California SuperFam 2017
Day 1
Our first treat was to be fast tracked through the BA check in and upgraded to Business Class for the 11-hour flight from Gatwick!
After landing, our first stop was the Four Points by Sheraton in Pleasanton (Tri Valley). As soon as we arrived at the hotel we were greeted by the Livermore Wine Tram and a lovely drop of Chardonnay as we explored the local vineyards.
We ended the tour at Wente Vineyard. 80% of all California Chardonnay comes from a Wente clone. We had an incredible meal at the Wente Restaurant with many of the ingredient’s grown on the estate.
Day 2
We were up bright, early and heading to the Blackhawk Museum, home to a collection of historically significant cars as well as an exhibit on the Spirit of the Old West.
It was then on to the stunningly beautiful South Lake Tahoe. We quickly checked in to the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel and headed across the road (and state line) to the Hard Rock Café, Nevada! From the beautiful lodges on one side to the massive hotels with casinos on the Nevada side there was certainly a contrast.
Day 3
After a sunrise run we headed to a local airstrip where three of the group were being stunt pilots for the morning and trying a range of tricks from loops and rolls to tail slide and stalling mid-air! For those of us unable to go up in the stunt plane we weren’t going to be missing the stunning aerial views of the lake and were fortunate enough to experience a breath-taking helicopter ride.
There was no better way to wash down the adrenaline but a ‘pour your own’ beer at the Lake Tahoe AleWorX with a rotating selection of 30 taps and delicious pizzas!
The afternoon was spent on a beautiful walk down along the lake, spotting salmon swimming upstream and taking a dip in the ice cold, but crystal-clear waters. We were also lucky enough to stumble upon the Camp Richardson’s Oktoberfest, with a variety of Bavarian beers, food and the live Gruber Family Band!
After a quick rest, we were back up at yet another fantastic Italian themed restaurant, The Loft which hosts award winning live performance theatre.
Day 4
The next morning, we donned our hiking shoes and headed to Emerald Bay with a sandy beach, Vinkingsholm Castle from 1860's and for us a surprise champagne picnic.
Just to see the stunning lake from every angle there was one more adventure to be had in Tahoe on board the MS Dixie II from Zephyr Cove, which comes equipped with a bar, restaurant and plenty of seating in doors or on the open sundeck, offering views of the surrounding mountains.
Now it was finally time to head to Sacramento and check into the beautiful Westin Hotel. We wondered down the historic R Street, admiring the brick buildings, trendy bars and many restaurants. Stopping off for a local cocktail at the Shady Lady – try the White Linen.
Day 5
A trip down the Gold Bug Mine gave us a hands-on feel of an actual dark and damp mine! Our guide, Duffy the gold miner, delivered all the information with such passion and humour you really felt the spirit of that time. From mining gold to liquid gold, of the red or white variety at Boegers Winery for some wine tasting.
We then went to probably my favourite restaurant of the trip The Rind. Serving cheese, beer and wine (what else is needed), this cheese-centric bar has unique and inspiring artisanal cheeses which can be paired for you by the amazing staff.
Day 6
We started the day seeing the inside of one of the state’s most important buildings – the State Capitol Building. Serving as both a museum as well as a current working seat of government for the state of California, you can visit various offices and the assembly room.
Not wanting to miss out on a portrait opportunity, we ventured in to ‘Old Sac’ or Old Sacramento. This feels like walking back in time as the 28-acre National Historic landmark district is host to all sorts of shops and attractions themed in the gold rush era. Check out the pubs with saloon doors and get your old-time photo taken at McGee’s! No time for hanging around, we were off again and on our way back to Oakland where we were joining the other nine groups who had been experiencing their own set of itineraries.
Our evening was spent at a beautiful restaurant at Lakeside Park overlooking Lake Merritt. We were even treated to serenaded gondola rides!
Day 7
Our final full day and another early morning to be able to cram in some of the highlights of Oakland. Our first stop was the interactive and fascinating Oakland museum where their mission is to inspire all Californians to create a more vibrant future for themselves and their communities. The museum interweaves art, history and education throughout with lots of hand on activities to keep children and adults entertained.
It was then onto one of my favourite activities of the trip as we met up with the guys from Dragon School to do a huge paint by number street art piece in the middle of Chinatown. This super talented group provide youth and artists a unique place to experiment with street-art and develop community ownership. They did have to do quite a bit of “final touches” to make it suitable for display for a year but all the same we were very proud of our work and I loved doing something so different.
It was our final night and the Visit California super organisers had arranged quite the finale with an 80’s themed evening at Oakland Zoo with video presentations on all the groups trips.
Day 8
As we thought the trip was slowing down and we were going to be allowed to rest there was one more surprise in store for us as we were again up early for a surprise trip across the water to San Francisco! In true style we were whisked across on the RocketBoat with high speed turns and great photo’s views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge almost to the door of the San Fran Aquarium on the well-known Pier 39.
With a few moans and groans from the less keen walkers in our group who were slightly conned by our promise to find Mrs Doubtfire’s house, we made it to the top of the famous Lombard Street and the great views of the legendary San Francisco roads.
What a way to end one of the busiest but most incredible trips to the world famous State of California.