The Traveling Laptops

Category: Travel

A Taste of Spain in Healdsburg: Bravas Bar de Tapas
Located in a beautiful downtown of Healdsburg in Sonoma’s Wine Country, Bravas Bar de Tapas is an escape to Spain through food, during tapas-style, traditional, and modern dining.

We get the appeal: this restaurant, which has become a James Beard finalist, along with the chef/owners, James Beard finalists Mark and Terri Stark, has won awards and a loyal following. The lively ambiance paired with unforgettable culinary offerings makes Bravas a perfect place to share a meal with friends and family.

Atmosphere

Bravas greets you with cozy and inviting interiors.

The interior design combines retro-cool aspects with Spain-like decorative elements in a distinctive but fashionable little space. You have the option of dining indoors or out, with a lovely patio and an expansive deck bar for year-round enjoyment. The outdoor seating is especially enticing, a festive and shady spot.

Food

Bravas shines in its wide-ranging and tasty menu of Spanish tapas. The menu is split between cold and hot options, bocadillos (small sandwiches), and larger plates to share.

Some of the highlights are:

Patatas Bravas
- Patatas Bravas: Fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and allioli.
- Dungeness Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers: With Idiazábal cream and jamón migas.
- Fried Eggplant Chips: Drizzled with truffle honey and rosemary.
- Roasted Cauliflower: Served with dates, local blue cheese, bacon and Marcona almonds.
- Duck Meatballs: With tomato sofrito and green olive tapenade.
- Paella: A must-try shareable entrée with Sonoma flavors.
Mussells

In addition to a range of Spanish and local wines, bravas features a selection of sangrias and Spain-influenced cocktails, including a variety of signature gin and tonics.

They also have gluten free and vegetarian options.

What You Should Know Before You Go
- Location: Bravas Bar de Tapas is at 420 Center Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448.
- Hours: At the time of writing, their hours are Sunday–Thursday 11:30 AM–9:00 PM / Friday–Saturday 11:30 AM–10:00 PM.
- Reservations: Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends, and can be made by phone or online. The bar seating is first-come, first-served.
- Dietary Restrictions: Bravas has many options for vegetarian and gluten-free diets and can accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Back of House Service Charge: Note that Bravas adds a 3% “Back of House Service Charge” to the check.
Bravas Bar de Tapas is a fantastic and authentic Spanish restaurant in the heart of Healdsburg. Its warm ambiance, great tapas, and ample drink selection make it an ideal stop for an exciting friends’ meal or special occasion.
February 16, 2025
A Danish Getaway: One Weekend in Solvang
Our weekend trip to Solvang, a quaint Danish village in the Santa Ynez Valley, was full of pastries, wine and window shopping.

We stayed at The Landsby, a luxury hotel whose central location and upscale amenities made it the ultimate home base to experience all that Solvang has to offer.

The Landsby

The hotel boasts elegant interiors and a convenient location near downtown Solvang, making it a perfect match for our getaway. The chic rooms were a peaceful sanctuary after a day of sightseeing, and just steps from Solvang’s hub. Because of the prime location, we were able to easily walk to bakeries, tasting rooms, and shops to take in the beauty of Solvang.

Bakeries Galore

No visit to Solvang is complete without having some Danish pastries. We went on a tasty tour of the bakeries, trying some treats as we went from a few local favorites.
- Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery: We loved every pastry, but the apple Danish and Kringle Slice were the great hits.
- Mortensen’s Bakery: They’re famous for their Danish waffles, and they did not disappoint.
Pastries in bakery display

Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley

With more than 100 wineries and vineyards in the area, Solvang is a wine lovers paradise. Downtown Solvang alone has over 20 wine tasting rooms and all are within an easy stroll. We spent an afternoon tasting local Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah at a local wine shop, Clean Slate Wine Bar.

Wine at Clean Slate Wine Bar

What to Do in Solvang

In addition to the food and drink, there is a variety of cultural and historical attractions in Solvang.
- Solvang Windmill: The most famous of the town’s windmills, inspired by a mill outside of Copenhagen.
- Hans Christian Andersen Museum: Small, free museum dedicated to the famed author.
- Little Mermaid Fountain: A replica of the statue in Denmark, in front of the museum.
- Old Mission Santa Ines: One of the original 21 Spanish missions founded in 1804.
- Elverhøj Museum of History and Art: Focused on the history of Solvang and of Danish culture.
Before You Go, Here Are Some Things to Know
- Location: Solvang is situated in the Santa Ynez Valley about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles.
- Parking: Street parking is free but scarce during peak season.
- Best Time to Visit: Solvang has a number of annual events, including Danish Days in September and Julefest in December.
- On Foot: Solvang is a walkable village.
Landsby’s leather key chain

Solvang, the Danish village in the heart of wine country, was a delightful mix of Scandinavian charm, food fun and wine country relaxation for us this weekend. So that lovely hotel, The Landsby became our luxurious home-base for the next couple of days that we spent soaking up the town’s charm for the most memorable experience ever. So with that in mind, we wholeheartedly endorse Solvang as your next getaway.
February 16, 2025
Sacramento’s Best Coffee Shop For Working Remote: Milka Coffee Roasters
Milka Coffee in Mansion Flats offers tasty espresso, a cozy atmosphere, and ample seating.

As remote workers, we’re on a constant search for that perfect spot: somewhere with good coffee, an inspiring atmosphere, and enough seating to stick around for the day.

Milka Coffee Roasters in Mansion Flats, has quickly become our favorite choice whenever we visit Sacramento. Nestled in an 1861 Victorian, Milka is a mix of historic charm and modern-day function that keeps us coming back.

Atmosphere

Flagship Location in Mansion Flats

Entering Milka is like stepping into a cozy time capsule. The Victorian-era house has an inviting feeling, a welcome respite from sterile coffee chains. There is ample feeling that allows you to settle in and stay a while, whether you’re working, chatting or just people-watching.

R Street Location

The inside of Milka’s second outpost is bright and airy, with a colorful mural, wood benches and tables, and a shiny espresso station. The R Street site also offers ample outdoor patio space.

Menu

Milka serves a range of coffee and tea beverages, including house specialty lattes and tea lattes. They roast their beans there, so you can expect a good cup each time. We are big fans of the Maple Latte, and the Algerian Mint Mocha. They also have flavors like pine, Algerian mint and hibiscus that are only found there. You can buy bags of their coffee beans too.

What to Know Before You Go
- Locations: Milka has two locations: one in Mansion Flats at 1501 G St, and the other in the WAL Public Market at 1104 R St. We prefer the Mansion Flats location for working remote.
- Parking: Street parking at the G Street location is usually easy to find. Parking tends to be easier near the R Street location.
- Price: The price you see is the price you pay, as tips, taxes and fees are included. A latte costs $6.75. We love this model because we know exactly what we are going to pay when we look at the menu!
- Hours: Open seven days a week.
Milka Coffee Roasters is spot to visit for remote workers looking for good coffee and a welcoming but productive environment.
February 16, 2025
A Serene Getaway at Dawn Ranch in Sonoma County
Situated in idyllic Sonoma County, California, Dawn Ranch embraces both natural beauty and rustic charm.

Standing on over 22 acres, this delightful oasis in Guerneville boasts river access, lush gardens, an apple orchard, and much more. Our weekend getaway at Dawn Ranch did not disappoint.

Located in the center of Guerneville, Dawn Ranch offers a combination of outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and wellness offerings sure to make your trip memorable.

Accommodations

Dawn Ranch offers various luxurious accommodations to meet the needs of every guest for a comfortable stay. Here’s a summary of their lodging:
- Cabins: The four Sycamore and Redwood Cabins offer comfortable retreats with organic queen or king beds, premium linens and en-suite bathrooms. The warm wood decor creates an inviting atmosphere.
- Chalets: Ideal for families or groups, these chalets boast large layouts and cozy living rooms with lovely views.
- Cottages: These cozy cottages provide a warm hotel atmosphere, many of them including charming little outdoor patios for us to reflect in and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Tents: If you’re looking for a more adventurous trek, Dawn Ranch has glamping tents that provide the outdoor camping experience mixed with luxury touches.
- Forest Bungalows: Great for groups, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Forest Bungalows have plenty of room for families or friends traveling together, with luxury amenities.
Every type of accommodation is carefully conceptualized, with top-notch amenities and thoughtful touches in each room.

We stayed in a Sycamore cabin, and enjoyed the tiny but well-designed space. We loved that they stocked Le Labo bathroom products and tasty snacks for us to enjoy during our stay!

On Site Activities and Amenities

No matter what time of the year, Dawn Ranch has plenty of amenities to keep guests entertained and comfortable.
- Private River Access to the Russian River: The dock is a great place for swimming, kayaking and tubing.
- Kayak Rentals: Free kayak rentals gave us the freedom to paddle at our own leisure and take in the stunning views.
- Full-Service Spa: Massages and body treatments, as well as steam rooms, saunas and redwood hot tubs. We had a great couples massage and enjoyed some complimentary hot tea.
- Evening Firepit: We enjoyed gathering around the firepit at night, complimentary s’mores adding a fun touch to our stargazing.
- Wellness Experiences: We had access to yoga and meditation sessions, helping us nurture relaxation and mindfulness.
- Swimming Pool: The pool in The Grove area was a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
- Lawn Games and Activities: Lawn games including corn hole and badminton kept us busy during our visit.
Dining Options

The dining experience at Dawn Ranch is as unforgettable as its beautiful location. The Lodge at Dawn Ranch serves up delectable meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The farm-to-table style dining menu is prepared using the various ingredients harvested from the on-site garden, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Best Time to Visit

So what time of year should you plan to visit Dawn Ranch? Dawn Ranch is a four-season destination, offering seasonal activities that align with travelers’ interests.

We have been lucky enough to visit in both fall and winter, and definitely recommend going at those times of the year. The ideal time to visit might differ based on what you wish to see.
- Spring (March–May): The season for wildflowers, with mild temperatures perfect for hiking and experiencing the colorful gardens.
- Summer (June–August): The busy season draws visitors keen to enjoy warm weather and water activities on the Russian River, such as kayaking, swimming and tubing.
- Fall (September to November): A season for foliage enthusiasts, this period features cool air that’s great for hiking and sampling seasonal food.
- Winter (December to February): With cooler temperatures this time of year, winter is a quiet time to visit the province, creating a cozy atmosphere. The ranch is more uncrowded, so the perfect place for peace.
With its signature microclimate, Dawn Ranch guarantees guests can unwind and rejoice year-round, no matter the season.

Conclusion

Overall, our experience at Dawn Ranch was a blissful balance of indulgence, the great outdoors, and a touch of zen. Whether you are in search of a restful retreat, an adventure escape, or a unique location for a special event, Dawn Ranch offers something for everyone.
February 16, 2025
How to Plan a Private Wine Tasting Tour in Russian River Valley

Everything you need to know to coordinate a personalized wine tour in California’s beautiful Sonoma County.

When planning for our trip to Guerneville, we knew we wanted to explore the area’s vibrant wine scene.

Guerneville, within the Russian River Valley, offers a more intimate wine experience than its high-profile neighbor in Napa Valley. The Russian River specializes in cool-climate wine varietals, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This region is closer to the coast than Napa, and these varieties do particularly well because of the region’s morning fog and cooler temperatures. We wanted to explore 2 wineries in the region, but we were unsure of where to begin.

Read on to see how we chose to visit J Vineyards and MacRostie, and how we arranged transportation so we could enjoy our wine without drinking and driving.

Choosing The Vineyards

J Vineyards

When selecting which wineries to visit, it was a balancing act of wine preferences, value, and proximity to our lodging to decide where we would book our tastings. We tend to prefer whites and sparkling wine, so J Vineyards stood out to us. Though there are a number of other wineries in the area that focus on Sparkling, we wanted to ensure that we picked one that was relatively close to the other winery we wanted to do a tasting at. The Russian River Valley is rather spread out, and we didn’t want to spend too much time in the car going from tasting to tasting. We are so glad that we chose J Vineyards for the actual tasting. The Legacy Tasting was a lot of fun, and our server was more than happy to explain the difference between all the wines we would be tasting.

MacRostie Winery

We picked MacRostie for our second stop because of the gorgeous tasting room they offer, as well as the positive reviews of their wine selection. The wine and service were exceptional at MacRostie. Our tasting menu was customized based on our preferences. We sampled mostly whites, but were impressed with the Pinot Noirs, too. Our server provided us with an extensive breakdown of the notes for each varietal, as well as some insider intel about the local wine scene. The panoramic view from the tasting room was stunning, even on a rainy day.

Both MacRostie and J Vineyards were comparatively mid-range, cost-wise, for the average wine tasting in the Russian River Valley. Pricing: average cost of $25-$75 per person per tasting. For both wineries, we booked our tastings in advance through Tock.

Finding Transportation

Because we didn’t want to drink and drive, it was important to us to make sure we coordinated a driver for the day of. Based on some research on the area (thank you tiktok!), we found Bill’s Taxi service. We called to reserve 5 hours with a driver, and were given 3 vehicle options based on our budget. Although there was no way to reserve online, we were able to easily coordinate over the phone. This was the best option for us because we read that ubers are sparse in the region and wait times can be lengthy. Our experience on the day of was mostly positive. The pickup was timely, and our driver was helpful and friendly. Unfortunately, although we selected the premium SUV option for maximum comfort, the car did not smell great, which slightly dampened our experience. Overall though, we are glad we booked a driver in advance because it made our day completely stress free.

To get in touch with Bill’s Taxi Service, call (707) 869-2177.

February 16, 2025