Weekend in the Wine Country

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At the end of a long driveway situated nicely amidst the vines, is the solidly built ranch house (circa 1955) that has two bedrooms with private bath. Many windows create a very light and airy feeling and present wonderful views of a serene, natural setting. The floors throughout are white-washed, highly polished pavers, which lead to a large outdoor patio.

Separate, but near the home is a cottage one enters through a wreath-decorated latch gate that opens to a vine-covered patio. The door to the cottage opens off the patio, and inside is a large kitchen, fully equipped right down to the popcorn and popper! The kitchen opens to a living room with two plush loveseats, coffee and side tables and lots of light for reading. A TV with cable sits under a cloth matching the sofas. The bedroom and bath complete the cottage which has another cozy, small patio in back, surrounded by flowers under a large oak tree.

The owners are quite nice. They say they serve a continental breakfast, but it is actually quite large and everyone is full when they leave.

The house is fairly decent size and sleeps six people. The beds in the 2 bedrooms are queen size and their is a futon in the living room. There is a full size kitchen supplied with utensils, pots, pans, plates, and everything else you need. The refrigerator is a full size one as well. There is a deck around two sides of the house that contains furniture and a grill that can be used to cook out.

The living room has a sectional couch, tv, and vcr. There is a satalite dish hooked up as well. It does not get any of the premium channels though.

It costs $200/night. It is perfect for 2 couples, a group of friends, or a family as I was pricing hotel rooms in the area, this was the best deal.

From the moment you enter the Wine Train's Station, you begin a threefold adventure...A return to the gracious era of elegant rail travel with distinguished service... A deliciously crafted culinary and complete wine experience...champagne brunch, gourmet lunch or exquisite full-course dinner... offer an enjoyable and relaxing journey through the heart of Napa Valley's picturesque vineyards past world renowned wineries.

Guests spend time prior to boarding leisurely shopping and wine tasting. The McKinstry Street Station provides a perfect opportunity for purchasing gifts for loved ones ... or yourself! The Wine Emporium features almost 200 kinds of wine and related gifts, while Baubles & Beads offers an elegant variety of jewelry and other personal items, as well as luxurious gifts for the home in the Unique Gift Express!

Every Brunch, Lunch and Dinner excursion approximately a scenic 3-hour adventure through the heart of the Napa Valley Wine Country. This is the best way to see the valley without having to drive.

As most of these types of restaurants, the service could have been better. Our waitress did admit this was her first day on the job (I couldn't believe she was not following someone for training.) She was fair. However, the attendant who seated us and took our money could have been more hospitable.

I recommend it for race fans. The nitro cars are extremely loud. When they shoot off the starting line, they cause the seats to vibrate. Sometimes the top of the car blows off which is scary, but interesting to see in the pits afterwards.

In between the different events, you can walk around in the pits. Meet the different drivers, watch the crew work on the cars, and get autographs.

If you have sensative ears or young children, I do not recommend attending.