Happy WineAversary to Us with Trinchero Napa Valley

This November my husband and I celebrate our 12 year wedding anniversary. Time flies when you're having fun and building a life together. My husband David and I were practically kids when we married. He was 23 and I had just turned 21. Like any relationship our journey has had twists and turns we never expected. We've traveled literally around the world together. From New Zealand to Europe, Mexico to the Caribbean. We've brought two lives into the world, we launched businesses, and we experienced heartbreaking failures. We didn't always win, but we never really lost because we had each other. This year we partnered with Trinchero Napa Valley and celebrated more than a decade of having each other's back, forgiving each others flaws, and enjoying more than a few glasses of wine together. Cheers to being rich in love! 

Trinchero Napa Valley Legacy

The Trinchero name may be new to you, but their legacy is one that reaches back to the very foundations of Napa Valley's beginning. The family celebrates three generations of wine making and are the founders of the famous Sutter Home, the second largest wine and spirit company in the country. After 70 years in business the Trinchero family is finally putting their name on a wine they feel truly embodies their story. Their commitment to quality, community, and family is the essence of their new label. 

The Trinchero Napa Valley wines are perfect for celebrating our own family's journey. How fitting to pair their family tribute with our memorable day. 

It's a Destination 

In April we'll head to wine country with our family. On our bucket list for the trip will be one of the best hidden gems in the Valley. Trinchero recently reopened their redesigned namesake tasting room. It has been updated to pay homage to the family's success and future in the wine making business. What a great way to experience in person a piece of Napa Valley's defining history, while celebrating it's modern day innovation.  

Life is about relationships. Relationships with friends, family, and meaningful folks you meet along the way. Choose to cultivate those relationships, and you will always be rich. Here's a toast to our first dozen years together and many many more adventures to come! Adventures we hope to share with you as we experience life together. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Celebrate life with Trinchero Napa Valley by purchasing online or at select 

Total Wine & More locations. 

Behind the scenes this little one looked on with those big blue eyes.

Behind the camera. Sienna jumped in and helped take the images of David and I together. We are more than a little proud of her talented eye.

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Where to See the Fall Leaves Change

If I had to pick a favorite season, fall would win hands down. The cool breeze, the rainbow of color, and the promise of gatherings with family and friends we love. Living in North Florida, we don't get much of the fall season. That's why October is one of our top travel months. Here are a few of my favorite fall destinations to revel in the change of season. 

1. Cades Cove

Smoky Mountain National Park - TN 

(Peak Late Oct early Nov)

Cades Cove is one of our family's favorite destinations to marvel in the beauty of the fall season. Take your time driving the 11 mile loop through historic sites, and the magnificent Tennessee countryside. It's not uncommon to spot bear, deer, and other wildlife along the trail. This is a popular drive with lots of traffic during the busy season so give yourself around 2-4 hours to navigate the whole loop.
What to look forward to: 

• View Historical Sites
• Hike
• Bike
• Camp
• Photography
• See Wildlife

Shooting Clays in Montana

2. Glacier National Park - Montana

(Peak Late Sept til Mid Oct)

Escape to America's Big Sky Country. Experience the ultimate solitude and be surrounded by nature. Lose yourself in the history, adventure, and wonder of it all. There is no place quite like Montana, go see the glaciers before they disappear. 

What to look forward to: 

• 700 miles of trails
• Mountains
• Lakes
• Historic Sites
• Camping 
• Hiking
• Boating
• Biking
• Cross Country Skiing
• Natural Hot Springs
• 25 Glaciers

3. Freeport  - Maine 

(Peak Early to Mid Oct)

Freeport is largely known as one of the best places to shop in Maine. Home to LL Bean, this little town is full of charm and warmth. Take in the leaves, grab a cup of chowder, or score a deal at the outlets. There's plenty to do in this warm little city on the Bay.

What to look forward to: 

• Home to LLBean
• Outlet Shopping (Best Shopping Town in New England)
• Lots of Hiking
• Taste the Chowder
• Find a Hidden Waterfall
• Go Apple Picking
• Go to the Fall Festival
• Access to the Beach 

4. Sonoma - California

(Peak Late Sept through Early Nov)

Personally, I think anytime is a good time to go to wine country. However, if you could pick one magic moment to capture and keep in your memory forever, fall would be it. Experience the spirit of harvest, embrace the coolness in the air, and sip on a nice glass of red wine. 

What to look forward to: 

• Wine Country
• Harvest Season
• Drive the PCH
• Unwind at the Spa
• Biking
• Culinary Attractions
• Hiking

With family on the Virginia Creeper Trail

5. Virginia Creeper Trail - Virginia 

(Peak Late Sept through Mid to Late Oct)

The Virginia Creeper Trail has become a sort of family pilgrimage for my husbands side of the family. We do our best to join in this annual trek through stunning rural Virginia countryside. This 34 mile bicycle and horse path is a converted rail trail that stretches from Whitetop, Virginia to Abingdon. Visitors can rent a bike from one of the local bike shops at the base of the trail and they will transport you and the bikes to the head of the trail. Enjoy the mostly downhill ride through the season's kaleidoscope of color. Stop half way at the 3 hour mark, or challenge yourself to the full 6 hour ride. The trail is open year around, but the fall certainly sees a rush of traffic. 

What to look forward to: 

• Historical Sites
• Biking
• Horseback Riding
• Hiking
• Photography

Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail

Where are your favorite destinations for taking in the fall season. I'd love to hear in the comments below. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Watch me discuss these destinations on River City Live

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Amy West Travel Top 10 Blog Posts from 2015

In just a few hours 2015 will be history and we will usher in a new year full of possibilities. My hope for you is that this year is one of your most joy filled, prosperous years. I hope you fill it with new adventures, and cherished memories with the ones you love. I consider it my great joy to bring you my experiences here on this blog and the other media outlets I contribute to. With the few hours left it's time to look back at the memories we made and accomplishments we achieved. I'm pleased to bring you the best of my work this year as I round up my top 10 blog posts.

Personal Posts




1. Welcome Baby London



2. Ladylike Liberties

Destination Posts

3. Anna Maria Family Getaway | Mainsail Beach Inn Review 


4. Explore Sea Ranch Lodge

5. Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort Mini Baby Moon


10Best Posts

6. 10 Best Babymoons

7. 10 Best Jacksonville Attractions 

The Chat


8. 10 Super Easy Photo Tips Anyone Can Use 


9. Surviving Disney | How to Navigate the Happiest Place on Earth


News 4 Jax

10. 10 Tips for Flying with Kids

Thanks for joining me in 2015! It's going to be another great year. I can't wait to see where our path may lead!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Merry Christmas from Amy West and Family | 2015 Recap

It has been an exciting year! Full of first time experiences, and most importantly new life. In January we traveled to Anna Maria Island to visit Mainsail Beach Inn where we revealed to my in laws we were expecting again. In April we flew across the country to explore the wilds Sea Ranch Lodge in Northern California, and the Millennial minded Pier 2620 in San Francisco. 

In May I traveled to a 9,000 acre ranch in Montana where I got acquainted with the creators of Firehouse Subs and practiced my marksmanship. While I was at it I shared a few of my fashionable finds, and reviewed some great products. As summer arrived we got to know Daytona a little better, and enjoyed a relaxing Babymoon at the Omni in Amelia Island. On top of all that we also visited Disney a few times, and did I mention the food I tasted this year? While all this was taking place around my ever expanding midsection I appeared many times on The Chat, News 4 Jax morning show, and the radio while also contributing for 10Best.com. The year drew to an end with the arrival of our second daughter London just in time for our first daughter to begin kindergarten. In September we enjoyed a welcome time-out during our staycation at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa (which I still need to recap). Just as we adjusted to all that we bought a house! And after 5 days of moving here we are on Christmas Eve! 

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for following my little adventures on this blog, on 10Best.com, and on my appearances on TV. If it weren't for you the reader, this platform wouldn't exist. It's my great privilege to share my experiences with you. I may not meet every single one of you, but you are in my hearts and on my mind throughout the year and especially during this season of giving and sharing. I look forward to bringing you more great content in 2016! We'll see what kind of creativity I can whip up, and what kind of adventures await. 

Until then...

Merry Christmas
and

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Pier 2620 Hotel San Francisco | A Millennial Minded Boutique Hotel

San Francisco is a diverse city with quite the story to tell. With a significant role in history and an eye towards the future, this ever evolving "City by the Bay" features plenty of reasons to visit. The question is... where to start? Our recent visit lead us to Pier 2620 Hotel. A chic, millennial minded hotel for the modern traveler, conveniently located in the center of everywhere we wanted to be. Read on for more about our stay in San Francisco. 

Pier 2620 Hotel in San Francisco

Loft Style Luxury

Situated right in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 2620’s loft style living gives this boutique hotel a distinctive sense of place. Whether you're headed to Ghiradelli square for some of their world famous chocolate treats, to the Wharf to grab a bowl of the bay’s famous chowder, or to the Pier for a relaxing stroll, you are minutes away from the comfort and convenience of this savvy destination.

Golden Gate Bridge- A Modern Marvel

Large fitness center at Pier 2620

The hotel's design showcases a bold, yet sophisticatd palate. Our room shouted urban cool, while still delivering all the comforts a weary traveler could desire. The Hotel's courtyard was the ideal place to enjoy the fresh air and a glass of wine, or perhaps a take out lunch al fresco. Close inspection of the fitness center gave quite the impression as well. For a city hotel one might expect cramped quarters but the room was large and full of new equipment functional for any kind of work out you might desire. Big windows looked out on the courtyard instead of the usual windowless room full of mirrors many hotels squeeze the gym into.

Loft Style Luxury at Pier 2620

Millennial Minded

San Francisco is full of post-card quality views to take in and iconic experiences to discover. From the golden span of one of the world's most iconic bridges, to the still operating historic cable cars, culture and history collide every-where you look.

A view of Alcatraz from the streets of San Francisco

Take in the nightlife, taste the flavors of one of the most food forward cities in the U.S., and navigate thrilling ups and downs on the rolling streets that make up San Francisco’s metropolis.

Check out the wine bar for wine on tap

Pier 2620's dedicated staff makes it natural to feel at home there. Friendly breakfast service gets the day started off right, while the concierge helps fulfill any needs you may have to get your plans rolling. Free wifi keeps you plugged in and in the know whether you are visiting on business or pleasure. Need help? Pier 2620 has your back. Good to go and seeking a seamless visit? No problem, Pier 2620 makes your stay easy. No complications.

Pier 2620 Hotel is Urban Cool without sacrificing on sophistication and comfort 

Stay in the Center of it All

Pier 2620’s convenient location makes getting everywhere you want to be simple. The sophistication and elegance of this fashion forward locale represents the future of travel’s boutique style.

Chowder Trio from Blue Mermaid

For our visit we rarely used our rental car. With so much within a short walking distance we headed on foot into the action. When our plans took us elsewhere, whether sightseeing or shopping, a hop on the cable cars around the corner, or a quick check-in to a car service like SideCar Ride or Uber (San Fran was the birthplace of ride-sharing), made navigating the city a breeze.

Pier 2620 is situated right in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, but off the main street so you don't have the noise. 

The next time you’re in San Francisco, visit Pier 2620 for impeccable service, contemporary luxury, and a brand that get’s what today’s traveler really wants.

Until next time… 

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Watch our Pier 2620 Hotel Webisode Here 

  Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com.

Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.