tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67309715767775218632024-02-07T20:36:00.131-06:00Laura's AmericaIsn't there something refreshing about hitting the open road? Planes and trains are nice, but there is something special about riding in your car with the windows down and the radio on. I'll be sharing some stories and pictures from my adventures while exploring some big cities, small towns and everything in-between. Feel free to tag along.Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-34986510282567114742020-11-22T13:22:00.005-06:002020-11-22T13:22:48.540-06:00A favorite quote from Claire in the movie Elizabethtown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">Everybody thinks it's about "there". That getting "there" is all that, but that so totally misses the point. It's about the journey, the getting, </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">not</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"> the there.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">There's great, of course. I mean, it's where you want to be, but there is so much incredible stuff you get along the way. That's what I call the gift of there. Like opening a present, though, you have to open your eyes - and your heart and mind, really - to see it! Still... it's all there, though, on the way there.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">Welcome to my America - a place I'd like to believe is worth going through eyes wide open on the way there. My America, a land of wonder, of sparkle and glory, hope, dreams, opportunity, county fairs, iron bridges, elephant ears, dog trots and old book stores that smell of other people's lives.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" face="'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif">It's a pretty great place, even if it's not there. But hey, like I said, if the getting could be as sweet as the there, now that's a pretty good deal, indeed.</span></span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-11996001833203200792018-11-06T11:57:00.000-06:002020-09-05T11:57:50.891-05:00Barcelona restaurant, Nashville, TNLaura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-45011916853273214242018-09-29T11:52:00.002-05:002020-09-05T11:54:13.726-05:00Puckett's Grocery, Leipers ForkLaura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-40982871745809528352018-06-06T11:55:00.003-05:002020-09-05T11:56:20.305-05:00The Sagamore ResortLaura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-85134813384305497172018-05-17T11:58:00.001-05:002020-09-05T11:59:00.354-05:0021c Museum Hotel, Cincinnati, OhioLaura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-68876086698650688992018-04-20T11:59:00.002-05:002020-09-05T12:00:17.012-05:00Nashville Predators playoffsLaura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-84882127688115511062017-12-12T12:01:00.002-06:002020-09-05T12:01:40.020-05:00The big island, HawaiiLaura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-23811807430460932402017-10-21T12:02:00.001-05:002020-09-05T12:02:48.657-05:00Memphis, TNLaura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-65251792644985389552017-09-27T12:03:00.001-05:002020-09-05T12:04:28.879-05:00Verona, WisconsinLaura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-11013640090811145052012-01-24T22:53:00.001-06:002012-04-02T21:26:49.198-05:00Christmas season 2011, Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYxSTuZlAWJ13HVNmviUY-dVRc7FIHQ5B3vjCvpnZ0_xaWR5tV76tq0BAi3zqpDizcRUD9-hPryl3gTFrycvfRpdfIkeD0VnRS9aoQLXmiC5FCOebMrhCSPczCXyLILOwzfOesV87CiI/s1600/CIMG0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYxSTuZlAWJ13HVNmviUY-dVRc7FIHQ5B3vjCvpnZ0_xaWR5tV76tq0BAi3zqpDizcRUD9-hPryl3gTFrycvfRpdfIkeD0VnRS9aoQLXmiC5FCOebMrhCSPczCXyLILOwzfOesV87CiI/s320/CIMG0060.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my mind I see Will Ferrell walking in the room.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-33914293384437694052011-12-12T21:24:00.000-06:002011-12-12T21:24:42.535-06:00Haight Ashbury, San Francisco, CA<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Visiting Haight Ashbury is always a treat. They have tons of little eclectic shops, thrift stores and yummy eateries. We had a great time walking in and out of the stores and experiencing a little of the 60s that still resides in the Haight. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtQ5ByOVeI7wYCcsHA6Q_CfGOup6Br5XFeiFNcGAkD4fCMqjBjHOATuooeZ5gMwozpyDjM_Bk4Hs_VLJ2Dc0Bq21xBaj917DEfm-6I2PK2DPhj25JDhD7X2cMRwJatmI_ldjcZ3X_ncc/s1600/AsqewGrill_HaightStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtQ5ByOVeI7wYCcsHA6Q_CfGOup6Br5XFeiFNcGAkD4fCMqjBjHOATuooeZ5gMwozpyDjM_Bk4Hs_VLJ2Dc0Bq21xBaj917DEfm-6I2PK2DPhj25JDhD7X2cMRwJatmI_ldjcZ3X_ncc/s200/AsqewGrill_HaightStreet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I recommend the </span><a href="http://asqewgrill.com/menu/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Asqew Grill</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> for lunch and for dessert <a href="http://coco-luxe.com/">Coco-luxe</a>! Try the chocolate dipped honeycomb!</span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-86790549786711858162011-12-12T21:16:00.000-06:002011-12-12T21:16:08.176-06:00I have a permit!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I visited city hall while we were in Carmel and got a permit to wear high heels in the city limits. I'm legal now!</span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-4512754616927269092011-12-12T21:14:00.000-06:002011-12-12T21:14:28.617-06:00Carmel, California<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My favorite city in America, Carmel, California. There is nothing like seeing the sunset on the beach in Carmel and then walking back up the hill to choose which restaurant to try. The city is full of art galleries, boutiques and delicious restaurants, bars and bakeries.</span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-39304910429167462362011-12-12T21:10:00.000-06:002011-12-12T21:11:13.039-06:00Driving down Highway 1<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03qKKmlQ3s-iGKOyf1tp2Fmw1-eMJdVzDYDQpGj-UzCw4Yl2hrTkJJ5TkoZ_M0eGuEQQJ4b4d5xgplSOIVgdukBLpS-AQdjj7Vo6J2-8_2YcMVFoNPWMYrkBQu5NFyFpj38zHvScGiUc/s1600/100_1663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03qKKmlQ3s-iGKOyf1tp2Fmw1-eMJdVzDYDQpGj-UzCw4Yl2hrTkJJ5TkoZ_M0eGuEQQJ4b4d5xgplSOIVgdukBLpS-AQdjj7Vo6J2-8_2YcMVFoNPWMYrkBQu5NFyFpj38zHvScGiUc/s200/100_1663.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bixby Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHohMHXBIJ8okmcc_E4-XQGm626RhA2iL-sMPLjzBcHSg9aDiOJOVob-hPOeGNyAtQ8dBsr-vBLqKWdtbo0ZDgfUKKLQO0_y79puSU5vIlZxNjEbeb72C41Z3gChXjAeQMqJTrB-mlRHg/s1600/100_1665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHohMHXBIJ8okmcc_E4-XQGm626RhA2iL-sMPLjzBcHSg9aDiOJOVob-hPOeGNyAtQ8dBsr-vBLqKWdtbo0ZDgfUKKLQO0_y79puSU5vIlZxNjEbeb72C41Z3gChXjAeQMqJTrB-mlRHg/s200/100_1665.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Driving down Highway 1 is a must when you are in the area. Make sure you stop at the <a href="http://www.bigsurriverinn.com/">Big Sur River Inn</a> for lunch on the patio. </span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-91659295999232504822011-12-12T21:03:00.000-06:002011-12-12T21:03:25.618-06:00September 11, 2011<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On September 11th we woke up on the 15th floor of the Hyatt in downtown San Francisco. There were memorials going on all over town. I loved opening the window and seeing our American flag flying proudly from the tops of the skyscrapers. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Later that day we headed to Carmel and saw this beautiful sculpture holding our awesome flag.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3vE1PqfH7hi-VFsvhrl_Qd09-Wox77FTpGbv0viFPwPIIeC2qfis6IVraWwN_qMZix09ajDnfUy4NB0geyF_npsG1kKdHbPqfZ8I9AzhFA0GdNqpfmmsIWlrcu1ZqiCMa5oA_-AdWAc/s1600/statue+in+Carmel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3vE1PqfH7hi-VFsvhrl_Qd09-Wox77FTpGbv0viFPwPIIeC2qfis6IVraWwN_qMZix09ajDnfUy4NB0geyF_npsG1kKdHbPqfZ8I9AzhFA0GdNqpfmmsIWlrcu1ZqiCMa5oA_-AdWAc/s200/statue+in+Carmel.jpg" width="91" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What a great country we live in!</span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-52205162685258794132011-11-09T23:43:00.000-06:002011-11-09T23:48:33.210-06:00Al Fresco, Kitchen and Garden<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4lsxzt-0GVSQYpzw56LxpXxdW9tUoQi_zc_oEWIGConULDi3BPXvq9ebXuca9I2yngUHRSXtc2CyYyceDkn67zf9wKkFHDLqV-k5rGhyjbpepMsQlrz72TI3bdzb9h3vBFIACE8XQ8c/s1600/alfresco.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4lsxzt-0GVSQYpzw56LxpXxdW9tUoQi_zc_oEWIGConULDi3BPXvq9ebXuca9I2yngUHRSXtc2CyYyceDkn67zf9wKkFHDLqV-k5rGhyjbpepMsQlrz72TI3bdzb9h3vBFIACE8XQ8c/s1600/alfresco.bmp" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3r2g7nQ9mOScgW7KEJTY7JuBp2QPodONlCDbvCgbIakmrivLs8mPidDV9sAjKIjYS0BWq_A5BSVuYIUF7WZJy83urYzjfFLIfESHiw8IiXwIzWx6ouQNJ3zvVeC_SJ-aTRu1ADx0Cw_o/s1600/100_1636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3r2g7nQ9mOScgW7KEJTY7JuBp2QPodONlCDbvCgbIakmrivLs8mPidDV9sAjKIjYS0BWq_A5BSVuYIUF7WZJy83urYzjfFLIfESHiw8IiXwIzWx6ouQNJ3zvVeC_SJ-aTRu1ADx0Cw_o/s200/100_1636.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Right outside the Kokomo tasting room is the Al Fresco Kitchen and garden. We were directed by Ross to visit the kitchen for lunch after our tour. It took a bit to get our food, but was totally worth the wait, because it was all freshly made. We ordered, burgers, pulled pork, seasoned fries and vegetables and everything was incredibly delicious. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoySRVX60ZF_dUXRmk4nlnoCnkLZtC9IA_juPNraw2lXMEo4ARjnwKj45YaFw3yMqIvjeVnjXe25VystLo_Q66Ieq6WTFTLu-3FAhVLmWgXSYtbGMzXhdrex_KQJQuizKbiOzEhwtlD7Q/s1600/CIMG0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoySRVX60ZF_dUXRmk4nlnoCnkLZtC9IA_juPNraw2lXMEo4ARjnwKj45YaFw3yMqIvjeVnjXe25VystLo_Q66Ieq6WTFTLu-3FAhVLmWgXSYtbGMzXhdrex_KQJQuizKbiOzEhwtlD7Q/s200/CIMG0019.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Right next to the picnic tables and bocce ball court is a beautiful flower garden. The garden has a sign that says "Take as many flowers as you want, the more you pick the more they grow - The Gardener". Abbey and Jamie picked us a beautiful bouquet for our hotel room. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-13680295029632170522011-11-09T23:27:00.000-06:002011-11-09T23:44:50.415-06:00Kokomo Vineyard Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OhB0Y80LyRIb6_PVxDHhV-aTgjuaXS0eHH3vNqI1M_GeawrTOZp129UQMUW87apSP3yYDZpOb-fNTnCq9gJ1-2qU4Qo2vOxNRxCTFBXXb9ZMCKC-e3xmhB2yleNnTQZvU_rUsUtH91k/s1600/100_1624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OhB0Y80LyRIb6_PVxDHhV-aTgjuaXS0eHH3vNqI1M_GeawrTOZp129UQMUW87apSP3yYDZpOb-fNTnCq9gJ1-2qU4Qo2vOxNRxCTFBXXb9ZMCKC-e3xmhB2yleNnTQZvU_rUsUtH91k/s200/100_1624.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When you drive up the hill to the Kokomo tasting room you first see a large parking lot. Kokomo shares a drive with a few other tasting rooms. We visited a couple of those, and they were fine, but as soon as we walked in the door at Kokomo we realized we were somewhere special. Ross greeted us at the door and showed us around. We spent time talking with him about the area, and got the scoop on where the locals eat and the best places to go for live music late at night. Then Ross introduced us to the Kokomo wines and set us up for a vineyard tour with the owner and the grower for the following morning. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Erik Miller (the owner) and Randy Peters (the rancher) took us on a tour of the vines the next morning. Randy explained to us the importance of the soil, the climate, and explained to us how they determine how much hang time the grapes need on the vines. He had us taste different types of grapes and explained how they determine which types of grapes make which types of wine. I am definitely not a wine connoisseur but I thoroughly enjoyed it all. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Erik Miller the owner, came to Sonoma after college to spend the summer and relax. He took a job helping with harvest and decided his future and his heart were in Sonoma. Randy Peters is a 4th generation rancher in Dry Creek Valley and has an amazing amount of knowledge. Both of these guys, as well as Ross were personable made us feel extremely welcome. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you are ever in Healdsburg - go by and visit at Kokomo and tell Ross, Randy and Erik that their Nashville friends said "Hello"!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2hyCN4m3MnQmHpD7Dq36NIoykgtI5sHD_ct-iVwq3DRxIPuR8ZAFOCplbJY_yUNnIQKNuH5YxpMLG9ScGjT4Utk6R4z-PVb6CNa7QvxSxtS8rALdsPZKIaMypZFsoTV8cyt1xnprT7c/s1600/323987_10150324334131122_637326121_8201371_225111459_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2hyCN4m3MnQmHpD7Dq36NIoykgtI5sHD_ct-iVwq3DRxIPuR8ZAFOCplbJY_yUNnIQKNuH5YxpMLG9ScGjT4Utk6R4z-PVb6CNa7QvxSxtS8rALdsPZKIaMypZFsoTV8cyt1xnprT7c/s320/323987_10150324334131122_637326121_8201371_225111459_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-68724165691130767972011-11-09T23:03:00.000-06:002011-11-09T23:07:12.149-06:00Wineries we loved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMts8WHYWDIfnYvYvqomPBaxQYrGGxf1RJBm6cS1brMQJRtY7DgF1BTFlQntc7Pczukq5wVRc6PVp3IY6Gg6nzhNG98bXpzrKfNBOIv8wwvfR9VXVwsdo_5feok5Il7h083MTAu49OxvQ/s1600/100_1524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMts8WHYWDIfnYvYvqomPBaxQYrGGxf1RJBm6cS1brMQJRtY7DgF1BTFlQntc7Pczukq5wVRc6PVp3IY6Gg6nzhNG98bXpzrKfNBOIv8wwvfR9VXVwsdo_5feok5Il7h083MTAu49OxvQ/s200/100_1524.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At the first place we stopped, <a href="http://www.mauritsonwines.com/">Mauritson</a>, we met a very nice lady who directed us to several family owned vineyards where we would get personal service. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here are some of our favorites:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.stuhlmullervineyards.com/About-Us/Vineyards"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stuhlmuller Vineyards</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> - very off the beaten path, but definitely worth the drive</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6LNx2707ZaX4xRhbotMioBQ_PIDySud7SztqM1Sg-ZZmJnu4Ee4bbuGL1frhSpd5uOXWAgBVzorE2T79Nwz2kECz2LSfhbWltrABiLsqaGueRQYKskRG3-FwGpCrAN-Br2Owhi9VHaY/s1600/100_1529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6LNx2707ZaX4xRhbotMioBQ_PIDySud7SztqM1Sg-ZZmJnu4Ee4bbuGL1frhSpd5uOXWAgBVzorE2T79Nwz2kECz2LSfhbWltrABiLsqaGueRQYKskRG3-FwGpCrAN-Br2Owhi9VHaY/s200/100_1529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://www.truetthurst.com/vision.htm">Truett-Hurst</a>- beautiful vineyards, herb and vegetable gardens, sheep and goats</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://www.kokomowinery.com/">Kokomo</a> - our favorite - more to come on this one!</span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-15544902995278526282011-11-09T22:33:00.000-06:002011-11-09T22:33:06.133-06:00Dry Creek Grocery<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When wandering through Sonoma County, in the town of Healdsburg we stumbled upon </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.drycreekgeneralstore1881.com/Hot_Sandwiches.html">Dry Creek Grocery</a>. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dry Creek Grocery is a general store that also has a delicious deli and a nice indoor and outdoor eating area. We loaded up on delicious picnic items and enjoyed the dining among the vineyards. </span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-71367260368144621662011-11-09T22:23:00.000-06:002011-11-09T22:23:52.121-06:00Sonoma County, California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXiUG_gtxK19Urd0Zf0ALBd6VZgTmrsZcp1idy9tT-m9wLI26h4WcbgSq_mfP7wa1XmBJlvPWc-iYLKYDIW7AskZPvRmQbxzD9FMTVJmWLgdQyj47GcMLYtZi3LcXs41WHQvpZXNzaA8/s1600/santarosa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXiUG_gtxK19Urd0Zf0ALBd6VZgTmrsZcp1idy9tT-m9wLI26h4WcbgSq_mfP7wa1XmBJlvPWc-iYLKYDIW7AskZPvRmQbxzD9FMTVJmWLgdQyj47GcMLYtZi3LcXs41WHQvpZXNzaA8/s200/santarosa2.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've been to Napa Valley and the scenery is beautiful, but many of the Napa wineries are run by corporations and it's gotten pretty commercial and crowded. I prefer the less crowded, off the beaten path and family owned wineries so we headed to Sonoma County. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-PgelXHHsXq3RJPdV60jVhxtCJ96mR01ndO04Bg-WulM13PTqhfCjHyEY3XmUJhzJNtoLuw9Y5uPlHDNtgreWqCz4fMTSCIAznHNARLjlULMwq3BHkTTt2iIM2GNuUT-K7ue_AFpPBg/s1600/santarosa3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-PgelXHHsXq3RJPdV60jVhxtCJ96mR01ndO04Bg-WulM13PTqhfCjHyEY3XmUJhzJNtoLuw9Y5uPlHDNtgreWqCz4fMTSCIAznHNARLjlULMwq3BHkTTt2iIM2GNuUT-K7ue_AFpPBg/s200/santarosa3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Santa Rosa is Sonoma's county seat and we stayed in Santa Rosa at the <a href="http://www.hiltonsonomahotel.com/hilton_sonoma_wine_country.html">Sonoma Hilton</a>. This is our second stay at the Sonoma Hilton and I highly recommend it. The rooms are spacious, clean and affordable. They have beautiful grounds and are within easy access of restaurants and shopping. I also love Santa Rosa because it's where Charles Shultz lived most of his adult life. The whole town has Peanut's characters all over town and if you know me...you know how I love the Peanuts characters!</span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-15702779449387353952011-10-24T21:31:00.000-05:002011-10-24T21:31:08.313-05:00Muir Woods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8O4v_6tc1tInx3S9UODqkxXPoV3Oa3uQLFwQkmAOSfvxK4SA93WNx_p_KQa4FKIjvXuh2adWojGq7bHU3oK7yH8yv8iqQPtuZNeBLsglx1kiP2GAeG5jX2Q4auUMLQnzV7x-RmwDKEo/s1600/313678_10150307831221375_744066374_8155583_1653198503_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8O4v_6tc1tInx3S9UODqkxXPoV3Oa3uQLFwQkmAOSfvxK4SA93WNx_p_KQa4FKIjvXuh2adWojGq7bHU3oK7yH8yv8iqQPtuZNeBLsglx1kiP2GAeG5jX2Q4auUMLQnzV7x-RmwDKEo/s200/313678_10150307831221375_744066374_8155583_1653198503_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8O4v_6tc1tInx3S9UODqkxXPoV3Oa3uQLFwQkmAOSfvxK4SA93WNx_p_KQa4FKIjvXuh2adWojGq7bHU3oK7yH8yv8iqQPtuZNeBLsglx1kiP2GAeG5jX2Q4auUMLQnzV7x-RmwDKEo/s1600/313678_10150307831221375_744066374_8155583_1653198503_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I highly recommend a walk through the Redwoods!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9QDD_1lMnxPl-NjfnHHvyTmIeq71g7tEaBu-QPQXTqvwBWAZyeOLfvOeIqdn6kLqZ6vtyBAwOUBh8ItA3AB5ZUmASmAtbgtuieUzYzX7sF2kK5c9yLM06Luz8k_L9pH5We30cmeH1bA/s1600/muir+woods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9QDD_1lMnxPl-NjfnHHvyTmIeq71g7tEaBu-QPQXTqvwBWAZyeOLfvOeIqdn6kLqZ6vtyBAwOUBh8ItA3AB5ZUmASmAtbgtuieUzYzX7sF2kK5c9yLM06Luz8k_L9pH5We30cmeH1bA/s200/muir+woods.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-65916162288329254252011-10-24T21:27:00.000-05:002011-10-24T21:27:56.386-05:00Betelnut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNOGKYzM_BEN_q6cRD7zI39h3puI2Y1NNKZcnye0xhrI3lSn1eGfCPSXbX1m9bJKpZ_HtZwv4jkJl63ESoOrShKPSgsue5G9iJRVNsKIxo_Rjzm5H2x7uyikLfBMSz0BDykpVNrjuj4E/s1600/DSCN2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNOGKYzM_BEN_q6cRD7zI39h3puI2Y1NNKZcnye0xhrI3lSn1eGfCPSXbX1m9bJKpZ_HtZwv4jkJl63ESoOrShKPSgsue5G9iJRVNsKIxo_Rjzm5H2x7uyikLfBMSz0BDykpVNrjuj4E/s200/DSCN2760.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We visited <a href="http://www.betelnutrestaurant.com/BetelnutMenu.pdf">Betelnut</a> for some delicious asian food on our first night in the city. The portions are large so it's best to just order a few dishes and all share. Delicious!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-10403135220371978162011-10-24T21:21:00.000-05:002011-10-24T21:21:07.942-05:00Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90F5yn3uDOpC2kjWP2acEPln2U4Ie2jr1gB6GdqKM762yBWYpS6TtN1gVWcM9FmP5VDcL0JcATau0Sm0xrBGBlUdUIh2mU4PpK2WrLjANcKk6t4MA7YE5TOmgWM5rmc4znrF4QBuRpGE/s1600/palace+of+fine+arts+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90F5yn3uDOpC2kjWP2acEPln2U4Ie2jr1gB6GdqKM762yBWYpS6TtN1gVWcM9FmP5VDcL0JcATau0Sm0xrBGBlUdUIh2mU4PpK2WrLjANcKk6t4MA7YE5TOmgWM5rmc4znrF4QBuRpGE/s200/palace+of+fine+arts+4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bryan and I took this trip with three of our friends, and we enjoyed walking a few blocks from our motel to the Palace of Fine Arts. It's a beautiful sight during the day, but at night it is simply breathtaking!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NqoYelrlyz9UbOk8vAHt0piRLYiOU2EDE-bCRlpDL5iymEBkc9Ytq1rIiCQw4QKZVAeTDH-gQbkhDpNkrW6i8faFCoOgEJ7PH4riEnThZVNjW35o9AgwGkhANTr6tnc5cQcrZgrxtNM/s1600/palace+columns+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NqoYelrlyz9UbOk8vAHt0piRLYiOU2EDE-bCRlpDL5iymEBkc9Ytq1rIiCQw4QKZVAeTDH-gQbkhDpNkrW6i8faFCoOgEJ7PH4riEnThZVNjW35o9AgwGkhANTr6tnc5cQcrZgrxtNM/s200/palace+columns+5.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6RxuYcE-5EPhUKWe3OWucd7oXtVEzIO7NFi1T39x8JOTU3_u6TRS7HtKQjqp2wetClIIBlOQtxgto28qpeuMYlMslZ68UZmMztk42IO0gXazynlWH40pshwXfKYCo8J_ZhN3Km2FgZI/s1600/shadow+puppets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6RxuYcE-5EPhUKWe3OWucd7oXtVEzIO7NFi1T39x8JOTU3_u6TRS7HtKQjqp2wetClIIBlOQtxgto28qpeuMYlMslZ68UZmMztk42IO0gXazynlWH40pshwXfKYCo8J_ZhN3Km2FgZI/s200/shadow+puppets.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What a beautiful place!</span></div>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-52660945158890826842011-10-24T21:00:00.000-05:002011-10-24T21:02:55.820-05:00Marina Motel, Lombard Street, San Francisco<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyROqQBg-j-7lWZ8Fbq0-cUPmgmw87uVsR3xcEyvnlpfIMpV4_OB4QQDXfYi-WNtP4sMhubaM9aftArNoFby6yXJVeTT_42BM2FttolIqiZfYX2t4wUhvyzwKzcpEa0Crt0hcsd-aMA8/s1600/DSCN2725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyROqQBg-j-7lWZ8Fbq0-cUPmgmw87uVsR3xcEyvnlpfIMpV4_OB4QQDXfYi-WNtP4sMhubaM9aftArNoFby6yXJVeTT_42BM2FttolIqiZfYX2t4wUhvyzwKzcpEa0Crt0hcsd-aMA8/s200/DSCN2725.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love the smaller unique family owned motels where you get great personal service. On this trip out west we stayed at the Marina Motel. The Marina is located on Lombard street and was built for the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in the 1930s. The rooms are not huge, but they all have a fridge and microwave and are set up like tiny apartments and the courtyard is full of fragrant beautiful flowers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYd29lM4nWiYG7GSJrWZdPZhvj2YGUHAC92cwxry21JEROXCOP6TxweAZosQxUE8eMa4XijHqY2WbbVEQGKX2E3exdmIRi1w53yw7FE3yeOVzOmxk5lLxpnG4h2WnAVPq97qXFcLYu_ao/s1600/DSCN2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYd29lM4nWiYG7GSJrWZdPZhvj2YGUHAC92cwxry21JEROXCOP6TxweAZosQxUE8eMa4XijHqY2WbbVEQGKX2E3exdmIRi1w53yw7FE3yeOVzOmxk5lLxpnG4h2WnAVPq97qXFcLYu_ao/s200/DSCN2722.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The motel is within walking distance of the Palace of Fine Arts, lots of great restaurants and easy access to public transportation. It was clean, affordable and each unit comes with free parking!</span>Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6730971576777521863.post-443173904050816972011-10-24T20:48:00.000-05:002011-10-24T20:48:29.615-05:00Southwest Airlines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14YIEAa1rGdQTYgHQYaTV7mjdId6rF7BkkTEvHEhU_jcGOT_uk6_FR4CH_PJZuRwKsCbTGeHvoxLbAkJHKIKcoAo1vYDNQMmyysOd3fYpDLas_6n7wLCQN39J5L9BsrFpPBBeuU8gdoQ/s1600/DSCN2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14YIEAa1rGdQTYgHQYaTV7mjdId6rF7BkkTEvHEhU_jcGOT_uk6_FR4CH_PJZuRwKsCbTGeHvoxLbAkJHKIKcoAo1vYDNQMmyysOd3fYpDLas_6n7wLCQN39J5L9BsrFpPBBeuU8gdoQ/s320/DSCN2715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'm a Southwest fan!Laura Thomas Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04327445757419287609noreply@blogger.com0