I feel like I have been writing about this trip to California forever, recapping all the fun I’ve had along the way. In its own fabulous way, NTTC is sort of my very own scrapbook. A great way to recap trips, outings, and recipes for my friends and family!
So, I’ve got one more day to share about this awesome week. And, then, I will get back to my normal blogging schedule… whatever normal is… 🙂
The day after the concert, I woke up and had to get my things packed to head out. Notice, I didn’t say HOME, I said out. Whenever I get a chance to travel to California, I usually try to extend my trip a little to visit friends that I don’t get to see nearly enough!
Now, when I visited my friend Crystal in early June, we agreed that if I had a chance to travel to Rockstar again… that I should come back to visit her family! You don’t have to ask me twice… the plan came together so nicely!
Before I met up with her, I decided to spend a little time unwinding on Coronado Island. And, my favorite way to unwind… I scheduled a massage at a nearby hotel. Not just any hotel, however… I scheduled it at the Hotel Del Coronado.
My goodness… what a beautiful place.
The hotel is an institution on the island…. and so incredibly gorgeous. I can’t even believe I got to spend the day here. I checked my luggage at the bell stand and headed off to the spa. To get there, I had the option of walking through the hotel or walking outdoors on the property… I choose the outside path and had a chance to experience the beauty that is the Del.
From the white buildings with red roofs to the lovely outdoor cafes to the exquisite view of the Pacific… the Del is perfection. The guy at the bell stand told me to walk until I saw the herb garden and the spa would be on the right. I absolutely love that the property has such a delightful herb garden. Just made it all that more perfect…
Inside the Spa at the Del, I quickly got changed into a robe and slippers and waited for my massage. I had scheduled myself a Hot Shell Massage and was so excited to see how this would work. I’d had hot STONE massages before, but never hot SHELL! How perfect for this trip!
When I got called back into the spa for my service, I found that the shells weren’t REAL shells, but instead ceramic shells created specifically for this purpose.
The massage was WONDERFUL. Relaxing. Perfect. After all the excitement of Rockstar, my feet were incredibly sore… so my masseuse spent some extra time on my toes. HEAVEN!
After the service was completed, I ordered some lunch and found a spot at the spa pool to relax. I had intended upon reading a book, but it felt better to just relax and soak in the atmosphere. There was beautiful people watching to be had… families vacationing, couples walking by hand in hand, and that gorgeous ocean in the distance. I soaked it all in… and a little sun.
At the end of the day, my friend Crystal picked me up to whisk me away to Temecula. One of my favorite people, I am so thankful that I had a chance to visit with her again this trip!
We spent our time catching up, cooking, and tasting local wines… you can only imagine how much I loved that! We also spent some of her favorite wineries. First stop: Miramonte… Such a beautiful patio for tasting the most delicious wines!
I’ve always thought of Napa or Sonoma when I’ve thought of California wine country; however, I have to say… Temecula should be listed right there in that list. I’ve loved so many of the wines I’ve tasted here… and the tasting rooms are so lovely. Highly recommend touring this area if you are ever close.
The next day, after a lovely lazy morning, we headed out to Robert Renzoni for the most amazing round of wine tasting! His Concerto was my favorite… and I was able to get a signed bottle to take home!
After our first stop, we set off for some lunch (and more wine!) at Ponte Family Estates. SUCH a beautiful place!
The magic happened at lunch…. Crystal and I ordered a Watermelon Tomato Caprese that just knocked our socks off. Expect to see a version of this on NTTC soon. It was that good! Doesn’t it look gorgeous??
While the massage, the wine, and the food were amazing, the best part of the weekend was getting to spend it with this girl…
We’re in the early stages of planning another adventure early next year… I absolutely can’t wait! Thanks, Crystal and Adam, for a wonderful end to a wonderful trip!