I have started to plan a trip flying into Oakland, driving directly to Blackberry Inn, in Groveland. I will spend WTF night, (exploring Yosemite during the day,) and then drive to Calistoga for SS night. On Monday I want to drive over to Jenner and South, finally spending the night near the Oakland airport for a very early flight on Tuesday morning.

1st question--comments on staying at Blackberry Inn?
2nd question--looking at Bear Flag Inn or Foothill House B&B-Comment?
3rd question--travel time to Calistoga, and best 2 or 3 wineries
4th question--best airport hotel in Oakland.
5th question--And is this too much to do in the time I have?

Thank you for any comments on the above. I will be traveling in mid May '07, a total of 6 nights, 7 days and we are in our mid 50's and do easy hikes.

We live in Napa Valley and your plan is very doable. Plan on about 4 and 1/2 hours drive time from Groveland to Calistoga. We don't know anyone who has stayed in those B&B's in Calistoga but Tripadvisor reviews are all positive. There are many great wineries. Some of our favorites:
- Peju Winery in Rutherford (beautiful grounds, fun tasting room and amazing wines)
- Chateau Montelena in Calistoga (the winery that brought the world's attention to Napa Valley wines)
- Schramsburg (in the Calistoga area) - the best champagne and lots of history
- Friemark Abbey in St Helena

Your day trip through Jenner and the south coast to Oakland is easy; sorry, no experience with the airport hotels.

The wineries sound great. Thank you for your suggestions. Now to get through my PA winter...CA dreamin'

I think you'd better plan on more like 5 hours to get to Calistoga.

I don't have personal experience with Oakland Airport Hotels, but unless you get some personal experience advice....AAA rates the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites and the Park Plaza Hotel with the highest marks at the airport. Rates listed..Holiday Inn,$149-$179, Park Plaza $109-#129.

On your way to Jenner you might want to stop at Armstrong Grove Redwoods State Park near Guerneville.

As long as I have my AAA No. Calif. Tour Book out...Blackberry and Bear Flag are not listed. Foothill House gets 4 diamonds and this...."a shaded patio, flormal flower garden and gas fireplaces are featured in this restored 1892 farmhouse I notice there are only 4 units; however.

Your time sounds fine to me.

I second the recommendation to stop at Armstrong Redwoods. Beautiful!

Have you thought of staying at the Cottage Grove Inn in Calistoga? Just got back from there last week and had a very nice time. The cottages are so comfortable and it's a short walk into town.

I looked at the Armstrong Redwoods and it sounds great. We will stop there on our way to the coast. Any place you would suggest to have lunch on our way to Jenner or in Jenner?

Ugh, I stayed at Park Plaza near Oakland Airport and never again! I would go with the HI Express instead. Have stayed at the Hilton several times and it was a good overnight experience each time.

Groveland is about an hour to Yosemite Valley, Much longer almost 2 hours to the Mariposa Grove near the south entrance and about 2 hours to Tuolumne Meadows. If that amount of driving doesn't bother you then no problems. Otherwise you might want to stay the first night at Blackberry and then the others at the Yosemite Lodge in the valley or Yosemite View in El Portal.

I have stayed at just about every hotel near OAK since for about 2.5 years I spent one night every week there or in San Jose visiting field offices. Was even robbed at the Park Plaza - now that was special!

What time is your flight? Will you still have the car or are you turning it in the night before? If you still have the car I would stay ANYWHERE except right near the airport. My recommendation would be the Marina Inn in San Leandro. A nice-ish place right on the marina w/ 3 restaurants and a park w/i a very short walk and about a 10 minute drive from the airport.

For your lunch around/near Jenner
you cannot beat the view or food at River's End-for lunch they are open
12-3 PM,Thurs-Mon or SUn-call them
707-865-2484.
http://ilovesunsets.com

If that's not one of your days, head a tad south to Bodega Bay. For lunch, and again great views and food-go over to the golf course and dine at the Bluewater Bistro-707-875-3513.

If you want a picnic consider Pelican Deli at the Pelican Plaza in Bodega Bay.
It's on the left as you come into town from the north on Hwy 1.

If you are still not hungry, keep driving south on Hwy 1 to Pt. Reyes Station-the Station House Cafe is good as is the Pinecone Diner.

What time of year will you be here ?

R5

R5, re time of year:

"I will be traveling in mid May '07, a total of 6 nights, 7 days and we are in our mid 50's and do easy hikes."


I didn't notice this the first time either.

My mom has stayed at the HI Express hotel by OAK. She said it was fine.

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