Girlfriend Getaways

Chalfont, Pa.: A group of 4 friends will be traveling to the Napa Valley October 31 to November 7. We have never been to this area and have been told to visit the smaller wineries. We are staying at the River Pointe Resort. Would you be able to recommend a few smaller wineries as well as some casual restaurants to visit? We would also like to stay one night in San Francisco and would appreciate any recommondations for moderately priced hotels in that area, as well. Thank you.

GG Editors: Of course! In a past issue of Girlfriend Getaways we offered tips for planning weekend getaways in Napa and other U.S. wine regions. We suggested Peju Province Winery in Rutherford, known for its cabernet sauvignons, and Kaz Vineyard and Winery, a small, unconventional operation in Sonoma Valley. Packing a picnic lunch is one fun and affordable way to enjoy Napa—and I can vouch for Fume Bistro, where I enjoyed a terrific grilled salmon sandwich with bistro fries and a tangy peach salad earlier this summer. As for San Francisco, try the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, the Hotel Beresford, or the Orchard Garden Hotel.

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Arlington, Va.: My 23-year-old daughter and I would like to do a Christmas trip (someplace warm, spa perhaps) and are thinking of Scottsdale. My problem is that we live on opposite coasts and trying to figure out the most economical way to plan this is difficult.

GG Editors: What a fun idea. It'll be easiest if you meet each other at your destination; use booking sites like Kayak.com to find reasonable airfares from Arlington and from your daughter's hometown. Keep in mind, however, that winter is the high season for warm escapes like Scottsdale, so you'll pay more for a hotel stay at that time then you would if you chose to visit in, say, May or June. If you do go with Scottsdale, consider the spa at Marriott's Camelback Inn. The sleek Mondrian also provides spa services, but has more of a reputation for its nightlife. You'll find plenty to keep you two busy during the day, from browsing art galleries in Old Town and shopping to touring Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. You could also consider Santa Fe, which is enchanting at Christmas time; festive luminarias (brightly wrapped candles) line its historic Plaza and walkways, chili lights adorn Christmas trees, and Hispanic, Anglo and Native American celebrations are all represented. The El Rey Inn and Territorial Inn at the Marcy are among the more affordable hotel options. And don't leave Santa Fe without taking a dip in a private outdoor hot tub at Ten Thousand Waves Spa & Resort.

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GG Editors: Unfortunately, that's all the time we have to take for questions today. We regret that there were a few we weren't able to answer. Be sure to check back on Tuesday, August 26, when we answer your Girlfriend Getaways questions again.