Getaway Blog

Napa Valley Food and Wine Getaways

The 3rd annual Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) returns November 13-17, 2013 to the picturesque communities of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga.  This festival is a celebration of film, food and wine during the most colorful season in Napa Valley.  Hotels throughout the region offer food and wine getaway vacation packages to entice the most distinguished traveler to stay and enjoy their venue during this fun event, or any other time of the year.

Napa Valley, in the northern region of California, is often likened to Italy’s Tuscany region…it’s just a smaller, more Americanized version.  It is home to almost 300 premier wine makers located in between rolling hills and amazing scenery.  When traveling throughout Napa Valley, tourists can tour wineries, taste the wine blends that are being created, enjoy exquisite dining, as well as experience the amenities of the many unique hotels that cater to the most distinguished guests.

Napa Valley Lodge – VIP Winery Tour

Be safe as you explore the beautiful Napa Valley and it’s  wineries.  This number one selling vacation getaway package at the Napa Valley Lodge includes a bottle of wine upon arrival, an in-room champagne continental breakfast, and a five hour winery tour with your own private chauffeur.

The Meritage Resort and Spa - Taste-Cation Package

This award-winning hotel is set amidst the beautiful vineyards of California’s Wine Country and offers an unforgettable vacation getaway package which includes a two-night stay with champagne upon arrival, breakfast for two, a delectable dinner, a tasting at the resort’s own Trinitas Cellars and another winery, and to top it off, bowling for two at Crush Ultra Lounge.

The Silverado Inn – Napa Valley Film Festival Package

Add glamour and excitement to your stay in Napa for the Napa Valley Film Festival.  The historic Silverado Resort and Spa invites you to enjoy the celebration of film, food and wine with a vacation getaway package for this annual Napa Valley event.  Included in your stay is breakfast for two each day before heading out to experience all that the Film Festival has to offer.

Andaz Napa - Napa Film Festival Package (Reels, Reds, and Beds..Oh My!)

The Andaz Napa is nestled in the West End of downtown Napa, and close to the Napa Valley Opera House and Uptown Theater.  This vacation getaway package includes two, five day passes for the film festival with a minimum 3 night stay, select mini bar food and beverage items, welcome beverage upon arrival, wireless internet in guestroom and self parking for one vehicle.
Check out all of these Napa Valley Packages and more!

 

 

 

Great Gatsby Hotel Vacation Packages

“The Great Gatsby” hit theaters recently and while many of us remember having to read the novel in school, and at the time, may have thought it was slightly boring, this blockbuster movie is a alive with opulent colors, drama, glitzy costumes and incredible music that is sure to spark a yearning for nostalgia in everyone who views the movie.

Now hotels from Portland on the West Coast to New York on the East are joining the Gatsby scene by offering romantic getaway packages that honor the age of the Roaring Twenties and allow guests to experience a glimpse of the opulence, elegance and style of this memorable era at their upscale hotels.

The Heathman, Portland, Oregon

Experience the Heathman Hotel and their Great Gatsby Package in downtown Portland Oregon, while indulging in the lavishly exquisite lifestyle of those famed in the new Baz Luhrmann movie!

The Heathman Hotel Great Gatsby Hotel Package includes accommodations in their  luxurious Literary Arts Suite, a copy F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby,  DVD of the 1974 Jack Clayton and Francis Ford Coppola adaptation of The Great Gatsby starring Mia Farrow and Robert Redford,  choice of cocktail from The Heathman 20s-inspired cocktails including a Sidebar, Raspberry Rickey, Gin Gimlet or Champagne Julep, appetizers and more! For more information go to Great Gatsby Hotel Packages.

The Willcox Hotel, Aiken, South Carolina

The Great Gatsby Food and Wine Getaway Package offered by The Willcox Hotel Aiken, South Carolina, this summer as becomes an establishment of private  distinction featuring a Speakeasy sub-culture. Their Gatsby Hotel Package includes accommodations, Gatsby-inspired cocktail, Three-course tasting menu for two, a copy of the Great Gatsby and more.

Visit The Willcox Hotel Packages for more information on this limited time offer.

Vanderbilt Grace, Newport, Rhode Island

The Grace Gatsby – Recreate the Gilded Age in the playground of Gatsby at Vanderbilt Grace includes a two-night stay at Vanderbilt Grace, two Mansion Passports to tour any five of the following: The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer, Chepstow, The Elms, Green Animals, Isaac Bell House, Kingscote, Marble House, Rosecliff, five course dinner for two with wine pairings, sunset sailing cruise of historic sites of Newport, daily champagne breakfast and more. Visit Getaway Packages Food and Wine Vacations.

Vinoy Renaissance, St. Petersburg, Florida

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, invites couples to celebrate their love with aomantic Getaway Package which includes cocktails inspired by the Prohibition and a picnic carriage ride through  town, a Charleston style dance lesson, luxurious accommodations in an upgraded bay view guestroom and dinner for two each evening. To learn more about this romantic vacation getaway, visit Getaway Packages Romantic Getaways.

The Plaza Hotel, New York, New York

The Plaza Hotel in New York honors one of their most famous patrons, F. Scott Fitzgerald, with their newly appointed Fitzgerald Suite.  This Gatsby inspired package includes luxury accommodations in The Fitzgerald Suite,  Gatsby champagne cocktails, breakfast for two, champagne upon arrival and a Plaza branded set of ‘His & Her’ flasks to take home.  Visit Gatsby Romantic Getaway.

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific Northwest Top 5 Hotels

TripAdvisor has just revealed the 2013 US Travelers’ Choice awards.  Five of the Top 25 are in the Pacific Northwest. Unlike other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world. Each of these top rated hotels have incredible getaway packages, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, an arts and culture getaway, an adventure getaway or just a “hot deal”.  When you are planning your next Pacific Northwest Get Away, you should definitely check out one of these top 25 TripAdvisor awarded hotels!

Four Seasons Hotel, Seattle, WashingtonFor the Romantic GetawayRomantic Getaway

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is close to everything downtown Seattle offers: Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, and the famous Pike Place Market.  Majestic mountain peaks, a waterfront escape for tow and a never-ending source of entertainment awaits visitors.. From the great outdoors to all kinds of music and world-renowned food and wine, Seattle has the perfect combination of natural beauty and urban sophistication for a romantic getaway.  Their Romantic Get Away package includes breakfast for two at ART Restaurant and Lounge or through In-Room Dining as well as accommodations.

visit: GetAwaypackages.com for more info:

The RiverPlace Hotel, Portland, Oregon’s Best Hot DealHot Deal Advance Purchase at RiverPlace

In terms of comfort, RiverPlace feels like home. In terms of style, it oozes with Craftsman charm. From the magnificent lobby with its stacked stone fireplace to the solid wood furniture in your fabulous guest room, a stay at the boutique RiverPlace Hotel is the ultimate escape—especially if you love the outdoors as much as we do. Save on advance bookings when you reserve early. This hotel offers great Hot Deals in Oregon.

Allison Inn and Spa, Newberg, Oregon – For a Girls GetawayGirls Wine and Spa Getaway

Situated  in Oregon Wine Country with 85 luxury guestrooms and spacious suites, all accommodations in this Newberg Oregon Inn and Spa have gas fireplaces or a terrace or balcony. The luxurious Allison Spa has 12 treatment rooms, a fitness studio and indoor swimming, hair and nail salon and a retail boutique.Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Portland, this Oregon Spa Vacation should not be missed.

Wine Country Rhapsody

Time to unwind, relax and indulge in the spa. A perfect package for girlfriends who wish to be pampered. There is nothing like a good night’s sleep in the clean country air after a spa treatment to make you feel restored.  This package includes a $200 spa credit for the treatment of your choice, king or double queen bed accommodation, use of the indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, Fitness Studio, sauna and steam room, and complimentary overnight valet parking

Inn at the Market- A Seattle Food and Wine Getaway Experience Garden and Glass Getaway Package

With so many hotels in downtown Seattle, WA to choose from, The Inn at the Market is the only downtown Seattle hotel located directly in the famous Pike Place Market. Inn at the Market’s ivy-covered courtyard is a tranquil hideaway, just steps away from the vibrant atmosphere of Pike Place Market and the Seattle waterfront. The Inn at the Market offers Pacific Northwest style and comfort surrounded by downtown Seattle’s most acclaimed restaurants and iconic landmarks.

Their Chihuly Garden and Glass Package is a Seattle Attraction in itself! Explore the world of Dale Chihuly, renowned glass artist, at the Chihuly Garden and Glass.  Located next to the Space Needle, the Garden & Glass house offers visitors a unique look at the vast and beautiful work of Dale Chihuly. This Seattle Attraction Package includes overnight accommodations, valet parking, two tickets to Chihuly Garden & Glass, and two round trip Monorail tickets.

The Oxford Hotel in Bend, Oregon is great  For an Adventure GetawayAdventure Outdoor Getaway

The Oxford Hotel in Bend, OR,is the only boutique Bend, Oregon hotel,  offering both the amenities and luxuries you simply won’t find anywhere else in town from which you may set out on an adventure of your choice! Their outdoor adventure vacation includes:  2 consecutive nights for 2 adults in boutique lodging, two lift tickets each day and more.


Top 5 Cinco de Mayo Getaways

Cinco de Mayo celebrations commemorate the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. This celebration includes eating, drinking and dancing all things Mexican and is right around the corner.  Widely celebrated in the USA due to the large hispanic population, this Fifth Day of the month of May has caught on throughout the United States and many of us mistakenly believe this day to be Mexican Independence Day (actually the 16th of September.) The North American “Fiesta” includes sombrero-clad Mariachi (men and women) playing guitars, trumpets and other instruments to accompany Baile Folkloric dancers. These beautiful “Damas” or ladies play their castañets dressed in colorful regional dresses native to the region they represented in Mexico. Red, white and green are the highlighted festival colors which commemorate the National Flag of Mexico. Some of the culinary delights include tamales, empañadas, tacos, savory and sweet candies. Of course no fiesta is complete without tequila,  ice-cold cervezas and Margaritas. ¡Vamanos! Let’s Go!

We thought we would highlight five of the best places for a Cinco de Mayo Getaway in the USA!  Here are a few great getaway packages for each city.

San Diego, California

Old Town San Diego, known as the “Birthplace of California” will host the 30th Annual Old Town Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Old Town State Historic Park along San Diego Avenue. This vibrant and free festival features multiple stages featuring live music, Mexican dancers, musicians, entertainment and family-friendly activities. The Bazaar del Mundo Shops in Old Town will showcase authentic and handcrafted specialty goods, Mexican food, folklore and fun. So many great places to stay and choose from in our  San Diego Getaway Packages for a fiesta weekend in San Diego!

Los Angeles, California

Fiesta Broadway 2013 kicks off the Cinco de Mayo celebration on Sunday, April 28th at Grand Park in Los Angeles. The festival is touted to be the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration amongst the latino population in the United States. Over 500,000 festival-goers enjoy a huge exhibit of Latino-inspired entertainment, food stalls, craft exhibits and more. Pick your favorite Los Angeles Getaway package and come join the fun in LA!

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago celebrates Cinco de Mayo by hosting a community celebration in the Little Village neighborhood which features traditional mexican food, live music, arts & crafts and activities for kids and families. Bring your family to this fun Little Village Cinco de Mayo Celebration. In addition to this festival, many of Chicago’s well known and popular restaurants will also celebrate the holiday and offer their own celebrations, specials and fun for the occasion. The Windy City options are fantastic – check out our Chicago Getaway Packages.

Portland, Oregon

Voted 2012’s Ovation Award for Best Cultural and Heritage Festival in the State of Oregon, Portland’s Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is presented by the Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association. This event attracts over 300,000 visitors and a significant part of the celebration lies around the city’s connection as a sister city to Guadalajara, Mexico. The festival’s agenda includes a traditional Mariachi Mass, Fire Dancers, a carnival, live butterfly exhibit, flash mob as well as an artisan’s village where unique art and handcrafted specialty goods will be displayed. The acclaimed Heathman Hotel has some incredible Portland Getaway Packages to choose from!

Denver, Colorado

Denver serves as home to a significant Hispanic population and with it, comes one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States. Musicians, dancers, mariachi bands and a family-friendly carnival are the highlights of this vibrant and exciting festival. Tantalizing culinary delights will be served throughout the festival, along with an annual green chili cook-off that will take place between local restaurants. Over 450,000 attendees are expected at this music-centric event. Great Denver Getaway Packages are offered at the Oxford Hotel right in downtown Denver!

 

Amtrak Family Getaways

Hop on the Amtrak and take a family vacation like you’ve never taken before.  Sit back and relax in one of Amtrak’s cozy seats as you pass through the tranquil landscape of Central California.

Just south of Napa Valley, San Luis Obispo boasts beautiful scenery and plenty of wineries. San Luis Obispo has a variety of attractions for you and your family to enjoy.

While Dad takes the kids on a hike, enjoy a relaxing day at the spa at the Madonna Inn with the Hike & Spa Package.

The Hike & Spa Package: The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California.

The Hike & Spa Package includes:
  • Room & Sweet Feet Layered Foot Massage for Two
  • Lavender cleanse
  • Lemon sugar exfoliating scrub
  • Refreshing mud wrap
  • Butter cream massage
Nearby attractions in San Luis Obispo:
  • The Madonna Inn: This hotel is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. The Madonna Inn originally opened its doors in the late 1950′s and now offers 110 guest rooms, each with its very own unique theme. This hotel is sure to offer an unforgettable experience for you and your family.
  • Wineries: San Luis Obispo, or SLO as the locals call it, is in the heart of wine country. Home to dozens of wineries, the coastal landscape allows for the perfect winemaking conditions.
  • Hiking: The rolling hills of San Luis Obispo are perfect for an afternoon hiking with your family. With picturesque views of the beautiful Central California Coast, it’s a must-do for the outdoorsy family.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to experience a memorable family vacation with your family.

Food and Wine Escapes

Who doesn’t love to enjoy good food while on vacation? Add some wine tasting to your gourmet meals, and you’ve got the makings for a marvelous food and wine escape!

Here are a few food and wine vacation getaway packages for you to consider for your next gourmet getaway:

Wine Tasting 5-Course Dinner Package: Eddington House Inn in Bennington, Vermont

This food and wine package sounds cozy and romantic, as well as delicious! It includes the following:

  • Two night’s lodging in a spacious suite with private bath
  • Special five-course dinner for two at the award-winning Pangaea Restaurant, a short walk from the Inn. Five courses will be served to share with your loved one and paired with world-class wines chosen specifically for each course.
  • Full breakfast for two daily
  • Afternoon refreshments daily
  • Endless desserts
  • Locally made creamy chocolate truffles

Southern Smile, Savannah Style Package at Planters Inn on Reynolds Square in Savannah, Georgia

Enjoy some good old-fashioned Southern hospitality — and down-home cooking at Paula Deen’s restaurant — with this clever vacation package that includes:

  • Two nights in deluxe accommodations
  • One copy of The Deen Family Cookbook
  • A $25 gift certificate to Paula Deen’s restaurant The Lady & Sons
  • Paula Deen focused trolley tour for two
  • Continental breakfast each morning
  • Evening wine and cheese reception
  • Nightly turndown service

Food and Wine Experience Package at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Your taste buds will be tantalized with this yummy gourmet getaway vacation package that includes:

  • Two-night room accommodations
  • Welcome amenity of a VIP artisan cheese platter
  • Food & wine pairing in a wine cave on first evening
  • Chef’s seven course tasting dinner in Santé including wine pairings on the second evening
  • Evening turn down service with wine country chocolates
  • Tasting passes for two to a local winery

The Vacation Gals love to eat and drink on vacation, and have enjoyed culinary escapes in Oregon Wine Country, Napa Valley and Hawaii.

Eat Pray Love Packages

The latest craze in hotel packages pairs movie releases with hotel accommodations. Last year Kimpton Hotels cashed in on the release of Night at the Museum and featured their Washington D.C. hotel in a package including tickets to the Smithsonian. This year’s entertainment marketing machine has Miami’s Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove partnered with a local movie theater to offer a creative weekend-getaway package. This package coincided with the release of the new film based on the best-selling novel Eat, Pray, Love.

The story takes place in Indonesia, India and Rome, and to honor the theme, guests watch the film in a private theater while enjoying an Italian “picnic dinner,” complete with wine or champagne. The package also includes a meditation session at the local Dharma Studio, followed by an Indian dinner.

Way to go Sonesta Bay Coconut Grove! Since the package is no longer available on their site, we recommend you choose any one of their other great hotel packages and sneak in the movie on your own.