Wedding Bells in Charlotte, NC

My niece's wedding in Charlotte, NC drew friends and family together from all over the country.

Leigh-Anne and Josh Nunley

This was my first trip to Charlotte so I was looking forward to exploring the city as well as celebrating Leigh-Anne and Josh's wedding held at the Alexander Homestead.

The venue was beautiful and the weather behaved. Not to mention, the food was delicious. How often do you hear that about a wedding?

Brother John and Leigh-Anne...Father and the Bride

Along with many of the other guests, I stayed at the Westin. The staff were friendly, rooms nice and clean and very comfy beds.

 And we had a great lunch at their Ember Grille.

Chicken Club

Cobb Salad

Crab Dip and Pita Chips

The Westin is conveniently located in "uptown" and within walking distance of shops, restaurants and museums. Here's my sister Janet standing underneath the Firebird sculpture in front of the Betchler Museum.

The Mint Museum had a great exhibition called Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers. Brilliant and emotional work from all over the world.

Lobby of the Mint

My siblings and I made a couple of side trips while in Charlotte. First stop was the historic site in Pineville commemorating President James K. Polk. 

And we also visited Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe.

The vineyards and views are beautiful and peaceful. 

There's a tasting room, tours, a gift shop and of course . . . tree houses overlooking the vineyards.

One is even available for overnights and includes hot and cold running water, heat, air conditioning, a kitchenette, bathroom with shower, sofa, queen-size bed in a loft, and a deck with a grill!  

It was a wonderful trip to Charlotte and truly the most fun I've ever had at a wedding. Plus a chance to reunite with friends I haven't seen in years.

Congratulations Leigh-Anne and Josh!

Stillwater, Minnesota and Hudson, Wisconsin

Horse Country, Birding, Local Wineries, Great Food and Shopping Along the Banks of the St. Croix River, a Reunion of Family and Friends plus Three Generations of Birthdays!

I'm already out of breath!

Day 1 
 

First - The colorful cast of characters...

Clockwise starting with top row: My sister Janet - The Birder and Birthday Girl #1, Josh - Leigh-Anne's Boyfriend and The Reunion Master Bartender, Andrea - Leigh-Anne's Girlfriend and The Long Distance Runner, My brother John - Leigh-Anne's Father and now The Wine Connoisseur having gone to Napa with me, my niece Leigh-Anne - Birthday Girl #2 and All-Around Brilliant Person and then there's me - Uncle Boob.

 Wait - there's one more birthday girl missing...my mom, Ronnie!

I stand corrected. She is clearly the wine connoisseur in the family!

Note: My mom and Leigh-Anne share the same birthday and Janet's is just a week earlier. 

Hotel Note: If renting a house isn't to your liking check out: The American Hotel & Suites

So, John lives in Woodbury, MN just outside of Minneapolis and my mom is in the neighboring town of Oakdale. Janet and I flew in from NYC and Leigh-Anne, Josh and Andrea arrived from Charlotte, NC. 

Dizzy Note: For all of us traveling on planes with inner ear disorders, a squirt of nasal decongestant in each nostril during take-offs and landings, can help prevent discomfort due to dramatic changes in cabin pressure.

And for the long weekend of celebrations John rented a terrific 3 bedroom log cabin located in Stillwater, which is just about 25 minutes north of where he lives. So close to the city and yet you're in a country setting. John found the cabin on this site Vacation Rentals By Owner - VRBO.com. (Here's all the info about our property.) 

* If renting a home isn't your thing, check out the William Sauntry Mansion B & B and many other options.

 

So it was time to check out the house and figure out who was sleeping where. I ran inside to claim my room while the others...well, I'm not sure what they were doing. (I thought I was the "ham" in the family.) Josh, love the watermelon touch.

Right away, Janet and I decided to explore the countryside. I think she was in heaven; birds singing, frogs croaking and sightings everywhere. More later on the extraordinary list of the species she discovered.

And quickly we realized we were right smack-dab in the middle of beautiful horse country.

First on our itinerary was to visit Mom in Oakdale. Although it would have been fun to have her stay at the cabin it wasn't the most practical thing. But finding our way to her house was a challenge. Andrea, John and Leigh-Anne discovered a "street dilemma."

So, a wonderful afternoon was spent with Mom, followed by an enormous food shopping spree and we spent the first evening grilling and chilling with smart cocktails and wine that John and I had purchased in Napa. (Check out the Napa Valley blog and sweepstakes that I won.)

Day 2

At the break of dawn, I was asleep. But Janet was already out birding and Andrea ran 17 miles! She's a serious and professional runner. Seriously! 
 
Once we were all up and about we decided to check-out Stillwater and the surrounding areas. Rumor has it that Stillwater is the birthplace of Minnesota. You learn something new every day. 

First, it was lunch at one of John's haunts, Phil's Tara Hideaway. And hidden away it was. From its name, I'm thinking it might be a speakeasy or maybe a take on Gone With The Wind's mansion? No, it's a fabulous Greek restaurant. In Minnesota of all places!

Club Tara

Originally called Club Tara and now on the National Register of Historic Places,

Now, Phil's Tara Hideaway

the Hideaway is a local favorite most tourists overlook (or can't find). From traditional spanakopita and Mediterranean lamb chops to the more daring rabbit stifado and the duck confit and gorgonzola phyllo pinwheel...they still have your traditional steaks, chops and star fish of the region, the walleye. For lunch, I chose the very familiar gyro sandwich.

Now, I come from NYC and I've heard gyro pronounced lots of different ways. "You say jai-roh, and I say jee-roh..." But when we asked the waitress what the proper pronunciation was, she said, "Year-oh." Oy, I'll just have that spicy Shawarma (tongue twister) meat, onions, romaine, tomato and tzatziki (don't as me to pronounce that either) sauce rolled into pita bread, please. It was delicious. You also have to try the Wisconsin cheese curds.

Stuffed, we headed over to the downtown area of Stillwater and passed one charming Victorian house after another and discovered restaurants and shops all hugging the banks of the St. Croix River. Here is their famed vertical lift bridge which is also on the National Register. Built in 1931, it originally allowed large cargo ships to pass under but now it mostly caters to the paddle boats full of tourists. Stillwater Riverboat Cruises
 
The river was running fast and overflowing its banks. I must attract it. (In a past blog, see what happened when I went to Venice!) After looking out at all that aggressive water we were a bit thirsty. Lo and behold, right behind us was the Northern Vineyards Winery.

John, holding up the winery.

Northern Vineyards Winery is the first modern winery cooperative in the United States and only grapes grown from Minnesota vineyards can be used.

So, we decided to do a tasting and the very charming Amy Felton was our oenophile. She offered us a selection of 11 - yes, 11 different wines for just $5.00. And if you buy 2 or more bottles, your tasting is free. Now that's a bargain...and we were tipsy!
Fave Wines: 2011 Columbine, 2008 St. Croix.
 

Main Street, Stillwater, MN

After the tasting we stumbled walked down Main Street darting in and out of boutiques, antique shops and galleries trying not to break anything. And then John suggested we visit the Nova Wine Bar across the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisconsin. Wisconsin! Who knew it was just across that river? (Sometimes I'm geographically challenged. I thought it was somewhere near Idaho, but I'm not sure where that is either.) 

Originally a bar, The Nova has grown into a very popular wine and craft beer restaurant. Eclectic doesn't even come 
close to describing how crazy this establishment is decorated. Every inch of the place is covered with something. There's whimsical artwork on the walls, heavy carved throne-like chairs, Tiffany-style lamps and a super comfy lounge area in the front that we promptly took over. (Here's a shout-out to our server Tina who was friendly, informative and very patient.)

Everyone ordered something different to drink. Some of the wines were: A Joel Gott, Cabernet Sauvignon, a Bridgeview Sparkling Riesling, a Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay. And the beers: Dale's Pale, CO, American Sky Cream Ale, WI and Three Sheeps My Name Is Joe, WI. Fave wines: Maretima Pinot Grigio, IT and Toshi Pinot Noir, CA. Fave beers: Kentucky Bourbon Ale, KT and Flying Dog Big Black Wit, MD.

We're ALL experts now.

And to accompany our libations we ordered delicious taste treats: The Cheese Flight - house made crackers, artisan salami, 3 cheeses, nuts, fresh fruit and locally produced honey and the Olive You - warm marinated olives with chevre and tapenade served with warm bread. We devoured it.
 

And you can't have a day of wine and beer tastings without storytelling.

"Oh, and this one time, at band camp..."

That night, the festivities continued back at the cabin, which included a frighteningly competitive game of Cranium! (Josh, I'm sorry. I promise I'll never, ever forget what Michael Jackson's song "Thriller" sounds like...hummed.)

DAY 3

The Birthday Party!

We all gathered together at John's house in Woodbury to celebrate my mom's, Janet's and Leigh-Anne's birthdays.

Three generations of Wooten gals!

Lots of friends celebrated with gifts, cake, delicious food and...

...more beverages!

And I was thrilled to see my dear friend Sassy who lives nearby on Ham Lake, MN. She says it's called that because it's the shape of a ham.

I actually think it looks more like chaps with boots and spurs. Maybe they should rename it... Chappy Lake!

Day 4

A day of leisure. Janet and I explored more of the the neighborhood around the cabin.

A stunning farmstead next door.

Scottish Highland Cattle!

And some huge thing out in that field.

Oh, it's a llama over 6 feet tall! A living lawnmower.

And what would a weekend in the country be without a campfire and s'mores?

Note: No nieces or witches were harmed during the making of this blog.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip and beautiful family reunion. I saw areas outside of Minneapolis that I never knew existed. And the added bonus? Wisconsin! And now I know where it is. Next to North Dakota, right?

Someone didn't read the memo about jazz hands!

* And for all you birders out there, here are just a few of the 70 different species Janet identified: Wilson's Warblers, Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, Wild Turkeys, Pheasants, Baltimore Orioles, Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Chipping Sparrows, Purple Finches, Field Sparrows, Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed Hawks and Hooded Mergansers.

** And for more groovy info about anything and everything going on in Minnesota, check out Haley Anderson at Curious North - "the blog and podcast that seize Minnesota by the culture." 

Does Anyone Win Those Online Sweepstakes? Yes, I Do!

When I told friends I had won a trip to Napa, CA sponsored by Visit Napa Valley the question they all asked me was, "Well, how did that happen?" I had entered the contest through Facebook when an ad for the Arts In April Festival 2013 in Napa appeared announcing their sweepstakes. So I clicked, entered and forgot about it. A few months later I got a call from the lovely Emily Hegarty, their marketing manager, and I was surprised to discover that I had won.

The prize?

* Two nights hotel or B&B accommodations
* Breakfast for two each day
* $200 gift certificate to any Michelin Star rated restaurant in the valley
* $250 gift certificate for a spa treatment for two
* Four private tours and tastings for two at Napa Valley wineries
* Two entry passes for the di Rosa Modern Art Museum and Preserve

First decision, who should join me? I chose my brother John. As adults we had never traveled alone together and when asked he shouted, "Brothers plus road trip equals bonding!" We could pick any time we'd like to visit during the month of April and we choose the week of the 22nd. Transportation was not included so I scoured the Internet and found a non-stop flight on Delta round trip from NYC for under $300. And John decided he would drive from MN where he lives so we'd have our own car.

John and Arthur Wooten at Artesa

The first day we met up at San Francisco International airport and on our way into Napa, which is just about an hour north, we stopped for lunch at the Boon Fly Cafe located at the Carneros Inn. (It was so good we went back a second time.) We devoured their artisan flatbread pizzas topped with mozzarella, prosciutto, caramelized onions and arugula while catching up on what was going on in our lives.

Arthur and Mosaic Waterfall

We had our choice of dozens of places to stay at while in Napa and we picked the  Napa River Inn. Situated on the banks of the tidal river of the same name, it was a terrific home base for the next few days. Located in the historic Napa Mill, it is the only Michelin star rated hotel in downtown Napa. Our room was peaceful, the two double beds just perfect and there was a sweet balcony framed by aggressively growing wisteria. (Some rooms have fireplaces.) And located in the mill were award winning restaurants, a day spa, boutiques, a general store and Sweetie Pies bake shop, which also provided us with breakfast each morning. There's also the outdoor Riverbend Performance Plaza and lush gardens anchored by a gorgeous tile mosiac waterfall. The Inn is a combination of former warehouses and in 1886 the Hatt building had a roller rink installed on the second floor. Another interesting note is that the former silo is actually called Silo's and is now a wine bar/nightclub.

Both of us traveling so far to Northern California we decided to extend our visit by two more days and the Napa River Inn generously offered us deep discounts for the additional nights.

Bounty Hunter

They also gave us free wine tasting vouchers for an establishment called the Bounty Hunter Wine Bar located just down Main Street from the Inn. Obviously loved by locals, which is always a good sign, the rustic watering hole had an amazing wine list and offered up comfort food like St. Louis cut ribs and beer can chicken. This unexpected find was one of the highlights of our trip!

Massage Room at Spa Villagio

Day two was booked solid. First, massages at Spa Villagio in Yountville. An elegant and peaceful environment, the massages were first rate but a little bit too relaxing. Afterwards I stepped into the state of the art shower to rinse off and there were no less than ten shower heads and a plethora of handles. Once I figured out how to turn them on I then hopped from one spray to another as I wrestled with the temperature. And when I realized someone was waiting to use the shower, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out which handles turned what off. It was truly an "I Love Lucy" moment.

St. Supery Wine and Food Pairing

Rubbery, like over-cooked pasta, John and I found our way to St. Supery Vineyards. The grounds were beautiful but what was totally unexpected was the sign announcing our arrival. Actually, each winery we visited did the same. A wine and food tasting was set up for us in a private wine cellar and the very smart and humorous wine connoisseur, Joe Meck, taught us how certain foods affect the taste of wine. Truly educational and entertaining. Fave wines: 2012 Napa Valley Estate Chardonnay and 2009 Rutherford Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Then it was a mad dash to yet another wine tasting at HALL Rutherford. High on a hilltop, the main house overlooks the Napa Valley. But what's even more stunning than the views are the underground caves housing their wines and tasting room. The breathtakingly beautiful chandelier designed by Donald Lipski and Jonquil LeMaster is peppered with hundreds of Swarovski crystals. Fave wines: 2009 HALL Napa Valley Merlot and 2012 HALL Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

HALL Rutherford Wine Caves and Chandelier

That night we dined at Celadon, located right next to the Napa River Inn. I'm not sure which was tastier, my Moroccan braised lamb shank with golden raisin and toasted almond couscous or John's flat iron steak with chimichurri sauce and blue cheese steak fries. 

Day three we visited Silverado Vineyards. The private art collection is just as stunning as their list of wines and state of the art winery process. Add to the mix our hostess, Patricia Fletcher and her delicious sense of humor, and this was a perfect afternoon. Fave wines: Silverado Vineyards 2010 Carneros Chardonnay and Silverado Vineyard 2009 Soda Creek Ranch Zinfandel. I also have to add that they produce their own line of olive oil and chardonnay peanut brittle - both to die for.

Silverado Vineyards

But we couldn't miss the opportunity to visit Old Faithful geyser in Calistoga. Yes, they have one in California but maybe they should rename it, Little Faithful. But it still works.

Old "Little" Faithful

And next to the blowhole were Tennessee fainting goats. Yes! Just like the ones in George Clooney's film - The Men Who Stare At Goats. (I have no shame - this is what I was waiting for the whole trip!) I asked the elderly woman who owned the property if the goats were fainting today and she just shrugged her shoulders. I looked at John and then at her. "Well, what makes them faint?" She looked at me deadpan. "They have to be shocked." I paused. "Well, how do I shock them?" She barked back, "You don't!" Consequently, the goats didn't faint. 

Non-Fainting Goats

That night we had dinner at the Michelin star rated restaurant Bouchon. Located in Yountville, it's the little sister bistro to Thomas Keller's famous French Laundry. It was very charming, the service friendly and my appetizer of asparagus, piquillo peppers, torn croutons and soft-poached hen egg with Hollandaise sauce was definitely the highlight of the meal. We actually didn't spend the entire $200 voucher so the remainder I can use at Bouchon in NYC!

Bouchon

Day four we did a tour of the di Rosa modern art collection and preserve. Pieces of art are exhibited in the gatehouse, di Rosa's former winery turned home and scattered throughout  200 acres of rolling hills and lakes.

Sculpture Meadow at di Rosa

We're not sure we "got" every piece (some were pretty "out there") of art exhibited but the experience was exhilarating, the grounds were awesome and the male peacocks courting the one female were simply magnificent. In the foreground of this meadow photo, the little white objects planting in the ground are...hands. I kid you not. One of the few pieces Rene di Rosa designed himself, he called them "Field Hands". Obviously had a great sense of humor.

Peacocks at di Rosa

Next we drove over to the ultra-modern and majestic Artesa Winery. Hosting our wine tasting was the sparkling and informative Samatha Pinkham. Fave wines: 2010 Artisan Series Pinot Noir, Carneros and 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Artisan, Napa Valley

For our last dinner in the Napa Valley we chose Market in St. Helena. It was highly rated by reviewers on Tripadvisor and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. Elegantly casual, the food was great, ambiance perfect and the next time I go back to Napa, and I will, I'm going to stay in St. Helena. It's a charming village with quaint boutiques, eclectic galleries and many more restaurants I'd like to try out. It's also home to the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.

Culinary Institute of America

All in all it was a fabulous trip. As you can see, everyday the weather was perfect. And everyone was so damn friendly. Plus I got to spend invaluable bonding time with my big brother John. (I was thrilled to discover that he doesn't...snore.) Thank you Visit Napa Valley - can't wait to visit again! 

And you're all probably thinking, this was one lucky entry. Nope. I've recently won a writer's retreat to Vermont. Who wants to go with me?

Tips for winning sweepstakes:

* Target what you want to win. Ex: I love travel, food and wine.
* Don't enter contests you know you can't make. You don't want to win a European cruise that departs two days before your wedding in Chicago. (Or maybe you do.)
* I prefer to enter contests that are short term with only one entry allowed. It limits the amount of people who enter and increases your odds of winning.

Links to online sweepstakes: Online-Sweepstakes, Sweeps Advantage, About.com Contests & Sweepstakes, Giveaways and Sweepstakes 

That's My Big Brother