The latest twist in a tale of two cities worth retelling – San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has sent a goodie bag to Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. This goodie bag includes a free stay at The Fairmont San Francisco, along with a long  list of very attractive freebies.

The Fairmont San Francisco

Here’s what happened – Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, a retired Cal and NBA star, was in San Francisco the last weekend  to attend an arts conference.

He says on his blog that he put his bag down while he was helping an elderly man get into a cab near Powell Street, and when he turned around, somone had made off with his bag.

Apparently the bag contained a suit which had sentimental value for Mayor Johnson. So he twists the knife in, and says “Next time I see San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, I’ll tell him the story and give him my word nothing like that will happen to him in Sacramento.”

San Francisco took this as a personal insult and a slap in the face. Mayor Gavin Newsom and the San Francisco Police Department joined the search for the stolen bag. On Tuesday, a young couple in San Francisco found the bag on the street and it was sent over to Sacramento.

All’s well that ends well, but not so fast. SF Mayor Newson wants to make up for the incident, and has offered Mayor Johnson a goodie bag full of sweet apologies. The list includes – among other things – a free 2-day stay at the Fairmont, Ghirardelli chocolate, dinner at the Balboa Cafe, tickets to the Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf, and dinner cruise aboard the Hornblower Yacht, a baseball signed by Tim Lincecum, and 49ers tickets.

Will San Francisco offer the same apology to all visitors who get robbed? Not going to happen, but just in case, write about it on your blog and let Mayor Newsom know about it. You might end up with a free room at the Fairmont, eating chocolate and enjoying free dinners and cruises.

Photo by luisvilla

View from Artesa Winery in Napa

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to start planning your romantic getaway. Thanks to our current Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, you have this beautiful and upscale choice less than two hours from the city.

Carneros Inn Cottages

The Carneros Inn, a Plumpjack Resort is a jewel at the entrance to Napa Valley. It is a perfect escape and location for a weekend wine tasting or just relaxing. My husband and I stayed in a cottage soon after the resort opened a couple of years ago and had a very relaxing weekend – starting with sampling wines at the gorgeously modern hillside (and near by) Artesa Winery.

The second time we returned, we stayed in a two-bedroom cottage that is part of The Orchard, their small group of luxurious homes on the resort property that are for sale. Each time our experience just gets better and better.

As you pull into the property just past Domaine Carneros/Taittinger Winery, if you are coming from San Francisco, follow the signs to the Registration up on the hilltop. As you check in the staff offers you a chilled glass of local champagne, then gallantly escorts you to your cottage via a quiet electric golf cart.

Cottage patio and outdoor shower

One of my favorite features in their cottages is the outdoor shower. Inside your bathroom, your shower glass door opens to the outside allowing you to experience the slightly decadent and often romantic alfresco shower.  And the heated floor in the bathroom warms your feet as you dry off.

Each 450 square foot cottage comes with a wood burning fireplace for a romantic evening with room service or a lazy morning before check out.

The property has a few restaurants to choose from now, starting with the roadside Boon Fly Cafe, but I recommend The Farm for an intimate dinner for two – and ask for the table that faces the fireplace for a great view during your meal. Bring something warm to layer on after dinner then definitely consider having a night cap outside on one of the couches around the fire pit before heading back to your cottage.

The Carneros Inn is the perfect blend of warmth and luxury with an easy drive from the Bay Area – and a great romantic escape.