April 15-17, 2016: Women Wine Weekend

I was finally able to go on the annual wine woman's weekend.  Usually,  the girls went in February but this time it was later.  I brought my friend, Olivia Buxton,  which I was looking forward to bringing.    We had great conversation on our way up to Traverse City.   Olivia and I had a nice dinner at the Mackinaw Brewery in downtown Traverse City.   

We all stayed at the Comfort Inn.   Went in the hot tub which felt good.  It gave everyone a chance to meet each other.  My cousin Wendy brought her friend,  Heather.

Wendy said Olivia looked like the character, Denise, on the popular show,  "Walking Dead", so that was her new nickname.

On Saturday,  we left the hotel around 10:30 for our first winery which was Chateau Chantel which is my favorite.    Olivia and I rode with Wendy and Heather.   Heather likes the sweet wines like I do.   Kim, Marianne, Jo, and Joy rode together.  The view from Chateau Chantel is always gorgeous no matter what time of the year you go.

We went to the Grand Traverse and Black Star Winery.   In total, we went to 7 wineries.     Had a nice lunch at an Italian restaurant inside the old asylum, Traverse City State Hospital.    

Secrets I thought were secrets came out during our drive which had us roaring with laughter.

On Sunday, Olivia drove my car to the local bakery to get donuts as Wendy mentioned how we love baked goods.   

Olivia and I went to the Chocolate Festival at the Opera House which was fun.  We each got several delicious chocolates.  

We had a delicious lunch at the restaurant "Poppycocks".     

Hoping Olivia and I can do more traveling together in the future.   She's a good traveler.