Can anyone share their most memorable, Big 40 birthday celebrations? I hate to admit it, but I need some HELP doing something extra special for my wife, who is celebrating her Big "40" in a few weeks. Anything involving a night out or even a quick weekend getaway! Suggestions on places to go, things to do will be GREATLY appreciated!

Some of the best weekend trips for us in N Ca involve Tahoe in the off season. Not gambling or even getting close to them. Since it just snowed I don't know if this would interest you. A great and romantic restaurant in south shore is Cafe Fiore. Has only 6 or 7 tables. For a really good dinner there is Evans Gourmet which is in a former cottage between the Y and Camp Richardson. No matter how many times we go there we nearly always pass it and have to turn around.

Great places to stay. Black Bear Inn. Also Tahoe Seasons has jacuzzi in the middle of the room.

Spent my 40th in town so I have no big celebration to describe.

I'm assuming that you're in Northern California. Are you close to San Francisco? Maybe a weekend in the city with a special dinner out and tickets to the theater. Maybe a massage at one of the day spas before dinner.

Or a weekend in the wine country. Nice B&B and special dinner.

Or a little further down, a weekend in Cambria. Dinner at Brambles or Sow's Ear and a tour of Hearst Castle.

Well, this is what I'd like '-)

Get a room at the Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill (they're having a special for bay area residents), including a spa treatment at their Nob Hill Spa. Arrange with the concierge to have champagne and roses in the room. Then, go out to a great dinner where perhaps you have a few friends meet you to surprise her. After dinner maybe some music and dancing at the Top of the Mark after dinner?

Don't be embarrassed to admit that you need help with suggestions. I just think it's great that you're a husband who is trying to make his wife's birthday a memorable event.

I do love the idea of Carmel or Cambria for a birthday celebration.

If you don't live in San Francisco, I also think that a weekend in the city would be a memorable birthday. A concert, dancing or theater after a nice dinner would be great. And the massage idea is wonderful!

I vote for a weekend in Cambria at the Blue Dolphin or Sand Pebbles Inn and strolling Moonstone Beach. Eat at Robin's and/or Sow's Ear. Or stay at Whitewater Inn in one of the rooms at the front which have your own private spa outside. (We've stayed at 7 different accommodations in Cambria in the last 25 years & these are our favorites). Have a wonderful birthday celebration!

Thanks, all for your help. Truly appreciate the suggestions! My wife loves a more "lively" social scene, with lots of people...If I were to choose Cambria, along with the other great ideas you suggest, would I find that there?

I also turned 40 this year and my husband arranged for a party. It was not a surprise - he told me about it. He even asked me to go over the invite list with him. HE DID EVERYTHING ELSE!!! All I had to do was have a good time and write thank you notes.

While I really like Cambria, I can't say that it would be the best for a lively nightlife.

I think the idea of a special dinner and theater or dancing in San Francisco sounds like a fun celebration.

A drive to Lake Tahoe for the weekend might be another idea.

Or surprise her with a weekend in Las Vegas. The weather's getting warm in Las Vegas (I was just there a few weeks ago) and she could relax by the pool by day and there'd be plenty of people and nightlife for her.

Nope, practically noooo nightlife in Cambria. We have a friend there who is an artist, in her 40's, single, and she is throwing in the towel after living there & owning a gallery for 6 years. Says just no way to meet other singles. However, last time we were there, we went up to Cambria Pines Lodge and listened to a guy playing piano & singing--he was fabulous! We wound up staying almost 4 hours listening to him.

I'd have to second the suggestion for Las Vegas! I recently celebrated my 40th there and had a blast. My husband booked a nice room at the Bellagio. I had a massage one afternoon and did some shopping during the day (it was winter and too cold for the outdoor pools). We had a wonderful dinner followed by gambling and dancing that evening. It's a weekend I'll always remember!

Gina, Where did go dancing? Have you heard of Rum Jungle?

We had a wonderful dinner at Le Cirque and then followed up with dancing at Light (both at the Bellagio) - a very romantic night. We also went the next night to the Voodoo Lounge at the Rio - wonderful view.

If your wife enjoys a lively party atmosphere, I can't imagine how you could go wrong with a surprise trip to Las Vegas.

WhatsAMan, what did you decide?

Susan,
Well, looks like we'll be off to Vegas! But, I plan on tucking away all of the other great suggestions for future birthdays-- Thanks to all!