Annie & Callan

Enter to celebrate
with us

you're invited to celebrate

07.10.2027  ·  1242 Hagen Rd  ·  Napa CA

OUR STORY

The new student orientation planners definitely knew what they were doing.

On September 15, 2017, Annie looked past 4-inch-inseam shorts, blue Vans, and high Nike socks to see a tan Bay Arean; Callan heard a new accent, struck up a conversation, and asked her how she liked her chocolate milk. We became best friends, spending our time renting Zipcars for trips to Santa Cruz and Pacifica; listening to the new John Mayer album; and making – er, maybe consuming – Muddy Buddies in the kitchenette. A long, lingering hug that said "I'm yours" aged like fine wine until we finally gave into what was clearly love.

Since then, some things have changed [locations: SF, New York, Italy, Pacific Grove; Callan's clothes; Annie's taste for the RHCPs], but not the important ones. We still share our fun facts with each other, appreciate a vibrant tidepool, nap at will, keep running lists of our favorite pad thais, and know that the two of us can do anything we set our minds to together.

GETTING HERE

GETTING TO NAPA

Fly in to SFO or OAK. Napa is about 1.5 hours from the airport and there isn't public transportation available, so we recommend renting a car — you'll also be glad to have one while exploring Napa. Once in Napa, Ubers and Lyfts are sometimes available.

WEDDING DAY SHUTTLES

On July 10th, we will have shuttles picking up and dropping off in downtown Napa.

Shuttle schedule details to follow closer to the date.

WHERE TO STAY

AIRBNB

A list of 12 properties in and around Napa that are a) awesome, b) free 7/10 weekend, c) in great locations.

HOTELS

Hotel recommendations coming soon.

EXPLORE NORCAL

A highly opinionated guide from the couple

NAPA

BEST CHARDONNAY / SAUV B TASTING

Frog's Leap ($$) is a beautiful winery with a fantastic take on Chardonnay aged in a steel barrel, with a bit more complexity than you're used to. A must.

BEST BURGER & FRIES (AND SHAKE)

Gott's ($), formerly known as Taylor's, makes a great burger. Make sure to order the sweet potato fries and the black and white shake. Located right near Oxbow Market just a quick walk from downtown Napa.

BUTTERIEST ENGLISH MUFFIN

Model Bakery ($) makes the best English muffins you've ever had. Order them Annie's way with butter and jam, or NYC-style with bacon, egg, and cheese. Also near Oxbow Market - they travel well!

BEST BAGEL

A stone's throw from Model Bakery, Oxbow Market is home to Loveski's Bagels, founded by Michelin Star Meadowwood Chef Christopher Kostow.

CRAFTIEST COCKTAILS

From smoking cinnamon sticks to smoldering rosemary shrub, ArBARetum is a destination for some fascinating cocktails made by outstanding cocktologists. Perfect for those who are wine'd out! 1149 Main St, Downtown Napa.

CORNIEST HOLE, COLDEST BEER

Across the street from Oxbow is an outdoor beer & food garden with live music, cornhole, and river views called Napa Yard. Great for an afternoon beer.

WINIEST BAR

Cadet. On-trend wine, beer, and cocktail bar where the beautiful people mingle and discuss ABV. A place to be seen. 930 Franklin St, Napa.

MOST VOCALLY DIVERSE MUSIC

Channel your inner Sabrina Carpenter with Napa locals on Friday nights at Trancas Steakhouse. 999 Trancas St, Napa.

BEST BIKE RIDE

Rent bikes or e-bikes in downtown Napa (or St. Helena for a shorter ride) and make your way up valley to Calistoga through Yountville, Oakville, and St. Helena on a dedicated bike path winding through vineyards. Stop at wineries, have lunch in Calistoga or Yountville, then head back. A great way to see Napa Valley.

MOST INNOVATIVE DRINK

Is the coronita at El Rancho Grande ($) a work of God or the devil? You be the judge! Whatever it is, it seems to defy physics, and you can dine on some excellent Mexican food as you enjoy a warm night in El Rancho Grande's backyard serenaded by the sound of an active karaoke contingent.

BEST MEAL

The French Laundry ($$$$$) was always held as the pinnacle of cuisine in the Hoskins household. We've never been (if you're looking for an off-registry gift...), but it was one of Anthony Bourdain's "best meal ever", and that's all we need to know to consider this worth the trip.

SPOOKIEST STROLL

The River-to-Ridge Trail is a moderate hike starting across from Napa Valley College, climbing to a quarry with beautiful valley views. The spooky factor comes from venturing past the old abandoned psychiatric hospital at the bottom of the hill.

MOST REFRESHING DIP ON A HOT DAY

Park at 1752 Yountville Cross Rd and take the trail about a third of a mile to the river. Get your trunks on and hop in - the water feels great on a hot Napa day.

BEST BBQ

The Bounty Hunter ($$) in downtown Napa makes some of the best barbeque around. Highly recommend the whole beer can chicken with coleslaw, paired with their sweetest BBQ sauce. Also try State Street BBQ if so inclined.

COFFEE SHOP MOST LIKELY TO RECEIVE A PASSING GRADE FROM SAM REYNOLDS

Moulin ($$) in downtown Napa makes a mean cortado for Callan and a matcha that can compete with Annie's.

NAPA BUSINESS MOST LIKELY TO SOMEDAY EMPLOY THE GROOM

Hog Island Oyster Co. ($$) in Oxbow Market — started by two marine biologists in Tomales Bay in the '80s, they've grown to nearly a hundred acres of active oyster leases. If you've been raised on East Coast oysters, this is your calling to sample the delicious little rocks the West Coast produces.

BEST MAPLE DONUT

Johnny Donuts ($) at Oxbow Market. Get the maple old fashioned, period. Annie has been a fan since their humble beginnings in Hayes Valley. (Extra credit: try Johnny's Donuts in Lafayette and let us know which Johnny is better.)

RESTAURANTS

So many - take your pick! Some favorites: Scala, A16, ZuZu's, Bistro Don Giovanni, Angele, Croquante (pizza), Charlie's (St. Helena), Charter Oak (Oakville), Farmstead (St. Helena).

OTHER NORCAL

PLACE THAT MAKES YOU FEEL SMALLEST

The California redwood forests are worth the hype. The coastal redwood forests have a coolness and silence that's incomparable. For the GIANTS, go to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, about 5.5 hours north of SF. Get a campsite far in advance, enjoy the drive (stop at the Bigfoot store and One Log House), and spend two days hiking. Closer options: Muir Woods (30 min north of SF). For further reading: Wild Trees.

MOST MAGICAL BEACH TOWN

Pacific Grove holds a special place in our hearts — Callan grew up going there as a kid, we both lived there for college internships, and we got engaged there too! Something about the Monterey Peninsula puts a spell on you. To eat: Zab Zab Thai, Pavel's, the PG Market breakfast burrito, Stokes Adobe, Compagno's deli sandwiches. To do: visit Big Sur, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, rent a kayak at Lover's Point, enjoy a spa day at Refuge, grab drinks at the Spanish Bay golf course, and tidepool at Asilomar or Carmel Beach — where we got engaged. About 2.5 hours south of SFO.

SAN FRANCISCO

FRESHEST FISH BURRITO

Hookfish (Larkspur, $$) has an amazing array of ling cod, rockfish, oysters, and other bounty of the sea. Make sure to stop by the Equator in the parking lot while you wait for a table; it's walk-in, and the line moves quick, but it's usually a 15 minute or so wait.

BEST BASEBALL GAME

Catch a Giants game at AT&T Park to see why SF has the greatest stadium in the MLB. Try the Gilroy garlic fries and check out McCovey Cove where Barry Bonds sunk 35 home runs.

LOVELIEST TEA SHOPPE

Lovey's Tea Shoppe (Pacifica, $$) transports you to an olde English tea shoppe while on the side of highway one. Stop by and enjoy a pot from their extensive collection, and then hike up around the Pacifica headlands to experience one of the most colorful landscapes in NorCal, with the yellows and reds of the rock contrasting beautifully with the bright turquoise water of the Pacific.

MOST SCENIC PRISON

Alcatraz takes the cake. Home of Al Capone, this island jail operated through the '60s. Both Campbell Hoskins and a coyote have famously swum here, proving the "escape from Alcatraz" could have succeeded. Plan ahead - requires a ferry and reservation. Worth it.

MOST GAELIC COFFEE

The Irish coffee at LaRocca's Corner ($) in North Beach will transport you to another era. A favorite of Callan's for an after-dinner drink - turn off your phone, talk to the bartender, and get a glimpse of the SF that Joe DiMaggio grew up in.

WORLD'S BEST PIZZA (FIGHT ME)

Zachary's Pizza ($$) in the East Bay (Berkeley, off BART) is the best pizza out there. Thick, cheesy, homemade sauce, fresh ingredients, crispy buttery crust. Chicago-style done better than Chicago thought possible. Get the Zachary's Special or the mushroom-spinach.

BEST SKINNY PIZZA

Sliver ($$) — anyone who has enjoyed Annie's "green sauce" is obliged to visit and sample the inspiration behind it.

STRONGEST COFFEE WITH A VIEW

Philz ($) at Marina Green makes a damn good strong coffee, with views of the bay. Philz originally started as the coffee shop at Facebook.

TIGHTEST-WRAPPED BURRITO

Taqueria El Buen Sabor ($) in the Mission. Well-wrapped in a flour tortilla, full but not overly, with hot sauce and free chips. Take it to nearby Dolores Park on a nice day — the best SF park in the sun.

(STRAW)BERRY BEST MATCHA BOBA THING

Boba Guys (several locations) does it best. They opened a couple locations in NYC, but it's not the same. Get it here.

BAR WITH THE MOST BAMBOO

The Tonga Room ($$$) at the St. Francis hotel — centered around a large water feature, it evokes the feeling of being in the jungle and serves excellent tropical drinks. A high-quality tribute to the city's tiki past.

ORANGE-EST SUNSET

Tie between the top of Mount Tam (Marin) and Ocean Beach (SF). Watching the sun set over the water from the beach - or better yet, the water - is a peak West Coast experience.

BEST HIKES

Impossible to choose just one. A few: Devil's Teeth (easy walk, south of SF); Land's End (easy walk, northern SF); Mount Tam (moderate-hard, many trails, Marin).