The "back way" into the airport is your best bet, and it does mean avoiding Sacramento altogether.

However, w/ a 1 p.m. flight this talk of an "early lunch" or even late breakfast isn't really all that doable.

a 1:00 flight means getting to SMF by about 10:30 (11:00 at the very latest). Not because you need 2.5 hours at the airport, but to allow for turning in the car and taking the shuttle bus to the terminal.

Then assume 15 mins to the airport from wherever you eat. 45 mins - 1 hour for b'fast. Meaning you are looking at having b'fast on the road around 9:00.

If it were me - I'd just have breakfast in Napa and then drive directly to SMF.

thank you everyone! i'll take down notes form all the posts!i am leaving in a day and i'm so excited!:-D