privacy from while showering, there is a curtain you can pull around the entire shower.
Additional perks added to our stay
After booking the hotel, with my type A personality I wanted to double check to make sure we made a good decision in staying at the Pendry and shouldn’t consider another hotel.While doing my due diligence I stumbled across a website/ travel agent that offered added benefits through Virtuoso when staying at the Pendry, all I had to do was email them.I was skeptical as the benefits were amazing.They included a $60 credit for breakfast (for two) and an additional $100 credit for the stay.We were staying 3 nights so the benefit came to $280.While I was told by the travel agent that there was no guarantee that the benefits would be applicable, depending on how we had booked the hotel, I thought I would give it a chance!Sure enough the perks were added.The only hiccup was when the reservation was amended the price changed, so I had to call the Pendry.I explained the situation and they immediately apologized and fixed the price.At that moment I knew we had made the right decision as the customer service and ease was amazing.
Pendry San Diego- ExteriorPendry San Diego- Lobby
Our stay at the Pendry was 5- star service all the way, starting from the moment we entered the hotel to the moment we left. We had just recently found out we were pregnant and when the hotel asked if we were celebrating something special we told them about our “new addition”!The first night they surprised us with a very thoughtful note and two delicious cupcakes, one pink and one blue (since we didn’t know if we were having a boy or girl yet).They were the best cupcakes I have ever had.
Pendry San Diego- Sweet surprise in room
Pendry Hotel Room
The hotel room was not huge but it was done very well.The colors in the room were very calming and the space was used efficiently.Our favorite bed is typically the Ritz Carlton, but this bed seemed just as nice.We slept wonderfully each night.The shower was very spacious and had two different shower heads.Only one worked at a time but it was great to switch between the two.There were two additional doors around the shower, one kept the loo in it’s own room and there was a sliding door to keep the area where you left the shower, next to the sink private.
Pendry San Diego- King guestroomPendry San Diego- King guestroomPendry San Diego- King guestroom showerPendry San Diego- King guestroom showerPendry San Diego- King guestroom sinkPendry San Diego- Turn down service
Pendry Pool
The pool is on level 3, along with the fitness center and the spa.The chairs surrounding the pool are very comfortable and there is bar service at the pool.While we were there they had a Chandon party which was fun, while I couldn’t partake in the champagne I drank sparkling water instead.They had a DJ there, it was part of their Sunday pool parties.The weekend we were there it was sponsored by Vivue Cliquot.They had umbrellas, pillows, champagne glasses and of course tons of their champagne for sale.
Pendry San Diego- Pool
Restaurants on site
There were 6 different restaurants on site.We meant to try more than just two, but that’s all we had time for during our stay.The credit for our breakfast was good for Provisional.One of the best parts of our day was breakfast there.For the $60 credit we would try to maximize it as much as possible.We varied our meal each day for the most part but every day we did order the market berries and sliced avocado. The market berries were amazing they tasted so fresh.Each morning we would get a cup of the complimentary coffee provided by Provisional before sitting down, so there was $60 available for just food.Let me just say we ate very, very well.Our entrees rotated and we tried the Create Your Own Omelette, Bourbon Banana French Toast, Pendry Breakfast, Nutella roll and Pain A Chocolate which were all great.We happened to take back the Nutella Roll and Pain A Chocolate back to our room each morning to enjoy as a snack later in the day.
For the $100 credit we ate at Provisional for dinner, since we enjoyed our breakfast so much.The dinner was good, but breakfast was better.
Pendry San Diego- Breakfast at Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & MercantilePendry San Diego- Complimentary coffeePendry San Diego- Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & MercantilePendry San Diego- Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile
The hotel is located in the Gas Lamp District, which is a very happening area of San Diego. You can walk to tons of restaurants, stores and even Petco Park, where the Padres play. You also have a short walk to the Embarcadero and Seaport Village, a very cute area on the water to shop at.
Surprise gift after our stay
The first class service did not end when we left San Diego. About a week after we got home we received a package from the Pendry. Inside were a few wrapped presents and a sweet note. There were two bears, one dressed in a pink Pendry shirt and one in a blue Pendry shirt for our sweet new addition (we did not know gender, as it was too early). There was also a onesie that said Pendry San Diego Baby. The thoughtful gesture will not be forgotten and truly made not only that vacation extra special, but also this extremely special time in our lives! A special thank you to Alyssa for making our stay so memorable!
Pendry San Diego- Surprise present sent to our home
Planning a trip to Sonoma or Napa for Harvest and need a hotel? Look no further than one of the newest most reasonably priced hotels for the value, Hotel Trio in Healdsburg. They just opened a few months ago, and we had the pleasure of staying here earlier this month.
It was quite a debate on where to stay in wine country as we were only staying for 2 nights and wanted to visit wineries in all different AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas). Healdsburg is a great option as it is located near Alexander Valley, and who doesn’t love a great Cabernet from this AVA? It also provides direct access to Napa. If you don’t know, it can be kind of tricky traveling between Napa and Sonoma. If you are wanting to visit both areas you can either spend a few nights in each area or try to stay next to one of the roads that cross over to the other. There is a mountain range between Sonoma and Napa so you have to take CA-128 through Alexander Valley, Petrified Forest Road which you can access through Calistoga if coming from Napa or CA-12. We took CA-128 so we could visit some wineries in Alexander Valley as we crossed from Sonoma to Napa Valley.
The best part about this hotel is that it is new and has not become as expensive as most of the other hotels in the region. If you have been to this area before you know how pricey rooms can be, even when the hotel is 20+ years old.
The entrance of Hotel TrioHotel Trio- Interior lounge area
We were able to book two rooms at $199 per night (not including taxes/ fees) for two nights and we did this last minute. It was a little risky since it was a popular travel time, but we took the chance based on the trends we were seeing. When we arrived at the hotel it far exceeded our expectations. We had the Studio, 1 King, Sofa bed. There was a full kitchen, with a refrigerator, small cooktop, microwave, sink, and cabinets full of plates, silverware, pots, pans, bowls, and glasses, basically everything you could need on a getaway.
Hotel Trio- KitchenHotel Trio- Kitchen supplies (plates, glasses, strainer, pyrex dish and measuring cup)Hotel Trio- Kitchen supplies (silverware)
There was a nice breakfast bar that had two stools to sit on. The living room had a couch and a desk.
Hotel Trio- Living roomHotel Trio- Living room and desk
There was a large TV on the dresser which swiveled to face the living room or the bedroom. Since this was a studio the bedroom, living room and kitchen were all open to each other. The king size bed was extremely comfortable, and the room was very quiet. We could not hear any of the other guests.
The door to the bathroom was a sliding door, very modern.
Hotel Trio- Sliding door to bathroom
In the bathroom there was an area to put makeup on as you first walk in, which of course I loved having that extra space.
Hotel Trio- Additional mirror and space in bathroomHotel Trio- Bathroom (Additional mirror and space in bathroom, makeup nook)
The closet was located in the bathroom, across from the additional mirror. There was a little shelf on the wall above the sink, which I also felt added something most hotels don’t include. I was able to put my toiletries on the shelf and not by the sink avoiding any water that inevitably splashes.
Hotel Trio- Bathroom sink
The walk-in shower was large, with a sliding door.
Hotel Trio- Shower
Every morning they offer a very generous complimentary breakfast. The hours vary from weekday to weekend. Monday- Friday breakfast is served from 6:30 am-9 am and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am-10 am.
Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Scrambled eggs and egg whites, bacon and sausage)Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Toppings to add to your eggs, including tortillas to make a breakfast burrito)Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Variety of fruits)Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Yogurts, fruits, cheeses and hard boiled eggs)Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Waffle station)Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Variety of condiments)Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Cereal and oatmeal station)Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Cooked oatmeal)Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Bagels, bread and pastries)Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Cold Brew)Hotel Trio- Complimentary Breakfast (Fruit juices)
There was a nice pool and lounge area outside. Great place to hang out if you have had enough wine tasting for the day.
Hotel Trio- PoolHotel Trio- View of pool from room
There were several tables set up outside that you could either eat breakfast at or enjoy later in the day when the sun would hit that area.
Hotel Trio- Patio
There were two grills that could be used if you wanted to spend the evening in.
Hotel Trio- Grill
During the day you could partake in bocce by the pool area. If you wanted to play at night they had lighted bocce balls you could ask for from the front desk.
Hotel Trio- Bocce Court
In addition to all of this there were a few fire pits, which can definitely be used in the cooler evening nights in Healdsburg.
Hotel Trio- Firepit/ Patio
There is also a small fitness area in case you want to workout on your vacation.
Hotel Trio- Fitness CenterHotel Trio- Fitness CenterHotel Trio- Fitness CenterHotel Trio- Fitness Center
Two nights a week they offer complimentary wine tasting. There is also a bar downstairs.
Hotel Trio- Bar
The concierge Ramon was fantastic. He really knows wine country well, and can offer suggestions based on what types of wine or what types of experiences you would like. He also made our Anniversary trip so special by having the chef make two small desserts for my husband and I to share. He also put balloons in our room with a special card. It really added a special touch to our stay. Thank you Ramon!
Hotel Trio- Anniversary balloonsAnniversary Dessert
The location of the hotel is great. There is a super market right across the street to stock your hotel room with. Then downtown Healdsburg is only about a 5 minute drive. Need not worry if you want to wine taste downtown the hotel does offer shuttle.
Hotel Trio- Complimentary Shuttle to Downtown Healdsburg
This is our 8th trip to Wine Country and definitely one of our favorite hotels in this area. We would come back again!
The experience and excitement of PCD started well before we left for Spartanburg, S.C. Shortly after we ordered our car my husband mentioned Performance Center Delivery and that we should look into it. I did a little research and I was in! We reached out to our dealer, who said he was going to suggest we do this as we live only a few hours from Spartanburg. Our dealer set it up for us and all we needed to do was confirm the date worked for us. I was excited and nervous to go on a track for the first time and of course elated to pick up our brand new car! I did not know what I would be getting myself into, nor that it would be one of the greatest and most memorable experiences of our lives!
Anticipation of PCD
After looking up PCD in both the US and Germany (they offer European Delivery too- which also looks amazing), I decided I wanted to do something unique for our trip by buying or creating matching t-shirts. I looked online for awhile, found a few shirts that we really liked but of course were no longer sold. I then looked into the process of having one made. I found an image online we really liked and contacted the graphic artist, Vanisara to see if she either made shirts or if we could use her design to print one. She was so nice, and let us use the design. If you like this design she has a few other awesome BMW designs that you can check out at: www.vanisara.com/alphabet-paper-project/
I used photoshop elements to change the color of the M and make a few adjustments. We also wanted to incorporate our two cars the M3 and M40i on the shirt, so I created our sleeve graphics in photoshop. I tried to create the stripes as close to the Motorsport colors as I could. Finally, came the back of the shirt which took a little more creativity. I created the Motorsport symbol in photoshop, added the three thin lines representing the colors and then came up with the slogan “Welcome to Motorsport”.
As PCD was rapidly approaching we determined what else we may need for the course. We bought a GoPro to capture our driving experiences as we had never done anything like this before, along with a car mount. At exactly 3 weeks out we booked our one way flight to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). We were told not to book our flight until 3 weeks before your delivery date as there may be unforeseeable circumstances that may cause a change in your delivery date. We also booked a night at the Village Inn at the Biltmore to stay the night after we completed PCD on our drive home.
If you have any questions about PCD, the customer service team is very responsive. You can email: PerformanceCenterDelivery@bmwmc.com
Arrival at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
We received 5 star customer service from the moment we landed in Spartanburg, S.C. I called the Marriott once we landed and told them we were with BMW Performance Center Delivery, they took our name and said the driver would be there in 10-15 minutes. By the time we exited the airport the driver was already waiting outside by a white X5. Our driver helped us put our bags in the car and was very energetic about what we had to look forward to the next day.
Greenville Marriott
Once we arrived at the hotel we were greeted by the bellman who took our bags and ushered us to the front desk. He also offered to make reservations at Artisan, the restaurant where we were able to have a complimentary 3- course meal. Every individual we came in contact with provided great customer service and greeted us with a smile. It certainly made a difference in our trip! The front desk clerk gave us our welcome packet, room keys and a complimentary drink ticket for each of us to use at the restaurant. The bellman took us up to our room with our bags. Our flight was after work and we arrived at the hotel around 9:30 PM. The 3- course meal was offered in the restaurant until 10 PM so we headed right back down for dinner.
Complimentary 3-course dinner at Artisan The service at the restaurant was nothing short of what we had received since our arrival. We were given the BMW menu, which offered many items and they all looked great.
BMW 3-Course Meal Menu
I ordered a Caesar salad, Shrimp and Grits and the Georgia Peach Cheesecake. My husband ordered the Scratch Made Soup, 5 oz Filet Mignon and Georgia Peach Cheesecake. The food was fantastic!
Caesar SaladShrimp and Grits5 oz. FiletGeorgia Peach Cheesecake
Complimentary Breakfast Buffet
The next morning we had a complimentary breakfast buffet at Artisan, which began at 6:30AM. It had everything you could want from Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs, Fruit, Hash Browns to Made to Order Omelets and more. They also left a carafe of coffee on your table.
Breakfast BuffetBreakfast Buffet- Made to Order Omelettes
Arrival at PCD
The shuttle picked us up around 7:40 AM to take us to the BMW Performance Center. The drive was fairly quick with us arriving by 8 AM. We walked into the performance center and were greeted by many BMW staff, along with two X3 M40is on the main floor. One was in the Phytonic Blue and the other was Alpine White. We ordered the X3 M40i in Alpine White, Black Vernasca Leather with Blue Contrast Stitching, Rhombicle trim, 21-inch wheels in Cerium Gray. While we were not certain this was our car, it was the exact combination we ordered. Prior to ordering our car we had not seen the Black Leather with Blue Stitching or Rhombicle trim in person. We immediately knew we had made the right decision and couldn’t have been happier with the styling!
Shortly after walking in we were welcomed to PCD and introduced to all the individuals who would be leading our day. We were divided into two groups, one group would go with the BMW Product Specialists first, who would show us how to use all the features on our cars, while the other group was going to the classroom and the track to test out a car similar to the one we ordered.
Classroom Session We went to the classroom first and learned some skills from Jim to apply to future driving, the course and what to expect for the day. Our three course instructors were Andy, Jim and Arnold. They were amazing and really made the day memorable!
Classroom Session
Time to hit the track!
We then went outside to pick out our vehicle. We had a silver X3 M40i for the first part of the day. We quickly hooked up our GoPro, so we could catch all the amazing experiences we were in store for. There were about 4 other vehicles in our group. Three were the X3 M40i and the other was an X5 M.
Time to hit the track!Our car for the day- Silver X3 M40i
How fast can you stop with BMW ABS brakes?
The answer is VERY fast! Our first stop on the track was to test out the ABS brakes. We started off accelerating at 40 MPH and stomping on the brakes as hard as we could when we reached the specified stopping spot. It was truly amazing how quick BMWs can stop. We then progressed to 45, 50, and 55. Andy really tried to get us to punch the brakes as hard as we could- he made these exercises entertaining. It was great to learn what the car is truly capable of, especially since braking is such a huge part of my daily commute in the city. The next segment was autocross. The track was set up with cones to weave in and out of and help make the track more exciting. We were spaced out so we would be able to accelerate and take the course as fast as we wanted to. This was our first time on the track and it was amazing! We both really pushed the car and had a great time! I never knew how fun it would be to be on the track, and even more so I assume because it was not our car. I was also shocked at the power the X3 M40i has, it does not feel like an SUV at all. The 0-60 time is about 4.6 seconds (maybe faster!), and the car is very quick and nimble at the lower speeds too.
Ready to Autocross!
Time to turn off the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Our next stop was the skid pad to drive without DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). This time we parked our SUVs on the side of the road and took turns going on the skid pad in a 340i.
Our group for the day!
They had two cars going on the skid pad at a time, each one with one course participant and one professional driver. I watched my husband go first and was amazed at the 360’s he did and the drifting. It was awesome watching from the side of the road as I had never seen a car do a 360 that close to me! Then I realized- I am up next, how can I do a 360 without flying off the road?!?! I have no idea what I am doing! I got into the car and adjusted the seat and mirrors and turned to Andy (professional driver) and said “how do I do what he did?” He said just listen to me and we will be all set. So we started off around the skid pad and sure enough there was my first 360! It was an amazing feeling and so much more fun than I could have imagined. I kept going and there was my 2nd 360- even better and more fun than the first. We then did some drifting and headed off the track. This was one of the most fun events for me throughout the day and I still love thinking back to it! Knowing that I had a professional driver next to me made all the difference, and a more controlled environment. Thank you Andy!
Practicing 360s together!Skid Pad
Hot Lap- Are you ready?!?! Up next was our Hot Lap with a professional driver in an M3. We had Jim as our driver and he was phenomenal! Talk about an experience I will never forget. First of all, he was so nice and made sure we felt comfortable and safe in the car the entire time while giving us the drive of a lifetime. We started off with autocross and speeding around the entire track, then we hit the skid pad and we did at least a 360 if not more than we drifted for awhile and then left the track in the dust. A ride to remember!
360 on the Hot Lap from outside M3360 on the Hot Lap from inside M3
Drifting on the Hot Lap
BMW X Factory Tour (BMW Manufacturing)
We followed Arnold in our X3 M40i to the factory for the BMW Factory Tour (BMW Manufacturing). I thought this would be one of my less favorite parts of the day, but it happened to be very interesting! I am so happy the tour was open for BMW owners. As we pulled up to the factory we noticed every single parking space was full and every curb had a car parked next to it. There were a few reserved spots at the front for us, but it was amazing to see how many workers were in the factory at that time!
BMW X Factory
No cameras or cell phones are allowed in the building. We entered and were greeted by our tour guide who gave us headphones and glasses to wear. She told us what to expect and how to stay safe. Our tour guide through the factory was great- she had a plethora of knowledge, kept our attention and really taught us a lot. The tour is always something I will remember and taught me a lot about my car. It truly made me proud to be a BMW owner. Every car that is manufactured in the factory is owned by someone, whether it be an individual or a dealership. It was amazing to watch each stage of the car be put together and how much effort, time and precision goes into each step. One interesting fact is that the BMW key stays with the vehicle the entire time from the moment the paint is completed on the frame.
Other Roads Course- time to off road! After leaving the plant Arnold led us over to the off roading section of the course (Other Roads Course). The first part was driving through about 2 feet of water. My husband drove through the water and it was awesome to experience this. I would never have known the capabilities of my car and that it could go through that much water without being phased.
Driving through water
Almost through the water!
We then went to a rocky hill where we were guided to balance at a 45 degree angle on two wheels! That was definitely an experience and at one point I thought we were going to tip over, but with the guidance of our instructor and the capabilities of the X3 M40i we were just fine!
The answer is no, if you lean to the right when your car is balancing on the left two wheels it will not help hold the car up, although we did try this. All of our instructors made the course not only fun but instructional.
Balancing on two wheels!
We did make it safely back onto all 4 wheels and we continued onwards down the hill. I am shocked that our car could withstand that much of an angle and not be phased.
Hill Descent Control
Our last section of the Other Roads course was testing out the hill descent feature. We drove to the top of a rocky hill and stopped. We then pushed the hill descent control and took our foot off the brake and not touching the gas either, the X3 M40i slowly and at a consistent speed made it’s way down the hill. You could increase or decrease the speed of the vehicle with the + and – buttons on the steering wheel. It is a pretty cool feature.
Complimentary Lunch We then took a break to enjoy our complimentary lunch. We didn’t know what to expect, but it far surpassed what I would have thought. We walked into the cafeteria and they had everything from burgers to chicken wraps to salad to grilled veggies to fries to dessert. I asked what our options were and the lady behind the counter said “What do you want, we will make you whatever you like.” There are limitations I am sure, but they offered many more options than just the food laid out. We enjoyed our lunch talking to other PCD drivers. Our group was from all over the Eastern part of the US.
Lunch in the Cafeteria
Taking delivery of our car!
Finally it was time to see our new car and learn all the ins and outs. Just love this car- it’s the perfect size for us, 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and it sure sounds amazing when you start it up!
Our amazing new car!Our X3 M40i in PCD showroomInterior of X3 M40iX3 M40i EngineX3 M40i Wheel and Brake Pads
Our product specialist Josh was amazing- just like all of our instructors had been. He started off with the basics for me as this was my first BMW, even though my husband is not new to the brand. I set up BMW Connect- love this feature! I can take a 360 view of my car from anywhere, which I have used multiple times now. I even took one in the PCD show room which is a cool picture I will be keeping. It is really nice when you are parked in a public area to check to see the surroundings of your vehicle remotely.
BMW Connect- Remote View in PCD showroomBMW Connect- Remote View at night accessed from hotel room
You can also check to make sure the doors are locked, circulate air through the car, and many more things. We also set up Apple Car Play and BMW Assist while there. The wireless charging in the car is amazing, along with the pano sunroof!
There are so many security features on this car and I am so happy we got these. The car I had prior to this one had no sensors or cameras in it, and I didn’t realize how useful and how much safer cameras and sensors can make your drive. I use the parking cameras all the time and the bird’s eye view is amazing when parking the car. I will sometimes turn this on when I am pulling into a spot too.
I had been ready to order the car without the security features, but I am so glad we opted to order all of them. The lane assist, collision and self park are great options. We then learned about the different drive modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport Plus and how we could customize the driver profile with each of these. We received two keys and each key is programmed to a driver, one to myself and one to my husband. Thank you Josh for walking us through every inch and capability of our new car!
Overall, Performance Center Delivery is the way to go if you can make it work. I would not hesitate to do this again, and we have already recommended it to all of our friends and family. I have never been much of a car person, but after this experience I now look forward to getting into my car, turning it on to hear the roar of the M40i engine and am proud to be a BMW owner and an M enthusiast. Thank you to the PCD team for making this experience so memorable!
Dreaming of Hawaii…. As that refreshing fall air hits your face you know the cold winds of winter are soon to be upon us. We all know that cold gust of wind you fear as you open your front door to go outside. Your body tenses up, you brace yourself…… You open the door and…. this is the perfect time to be planning your winter getaway! I know I am thinking about it.
There are not many places that have consistent or predictable weather in the high 70’s and 80’s in the US from December to February. Hawaii typically has beautiful weather at this time of year. As everything continues to become more expensive you can stay in hotels on Maui for the same price or less than some hotels in Florida.
We have stayed on Maui twice, once on Kauai, and once on the Big Island. Our favorite island we have visited is Maui and for first time visitors I would recommend Maui as I believe it captures the essence of the islands with the convenience of the main land.
The first trip we took to Maui at the beginning of November and the second trip at the end of January/ beginning of February. In both instances we were lucky to have beautiful weather. Maui has the perfect balance of natural beauty, convenience, serenity and many activities. Having been to Florida and Arizona many times over the years there is truly something special about Hawaii. Peaceful. Serene. Tropical. Exotic. Perfectly Beautiful.
It can be a long flight, especially from my neck of the woods. Some may think if you are traveling that far why not travel to another country? In my opinion you have the best of both worlds, you have all of the conveniences of being in the US but it feels you have traveled somewhere exotic. Perhaps its the peaceful music, serene and beautiful landscape, or relaxing Hawaiian culture that always calls my heart back to Hawaii.
There are many areas to stay on Maui and the activities you want to do may influence where you want to stay. Consider what activities you would like to do, places you want to see and tours you want to take before booking your hotel. I will be adding a post on my suggestions of things to see and do in the next few weeks. While it may seem like points of interest are close on a map there are not always direct routes between them. We have booked both of our trips through Costco after much research, I would definitely consider booking through them as well.
The first trip we stayed in Lahaina/ Kaanapali at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. As you enter the hotel you are welcomed by the friendly front guest staff who have fresh flower leis waiting for you. You can see the ocean from the grand foyer and you will also be greeted by some beautiful animals. During our stay we met a family of penguins, a blue parrot, flamingos, swans and more.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa- Penguins in lobbyHyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa- Blue Parrot in lobby
The hotel was open aired. Below is a picture taken from the hallway outside our room.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa- Birds eye view of lobby from our floor
The Hyatt has two nice pools. One pool was very relaxing, while the other had more going on for children/ all ages including a slide and a rope bridge over the pool . Between the two pools you could cross under a waterfall to get to their Grotto bar. There are also hammocks throughout the property which we enjoyed as well.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa Main Pool- View from our roomHyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa- Waterfall leading to Grotto BarHyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa- Bridge over pool
We stayed in an oceanfront king room. The room had a beautiful view of the sunset. The hotel rooms are set back a little from the ocean. When sitting on our balcony we overlooked the swimming pool first and then the ocean. The aerial view from our helicopter ride shown below gives a good idea of the actual layout of the hotel. We also requested an extra refrigerator (separate from minibar) to hold some food we had bought from Costco. Eating out in Maui can be very expensive so we bought deli meat, cheese and rolls to have for lunch. Stopping at Costco is a must for snacks, drinks, bottled water and even some souvenirs.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa- Oceanfront king bedHyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa- Sunset from our balconyHyatt Regency Resort and Spa- BalconyHyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa- Extra refrigerator we requested to hold our drinks, deli meat and cheese.Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa- Aerial view of the Hyatt from our helicopter tour
In booking the Hyatt through Costco my husband and I received free buffet breakfasts every morning. They were delicious!
Breakfast buffet
Most hotels provide a pamphlet of both complimentary as well as paid for activities. A suggestion would be to contact the hotel prior to arrival to see what they are offering or even tours you can take through the concierge. I would also do your own research as you may be able to find the tours cheaper on your own.
In front of the hotel there was a walking trail which led to Whalers Village. The shops included boutiques, souvenir stores and chains like Lululemon, Oakley and Swarovski. Throughout our stay there were also local artists set up along the path that sold their handmade items.
The oceanfront path had several restaurants set upon it, which is very convenient if you have been enjoying some delicious Hawaiian drinks throughout the day…
This resort is less than a 10 minute drive from Lahaina. This is a very cute town with everything from wonderful restaurants to small gift shops. You may also find locals who are carving tiki men statues out of wood or cracking open fresh coconuts. I would recommend buying both!
For our second trip to Maui we wanted to try out another part of the island. We were torn between the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua and finding a hotel in Wailea. The area by the Ritz Carlton was a lot more secluded but we knew the Ritz is always an amazing choice. On the other hand Wailea had a lot of convenience and was on the warmer, drier part of Maui, yet we didn’t know how the hotels would be as many were older.
After a lot of thought and research we decided to stay on the warmer side of the island Wailea, as we were traveling in January eager to escape winter for a week! This meant I now needed to do a lot of research and read about all of the hotels. As mentioned before many of the hotels were older, so I began to look for hotels with the most recent renovations. If you haven’t learned from my previous article we prefer staying at newer hotels.
Our deciding factors for a hotel were being able to view the ocean from our room, convenience and we didn’t want to break the bank. I came upon the Wailea Beach Resort which was currently undergoing a multi million dollar renovation that was slated to be done by the time we got there in January 2017. As we all know, renovations can sometimes take longer than expected. I decided to take a risk on this hotel, although the oldest property in Wailea, it was also built closest to the water as there were not as many regulations placed on hotels back then. The price was reasonable for an oceanfront room, and I loved the idea of an infinity pool in Maui! We are so happy we took the risk and stayed at a property we had never heard of.
Wailea Beach Resort- Favorite part of the day!
We booked an oceanfront room which had the most beautiful view! We would pick up breakfast at the Island Gourmet Market at the Shops at Wailea and bring it back to our room to eat on the balcony and watch the waves roll in (a post will soon be added about the restaurants we visited).
Wailea Beach Resort- Breakfast on our lanai
The room at the Marriott had been completely renovated. The beds were new and very comfortable, and trust me we can be picky! There was a walk- in shower, although due to it being an older hotel the ceilings were lower. The view was definitely the highlight and could not be beat, we were literally steps from the ocean!
Wailea Beach Resort- King oceanfront roomWailea Beach Resort- King oceanfront room- ShowerWailea Beach Resort- King oceanfront room- Vanity
The Marriott has a gorgeous adults only (18 and older) infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. We were able to whale watch from the pool at the end of January/ beginning of February, which was amazing! l can easily say this was my favorite pool from all of our trips and I would return just for that. It was so peaceful and serene and I feel relaxed just thinking about that experience.
They have two other oceanfront pools which allows all ages. If you cannot find a seat at the adults only infinity pool you can enjoy this one.
Wailea Beach Resort- Ohi Pool
We happened to be visiting during my husbands birthday and the Marriott left a spread of wine, cheese and crackers. It was so thoughtful! Of course we enjoyed this on our balcony- what better view could you have?
Wailea Beach Resort- Complimentary wine, cheese and crackers on our lanai
There was a kids pool and play area, along with two slides. We even tried out the slide once- totally worth it! It is supposedly the largest slide on Maui.
Wailea Beach Resort NALU Adventure Pool- kid’s poolWailea Beach Resort- Waterfall at kid’s pool
There is an oceanfront path in front of the hotel. This is perfect for a morning run, enjoy the path early as it can get crowded. The views are beautiful so be sure to take a walk on this path during your stay.
Wailea Beach Resort- Oceanfront path
Another great amenity of this hotel was the Departure Lounge. As a frequent traveler we do not find many hotels that have this. Sure, most hotels will let you keep your luggage at the concierge and occasionally let you change in the spa. This hotel actually has a lounge designed for your use once you check out of your hotel room. This is especially useful for flights from Hawaii as your flight may not leave until 9PM at night. You can maximize your day enjoying the pool and beach without having to worry about boarding a plane without a shower. We kept our luggage with the bellman, and when it was about an hour before we needed to leave for the airport we retrieved the bag we needed with our travel clothes and headed to the lounge. We were able to take showers, dry our hair, watch TV and relax before heading back to the airport. This definitely added to our enjoyment of this hotel.
The hotel was also a short walk from the Shops at Wailea. This is an outdoor mall that has many restaurants and shops. I will be adding a link to discuss the shops at Wailea in the next couple of weeks.
If you are looking for a place to escape winter, Hawaii is a wonderful option. I would never have thought the prices would compare to traveling to Florida with an ocean view, but they do. In addition to this, the atmosphere of Hawaii cannot be beat. Albeit a long flight, I would do it again!
The hotel or bed and breakfast you stay in Sonoma, Napa or the surrounding counties can determine quite a bit about the wineries you will visit. Traveling between Sonoma and Napa is not easy due to the adjacent mountain ranges.Every time we travel to the area I over estimate how many wineries we can visit due to the time it takes to get between the wineries I want to visit.
A suggestion would be to determine if there are any wineries that are a must before booking your hotel. If time allows it may be best to spend a few days in Sonoma and then a few days in Napa. We have stayed at several different hotels over the past few years, which I have listed below.Our main criteria for these hotels were location, which wine region we wanted to visit, quality of hotel and price. There are obviously many hotels and bed and breakfasts available, but here are a few suggestions.
The Inn is a wonderful place to stay, perfectly positioned within the heart of downtown Sonoma. The Inn blends hotel accommodations with the charm of a bed and breakfast.We had a room on the first floor with a balcony where we ate our complimentary daily breakfast which included homemade items such as egg dishes, scones, muffins, fresh fruit, cereal, coffee and tea. You can enjoy the breakfast in the common dining area or in your room as we did. In the evening there is a complimentary wine and cheese reception which runs for about an hour. You can enjoy the wine and cheese in the lobby with other guests, take it to your room or enjoy it around the hot tub on the roof.
Inn at Sonoma
The location was great since you were in the middle of Sonoma and can walk to shops and restaurants. After a day of wine tasting you will truly appreciate this convenience. Try to book a room here early to get the best rate, as it is a popular hotel and in peak season the rates can get more expensive.
This is my favorite hotel we have stayed in while visiting wine country. We have stayed here twice, hence all the photos. The hotel is picturesque and is exactly what I would picture when staying in wine country. The outside of the buildings have Ivy growing up the sides, and they are set up like a cluster of Italian cottages around a piazza and some overlooking the vineyards.
Piazza at Vintners Inn
There is a dirt trail in the back of the hotel that winds through the vineyards.My husband and I loved walking on the trail after a day of wine tasting.
Vintners Inn- Walking/ Running path through the vineyards
There is no wine and cheese reception or complimentary breakfast, but the atmosphere makes up for this.The hotel does give you a complimentary 375 mL bottle of wine per stay in your room.They also have complimentary coffee in each building on the first floor.
Vintners Inn- Complimentary 375 mL bottle of wine
A suggestion for this hotel is booking a 2nd floor room.Both times we have stayed here we reserved a room on the second floor.These rooms have a vaulted ceiling and a small balcony.Please note there is no elevator, only stairs.
Vintners Inn- Sitting areaVintners Inn- Fireplace in our roomVintners Inn- King Room
We requested a view of the vineyards as we wanted a more private balcony. They will not guarantee this but you can request it.
Vintners Inn- Enjoying a glass of wine on our balconyVintners Inn- View from our balcony on 2nd floor
While you cannot walk to restaurants or shops, they do have a restaurant onsite that is definitely worth a visit. The restaurant is John Ash & Co and they serve farm to table seasonal dishes. We have eaten here a few times and have enjoyed each meal. If you can get a table next to the window on a nice evening they will open the windows and you will have a nice view of the vineyards.
John Ash & Co- View from our tableVintners Inn- John Ash & Co Restaurant
Since the Carano family owns Vintners Inn they also offer guests vouchers for free tastings at their winery Ferrari-Carano. Parking is free.
We stayed at the Oxford Inn & Suites on our most recent trip. While researching hotels in Napa/ Sonoma you will find most are not brand new. We do enjoy staying in newer hotels, and this time we decided we would put this as one of our top criteria for the hotel, over the convenience of staying walking distance to restaurants and shops. We also wanted a more reasonably priced hotel.
Oxford Inn & Suites- Rohnert Park
The Oxford had a wonderful complimentary breakfast.They had a buffet of bagels, toast, biscuits, eggs, sausages, bacon, oatmeal, yogurt, cereal, fruit, eggs and even cooked made to order omelets. You can watch the chefs cook everything from the dining area as they left the wall between the kitchen and dining area open. It was nice to see that, as everything was kept very clean.
At night the hotel offered a wine and beer reception where each person received two tickets for their choice of beer or wine.There was also a soup and salad bar area during the nightly reception.
Salad and soup bar in the evening
The rooms were clean, and brand new.The bathrooms had a separate bath tub and walk in shower for the rooms with a king bed.
Sink in BathroomWalk in shower and bath tubKitchenette in roomKing Bed
The customer service was great and we were upgraded to a larger suite and given a complimentary bottle of red wine to celebrate our Anniversary!
Bar and restaurant
One tip would be to ask for a room that was not over the bar area as our room could hear the noise below us. Parking is free.
Stay at this hotel if you would like a convenient location to downtown Napa. We stayed here exactly for that reason. We wanted to be able to walk to town and go to dinner after a day of wine tasting. There was a wine reception in the evening and you can bring your wine up to your room or enjoy it in the lobby area.
Maison Fleurie is another Four Sisters property in Yountville, which is a small town in Napa. For restaurant connoisseurs you may be familiar with this town as this is where The French Laundry is located. We stayed here for the location in Yountville and for the price. Typically Yountville can be quite pricey but booking early we were able to get a really good rate. Our room was small, but very quaint and clean. The customer service was great and we really enjoyed our stay. There was a complimentary homemade breakfast, very similar to the one at the Inn at Sonoma with homemade items such as egg dishes, scones, muffins, fresh fruit, cereal, coffee and tea. They also hosted wine & hors d’ oeuvres in the early evening hours.
We were able to walk to dinner, which was very convenient after a day of wine tasting. I will soon be adding a post on restaurants to eat at. Parking is free.
Mount View Hotel & Spa is in downtown Calistoga. We did wine tasting through Napa the first day we were in town and we planned to enjoy the second day in Sonoma. We chose Calistoga due to it’s location on the outskirts of Napa so we could make it to Sonoma earlier in the morning the next day. As mentioned earlier it is not easy to get between Napa and Sonoma due to the mountain ranges in between. In staying in Calistoga you are close to the Petrified Forest Rd which you can take to get from Napa to Sonoma. You can also drive up CA-128 W to get to Alexander Valley.
The hotel is situated in downtown Calistoga, so you are able to walk to get dinner in the evening or coffee in the morning. You receive a complimentary breakfast in the morning consisting of hard boiled eggs, coffee, yogurt, muffins, and a few other items. We stayed at the hotel one night and left early the next morning.
Dreaming of a tour through Sonoma and Napa…. There is nothing like the smell of freshly crushed grapes, the view of beautiful rolling vineyards, the swirling of a bright cherry red wine and the wonderful taste you can seemingly only create while visiting a vineyard.
Sonoma and Napa have been through a lot recently with terrible wildfires that raged through vineyards causing many to evacuate and some to lose their homes, belongings, businesses and vineyards. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires. Many people have had to cancel or postpone their trips to wine country, but now that the smoke has cleared it is time to plan your trip to Sonoma and Napa! My husband and I have been to Napa and Sonoma several times experiencing each season in wine country. Every season brings something different to the region, but in my opinion fall is the most beautiful time of year to visit.
Iconic sign in Napa Valley
A wine tour through Sonoma or Napa is a great way to experience wine country. It not only provides a safe way to visit each winery, but also allows you to visit wineries you most likely have never heard of. We have taken a group wine tour while staying in San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma and Santa Rosa. Typically where you stay will dictate where you can take a tour to. I have listed the tour companies we have used to offer you a few suggestions. By no means is this a comprehensive or exhaustive list of all available tour companies. We have only taken group tours, but these companies offer private tours too. Continue reading “What wine tour should I take through Sonoma and Napa?”
