Local extravagance

Are you looking for an extravagant getaway? Are you searching for that “I can’t believe I’m getting away with this!” feeling? Well, look no further than your own little town (or big city, as the case may be). Friday night Joel and I checked into AVIA Napa–a full five minutes (fewer, if I hit green lights) from my front doorstep. Yes, there’s something about staying so close to home that feels reckless and spirited.

I can hear you now: Rachelle, clearly you don’t get out enough. Mmm, could be, or maybe my sense of adventure needs reigning in. But have you checked into a very local hotel? Try it. You’ll see what I mean.

I decided to give AVIA another try after my not-so-terrific dining experience a few months ago. The hotel stay was lovely: clean, quiet and just the right pinch of luxury. The dinner at the AVIA Kitchen was delicious (I had the ahi tuna nicoise for my main) but the service is still wonky, I thought. I like to see a little confidence in waitstaff, don’t you?

Stepping out that evening to take a walk along the newly developed Riverfront property made me feel like I was in a new city. Downtown Napa seemed on the brink of a bustling downtown center. Can’t you see it? I could, walking down those damp sidewalks, holiday lights twinkling from the tree branches.

In the morning we walked to Sweetie Pies for breakfast (AVIA had few options outside of the breakfast buffet, and I’m not such a fan of buffets) where we were faced with an irresistible array of goodies. (When I found myself on a jury a couple of years ago, I’d walk to Sweetie Pies every morning to grab a cup of coffee.) Coffee and breakfast at a table – Joel a slice of quiche, me an egg&cheese sandwich (warning: HUGE) – and then we were off, back to the hotel. We packed, called for our car (valet parked), and drove the five minutes home.

And if that isn’t extravagant, I don’t know what is.