Explore the Bay Area and its endless riches with fresh eyes this July and August.
Grab a seat at Montage Healdsburg’s upgraded Scout Field Bar.
ESCAPE
Montage Healdsburg’s upgraded cocktail experience at the newly reimagined Scout Field Bar is stunning. The lobby’s unique centerpiece has expanded from nine counter seats to 25, available both indoors and outdoors, plus hinged storefront windows that showcase the resort’s vineyards and views of Mount St. Helena. Other jaw-dropping design moments include hanging bottle storage above the bar and tiered islands with pass-through under-counter refrigerators showcasing a premium liquor selection. Montage Healdsburg, 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, 707.979.9000, montagehotels.com
Delight in Nobu’s famous cuisine alfresco in the hotel restaurant’s recently unveiled outdoor expansion.
MARVEL
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto’s new Japanese-inspired garden and restaurant, Nobu Gardens, is not to be missed. The multimillion-dollar renovation includes specially selected boulders imported from Japan, native and drought-tolerant ground cover, Japanese-inspired greenery and a natural stone facade with a soothing water feature. Guests are welcomed to the garden through the hotel lobby, with outdoor tables positioned to enjoy the copious views. 180 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650.531.8800, paloalto.nobuhotels.com
Kally’s spring 2023 Curiosity collection.
SIP
Taking a break from alcohol doesn’t have to be boring—just ask Bay Area-based Kally. Crafted from tart verjus made from unripe California grapes and combined with fresh fruit, teas and botanicals, the bubbly beverage is taking over the region. Start with the four-bottle Curiosity collection featuring the spring 2023 releases, including refreshing orchard sage, berry fennel, Golden Sparkler and Rose Sparkler nonalcoholic wines. 650.200.0793, drinkkally.com
Panerai’s luxury timepieces are now available at Stanford Shopping Center.
SHOP
Luxury Italian watch brand Panerai debuts a new storefront in Stanford Shopping Center. Having crafted watches for the Italian Royal Navy from the 1940s to 1980s, the brand is at the forefront of Swiss technology and high design, from BMG-TECH, carbotech, ceramica and other luxe offerings. 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, panerai.com; simon.com
Danielle Rowe’s choreography shines in MADCAP.
WATCH
Combining two stunning choreographies from the next 90 festival, San Francisco Ballet’s Starry Nights at Stanford Live Arts Festival includes lauded selections from recent opening night galas. Choreographer Yuri Possokhov reimagines Igor Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto in D with a contemporary twist. At the same time, Danielle Rowe utilizes tunes from Swedish indie rocker Pär Hägstöm to tell the tale of a sinister clown after the circus lights go dark. Aug. 3-4, Frost Amphitheater, 351 Lasuen St., Stanford, 415.865.2000, sfballet.org
Rev your engines, automotive fans. The Monterey Motorsports Festival launches this summer, Aug. 19.
WITNESS
The Monterey Motorsports Festival is an exciting new offering during Car Week 2023. This first-of-its-kind event will feature an impressive collection of classic and modern cars, including exotic and vintage models worldwide. With vehicle-wrapping demonstrations, racing simulators, off-road exhibits, meet-and-greets and VIP offerings, this is a fun-filled weekend not to be missed. Aug. 19, Monterey County Fair and Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, montereymotorsportsfestival.com
Picayune Cellars has expanded into Calistoga.
VISIT
Napa Valley winery Picayune Cellars has expanded into downtown Calistoga with its latest outpost, Picayune Cellars & Mercantile. Owner and winemaker Claire Ducrocq Weinkauf debuted the boutique tasting room this April to thorough fanfare. Offerings exclusive to this location include monthly pop-up chef dinners, live music every Friday, a commercial kitchen for food and tasting experiences, and wine club member parties. The addition of a mercantile store allows for an approachable shopping experience, including custom styling and fitting sessions at the hat bar. 1440 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707.341.3410, picayunecellars.com
Celebrate all things music and food at Festival Napa Valley.
EXPERIENCE
Revel in breathtaking performances and wine country views at Festival Napa Valley, a 16-day soiree celebrating music where renowned artists and emerging talents shine. In addition to world-class entertainment, this festival offers special programming for young artists alongside abundant food and wine options. Events not to miss: Taste of Napa (July 15) at The Meritage Resort is sure to hit the spot, while the Arts for All Gala (July 16) will feature tunes by Carrie Underwood at Nickel & Nickel Winery. July 8-23, 1001 Second St., Napa, 707.346.5052, festivalnapavalley.org
Plan your next special event at Half Moon Bay Lodge.
CELEBRATE
For those looking to host special events or weddings, a soiree overlooking the greens of Half Moon Bay Golf Links is a winner. Pair it with a brand-new deck, the foundation of a picture-perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day. For elopements and gatherings of up to 50 people, the venue’s flexible indoor and outdoor spaces provide a unique location. Half Moon Bay Lodge also offers room blocks, upgraded suite stays for the wedding couple, and additional event spots for rehearsal dinners, bridal suites, cocktail hours and receptions. halfmoonbaylodge.com, weddings@halfmoonbaylodge.com
Che Fico’s sumptuous Italian cuisine makes its way to Menlo Park.
DINE
Opening this summer at the stunning Springline development in Menlo Park is Che Fico Parco Menlo, an excellent sister restaurant to Back Home Hospitality’s Che Fico. Expect decadent Italian cuisine showcased through a distinctly Californian lens, from handmade pasta and pizza to whole wood-fired branzino and a massive grilled 32-ounce Bavette steak. Come hungry! 550 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park, springline.com; chefico.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF MONTAGE HEALDSBURG; BARBARA KRAFT; COURTESY OF BRAND; LINDSAY THOMAS; STEPHAN RABOLD; ERIC WOLFINGER
