easytraveler

rcarolina: not the usual political variety!!!

Well, that's a novelty, fer sure!

Wishing you a rapid recovery and a great time in California!

kawh

4carolina-- i came late to this post-- and found it because i'm researching puglia and will be there when you are!! as a sonoma county resident, i would have tried to talk you into visiting (and flying directly into santa rosa's airport) but you have made some great choices.

i love love the mission ranch-- haven't stayed but have been to dinner and the bar many times. so beautiful sipping your favorite while watching the animals graze on the hills that slope down into the fog. also, they have the greatest-ever piano bar--- so old fashioned. and more than once i have seen people break into song as they sat around the piano.

it's a great choice to stay in the woods in big sur. a couple of things i like to do there are-- go get a massage or facial at the ventana inn so that you can soak in their fab outdoor (clothing optional) hot tubs and pool after. also-- go to the post ranch inn for lunch or dinner... the all-glass view over the cliff feels like you are at the ends of the world. boh-- and breakfast at deetjen's big sur is fantastic and can also be a good local scene. for the truly adventurous, go at 1am (or 2am??) to esalen, where you can hike down with flashlights and take a hot hot soak on the cliff with waves crashing. unforgettable. they only allow you to visit in the middle of the night, unless you are staying there. nepenthe has a world class view (and so-so food) so worth a drink by the fire, maybe.

if you have relatives to show you around s.b. as well--- i think you will have a wonderful trip.

next time i hope you can find time to check out sonoma county. napa's wine road is good--- but sonoma has coastline, river, redwoods, pastures and wineries sprinkled throughout. -kawh

4carolina

Thank you SO much KAWH !!You have reminded me I must make a res.for lunch at Post Ranch Inn.I have jotted down all your other thoughtful suggestions.In regard to Puglia,please go to that posting and share your itinerary AND thoughts,suggestions in regard to ours.I had hoped I would get more response there,and am puzzled it has been so quiet.Do you think Puglia is past for Fodor travelers?? Please share your your proposed Puglia with me.I will flesh out our itinerary as well.Great to know there is someone else in "Fodorland" headed there soon.I look forward to your Puglia post !!

sf7307

kawh and SAB, we've never been to Mission Ranch -- but now we want to go!! What time does the piano bar "get going"? Maybe we'll stay over, but in case we don't, we'd plan to have a late-ish dinner and then head over to the bar -- good plan (don't worry, we'll have a designated driver to get us home )?

kawh

sf7307- the piano bar is in the main dining area. it's old school-- where you actually sit around (at) the piano. the scene really varies depending on who is playing-- what they are playing-- and whether anyone happens to be feeling bold and of song that night! it seems like it starts after dinner-- because during sunset hours, many are out on the back patio enjoying the scene. the one thing to know about mission ranch, however, is that it is not in town-town. it's a bit far to walk either to the beach or into town... which is why we usually go for drinks/dinner... but i've often thought it would be a lovely place to stay... kawh