Dawn's Monterey Indycar Adventure

It’s Dawn’s birthday so Sam, Jordan and Bill took her to Monterey for the weekend and a big Saturday night birthday dinner.

Overlooking the waters of Monterey Bay on Cannery Row, our InterContinental waterfront hotel was the perfect choice for a getaway weekend.

We strolled on the hotel's boardwalk enjoying the incredible views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

On Saturday night we dined with a group of special friends and wine club members.

We all enjoyed a fabulous menu paired with our reserve wines at the famous Shadowbrook Restaurant, in a private room crafted from antique redwood wine vats.

Starting with everyone’s favorite Sparkling Malbec we followed with Amourette Chardonnay, then Intrigue Mélange and rounded up with a little of Bill’s private cache of 2013 Stagecoach Cabernet Sauvignon.

A great night was had by all but Bill is still trying to figure out how Sam found that 2013 Stagecoach.

What Dawn did not expect was Sunday when we joined the A.J. Foyt racing team at Laguna Seca Raceway to attend the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey.

It was a penultimate thrill ride for the INDYCAR season, including key title battles and a host of impressive performances at one of the most famous, yet challenging, racetracks in the United States.

The 11-turn, 2.2 mile rollercoaster of a racetrack challenged our drivers, Sebastien Bourdais and Dalton Kellett who both showcased their talents on the day.

Watching the race from the owner’s private box directly above the pits Dawn never expected the huge birthday cake and "happy birthday" sung by all in attendance.

Rounded out by dinner in a charming Carmel restaurant over a bottle of Sovereign this was a perfect weekend escape. - Happy Birthday Dawn!

did I mention the jewelry? perhaps another time . . .