This blog uses affiliate links. If you’d like to purchase a recommended product, please use the link to support this blog. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, it simply allows me to continue creating these posts. Thank you so much for your love and support!
HOTEL REVIEW: Cabernet House, an Old World Inn - Napa, California
Cabernet House, Old World Inn is the best hotel to stay in Napa, California. Not only is it affordable, but their prime downtown Napa location gives you access to everything - restaurants, shops, and of course, wine tasting rooms! Where to Stay in Napa CA | Napa Valley bed and breakfast | Hotel close to #Napa #wineries #hotel
Cabernet House Old World Inn Bed and Breakfast in Napa Valley
Napa has quite a few options of places to stay and I loved our stay at the Cabernet Inn. This bed and breakfast had a different theme for every room. It wasn’t quite like the Madonna inn, but still a nice place to stay!
Related Post: Planning a trip to Napa? Start here with our Napa Valley Travel Guide! AND don’t miss Sonoma County Wineries
Located near the heart of downtown, nothing was too far! Restaurants, shops, wine tasting rooms all found within walking distance!
Also, the room rate was under $200 a night and came with breakfast! What a steal! We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!
This post contains affiliate links in which if a room is booked, I receive a commission at no cost to you. Please save this link!
Related Post: Napa and Santa Rosa Weekend Itinerary
Best Room at Cabernet House - Starry Night Room
We chose the room, Starry Night, which had a skylight above our bed! At night we saw the stars and even the moon orbit from window to window!
There was also a patio that had a jacuzzi tub. Not a whirlpool jacuzzi, a bath tub. Weird, right?
We probably would have used it if it wasn't 40 degrees outside. Speaking of bathtubs, the bathroom had a footed tub with an old fashioned toilet where you pulled a lever to flush!
I loved this room, I would definitely stay in here again!
Bella Tuscany Room
The house had multiple bedrooms upstairs, but there were only 3 bedrooms downstairs. It was perfect, our friends picked the Bella Tuscany Room and it happened to be right across from us.
Decorated with an Italian flair including some fine Tuscan accents, this room was a fairly good size! But it also had a bathtub in the middle of the room. Again, weird, right?
But these hedges and doors were adorable! This room had very little natural light, but was fine for a quick night stay!
Check out more themed rooms here: Cabernet House Rooms
Find the BEST rate for a room at the Cabernet House here: Booking.com
Common Areas
Since this is a bed and breakfast that used to house a family (see the history toward the bottom of this page), it is basically a large house with the works including a family room, dining room and kitchen. Since we went in December, it was decorated for Christmas and felt like home!
There was fresh coffee in the morning and hot water for french presses, hot cocoa, or tea available 24/7.
Breakfast Served at Cabernet House
Served from 8:30-10am
For breakfast, we waltzed out in our sweats and socks and sat at the dining room table. There were a couple of ladies who had prepared the food and were serving the dishes. It was almost like a restaurant except everyone gets the same thing. I grabbed a coffee and when I came back to my seat a place setting was setup for me. Minutes later, one of the ladies brought me a plate that had an egg souffle, a cranberry muffin, and fresh fruit. DELICIOUS!
Happy Hour
The inn hosted a wine and cheese party at happy hour in their wine cellar from 5:30-6:30pm at their main location, Hotel Napa Valley, featuring local Napa wines. As we were finishing up, the power went out. Not creepy at all when you’re alone with your friends in a dark basement. Emergency lights lead us to the first floor and we discovered the whole block was out!
Extras!
For a small fee, the Cabernet House can provide massages in your room, wine, flowers, and even offer breakfast in bed!
Room service hours are from 8:45-10:00am and from 3:00-11:00pm.
At 7:30pm, small handmade chocolate nibbles (made from Ghirardelli and Callebaut dark chocolates) are provided until they run out!
Parking in Napa
There was a parking lot in the back but there weren't any spots available. Luckily, there was a ton of street parking and we parked right in front.
History of the Cabernet House
This hotel is rich in Napa history! Per the Cabernet House website, it was built in 1906 by E. W. Doughty, a master craftsman responsible for building many of Napa’s landmark homes and churches, including the Noyes Mansion, current home of Wine Spectator Magazine. Doughty also built Napa’s library and train stations. Many of his buildings still stand more than 110 years later, a testament to Doughty’s skill and expertise.
Doughty built it to house his family and as such, it is a classic contractor’s home, full of rich architectural detailing he could show to potential clients.
In the 1970's, a spa tub builder added a few spas in the shape of grapes and years later her actually purchased the house! He began the extensive restoration and renovation to convert the home into one of Napa Valley’s very first bed and breakfast inns.
One of the inn’s first guests back in 1980 was Paul Newman, who stayed here when he raced his cars at Sears Point.
Read more here: Cabernet House History
Convinced yet?! Find the BEST rate for your stay at Cabernet House just like we did by clicking here: Booking.com
Please share this post with your friends and pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:
Best Bed and Breakfast in Napa Valley
Need another sip? Try these on for size:
Indulge in the Hidden Delights of the Museum of Ice Cream: A Sweet Wonderland of Art, History, and Unforgettable Experiences - Los Angeles, California
The Museum of Ice Cream came to LA as a pop-up museum in April of 2017, check out our tour and see what each room looked like! My favorite was the Sprinkle POOL! Museum of Ice Cream Los Angeles | Best Museums in LA | Most instagrammable places in LA #icecream #losangles #sprinkles
Update: Please note as of January 2025, the only locations open are in Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York, and Singapore. The location in Los Angeles, California, is no longer open and closed in 2018.
Check out the official Museum of Ice Cream website for current locations and tickets.
We went to my happy place, aka the Museum of Ice Cream, on April 30th, 2017. I loved everything about it since it was slathered in pink and involved ice cream and other sweet novelties. It's an Instagram haven, a social media dream, and a place to play in plastic sprinkles. Did you miss your chance to purchase tickets? I'll give you the grand tour!
Also, check out the best ice cream in Los Angeles ranked with a map: Best Ice Cream in LA
Welcome to the Museum of Ice Cream, where art, history, and unforgettable experiences swirl together in a sweet wonderland. Indulge your senses and embark on a whimsical journey through this delightful institution that celebrates the iconic frozen treat. With its vibrant and interactive exhibits, the Museum of Ice Cream invites visitors of all ages to dive headfirst into a world of pure imagination. Step inside and be greeted by a sensory explosion of colors, flavors, and textures. From a magical candyland, a sprinkle pool filled with joy awaits you, offering the ultimate Instagram-worthy moment. Explore rooms inspired by ice cream flavors like mint chocolate chip, strawberry, and vanilla, each one carefully curated to immerse you in the essence of these tasty treats. Gain a deeper understanding of the history and cultural significance of ice cream through fascinating exhibits that showcase its evolution over the years. Whether you're a die-hard ice cream fan or simply looking for a unique and interactive museum experience, the Museum of Ice Cream promises to deliver a memorable and delightful adventure. Come, indulge your senses, and let the magic of ice cream transport you to a world of pure sugary bliss.
Last summer I saw the Museum of Ice Cream in New York and thought, "I MUST GO, would it be unreasonable to buy a plane ticket just for it?" I didn't end up going and I'm SO GLAD it came out here. I started seeing rumblings on Facebook and my dear friends from all over tagged me in the Museum of Ice Cream post is coming to LA. My next question was, "WHEN/HOW DO I GET TICKETS?!" Luckily, we are platinum American express card holders and I was able to purchase my tickets on presale for $29! I ended up purchasing tickets a month in advance and for the next month anytime someone tagged me in a Museum of Ice Cream post, I simply let them know they were not to worry, tickets were sold out, but I was all set.
Hot Pink Telephones
I sat with my sister the night before picking out the perfect outfit to represent my love and affection for ice cream, saying, "the shirt with popsicles, strawberries, or plain bubblegum pink?" The big decision was the ice cream backpack or my Kate Spade ice cream purse. I feel like I chose wisely.
NOW ENTERING THE MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM!
There was a long line outside, which went relatively fast since they would let 12 people in at a time. You have a guide for the first 2 rooms and then you are on your own. There is a guide in every room to give samples, information, and make sure people are flowing from room to room. The only thing was, once you enter a new room, you can't go back.
We were given our first ice cream tasting of the day, and I was excited it was McConnell's ice cream. The flavor was earl gray and biscuit, it wasn't amazing and kinda disappointing.
There were many rooms, here is a collection of those rooms to get the coolvibe:
VEN-ICE CREAM... I GET IT!
THIS ROOM IS BANANAS.
The next room had banana wallpaper that was banana scented and cute swings!
Hanging yellow and pink Bananas at the Museum of Ice Cream art sculpture
Ice Cream CONE textured WALLpaper TO MATCH MY sweet Ice cream BACKPACK.
Next up, the mint chip room, where they are literally growing mint chip. “A fresh start is always an option. This room is for you.” So true! Also start fresh with the mochi! YUM!
This room had a fun house mirror and an arcade game with sun block. Didn't seem ice cream enough to me but it had lots of PINK!
The Popsicle and Gummy Bear Room
MELTING POPSICLES art exhibit at the Museum of Ice Cream
Trying to pull a popsicle off the wall
I WANT A PINK ONE!
Giant Gummy Bear sculpture Art
MY NEW FRIEND!
In the Gummy Bear Room, there were giant gummy bears, and they give you a sample of gummies! They lady running the room had 3 fun trivia facts about Gummy Bears, and Josh knew the answers to all three questions! When was the Gummy Bear invented? Where? What flavor is the green gummy bear?
IF YOU PRESS THE BUTTON THE LIGHTS ALONG THE WALLS OF THE ROOM CHANGE COLORS RAPIDLY.
RELATED POST: Check out the best ice cream in Los Angeles ranked with a map: Best Ice Cream in LA
Charcoal Ice Cream Exhibit Room
Black Charcoal Ice Cream Sculpture by Abel Bentin
Peruvian Artist Abel Bentin designed this room, expressing the corruption of the world. Pretty dark and depressing for an ice cream museum if you ask me.
Black Charcoal Ice Cream Sculpture by Abel Bentin
In this room, they served cones with charcoal cookie dough. It didn't taste very good. It was warm and the consistency was weird.
THE SPRINKLE POOL
There was about a 10-minute wait for the sprinkle pool, which they let you in 8 at a time. Upon entering the room, you take off your shoes and put your belongings into their lockers on the side. You then have about 3 minutes in the sprinkle pool. They are made of plastic and aren't actual sprinkles!
Sprinkle Pool - PLASTIC SPRINKLE filled pool at the Museum of Ice Cream
Finally we made it to the last room where they serve ice cream sandwiches. Instead of cookies they used pancakes and put vanilla ice cream in between - I Scream for Breakfast.
There was a gift shop at the end that had a few things, but nothing worth buying really. I was hoping for a spot to buy ice cream or a cone, but that didn't exist either. We took pictures of the merchandise instead.
I think I need an Ice Cream Sandwich swing for my porch!
If you liked this post, please add it to your favorite Pinterest board!
RELATED POST: Check out the best ice cream in Los Angeles ranked with a map: Best Ice Cream in LA
Need another scoop? Try one of these:
Disneyland Resort Halloween Time 2018
Fall is here and so is Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort! Check out how they decorated this year and their halloween treats they are offering! #Disneyland #halloweentime #fall
The Disneyland Resort has really upped their game this year with the Halloween decorations. Not only is Disneyland all decked out for the harvest, but Downtown Disney and California Adventure are getting in the spirit too.
SO MANY PUMPKINS! Downtown Disney's planters were filled with perfect pumpkins! You can enjoy the spookiness of Halloween Time from September 7th through October 31st, 2018.
What started out as a "Mickey's not so Scary Halloween" at Disneyland with pumpkins here and there, Disney has added more of a scary element to California Adventure with headless horsemen and ghoulish echoing laughs throughout the park. I think it could be a little scarier to compete with Six Flags and Universal Studios, but maybe they need a few more years.
Also, don't forget to check out the Halloween decor at Disneyland Paris.
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Now, California Adventure has been getting into the spirit of themes and celebrations, such as when the Guardians of the Galaxy ride opened with their Super Hero promotion #heroup. Also, I love their annual Food and Wine festival and this year has been the best yet with new food options and adding a beer garden! ANYWAY, I am thrilled they have added more decorations for Halloween along with some delectable treats you cannot miss! Let's start with the main entrance during the day and lit up at night...
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE MAIN ENTRANCE DAYTIME
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE MAIN ENTRANCE NIGHTTIME
After entering the gates, Buena Vista Street had lots of bats and purple banners and lights, which I liked because it differentiated from Main Street at Disneyland that is filled with pumpkins and orange harvest decor.
I loved also the bats coming out of the top tier of Carthay Circle and the green and purple lights at night! My favorite is the Headless Horseman, who greets you just before you enter Hollywood. He laughs about it too. Muahahahhaa... Might be too scary for Disneyland, but perfect for California Adventure.
CARS LAND - Halloween Time
The next area haunted was Cars Land. It was the entire street and they covered every inch of it.
I LOVE these posters! They literally made me LOL, especially Hocus Spokus because Hocus Pocus is the best Halloween movie out there.
So I started to think that I hadn't paid enough attention to detail without the halloween decorations, because have they always had these tire planters? So clever!:
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CARS LAND
I loved how they lit everything at night with green and purple lighting. I'm really glad I took a picture of this because I did not spend nearly enough time absorbing everything that was happening on this building.
Trunk or Treat… Get it?
Trick-or-treat! Speaking of, let's talk treats. In the Cozy Cone Motel, according to the Disney Parks Blog there were the best Halloween food options at the various cones:
· Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone – Fresh-cooked pasta with spicy red pepper cheese sauce topped with crushed chile-cheese puffs, served in a Black Cauldron Cone
· Spoke-y Cone Macaron filled with marshmallow buttercream and candy corn
· Junkyard JamBOOree Mix – Choice of flavored popcorn with optional “nuts and bolts” (e.g., green M&M’s, candy corn, chocolate-covered pretzels, Boston baked beans, etc.)
We had to try the Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone and got lemonades with pomegranate limeade on top! Review: Mac & Cheese = good, edible cone = bad. It definitely had a nice spice to it but for $8 I was expecting more both palate wise and by size. The crushed chile-cheese puffs were a nice touch. As for the lemonade, you had the option to add vodka to it!
ICE CREAM
At the end of Buena Vista Street, Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream had a treat that I HAD to try! The Bat Wing Raspberry Sundae which had white chocolate-raspberry swirl ice cream with raspberry splatter, blood-red sprinkles, whipped cream and Bat Wing cookie.
BAT WING RASPBERRY SUNDAE
I WAS SO EXCITED!
They also offered a Spider Silk Ice Cream Sandwich, a black macaron with charcoal-tart cherry spun ice cream topped with popping candy and raspberry sauce, but we'll have to try that next time!
COCO
There was a special section that was loco with Coco!
We started to trek our way over to Disneyland and kept finding cute decorations!
DISNEYLAND
Disneyland was all decked out with pumpkins and fall foliage!
As we were walking around before the fireworks started, we walked right by the Walt and Mickey statue that had carved pumpkins that were carved from the front and back (they weren't real, but they looked like they were)!
Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Holiday
I loved Nightmare Before Christmas as a kid and love that they decorate the Haunted Mansion every year for the holidays. I can’t believe this movie has been out for 25 years!
THIS IS HALLOWEEN, THIS IS HALLOWEEN.....
FRONTIERLAND
Dias de los Muertros took over Frontierland!
SPACE MOUNTAIN
Space Mountain was even Halloween themed launching you into darkness with an evil space monster chasing after you in the dark!
What a great day! I can't wait to go back! Hurry baaacccckkkk, hurrry baaaaaaaaaccccckkkk!
Reference: For more info on the special Halloween treats served at Disneyland and California Adventure, check out the Disney Parks Blog.
Check out what's new for 2018 on these blogs:
Disney Tourist Blog: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/halloween-disneyland-guide/
· Check out what they say about Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark
Foodie Guide: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/08/foodie-guide-to-halloween-time-2018-at-disneyland-resort/
Don’t forget these guys on your magical day:
Like this post? Please pin it or share on your favorite social media outlet!
More Disney Posts:
Malibu Wine Safari - Things to do in Los Angeles, California
Wine tasting safari in Malibu? Yup, it exists. Check out our unusual LA excursion visiting and feeding animals with wine tasting in between at Malibu Wine Safari! Things to do in Los Angeles | Best things to do in LA #losangeles #winetasting #wine
Malibu Wine Safari – Malibu, California
Location: Malibu Wines | Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, 32111 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Website: https://www.lasafaris.com/#home
Hidden in the hills of Malibu are miraculous creatures that you wouldn't expect to run into, especially while wine tasting!
Stanley the giraffe!
For my best friend's birthday, we decided to go on a safari, a wine safari that is! After all, it IS her birthday, so wine not! Haha. The price of the ticket was $65 but we had a special deal on Groupon. The jeeps held about 9 people so it was perfect for our group of 8. There are also bigger jeeps for transporting larger parties.
Malibu Wine Safaris is part of Malibu Wines and just up the street in a parking lot on the right. We checked in and were picked up in a jeep safari vehicle and ventured through the 1,000 acres of Saddle Rock Ranch.
ANIMALS AT MALIBU WINES
The safari started by rolling through the property among the vineyards and getting acquainted with the animals. We were able to get up close and personal with them! Not only did we pet the animals but we also fed them! Animals included zebras, camels, alpacas, bison, water buffalo, yaks, and even Stanley the Giraffe!
Our guide was awesome! He let us take tons of pictures and showed us how to feed the animals or care for them with a sweet pet. We fed most of them carrots and boy were they excited to see us! An alpaca smelled my hair and I touched a Zebra, I couldn't believe it.
Look at the baby zebra!
Baby Zebra at Malibu Wines Safaris
We spent a lot of time with Stanley the giraffe! He loves lettuce and is not afraid to invade your personal space to get it! His tongue is rough and slimy as expected. He fur is coarse, but he has the best eyelashes you’ve ever seen! Fun fact: Stanley is named after Marvel’s Stan Lee!
Isn’t he the cutest?!
WINE TASTING AT MALIBU WINES
We tried their 6 different wines (mainly Saddlerock wines) in 2 locations across the ranch and even gallivanted through the vineyard.
Chardonnay and vineyards
My favorites were the Sauvignon Blanc and the Sangiovese, Alexander Valley (but I would also never say no to Rose bubbles). At the second tasting location there was a cheese pairing along with the wine and they had a really good gouda.
The grounds were gorgeous and had many different setups for weddings and events. If I hadn't already planned my wedding at the time, this place would have been a candidate!
Afterwards, we celebrated my friend’s birthday and enjoyed more wine at Malibu Wines where they have a lovely outdoor area with picnic tables and tasting bars. On weekends, they even have live music! Malibu Wines does not serve food but there is usually a food truck around. I recommend bringing your own food (don’t forget cookies or cupcakes)!
UPDATE: Malibu Wines tasting room burned down in the 2018 fires and haven’t reopened yet! But they do have another tasting room in West Hills: Malibu Wine and Beer Garden
Malibu Wines is the perfect place for any occasion: Birthday parties, Bachelorette parties, bridal showers, brunch, and friends gatherings.
If you liked this post, please share this with your friends and pin this to your favorite Pinterest Board.
Malibu Wine Safaris Review - Los Angeles
Want more info on LA, California? Try these posts:
Malibu Wines is a wonderful place to go for an outing with friends in LA. We hiked, saw some animals, savored rosé pops, got some wine to go, had some laughs - it was a perfect way to spend the day outside and socially distant. You may remember my Malibu Wines Safari post or the Malibu Wines Tasting Room in West Hills, but this time we tried a new experience, Malibu Wine Hikes!