At any given time or place around the world, there is a group of travelers finishing their day’s ride. They have a euphoria, a sense of tired accomplishment.
The ride included exploring a cobbled-street village in Provence, or experiencing an authentic cappuccino in a Tuscan cafe, or tasting a wine high up over the Napa Valley. The elation carries into conversations with new-found friends, often around a Trek Travel trailer, about the day’s adventure.
This is happy hour.
It can linger for hours into the setting sun with guides, travelers, and cyclists enjoying the company of one another, reveling in the stories at hand.
Just north of San Francisco in the heart of Sonoma County lies the delightful city of Healdsburg. Surrounded by three major wine-producing regions, Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley, this is truly wine country. This charming city is a treasure for food-lovers and offers stunning views as you bike along the rolling hills of grape vines.
Our newly redesigned California Wine Country 4-Day Weekend trip takes you through these captivating landscapes and lets you unwind in the charming epicenter of Healdsburg. Here you can sip on very good wine at countless wineries and tasting rooms and feast on equally good food at one of the award-winning restaurants. In a city where old-town culture combines with new, award-winning features, Healdsburg will in some way or another win your heart. When you’ve got the time to take in the city on your own, here’s where I would go to get the most out of my visit.
Where To Go to Wander: Downtown Healdsburg
Just steps away from Hotel Healdsburg, take a stroll through the downtown center surrounding the town plaza. Each block is lined with charming shops, tasting rooms, galleries and outstanding restaurants. In true Wisconsinite-fashion, I search out specialty cheese shops to indulge in new bites of local flavors. Stop by the Cheese Shop of Healdsburg for local artisan cheeses and accoutrements and take your snacks and a blanket to the plaza for a relaxing afternoon picnic. Stop for a pick-me-up with the perfect cup of coffee at Flying Goat Coffee, or for a lovely cup of tea, chai, or hot chocolate. If you have Saturday morning available, be sure to visit the Farmers’ Market one block west of the Plaza to enjoy the the local food community.
Where To Go for Baked Goodss: Downtown Bakery & Creamery
Stopping in to this family run bakery is a must while visiting Healdsburg. Owner Kathleen opened this bakery in 1987 with her friends, all former colleagues at the award-winning and renowned Chez Panisse. Today Kathleen and her children run the bakery, serving up the best baked goods in the area. Using the best local and organic ingredients they can find, the quality of their creations is impeccable. Satisfy your post-biking sweet tooth with one (or two) of the famed sticky buns, or peel apart one of their fresh, buttery croissants. Don’t miss out on trying the cinnamon and sugar-dusted donut muffin that is raved about by locals and visitors.
Where To Go to Dine: Bravas Bar de Tapas
Healdsburg is considered the gourmet center of Sonoma County, and there is no shortage for where you can grab a really great bite to eat just a walk away from your hotel. Enjoy Bravas Bar de Tapas, awarded with “One of the top 20 tapas restaurants in the US” by Travel + Leisure and a “Top 100 Bay Area Restaurant” by the San Francisco Chronicle for the past three years. This tapas bar serves up traditional Spanish and modern tapas-style dining. Owners Mark and Terri Stark are James Beard nominees and own a few restaurants in Sonoma County, this one being their newest, and well-recognized already. They have created a relaxing and fun space to share plates and sip on a cocktail from their impressive drink menu. Sit out on the patio under romantic strings of lights and share the paella with a group of friends or try a selection of smaller plates. This restaurant is a top-choice for locals and visitors, so be aware of busy weekend nights. I’d recommend calling ahead to reserve a table, 707-433-7700. Read more culinary favorites by our Trip Design Manager Meagan Coates from her trip to California Wine Country, including Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen and h2’s Spoon Bar.
Where to go for a snack and shopping: SHED
Winner of a 2014 James Beard Award for restaurant design, SHED is a community gathering space designed to bring us closer to the way we grow, prepare, and share our food. Part market, part café, part farm, this culmination is a delightful stop for fresh flavors and local shopping. Earlier this year we had the honor of interviewing owner Cindy Daniel to learn more about her creation of SHED. The offerings start with a large menu selection including beverages made at their fermentation or coffee bar and a café serving up combinations of fresh, local ingredients. While you’re there pick up artisan-made goods in their packed “pantry” that you won’t be able to resist perusing. Try a refreshing kombucha or shrub at their fermentation bar or a sandwich or salad from the café, grab a seat on the terrace and enjoy.
About Guest Choice:
You will often hear us say, “It’s your day, you decide,” because our smaller group size allows the flexibility for you to decide how your day unfolds. In addition to multiple daily ride options and shuttle flexibility, this also means that we offer ‘guest choice’ nights designed for you to indulge at a local restaurant of your choosing, or explore the local sites. Whether you want to order take-out while relaxing by the hotel pool or get dressed up for a fancy dinner in town, guest choice nights let you craft your own perfect evening.
As one Irish actor told me in a Dublin pub…”I like the English. In fact my wife is English. That being said, I don’t care much for the British.” That barb was followed by a knowing Irish wink and another sip of beer.
Like Americans, the Irish also speak English. But it is a far different version of our flat twang, and it takes a while for Americans to develop an ear for the colorful lilt of the Irish tongue, especially in the beautiful green countryside, where the rural folks speak in a heavier local version of the language.
The fondest memory I have of Ireland occurred in the small town of Oranmore outside of Galway. It was when our large clan went to a nice, polite brunch of Irish salmon. Upon exiting the restaurant my father spied a thatched roof pub across the lane named McDonough’s. With a touch of the dramatic Dad said, “Follow me. I’ve been wanting to do this my entire life.” He proceeded to lead his wife and six adult children into the bar and announced with a broad smile, “We’re the Roaches of America and we’d like to buy the pub a round!”
There were some twenty folks in the bar, and we were witness to one of the great Irish rituals…the pouring of the Guinness. Twenty large pints were lined along the bar and then with ceremony rivaling a papal coronation, the bartender minded each glass so that the rich head of the brew would be allowed to rise and breathe for the perfect amount of time before being served.
Your eyes are closed, sitting in a highback Adirondack chair with a glass of wine in hand, overlooking a great valley below.
Two dogs are playing fetch, roosters crow occasionally, hens cluck, horses neigh, and faint mumbles of conversation are heard between the passing summer breeze. You are on vacation in the wine country of California. You just experienced a challenging, yet rewarding climb called Ink Grade. Your guides told you that morning, “Oh, it’s not that bad…I have faith you can make it!” Maybe it was the toughest 4-mile uphill stretch you’ve ever done. Maybe it wasn’t. What really matters is where you are now, and that indescribable feeling washing over you.
It’s early morning but I wake well rested. The sunlight is soft, the Mediterranean calm, and now the alarm clock buzzes in the background. From the comfort of our hotel room, my eyes slowly open and I am reminded of the counsel from my father, half a world away:
Don’t you know you’re living the dream?
And, as it turns out, I am. I woke this morning in a Leading Hotel of the World. A five-star paradise. A Mediterranean retreat. If the spectacular beauty of the surrounding rocky coastline and unspoiled beaches aren’t enough to put a smile on your face, then surely the balcony, spa or pool outside your door will do.
You wouldn’t pick our group out of a crowd – a couple of studious doctors, a NASA flight controller chasing a dream, a self-proclaimed half-assed real estate lawyer and a State Department diplomat to Cyprus. But as I walk downstairs I am reminded that after just one week and a handful of conversations, names are known and stories are shared. The receptionist embraces my broken Spanish because she knows I’m trying to progress. The bellman admires our bikes because a former racer knows a good machine. The teachers will arrive outside early after years of preaching punctuality to their students.
It’s the second-to-last day of our weeklong Costa Brava trip but there came a point this morning when I couldn’t focus on preparations for tomorrow’s trip end. The sun was shining bright and I filled water bottles for the umpteenth time, grease smeared across my calf, bike tools in my pocket, and a fresh cortado cupped in my hands. The caffeine had combined with the excitement of the day and left me far too distracted for the likes of goodbyes and shuttle transfers.
So with the wind in our hair and sun on our faces we took to the road. Pedal we did, hill after hill, turn after turn. Open roads are places to escape with friends. Views are supposed to be shared. After yesterday’s recon of the costal road from the comfort of a sailboat, today we took to the pavement and made our way to the next seaside village. Turns out heaven lies somewhere between S’Agaro and Tossa del Mar, with a finely tuned bicycle and good company, beside rugged cliffs and contrasting colors.
After exploring the seaside villages and centuries-old castles, we turned back the way we came. It would be hard for the flavors of tonight’s Michelin-starred dinner to improve upon such a perfect day, but seamless conversation and bottomless laughter erupted effortlessly in-between each decadent course. So with tired legs and energized hearts we raised a glass of cava and toasted the wild coast.
Winner of a 2014 James Beard Award for restaurant design, SHED is a market, café, and community gathering space in Healdsburg, California designed to bring us closer to the way we grow, prepare, and share our food. We caught up with owner Cindy Daniels to learn more about the home she has created and join in her mission to nurture the connection between good farming, good cooking, and good eating.
Tell us your story. What inspired you to start SHED?
Over the years we’ve been fortunate to be part of a growing community of sustainable farmers, wine producers, and environmentalists in Northern California, and wanted to create a place that embodied the best the region has to offer. We found inspiration in the words of Wendell Berry: “An agrarian mind begins with the love of the fields and ramifies in good farming, good cooking, and good eating.” These words became our mantra. We called ourselves SHED, because we would be tied to our foodshed, with most of our food flowing from local farms and ranches. We would be active conservators of our watershed, and stewards of the land. Our market/café/gathering place would be, in effect, an abundant toolshed offering enduring, quality tools for the kitchen, garden and farm. And symbolically, our shed would be an enclosure that shelters ideas, sustenance and community.
What about Healdsburg, California made you decide to locate there?
In 1994 we discovered a 15-acre hay field and moved from San Francisco to Healdsburg with our two small children to realize our dream of having a farm. Located in Dry Creek Valley, a fertile watershed with the climate and geography that suggested the opportunity for a diversified farm, HomeFarm is now a rich patchwork of intermixed fields and orchards where we grow an array of vegetables, herbs, flowers, olives, grapes, chickens, bees, fruits and nuts.
You describe SHED as a modern Grange. To those who are not familiar, can you discuss what this means?
To those unfamiliar with the Grange movement, there’s a rich history that goes back to the late 1800’s when farms formed collectives to create healthier, more resilient communities and built grange halls to provide a place to share ideas and socialize. SHED engages the Grange’s history as both a rural meeting place and farmers’ exchange but is firmly rooted in contemporary Healdsburg. We are a gathering place that celebrates our region’s farmers and makers while tapping into a global community of chefs, producers, and visitors. Our dinners and programs, crafted to revive the Grange traditions of fellowship, conviviality, and exchange, feed a cultural appetite for ideas and interests ranging beyond the realm of food and farming, including art, culture, civic engagement, and community.
What does ‘farm-to-table’ means to you and why is it important to SHED?
Our vision was to create a place where the beauty and aliveness of the complete food cycle—the growing, preparing, and eating —would become visible, revealing and reinforcing the path from farm to table, and back to farm. Our café brings together all of the elements we believe in: responsible farming, ingredient-driven cooking, and flavorful food. That’s what farm-to-table means to us at SHED. Located in the heart of our space, the café features an open kitchen, wood-burning oven, and house-made products. Our menus change daily, inspired by what’s in season, and reflect our commitment to local farmers and producers.
Can you talk a little bit about your intentions behind SHED’s unique design?
Our desire to celebrate local farms, food, and community shaped the building’s architecture and informed the construction. The utilitarian pre-engineered metal building is a familiar type of barn found throughout California’s agricultural landscape. Inspired by open-air markets, the space is very light and airy, with 8 large garage-style doors that open to the outdoor decks and to the street, inviting people in and letting the activity spill out. We worked with environmentally minded manufacturers and local artisans to create a resource-efficient building that uses recycled metal siding, shredded denim for insulation, reclaimed wood for most of the furnishings, and solar power for almost half our energy. We even have a rain garden along the side of our building to filter all of the water falling on the roof and site before it flows into the adjoining creek.
What can you tell us about the community at SHED?
Our growing community includes farmers, ranchers, fishermen, artisan producers, wine/cider/beer makers, backyard gardeners, chefs, home cooks, food crafters, musicians, dancers, thought leaders, environmentalist activists, civic leaders, authors, children of all ages, and most importantly, teachers and enthusiastic learners. Fundamental to our mission of promoting good farming, good cooking and good eating is the educational program at SHED. We have a diverse array of classes and workshops with wonderful instructors teaching skills such as butchery, composting, pruning, beekeeping, basketmaking, beer and cidermaking, cheesemaking, and many others. In addition, we schedule all kinds of demos, book signings, wine tastings, etc to activate our cafe, bar, and market areas downstairs. We also like to stage fun social events such as pie contests, annual cider pressings, pumpkin carving contests and other seasonal and celebratory events.
Upstairs, in what we call our Modern Grange, a large flexible meeting space supported by a commercial kitchen, we’ve had lectures, panel discussions, exhibits, and film screenings as well as seed exchanges, farmer meet-ups, producer dinners, and live music. Pulling together society’s threads to help create a community-wide tapestry of support, we’ve also hosted many local groups doing social good: our farmers market, our farmers guild, our riverkeeper, our public schools, and our land trust among many. As a community resource SHED also welcomes private conferences, meetings, and celebrations.
These threads are just a few of the ways we’ve worked to become a community resource, a cultural hub, and a vibrant place for people to gather, collaborate, and grow.
Your fermentation bar is truly one-of-a-kind. Can you tell our readers a little bit about it and the beverages you create?
Thank you for appreciating what we’ve created at our fermentation bar! We built the Ferm Bar (and have nurtured it) as a way to share our love of fermented beverages — such as our house-made kombucha and kefir water, shrubs (vinegar-based fruit drinks) and shims (low-alcohol cocktails). We also offer wine, beer, hard cider, and honey mead, all fermented drinks sourced from local producers. Gillian Helquist, our Fermentation Crafter, says “Fermentation is an endless discovery; an ancient way to preserve the season’s offerings and feed people.”
To guests who are going to visit SHED, what type of experience should they expect?
A visit to SHED should feel like a fun and friendly tour of what’s happening in food and farming in our region — stop first at the Story Table — where we like to weave together seasonal themes and topics. Wander and discover —that’s what makes SHED a fun experience. Stop at the ferm bar for a shrub and a nibble, or take a seat at our community table and say hello to someone new sitting next to you. We hope you’ll consider us a vibrant place to eat, connect, share, learn, and grow.
What is the vision behind JoLe and how is it being received?
Our vision from the very beginning has been to provide a top-notch fine dining experience, in a more casual, fun atmosphere. We want people to enjoy good food and the people they are with.
Where does the name JoLe come from?
Out two sons: Joe (11) and Jacob Levi (8).
What does the term ‘farm-to-table’ mean to you?
Fresh, seasonal and always-changing. We print our menus in house, which means we can change them daily depending on what comes in that day. You will probably never see the same menu twice at JoLe.
Tell us about your background. What inspired you to open a restaurant?
Both Matt and myself worked in many venues before deciding to open one of our own. After four wonderful years at our first restaurant Matyson in Philadelphia, we were eager for our next challenge. Northern California was calling, so we sold the restaurant, packed up the kids, and headed west. We happily landed in the quaint wine and spa town of Calistoga, enjoying the bounty of ingredients that the area has to offer.
What is the most rewarding part about your job?
Locals that come in numerous times per week and new customers that make a point to tell us how special their experience has been.
What excites you most about Calistoga, California?
We settled in Calistoga because the restaurant space was the right situation for us, and we loved being in a small town with foot traffic. We also liked being associated with the Mount View Hotel. This part of the world holds a special place in our hearts, as we were married here in 2001.
What are the five must-do’s while traveling in the Napa Valley?
1. Drive the Silverado Trail from top to bottom
2. Schedule a tasting at Jericho Canyon Vineyards
3. Sit at the bar of a great restaurant and meet a local winemaker
4. Pick up something you didn’t think your needed at Blackbird in Calistoga
5. Meet Jeff and Sally Manfredi at Calistoga Pottery, where they have been making beautiful pottery for over 30 years.
What should our guests most look forward to at JoLe?
For a quick, casual fix they should check out our awesome bar menu. For a more in depth dining experience, order a tasting menu of four, five or six courses. James, our manager and wine director, will pair wines with every course. It’s a great way to taste a lot of different dishes and wines without breaking the bank.
Do you have an especially memorable story from your many years in the restaurant industry?
In January 2001, at our first restaurant in Philadelphia, my water broke while I was standing at the host station. I was 30 weeks pregnant with our first child, and thought I just wet my pants because I was laughing so hard. Little did I know, our son Joe was born the next day.
Famous Coconut Cream Pie
Makes 1 nine-inch pie
Macadamia Crust: Preheat oven to 325 degrees
3 1/4 ounces macadamia nuts, lightly toasted and cooled
6 3/4 ounces all purpose flour
2 ounces sugar
4 ounces unsalted butter
1 egg yolk
3/4 tsp. heavy cream
Process the nuts in a food processor with a little of the sugar until almost a powder.
Mix flour, nuts, sugar, and butter with paddle in KitchenAid until crumbly.
Add yolks and cream and mix just until combined into a dough.
Press dough into a 9-inch pie pan and blind bake with pie weights until golden brown.
Coconut Filling:
2 1/2 cups canned coconut milk
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, split and scraped
1 1/3 cups unsweetened coconut shavings, toasted until golden brown
1/4 cup cornstarch
10 egg yolks
1 gelatin sheet, softened in cold water
1 ounce unsalted butter
In a heavy pot, warm coconut milk, milk, sugar, vanilla bean, and toasted coconut until very hot but not boiling.
Remove from heat and let steep 1 hour.
In a medium bowl, whisk cornstarch and egg yolks until smooth. Set aside.
Temper milk mixture into egg mixture, combine completely, then strain through a chinois into a clean pot.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until bubbling and thick.
Remove the custard from the heat and immediately stir in the butter and softened gelatin until totally melted.
Immediately pour the custard into the cooled shell, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until set.
To serve, top pie with whipped cream and more toasted coconut.
Coffee is a drug, a really good one that hooks you for life! And one that brings people together all over the world. It’s a social lubricant, and for some, the only way to start a day. It creates memories, eases conversation and stimulates idea. Grab a cup of joe and learn more about our ten favorite coffee shops around the world.
Colectivo Coffee: Madison, Wisconsin
What began as Alterra Coffee in 1993 with the simple goal of making a great cup of coffee is now a local favorite in Trek Travel’s hometown. Colectivo Coffee, whose name and design are inspired by the funky buses used for everyday public transportation across Latin America, is our staff’s favorite place to grab a cup of carefully brewed single origin coffee on the way to work. Appropriately named, the shop strives to be part of everyday life through the products they make, the places they build, the communities they support, and the customers they serve. After just one visit you will quickly realize that the rich flavors of their “Featured Farm Series” are merely part of the collective experience, as their open storefront on Madison’s capitol square provides the perfect atmosphere to share great conversation with peers after a Saturday morning ride.
La Fabrica: Girona, Spain
Walking the streets of pretty little Girona, Spain you will find a gem of a coffee shop tucked away near the center of town, off the beaten path. Newly opened La Fabrica Coffee Works & Cycle Café is owned by a couple from Vancouver, Canada. Inspired by coffee cultures from around the world, they bring cycling and coffee to Girona in their own way. The finished product is amazing, to say the least, and has quickly become a guide favorite! Colleagues and I discovered La Fabrica online a few Sundays ago while looking for a place to watch the Tour of Flanders race on television. Picture exposed stone, modern yet cozy design, family-style seating and walls displaying photos of past cycling legends. Local cycling enthusiasts fill the café to enjoy coffee with new and old friends. Meanwhile the aroma of freshly roasted beans fills the air with the sound of clacking cycling cleats and churning espresso machines in the background. From freshly roasted coffee, to the friendliest of service, this place is our little slice of heaven. The best part? Upon finishing your café con leche you will see the word ‘ANOTHER?’ on the bottom of your cup. Great minds think alike. The answer is always si.
Handlebar Coffee Roasters: Santa Barbara, California
When former professional cyclists shifted their focus, training and determination from racing to coffee, the result was a world-class micro roaster in Santa Barbara’s “Gourmet Ghetto.” While living and racing in Europe, Aaron Olson and Kim Andersen fell in love with the abundance of local, neighborly cafes. Upon their return to the States, they decided to bring that same ambiance to a coffee shop of their own. What they created is a streamlined space just off State Street where they proudly display their two passions side-by-side: custom Handlebar cycling jerseys together with a German-made Probat roaster. Though recently expanded to keep up with booming demand, the natural light and outdoor patio present the exact tone they were striving for—warm and unpretentious.
Tahoe House: Tahoe City, California
While living in Lake Tahoe and working remotely for Trek Travel, I would spend at least two days per week at the Tahoe House. Not only is their coffee the best in town—with a perfect crema every time—but it is also one of the last true “Mom and Pop” operations around. Originally from Switzerland, Peter and Helen Vogt brought with them a love of European Style breads and pastries. The couple opened the Tahoe House in May of 1977, and from a young age Peter and Helen’s girls helped out in the restaurant. As they grew older, Barbara went to culinary school and Caroline studied restaurant management. These days Barbara and Caroline are running the show. Stop by on your way to the mountain for a cup of brewed-to-order Swiss coffee and a pastry baked fresh that morning.
Mudtruck: New York City, New York
In the growing trend of food carts, the Mudtruck adds convenience for those needing their daily caffeine fix, making stops in several key locations around New York City. Its signature bright orange color can be seen from far away, and when I’d catch a glimpse of it coming out of the subway on my way to work, it meant I was going to have a great day. The beauty is in its simplicity, with most orders being “Mud”—simple, black coffee with milk and sugar. Even if you drink your coffee black, try it with the milk and sugar. The key is that they make your drink café au lait-style, steaming the milk first and adding just the right amount of sugar to turn your coffee into a frothy, smooth cup of goodness packed with quite a punch of caffeine. They do all of this for under $2 a cup, so you can justify indulging on a daily basis.
10 Speed Coffee: Calabasas, California
How do you judge your favorite coffee shop? Great coffee is obviously a must, but great coffee alone doesn’t make a coffee shop great. I’ve sipped coffee in shops and cafés on four continents, and one stands out above the rest. Tucked off a highway exit in Calabasas, California, the crew at 10 Speed Coffee serves up a great cup of coffee to fuel a drive up the 101 or a delicious espresso to cap off an amazing meal at their Pedalers Fork restaurant. These guys also share a passion for cycling, operating a high-end bike shop in the back of the restaurant and sponsoring some of the biggest bike races in the United States. Whether sitting at their coffee bar in California or on the bumper of their truck on a mountaintop in Colorado, a cup of Kickstand blend makes me feel at home.
Slate Coffee Bar: Ballard, Washington
Living in Seattle, and working for the last decade in Italy, have dealt a one-two punch of epic, coffee-snobbery. While in Italy, the perfect macchiato can be had at any roadside gas station, I have not found this to be true stateside. I am lucky to have good friends who are the head roasters for two shops I enjoy very much—Victrola Coffee in Seattle and Boxcar Coffee Roasters in Boulder, Colorado—and yet, my vote for favorite coffee shop goes to Slate Coffee Bar in Seattle. Here, the coffee is more than just a beverage. It is an experience that will likely be the highlight of your day. The care and attention that the owner, Chelsey, puts into every detail of your coffee—with a special emphasis on crafting your drink—comes through in the final product. This place was so hot that when it first opened, there was a lineup of well-trained baristas knocking down the door offering to apprentice—for free—just to learn the finer nuances of the highest level of coffee. When you go, be sure to try the deconstructed cappuccino, which features a shot glass of perfectly pulled espresso, a small tumbler of micro-frothed milk (from local, happy grass-fed, hormone free cows), followed by a marriage of the two ingredients, and…I dare say, the most perfect cappuccino.
Northwest Coffee Roasting: St. Louis, Missouri
The one place to sip a cup of joe that is etched in my mind is Northwest Coffee Roasting in the West End of St. Louis. Picture this: old garage, set back about 100 feet from a quiet residential street, concrete countertops, local artwork covering the walls, a cork board with ads and cards for nearly everything the locals are peddling, a long rustic portico with chairs and tables giving it an earthy, open air simplicity rich of the aroma from the beans roasted daily inside. I’ve been frequenting this place for over 10 years, before they were open 7 days a week, when it was only one guy. I don’t go there for the espresso (although it’s killer!). I go there for a good old-fashioned cup of coffee served in a stout little mug. It’s smooth, rich, definitely well balanced, not a hint of char or burnt-ness, super consistent, heart-racing coffee, and about as fresh as you can get because the beans are roasted in front of your eyes. Don’t even get me started on the scones. Get there early if you want to try them, or I may have already taken the last one…
Angry Catfish: Minneapolis, Minnesota
For me it is everything a cyclist looks for in a coffee shop. First: Amazing coffee. I’m a huge fan of Intelligentsia which is brewed at the Angry Catfish. Second: Their baristas are awesome and pull some amazing shots. Third: But perhaps the best thing about the Angry Catfish is that it is primarily an amazing bike shop. They have amassed some of the most knowledgeable bike mechanics around and they are all just really great guys. The atmosphere there is pretty calm, great seating areas to hunker down and read a book, or catch up on the latest road disc whohaa’s. Definitely a place to visit if you are ever in the Twin Cities!
Verve Coffee Roasters: Santa Cruz, California
A good cup of coffee is about more than just the flavor, and no one gets that more than Verve. They are involved in their beachfront Santa Cruz neighborhood, where surfing is as important as roasting. They are connected with the farms in rural Kenya and Costa Rica, where they source the best green coffee. They are committed to their award winning baristas, who take pride in the meticulous cupping process. And they are invested in their customers, who line up for the experiment each morning. If you like your coffee sweet and your environment laid-back, Verve is the cafe for you.
The Town of Yountville, renowned for its world-class restaurants and award-winning chefs, has earned the unofficial title of “Culinary Capital of the Napa Valley.”
Though small enough to walk from end to end, there are more Michelin-stars within the confines of this small town than anywhere in the world. This culinary prowess is coupled with spectacular wineries, thriving shops and a world-class art community to create an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the Napa Valley and celebrating its 50th anniversary, Yountville promises to surpass your expectations of what the California Wine Country is supposed to be.
What To Do: Spa Villagio
A short walk from your hotel for the night, Spa Villagio is the perfect place to reflect on the day’s 30-mile ride to Summit Lake Vineyards. This ultimate luxurious escape is best known for their private spa suites crafted with your choice of scents, sound, refreshments and treatments. We, however, recommend booking an individual service or spending time in the sauna, steam room and soaking baths. Comfortably unwind by the outdoor fireplace while enjoying a complimentary tea or fruit infusion before tonight’s once in a lifetime meal at the French Laundry. *We recommend that you make spa reservations at least 3 weeks in advance. Call 707-948-5050 to make your reservation.
Where To Go for Dessert: Bouchon Bakery
No, we’re not crazy. There’s a reason we’re talking about dessert before dinner. As you walk one half mile down Yountville’s Washington Street from Spa Villagio to the French Laundry, you cannot pass the Bouchon Bakery without walking inside. Originally conceived to provide his restaurants with one-of-a-kind breads, Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery quickly blossomed into an important retail establishment in its own right. Stop in before doors close at 7:00 PM to pick up a French-inspired pain au chocolat or brightly-colored macaroon. Although your taste buds probably can’t resist, try to save your mouth-watering treat for the perfect after-dinner delight.
Where To Go For Dinner: French Laundry
To top off a night of indulgence, chef Thomas Keller’s French Laundry is the ultimate destination for fine French cuisine in the Napa Valley. The only American-born chef to have two three-starred Michelin restaurants, Keller cut his teeth working in a Palm Beach restaurant managed by his mother. Now consistently recognized by respected media outlets such as the James Beard Foundation and Culinary Institute of America, the creations of this award-winning chef are guaranteed to satisfy your palate. Although the menu changes daily, the French Laundry never fails to maintain the highest standards of hospitality and culinary excellence *Reservations are taken two months to the calendar date and can be made daily by calling 707-944-2380 between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM.
About Guest Choice: You will often hear us say, “It’s your day, you decide,” because our smaller group size allows the flexibility for you to decide how your day unfolds. In addition to multiple daily ride options and shuttle flexibility, this also means that we offer ‘guest choice’ nights designed for you to indulge at a local restaurant of your choosing, or explore the local sites. Whether you want to order take-out while relaxing by the hotel pool or get dressed up for a fancy dinner in town, guest choice nights let you craft your own perfect evening.
In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains lies Greenville, South Carolina. What was once the best-kept secret of pro cyclists is now a trending destination due to epic climbs, stunning views, and pristine country roads.
But it is more than just gorgeous terrain that lands Greenville a spot on almost every list of best cities and top destinations. Visitors can make it their mission to find all nine Mice on Main while they choose from more than 100 delicious restaurants, or escape to the Reedy River after taking in all the delightful shops and art attractions in town. Although you’re likely to be tired after riding the roads that the pros train on, we recommend taking an evening to discover the Southern charm that has everyone talking about Greenville, South Carolina.
Where To Go For Social Hour: Sip Rooftop Bar
Located just two blocks from the Westin Poinsett Hotel in downtown Greenville, Sip Tasting Room and Rooftop Lounge is the perfect venue to enjoy a post-ride beverage with new friends. Enjoy fresh air and views of the twinkling lights on Greenville’s iconic Main Street as you choose from more than 40 wines by the glass. Indulge in a cheese board to complement your cocktail, lounge on a comfortable outdoor sofa and toast an incredible day of exploration by bike. In a city that loves the outdoors, there’s no better place to savor the beauty than Sip’s relaxing rooftop bar.
Where To Go For Dinner: Larkin’s on the River
Following an enjoyable tasting at Sip, head south on Main Street toward the rushing waters of Reedy River as you make your way to Larkin’s on the River for tonight’s meal. With his keen sense for flavors, colors and composition, the plates prepared by Chef Alex are sure to captivate your palate. Start with the local favorite She Crab Soup before splurging on Southern shrimp and grits or spoiling yourself with an aged bone in filet mignon. Whether you choose to dine inside, with exposed brick walls and an open ceiling, or opt for outdoor seating on a patio overlooking the river, you simply cannot beat this venue.
What To Do After Dinner: NOMA Square
Voted as one of America’s best downtown’s by Forbes magazine, you can’t leave Greenville without enjoying any of the free community events during your time in town. And if you happen to be in Greenville between the months of May and September, there is none better than Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays. Hosted in NOMA square, a cornerstone of downtown, unwind from your week of exercise while you listen to a variety of live music, including jazz, blues, oldies and soul. And if you’d rather not dance, still make your way to Greenville’s largest plaza for a delicious slice of homemade Mackinac Island Fudge at Kilwins.
About Guest Choice: You will often hear us say, “It’s your day, you decide,” because our smaller group size allows the flexibility for you to decide how your day unfolds. In addition to multiple daily ride options and shuttle flexibility, this also means that we offer ‘guest choice’ nights designed for you to indulge at a local restaurant of your choosing, or explore the local sites. Whether you want to order take-out while relaxing by the hotel pool or get dressed up for a fancy dinner in town, guest choice nights let you craft your own perfect evening.
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
What is the Difference?
Ultimate Luxury:
Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Luxury:
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
Explorer:
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
Combined:
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Level 2:
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Level 3:
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Level 4:
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
What are your trip styles?
Classic - Reserve:
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Classic - Signature:
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Classic - Discover:
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Ride Camp:
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
Pro Race:
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Cross Country:
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Self-Guided
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself
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