Napa Day #1 - We're Not in Kansas Anymore

 Definitely, definitely not in Kansas.....more on that momentarily. 

Today started out at 7am at CLT Douglas Airport. Grossly and disgustingly early to be anywhere without coffee, but the picture I got of the uptown skyline made it worthwhile. Spent a bit hanging in the American Airlines lounge then boarded my flight. Made it to San Francisco by 12pm, and Napa by 3pm. Most difficult part of the whole journey was navigating the airport, baggage claim and picking up the rental car. By the time I picked up the car there was a group of six of us all walking together to try and figure out where we were going. My Mom always says I can talk to a post.....   :) 

Speaking of talking to a post.....some of the people I met included the 20-something baby that had just moved to SF a week ago (he looked petrified!), the Italian couple (she had the word "Italian" on a necklace) who were knitting fidget toys for their teacher daughter's classroom, and the former winery waitress who gave us all pointers and recommendations on where we should go (give people a chance, and they will talk - a lot!). 

And now - Napa. The best I can equate it to is Davidson or Pineville, if you built either of those towns up A LOT and increased the income level by a few hundred thousand dollars. Please note: that is definitely NOT my income level. The downtown is lovely and very walkable. Lots of restaurants and places to people watch. What's fascinating to me is the dress code. There are very few short and t-shirt sets that I've seen. Lots of cute summer dresses, even the shorts and t-shirts were preppy (I don't think any of them came from Wal-Mart). What I'm trying to figure out is who are the tourists and who are the locals. Lots of people walking dogs so I'm guessing they're local, but otherwise I can't tell. In Paris it was easy. I'll let you know when I figure it out...... 

Tomorrow is two wineries (Cakebread and Chandon) and Oakville Grocery. Looking forward to it! 

And now for the pictures! 

Charlotte, 7am from the top of the airport parking deck. The colors were absolutely GORGEOUS. 

I think this was flying over Kansas. If this view ever gets old, someone smack me. Really. 

A welcome gift from a sweet college friend (thank you, Mary!). Looking forward to hanging out on Monday. 

The inside of the hotel - there's no real lobby, this is the living room. The architecture around here is beautiful. I'm going to try to get more pictures of the beautiful woodwork while I'm here. 

The outside of the hotel. Traditional chain hotels don't really exist here - a lot of inns. This inn (bed and breakfast?) even has quiet hours from 10:30 - 7:30. 

Dinner at Gotts - mahi mahi tacos, sweet potato fries and of course, wine.