What could possibly be done in such a short period of time?
Well, knowing our personalities, with a couple of months to plan, and a definite need to escape from the demands of our daily lives, a whole heck of a lot.
We set out on Friday morning for the 66 mile drive to Temecula.
What should have only taken about 75 minutes turned into over 90. Not because of traffic (thank goodness we had none, hence another great reason to go on a Friday instead of Saturday). Nope. It was because we were jabbering away and my not-so-trusty navigation system (aka Louise) failed to prompt us to get on the 15 freeway, so we ended up taking a circuitous route, which brought us into the Temecula valley through barren land and stop signs that appeared out of nowhere.
Our first destination on a welcoming cloudy morning?
Wilson Creek Winery.
It may have only been 10:45 a.m., but it was 5:00 p.m. somewhere, so we sidled up to the tasting bar for 5 substantial tastes each.
Lightweights that both of us are, it was a good thing we only had to walk about 500 yards to the winery's Creekside Grille for lunch, where we sat outside and I enjoyed a Seafood Louie salad, while my mom had Cioppino. Given that temps in Temecula were over 100 degrees just a week prior, our server noted that my mom being able to enjoy a warm meal was quite a change.
Our next stop?
An early check in to our hotel.
A boutique hotel built only last year, it had gorgeous old-world architecture with completely modern amenities.
Surrounded by tranquil and stunning views.
Mid-afternoon sun on the balcony outside the front of my room:
We barely had time to unpack our overnight bags before it was time for out next stop.
The Grapeseed Spa at South Coast Winery and Resort, for deep tissue massages and use of the spa facilities.
The massages were awesome and included the use of hot stones and towels. Waiting for me upon conclusion of my treatment? A refreshing glass of white zinfandel. Now that's what I call service.
While the lounging areas were full of guests, the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room were blessedly deserted.
Fully relaxed, we got ready for dinner and headed directly next door to Ponte Winery's restaurant. The 2-minute walk over brought us past vines bursting with luscious fruit.
I was familiar with the restaurant because Joe had taken me there for my birthday dinner last year. The food this time around was every bit as spectacular.
Exhibit A:
My salad included fresh beets, hazelnuts, dried blueberries, roasted squash and grape tomatoes.
Exhibit B:
My entree was the special of the night - hazelnut crusted sole topped with carmelized onions and raisins over spiced faro with sauteed spinach, red peppers and baby squash.
Yes, the portions were extremely generous. And yes, I pretty much ate everything on my plates. Not apologizing for it either.
After dinner we meandered back to the inn, and since the air was turning crisp, spent time warming up by the outdoor firepit and simply enjoying each other's company.
After 9 hours of sleep (yeah!!!!), I awoke before 7 a.m. to a serene view off of the back balcony of my room.
I thought it was so cool to see the hot air balloon rising amongst the morning clouds.
Even better?
The surprise I got when I emerged from the front of the inn for a morning walk.
Six in total, the only sound at that hour was the whooshing of the flame intermittently firing up each balloon.
Breakfast at the inn was equally as memorable as dinner at the winery the night before. Fluffy omelets with spinach, mushrooms and feta cheese. Accompanied by the best french press organic decaf coffee either of us has ever had.
A stroll around Old Town Temecula followed, which saw each of us finding a couple of treasures in one of their antique stores, and me stocking up on garlic and hickory smoked olive oil at Temecula Olive Oil Company.
Before noon, we were back in the car for the drive back to Orange County.
It was 24 hours that flew by, but was filled with so many relaxing and enjoyable activities. Most memorable was the chance to really connect with my mom, leaving no doubt that future mother-daughter jaunts are a sure thing.
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