Traveling with kids can be a challenge, but I’ve got a solution for you. Instead of a long and complicated trip, jump in your car, drive for an hour, and head to Alexander Valley for a fun-filled 24 hours with your family. Get the kids in the car (this feature caters to newborns to grown children). Pack a simple bag with bathing suits, shorts, tennis shoes, sweats, and pajamas. We have all the rest… Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1.) On your way to Geyserville, stop at Oliver’s in Windsor. This will be your new favorite grocery store. Their taqueria is amazing! You can get homemade tortillas, chips, rice, beans, homemade green and red salsa to prepare some fabulous nachos. Stop at their cheese department for cheese and charcuterie. They are extremely knowledgeable so just let them guide you.
Oliver’s- 9230 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor.
2.) They also have lattes, but I recommend stopping at the Montage on the way. It’s so convenient, and they make a great latte. Don’t park your car; just pull over and grab your latte before heading to Banshee for a picnic lunch.
Montage Healdsburg- 100 Montage Way.
3.) For Banshee- Bring your picnic basket (or grocery bag) with the cheese and charcuterie you just bought at Oliver’s. Call Benjamin and let him know Ashley sent you. He’ll take excellent care of you while you sip on fabulous sparkling wine and awesome pinots. As you relax by the fire on the gorgeous veranda, you’ll find a turntable with a great selection of music, from Dr. Dre to the Eagles and everything in between. Trust me, you’ll thank me for this experience.
Benjamin at Banshee- 707.395.0915 5110 CA-128, Geyserville.
4.) After lunch, head to the pool and hot tub at Casa Gaga. There are other great places to stay, but this is the only one I can personally recommend. Get lost in the vineyard views, enjoy the indoor/outdoor living at its finest, and play pickleball, bocce, and basketball. You can even catch frogs! At this point, you’ll be in ultimate vacation mode. www.gagaestates.com
5.) Make the nachos for the kids, but hire Chef Dave Carey to cook for you. I had him prepare my two favorite dishes recently—fried chicken and mac n cheese—to which he did an extraordinary job. I was so moved by the perfect fried chicken that I almost cried when I took my first bite. We put the kids to bed before dinner, but this blog isn’t about that. You’ll have to make that decision.
Dave Carey- 702.278.9338
6.) Now, you’re thinking you’ve had the perfect day and it’s time to go to bed. No way! Turn on the record player, enjoy some insane stargazing, and then turn on the rainbow show of lights in the pool.
7.) You slept perfectly, didn’t you? Time to head back. You’re about to hit the 24th hour, and that’s what this blog covers. We stay for days and repeat the same routine, but you can choose your own adventure.
8.) On your way home, head to Acorn Cafe with the family. The chef/owner, Beryl Adler, is incredibly talented, and the atmosphere is perfectly casual. They serve the best huevos rancheros and lattes in town. Healdsburg is just adorable, so take a stroll before you head back. Acorn Cafe-125 Matheson, Healdsburg.
9.) You’re welcome! It’s that easy. I’ve done all the thinking and planning for you, so all you have to do is go!
