Can you believe it? it’s Labor Day, where did the summer fly off to now?  I have a few ideas if you need plans. Can’t wait to usher in the most beautiful month of the year (and not just because it’s my birthday month!) If this month finds you in need of a women’s retreat, then you will want to head to Woodacre for an empowering weekend of connection and fun! Love your vino? Ever wanted to play Lucy and Ethel – I have found some places where you can get purple tootsies! The Architecture and the city festival is here as of today. Here comes your chance to celebrate the beauty of the design in our area –  and a great way to walk and explore the city.  Happy September friends!

Labor Day Around the Bay

Ah yes, the other bookend weekend has arrived, signaling the official end of summer. The first being Memorial Day of course and that time in between flew by for me. If you are looking for something to do this weekend and are enjoying a staycation, you can always head to Comic Con if that’s your thing. I used to read Archie comics, but not sure that falls in the same specter.

However, some of you Tomatoes and your misters out there may enjoy strolling through this event at Moscone Center. If you are of Scottish heritage or just want to explore the world of Scottish Culture, the annual Scottish Highland Gathering can be found in Pleasanton. Bagpipers will be on hand of course, along with a range of men in kilts participating in various activities. Whiskey tasting, Clydesdales and more.

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If baklava and stuffed grape leaves are more to your liking, the Belmont Greek Festival is the place to munch. Watch the folk dancers or participate on the huge dance floor. Cooking demos, the tavern and a mythology play are all part of this lively event. Held at The Church of the Holy Cross, this annual event hosts thousands of visitors each year.

Sept. 8- 10.  Retreat

We all need a chance to get out in nature, converse with other gal pals, walk in the woods, soak in a hot tub and celebrate ourselves.  Here is a chance for you to do just that. A woman’s retreat unlike any other is coming up in Woodacre near Marin. You can get creative, play, dance, sing (or not), practice yoga and explore local trails and hills. Or you can just hang out, connect with new friends, soak in the hot tub or wander around. The views are insane, and the house accommodates only 20, so hurry up. If you prefer camping, or Yurt living, that is an option as well. Check it out here.

Sept. 1-30. Architecture + The City Festival

The annual Architecture + the City festival is one of the nation’s largest and longest running architectural and design festivals. Taking place in San Francisco every September, the month-long celebration features behind the scenes, walking and home tours, films, exhibitions, lectures and more that address varying aspects of the design, planning and building process.

Over 40 programs throughout the month provide an excellent opportunity for participants to engage with the local architecture community and experience design in a myriad of ways throughout the city. The opening night party starts tonight at Pier 17 – if you have no plans, you can drink, nibble and network. But no worries if you can’t as there are so many programs to choose from. Tours where you can get to know the city by foot or bike. Then there are Behind the scenes tours of rarely seen architectural hotspots in the city, films and presentations galore.  Find it all here.

Grape Stomping

I always fancied myself as Lucy, but whether or not you identify with Lucy or Ethel, I mean, really who hasn’t wanted to stomp on grapes and just dance gleefully amongst the purple pulp?  I know I will, hopefully, be found stomping and playing this month. Here are a few places for you to enjoy “making wine”.

Grgich Hills in Rutherford offers grape stomping all day from 10 – 3:30 at just $40 pp. Once you have smashed your grapes into juice, stamp your feet on a white, souvenir t-shirt and toast the moment.

Schweiger Vineyards in St. Helena will host two harvest stomps, on September 28th and October 6th. Here you even get to hand pick your cabernet grapes from the vineyard before your juicy tap dance. Round out your experience with a wine lunch on the terrace overlooking the vines. At $225 per person, this is your elegant grape stomping adventure.

One of the largest grape stomps takes place at Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga on September 22nd from 6:30 – 10. Barbecue, live music and educational harvest demonstrations will round out your experience.