Boulder, Colorado
Colorado may be better known for its beer, but it’s becoming recognized for its spirits. Fall is harvest time and the local distilleries take full advantage. Stop by the Boulder Distillery Company where you will find their 303 Vodka infusing in the latest fruits and vegetables (ask for the Pickletini, made with pickle-infused vodka). You will also find Rob’s Mountain Gin there and he relies on the fall harvest to obtain the herbs in his Growing Gardens Gin.
The Boulderado is the perfect hotel option right in the downtown area. It combines the elegance of a historic hotel with spacious rooms that are quaintly decorated. You won’t run out of shopping or dining options in this area either, as it’s the original home of Croc’s Shoes, which is among the many old and new stores in the Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall. As for restaurants, Boulder has become quite a foodie town with endless possibilities, but don’t miss The Mediterranean and Salt Bistro.
St. Helena, California
Fall is the time for Flavor! Napa and St. Helena is in the center of it all. For four days, winemakers, chefs and sommeliers join together to pair food, conduct seminars and offer up interesting dining experiences. The culmination of it all is in St. Helena, at The Culinary Institute of America. More than two dozen of some of the best restaurants in Napa Valley join together with more than 100 wineries to give lucky tasters the ultimate in food and wine pairing.
The Harvest Inn is the perfect place to stay, whether you are looking for a cozy room or a cottage to yourself. The European style breakfast – which includes such items as quiche and home baked breads – is not to be missed. All the food should hold you until the afternoon, when you can stop at Dean & Deluca Market to pick up some fresh cheese, bread and a sampling of some of their tasty salads to go with your wine.
Walla Walla, Washington
Walla, Walla is one of the premiere wine regions of Washington State. Fall is harvest season and the area is alive with wine events. Attend one of the Harvest Winemaker Dinners, or sample away during Autumn Release Weekend, where you can check out all the new releases.
When you plan your itinerary, you should rent an apartment at Walla Faces Inn so you can be right downtown in the center of everything. It will be the perfect home base as you travel around wine country and a great spot to be at night. There are two great restaurants in that area that shouldn’t be missed. Whitehouse Crawford is a gathering place for many of the area’s winemakers and it’s definitely the food that keeps them coming back. Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen is much smaller (don’t forget the reservation), but the food is just as good.