Are You That Woman

Back roads lead to Vannatta Wine in Elk Grove

Sweet, warm, welcoming. Country charm, family-friendly, so unexpected! The back roads of Elk Grove lead to Vannatta Wine. So glad I took that long and winding Sheldon Road under oak canopies to their "front door". Jamie greeted me so fantastically with a big hug! Steve was hurrying behind the pour on this Harvest Festival weekend. A good crowd, but not overwhelming.

Live music on the patio in the shade and under sunny, blue skies. Tiny feet tirelessly enjoyed their first time on the grape stomp while the adults savored reds and whites paired with handmade pizzas by Flour Dust Pizza Company. I sampled the Chardonnay 2015 -- peachy and tropical -- and the Batalla 2014 aged for 24 months in French Oak -- it's yummy!  This is wine country the way I like it -- slow and easy. Many people I spoke with said, "It's my first time; this is amazing!" I agree and I'll definitely be back. 

Tastings are $5. If you purchase a bottle, the fee is deducted. Bocce ball and dog lovers head this way! 

Hours
M-Fri by appointment
Sa-Su Noon-5pm
8718 Grant Line Road
Elk Grove, Ca 95624

 

Julia Morgan's Berkeley City Club is so special

Julia Morgan's Little Castle is a Well-Kept Berkeley Secret

Yes, you can actually stay in an honest to goodness Julia Morgan-designed and built hotel. Originally a women-only, member club, the Berkeley City Club is now part of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America.  The Julia Morgan-designed Berkeley City Club turned 86 in 2016. Celebrate its past, present, and future! Treat yourself to something so very special.

Call (510) 848-7800 or for more information to book your stay at the “little castle”, check online. Be sure to check-out the calendar of Berkeley City Club theatric and musical events.

Oh, and about that indoor pool....

 

Locavores love Old Town Elk Grove Farmers Market

Rating:  Star*Star*Star*Star*

Still uber cool, I know I must be getting older. How many times do I now say, "back in the day"?  Too many to count. So, back in the day...we use to go to Old Town Elk Grove! Comfy and quaint and ahead of the curve,we enjoyed Elk Grove Brewery brews and German food. That was then this is now. Lola's now lives at what was once the brewery. It's been too many years, seriously! Why? It's still so sweet and getting sweeter all the time. Motivated by news of a new farmers market, I made the short trek to Old Town Elk Grove and was not disappointed.

The new Old Town Elk Grove Farmers Market is finding its way—just five months new—it will get there. Allan D'Anneo, Market Manager, Living Smart Farmers Markets, is bringing locally grown, locally made, locally good to Elk Grove. Watsonville, Capay Valley, Sacramento, Lodi, Escalon—all good things from the earth— raspberries, apples, carrots, heirloom tomatoes, cheese, honey, peppers YUM! Bread, baked goods, tamales, good dogs (and I do mean tube steak) kettle corn (of course) and more! Delicious homemade goodies for your pooch, handcrafted soaps and body products, colorful tees, sea glass jewelry, and exotic goods, Yes, they're off to an excellent start.

It was quiet on this Labor Day Sunday—okay by me, but I know the vendors are eager to greet and meet you! Fabulous live music—this time the incredible and so mellow Jessica Malone and Matthew Hevesh!  More events coming to this corner including the 6th Annual Tomato Taste-off, September 18, 2016 and Pumpkin Patch and Paint, October 2nd and 30th.

The fifth star is coming for this rising star on the ag-tourism, farmers market circuit. And Old Town, I'll be back sooner than later! Are You That Woman is the ultimate omni-local. Lola's Lounge is now on the bucket list along with Bob's Club, a dive bar after my own heart. And just up the street, Boulevard Bistro! Stay tuned and @Visit Elk Grove!