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for the glowing review! "Go ask Alice ... where all the best vineyard gardens are. She's an erudite charmer; you'll have fun!"

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Presentation Topics:

Secret GardenWalks: Europe
Wine Country Gardens
21st Century Gardens
Great Gardens/Great Plants
Hotels & Inns

The Willows ... Chicago Touring

Always find myself thinking about Chicago ’round this time of year…

The Willows Hotel - Chicago

Where to stay in a city with countless boutique hotels? I’ve chosen The Willows Hotel on Chicago’s North Side most often for its convenient location, and for ease of movement on public transportation.

No matter the season, I always plan a sojourn to stroll through the Lurie Garden, and I check to see if there’s a free concert scheduled in the gorgeous Gehry-designed bandshell in Millennium Park.

Chicago Millennium Park Footbridge and Rill Photo © Alice Joyce

Summer, of course, is a time of lush and colorful plantings throughout the city and especially the downtown area. First-time visitors are often delightfully surprised by the lavish displays of foliage and flowers.

Chicago Millennium Park Plantings Photo © Alice Joyce

For all my friends from abroad, I’d advise the following: If you cannot arrange a visit during the lovely Springtime awakening of Chicago’s gardens and landscapes, or if you shy away from tourist crowds in Summer, then be sure to visit in September ~ a most beguiling month.

One way or another, Spring or Fall, Chicago always draws me back. Am I boasting when I say that my home town is one of the friendliest, most vibrant urban destinations you can include in an itinerary when putting together a tour of the United States?  I don’t believe so!

Below: A view of the Art Institute of Chicago –  Pritzker Garden

AIC Pritzker Garden E. Kelly's White Curve Photo © Alice Joyce

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California Wine Country

Big Sur - Traveling California Route 1

Hello to all … 

Returned yesterday from a fascinating trip to Monterey County ~ taking in the awe-inspiring beauty of Route 1 and the Big Sur coastline.

Carmel Courtyard © Alice Joyce

A room with a fireplace and ocean views in Carmel pretty well guarantees relaxation! It’s a quaint town. Easy to kick back and revel in great meals, once you’ve chosen from the countless restaurants in town and nearby.

Hahn Wine Tasting © Alice Joyce

Inland, traveling south from Salinas, the Hahn Winery featured prominently on my itinerary.

Tasting Pinot Noir, a high point. As is the site itself, literally, on Foothill Road, where the Hahn tasting room’s terrace offers a truly incredible view of The Pinnacles National Monument across the valley floor.

The Pinnacles Monument © Alice Joyce

Should you be touring Monterey County, you must experience the unique wine country along River Road, stopping by to taste at the Hahn vineyard Estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation.

The Monterey area is steeped in the magic of writer John Steinbeck’s magnificent imagery, of fertile farms and waves crashing against the Pacific Ocean’s rocky outcrops.

I had been planning to hike Point Lobos and The Pinnacles since moving to California.

Point Lobos © Alice Joyce

At last, the dream was realized. What spectacular trails and scenery.

Bixby Bridge ~ Big Sur © Alice Joyce

Continuing the drive, heading North to Big Sur and a stop to take in the classic vista of Bixby Bridge and the jaw-dropping road that follows the sea, hugging the rough terrain.

Comments are closed   California Wine Country, National Parks, Southern California, Wine Tasting   , ,  
Garden Travel

Farewell to My Garden .. A New Chapter

2013 has arrived and I find myself celebrating the 4th Blogiversary of Bay Area Tendrils

…while saying goodbye to the garden I’ve tended for nearly 15 years.

Alice Joyce Garden Mosaic Path Photo © Alice Joyce

I embrace the change, despite the accompanying stress and challenges.

C. 'Solfatare' Photo © Alice Joyce

I’ll miss some of the beautiful specimens that take starring roles in my Northern California landscape, like the buttery blooms of Crocosmia ‘Solfatare’ that shine against the garden’s Moroccan Blue walls.

Anemone n. Robinsoniana - Among the first plants to bloom in early spring in Alice's Garden.

Aristolochia californica Photo © Alice Joyce

Native specimens like the California Dutchman’s Pipevine – a spectacular plant that provides endless pleasures, putting on a surprising show, reblooming when I least expect it.

Blue throatwort: Photo © Alice Joyce

 Another favorite, Trachelium caeruleum – blue throatwort partners again with the blue wall.

I may be moving on, but my sweet garden will not be forgotten!

For a look back on my garden from its earliest days … Click Here.

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