7.25.2012

2nd Wedding Anniversary Trip {Traveling To...}


I just love these posts.  The ones where I get to post about our next vacation {too bad these aren't everyday, right?}. I love reading where others are traveling to, and it's about time I get to share our next trip.

Do you ever have those dreams where you wake up briefly and you try so incredibly hard to fall back asleep and pray that the dream you were having will start back up again where you left off? Maybe about Channing Tatum? Well, I've had dreams of taking this trip often and it's finally going to happen. 

I'm a planner. I get back from a vacation, and I start planning the next (meaning I brew it up in my head). Billy is a little bit more laid back about it. While he loves to travel, the man isn't the best vacation-booker-slash-planner. Does that make sense? Let me paint the picture for you. One time he planned an excursion for us on a trip in Florida (or somewhere) and he had us show up for it on the completely wrong day and wrong location. Silly hubs. He has planned many things throughout the years that have been wonderful though, so don't get me wrong. Anywho, that's why (or it could be my control freak nature) I do most of the planning for us.

What was I saying? Ah, yes.
Our trip.

We spent our first wedding anniversary in Boston last year (posts here-loved it). In a little over a month for our 2nd wedding anniversary I get to cross a little somethin, somethin off that good ole bucket list

That certain bucket list item would be...a California road trip!
Flights are booked and I'm ready to go right this second.


We will be flying into Reno and spending 2 days at
Lake Tahoe......

We are staying on Kings Beach (North Lake Tahoe) in a lakefront lodge
 and plan on hiking, exploring the towns, and taking in the incredible views. 
Have you SEEN google images of this place?! 
HEAVEN!


....from there, we are driving to Napa Valley....OMG! vineyards! 
I wonder if they'd let me sleep right there in the middle? 
Because that'd be really great.



and then staying in San Francisco for 3 days!


I have heard nothing but great things about the culture, the food, 
and everything there is to do in this city.

...yeah, I'm peeing my pants pretty much.


We are also planning on making the drive from San Fran
 to Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur as well.

I know that Billy will want to see Pebble Beach!
 Billy has never been to California and while I've been to Carmel when I was younger, I don't remember much (except the amazing views and that I loved it), so this trip was a must for both of us. 
Dare I say it, but I'm a little burnt out on the beach vacay's. 
I want to see amazing views and explore cities!

If this blog doesn't get updated around the time we are supposed to return, just assume that we had Rocky shipped out to Cali, and we've become permanant residents. Sorry I wouldn't be sorry.

*If you are an awesome Cali blogger or have done a similar trip like this and have any suggestions on places to eat, things to see/do, eat (you know me), etc. it would be SO appreciated!! Please leave me a comment or email me at: whalenkat@gmail.com. 

ps-if you're wondering: Steph and I decided to post pone our trip to Texas until their house that is being built is completed, so that we are able to see it and stay there. Plus, the rodeo is around that time, and who doesn't want to go to a rodeo? I know this Ohio girl does. It just works out better for all of us!

pps-thank you Stephanie (a different one) for EVERYTHING! We are so excited about this trip. 



58 comments

  1. My dream trip in the US is spend a few days driving the Big Sur coast! Pebble Beach is awesome...I was just there a few months ago :) You can pay $8 at the guard gate and just drive around. Sounds like such a fun trip! Have fun! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AAAHh, so JEALOUS!! but I LOVE this posttt lady!!!! you will have the time of your lifeee!!!!!! :)))

    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yayay! How fun!!! I'm mostly jealous that you are going to get to have so much yummy wine, ha!

    ReplyDelete
  4. so exciting! I am slightly OCD when it comes to planning, while my husband just thinks things are supposed to fall into place haha. My parents go to Lake Tahoe often and love it, they stay at the Olympic Village Inn I believe.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are such a lil planner, and I LOVE IT. This is going to be an amazing trip! Woohoo for year two!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ahhhh!! You guys are going to have SO MUCH FUN! Seriously, I'm already looking forward to drooling over your pics. A Cali roadtrip is on our list too, so many great things to see out there!!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. So exciting!!! And I'm ten kinds of jealous. Y'all are going to have the best time.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You will LOVE the rodeo/fair in Texas! It is SO SO SO fun!!!

    Your trip looks just fab. I'm pretty jealous!! Happy 2nd anni!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am so jealous of your trip! Touring those exact parts of California are definitely on my vacation list. Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What an amazing trip yall have planned! I've been to Cali once and it was beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh my goodness! So fun! :) I'm dying to vaca to Cali! You guys will have so much fun!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jealous! My husband & I were married in Tahoe. You must go to Incline Village (it's on the North side as well) and if you want a splurge I HIGHLY suggest eating at the Lone Eagle Grill at the Hyatt Resort. It's right on the lake with the most amazing food. Also for more laid back home cooking that is still fabulous is a place right across the street called Austins. The town itself is so small & cute. If you get the chance to rent a boat or jet ski on the lake I suggest you do it. It's the most amazing feeling to be out in the middle of that gorgeous lake completely surrounded by mountains.

    ReplyDelete
  13. love it! California is amazing and a roadtrip sounds like a the perfect way to see it all! never too early to start shopping ;)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I go to San Fran every year for work..and this year I get to go twice. I am heading there in a month and spending a couple extra days to explore, and we are also going to Napa. I will let you know of any must sees. I recommend Swanson Vineyards in Napa. We had a great group dinner there last Jan.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Literally just got back from California two weeks ago and LOVED it! When you head to Napa, I highly recommend going to the Peju and Sattui vineyards! They're only about 2 miles apart and they are both wonderful! Also, when you're in San Francisco..be sure to drive across the bridge and check out Sausalito..such a nice town! Very picturesque. And doing the Alacatraz prison tour is a must! Be sure to book your tickets for that at least a couple weeks in advance though! Have fun!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Yayyy!!! So excited for you guys! This will be an.awesome trip!! And I have some great suggestions for restaurants on the north shore!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. This sounds like the most amazing trip!! I hope yall have the best time!

    Im not gonna lie, I was secretly hoping it would say "TEXXXAS"!!

    Please come soon!

    Loves you squeeks!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I hale rom Cali, my dear, and I've been to Napa/San Fran a few times so I have a few suggestions! I second Hailey with visiting Sausalito (but if you drive or ride from San Fran to Napa (or vise versa) you'll go right through it. Driving through is enough. Make sure to set up a whole day of wine tasting in Napa. A driver (or you could maybe bike, but your options would be limited) will take you to a bunch of wineries (you have to have appointment for most of them) and they can pick where to go or get you in. My favorite winery in all of Napa is Frank Family. Beautiful property. A great restaurant in San Francisco is Millennium. Its all vegan (and its so so so good, you would have no idea!) the location is a little iffy--like I almost turned right around when I saw it, but the food is seriously amazing. Eat crab fresh off Pier 51! AND for breakfast try Cafe De la Presse. They have the best chocolate croissants I've ever eaten in my entire life and its a French Cafe with huge windows right downtown. Cool atmosphere (little menu, but the coffee/espresso/cappuccino/croissants are top notch).

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sooo jealous!! What an amazing trip!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Heres the link to my blog so you can see Cafe De La Presse :) http://www.krystaslifeinfood.com/2011/12/vegan-egg-nog-and-our-trip.html

    ReplyDelete
  21. What an awesome trip!! Y'all are going to have the best time! Guys and their planning skills and their obsession with Pebble Beach :)
    So glad a trip to Texas is in your future to see Steph and Beaujangles, lol!! Happy hump day!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I can't wait for your recap! I've always wanted to check out California. I'm most excited for your Lake Tahoe recap though, I've seen soooo many pictures - I've fallen in love with it already!

    I might be more jealous that you are going to a Texas rodeo, however :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh my neck of the woods! I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and I now live near Lake Tahoe.. Your going to have such a blast!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I LOVE California!! I was just in San Francisco about a month ago and we drove down to Monterey as well! For me, SF had amazing food (there's a tiny little cafe called Nob Hill Cafe that I recommend) and the bridge is GORGEOUS. I literally made everyone see it from every location possible. I also really loved Lombard Street (the crooked street). I wrote a couple of blog posts on my "new" blog from my Cali trip if you want more ideas :) There's a beach near Monterey with "purple sand" that's pretty cool too! It's actually purple!

    If you want to read any of my recaps, go here --> starting with this one... http://thehealthyspread.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/san-francisco-trip-day/

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow! Your trip sounds aaaammmaazzinnnggg :) a tad bit jealous. You are going to have so much fun, I have heard spectauclar things about Lake Tahoe! can't wait to see all your amazing pics! {but I can bet that you are gonna miss your sweet lil pup...I know I would ;)}
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  26. Congratulations! That sounds amazing! I have only been to california once about 7 years ago, on a family vacation and we went to southern california.

    ReplyDelete
  27. OMG you guys are going to have the BEST trip! My husband and I moved to Lake Tahoe in January and we absolutely love it here, it's such a gorgeous place. I'll have to send you some recommendations! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  28. I was so so excited to read this blog this morning! I live about 20 minutes outside SF, I can tell you amazing places to stay in Napa (check out my blog I have blogged about St. Helena, You are going to LOVE Tahoe it is amazing we are going there this weekend for a couple nights!I think you will LOVE everything about CA!!! Let me know if you need any guidance on where to go/stay etc..!!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  29. We went on a similar-ish Cali trip a few years ago. We flew into Long Beach, just south of LA, and worked our way up to San Fran. You are going to have such a wonderful time!

    In San Francisco, definitely go to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park (http://japaneseteagardensf.com/). It is amazing! Also make sure to see Grace Cathedral -- it's gorgeous! On the day we went there, the daughter of some big oil guy from Texas was getting married and there were about 50,000 white roses (the florist was there and gave us all the details) used to decorate the interior and exterior of the church. I have pictures if you want to see! Also, take the ferry over to Sausalito -- it's a beautiful, quaint place, and taking the ferry across the bay is a great photo op!

    Definitely make a stop at some point to see the huge redwoods -- we stopped at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Those trees are awe inspiring! It's definitely worth a stop to see them and you'll be so close! Since you're headed up into wine country, a stop at Muir Woods may fit in better.

    The drive down the PCH/Hwy 1 is stunning and may take you longer, but is totally worth it! Carmel and Monterey are divine. One of the most memorable things from our trip was going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They have an incredible collection of jellyfish (I thought they all looked like the purple/gray ones that wash up on NC beaches; boy, was I wrong)! There are also a lot of other fun exhibits, but the jellyfish were definitely the highlight!

    You may want to look into the idea of heading a little further south to Moonstone Beach and Hearst Castle in San Simeon. We spent an hour on Moonstone Beach picking up tiny stones to bring back with us (they're gorgeous and would be such a great, and free!, souvenir from your trip). There are also A LOT of seals that hang out in the ocean here, and we were able to get very close to some of them (but still at a safe distance). Hearst Castle is absolutely gorgeous and definitely worth the visit and admission.

    If you're interested in going even further south, Solvang is a cute little Danish village, complete with a windmill. And Santa Barbara is stunning -- I would move there in a heartbeat. Depending on when you're going, whale watching trips are offered out of Santa Barbara if that's something you're interested in (we saw almost every animal but whales).

    If you have any questions, please let me know -- I LOVE to plan trips (like you I plan the next as soon as my most recent has ended, sometimes we even discuss locations beforehand :)), and I can share some of my resources/itinerary/pictures if you're interested!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I live in SF and have lived in Ca my whole life. You have quite the trip planned!!!! You are hitting some amazing places. We will be in Napa Aug 17th. You will LOVE Monterey and the city. If you need any food recommendations, let me know! xo

    ReplyDelete
  31. You guys are going to have the best time!! California is so beautiful and all of those places are so much fun! And they have the best weather...seriously! (I'm going to be there in September too!)

    Jaimie
    www.jaimiehart.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Whooop sounds like fun! I haven't been to California since I was a kid either and I'd love to go back! I need to start planning some vacas, all of yours are reminding me how long it's been since I've been on one!

    ReplyDelete
  33. cant wait to see everthing out there babe, i've been brushing up on my chinese for when we go to chinatown. love you!

    ReplyDelete
  34. OMG my husband and I are planning a similar trip. We're going toward the end of September- San Fran, Sonoma, and we're doing the Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey drive as well. We're staying at the Tuscan Inn in San Fran because we've heard such great things about it. Where are you staying?

    ReplyDelete
  35. San Francisco is the best place to visit...(and live!) have fun and enjoy Tahoe omggg, I miss that part of the states.

    xx
    L

    ReplyDelete
  36. I've been to Lake Tahoe and it is absolutley beautiful :)
    The water is crystal blue and heavenly! Reno is a fantastic city to go too by itself!
    And I'm so jealous about the Cali trip!

    ReplyDelete
  37. My family goes to north shore Lake Tahoe every year! It's just about my favorite place! If you go nowhere else for dinner, you must go to Lanza's! It's in kings beach, next to Safeway! It is the best Italian food, this is saying a lot because I'm Italian and never go out for Italian food, because we can usually make it better! Go early, it gets crowded, but it's sooooo worth it! I recommend the lumaconi! Have soo much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  38. not gonna lie i was hoping it said BOSTON again!!!! hahah but holy crap this vacation sounds absolutely amazing and awesome and so packed full of GREAT TIMES and memories!! :-)

    kings beach in tahoe looks gorgeous! i cannot wait to see all these pics you take!!

    PEBBLE BEACH! yaaa billy!! :-) prettiest 18th hole on the PLANET!!

    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  39. OMG, you are going to drive RIGHT BY MY HOUSE on your way from Tahoe to Napa. Maybe you should stop by...just saying :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. and if you end up in Santa Barbara, let me know! :) you'd love the shopping

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow, what an awesome trip you have planned! I'm so jealous you'll be living it up over in California. I visited Cali once to see San Diego and Newport Beach and it was just great! I miss it dearly.

    ReplyDelete
  42. You are going to have the best vacation. I love San Francisco. My college best friends and I have gone there twice for a girls trip and last year we spent the day in Napa. That was by far my favorite, it is BEAUTIFUL there...can't wait to go back.

    Can't wait to hear all about your trip!!So jealous you are going to Tahoe, have always wanted to go there.

    ReplyDelete
  43. oh my gosh i LOVE california!! but you are going to all the places i've never been! My fam is from Southern Cal so I've never been to napa or San Fran...you guys are gonna have so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi lovey! First let me say I'm so sad your trip doesn't include San Diego so we could meet! Oh well :( My hubs and I went to San Fran recently as part of our anniversary trip. We were only there for a short period of time so we did the hop-on hop-off bus because we got to see a bit of everything and it was cheaper than a taxi around the city. Definitely take time to eat some chowder of crab cakes at Fisherman's Warf. You really can't go wrong. We just strolled around town and picked places as we went along. Union Square has good places too! Have fun :) XO

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi lovey! First let me say I'm so sad your trip doesn't include San Diego so we could meet! Oh well :( My hubs and I went to San Fran recently as part of our anniversary trip. We were only there for a short period of time so we did the hop-on hop-off bus because we got to see a bit of everything and it was cheaper than a taxi around the city. Definitely take time to eat some chowder of crab cakes at Fisherman's Warf. You really can't go wrong. We just strolled around town and picked places as we went along. Union Square has good places too! Have fun :) XO

    ReplyDelete
  46. This looks like a great trip! I can't wait to see pictures! I'm definitely with you on being burnt out on beach trips..I'm ready to see the world! Ya'll will have a blast : )

    ReplyDelete
  47. That trip sounds amazing and I am totally jealous!!! I definitely want to do pretty much exactly the trip you have planned someday!

    ReplyDelete
  48. yay!! you're coming to my state! too bad i don't live closer to where you're visiting, i'd love to meet up! hope the trip is fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  49. You must eat at the Long Eagle Grill in Incline (3 miles from Kings Beach). You get the BEST views of the lake. I live in Reno and am in Incline every weekend, you just can't beat Tahoe.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Have a blast on your trip!!! I'm in Southern CA! I have visited San Fran though and love it. We drove up the coast and passed through Carmel, which is beyond beautiful!!! Everything at Fisherman's Wharf in SanFran is awesome!! I did all the boat tours I could find under the golden gate bridge also. Enjoy!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love your blog! And you and Billy are going to have so much fun on your trip! I'm headed to Napa Valley in October, so I'm anxious to hear ALL about your vacay! Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  52. GAH, so exciting!!! It sounds like you're going to be out there mere days before we arrive!! We're headed to San Francisco on Sept 4th for 6 days. Our hotel is in Nob Hill, but we're taking day trips outside of the city to Napa Valley, Muir Woods and Sausalito one day then heading south on PCH to Santa Cruz, Monterrey & Big Sur another day. We'll still have 4 full days in the city to explore San Fran too. We're so excited & we can't wait to get in our car and drive...just to see where the day takes us!! I can't wait to read all of the comments above to get ideas!! Definitely let us all know exactly what things make you & Billy's MUST DO list!!! :)
    xo~
    Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

    ReplyDelete
  53. KATIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am beyond jealous of this news. While I won't be living out there YET by the time you and Billy go, I will be living out there eventually because that's how much I fell in love with it. You are going to LOVE it! The culture, the food, the scenery. There is so much to see and do in the Bay Area!

    When we went to Napa, we did the tour/wine tasting at Sterling and Beringer. Loved both but Sterling had spectacular views!!

    I honestly feel like there's more to see and do in SF than any other city!!! You have to go to Alcatraz and take the boat over to Sausalito while you're at it and get some clam chowder! I think you'd love the farmers market at the Ferry Building. Take the cable car up California Street to Nob Hill. Go to Alamo Square to see the Painted Ladies. Lombard Street!! Eat at a outdoor cafe in North Beach & while you're there, stop by St. Peter and Paul Church where Joe DiMaggio & Marilyn Monroe had their wedding pics taken! I could go on and on!! SO excited for you! Maybe I'll see ya there one day [okay but seriously, I need to come visit you in Ohio first!] xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  54. My husband and I just got back from Lake Tahoe. We spent the 4th of July week there! It is AWESOME! Enjoy the weather. If you get the chance, drive around the lake. There are so many cool things to see. It's about 72 miles and will probably take about 3 hours (we stopped, etc.) Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Ah so many things to do... Lake Tahoe I prefer the South Shore. There's a steak house on top of Harvey's casino and it's to die for. Then there's always the night life in South Shore that north shore doesn't really have.. There's a restaurant called Fire and Ice in Heavenly Village that's pretty good too. South Shore also has Zephyr Cove good place to throw down some beers while in your bikinis and have some blended drinks made right on the beach.

    As for SF there's lots to do pretty much the standard stuff that everyone else has mentioned. Catch a Giants game if you can it's a gorgeous stadium and were 1st in the conference I think. I don't particularly like the Union Square area I prefer Union street which has quaint boutiques and street side restaurants. Lombard will drop you right into North Beach. Check and see of there are festivals going on when you come the are like no other street party you've seen. The Mission and Dolores Park are pretty cool too. Best burritos you'll ever have come from Mission.

    Anyhoo you can email me for more but that's a good mix.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Sounds like a fantastic trip! :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. You picked some fabulous stops, three of my faves! Hope you enjoy your time in Northern Cali!
    xo
    Kate

    ReplyDelete
  58. Wow, I need to take advice from all of these GREAT comments. Yay for Northern Cali!

    ReplyDelete

Leave some love: