Wolnik Sister Trips

In 2007, Shelly visited California to celebrate her birthday. She stayed with Renee and they decided to spend one night in Napa and ride the famous Wine Train. Ginger joined them and it became a sisters' weekend getaway. It was such a success that they started this annual tradition in the late winter, around Shelly's birthday (March 26.) Cousin Kathy started joining them in 2011. Because Renee's daughters were young, the trips were planned to be within a few hours drive from her home. At first, they were only one night away, but the girls were old enough for Renee to be away for two nights starting in 2016. Providing a personalized gift has become a tradition, the name in parenthesis brought the gifts that year.


2019 Gift from Kathy, a blanket for each listing all previous trips!

Here is a summary, each date link opens a new tab with that year's album:

DateLodgingCityTheme/HighlightPersonalized Gift
February 20-23, 2025 The Descanso House in Desert Hot SpringsPalm SpringsTram Ride 
April 19-21, 2024Madonna InnSan Luis ObispoMission tour, hikingBath Robes (Ginger)
February 23-26, 2023Sheraton San Diego Hotel & MarinaSan DiegoSDSU, Balboa ParkPuzzles (Kathy)
August 11-14, 2022The Laurel Inn, SalinasMontereyMovie Tour, AquariumPersonalized Pillowcases (Renee)
May 21-23, 2021The Lodge at TiburonTiburonAngel IslandPersonalized Journals (Shelly)
March 13-15, 2020Embassy Suites Sacramento RiverfrontSacramentoOld Time PhotosCoffee Mugs (Ginger)
March 22-24, 2019Capitola By-the-Sea Inn & SuitesCapitolaKayakingBlankets (Kathy)
March 23-25, 2018Inn at the TidesBodega BayThe BirdsScrabble T-shirt & Water bottles (Renee)
March 17-18, 2017Courtyard MarriottSanta RosaBicycle RideSunglasses (Shelly)
March 18-19, 2016Roman Spa Hot SpringsCalistogaSterling VinyardsTurquoise Beach Towels (Ginger)
March 21, 2015Chez ReneeBeniciaBeach Blanket BabylonWine Glasses (Kathy)
March 15, 2014Claremont HotelBerkeleyOaklandPink Pajama Shirts (Renee)
March 16, 2013Motel InvernessPoint ReyesLighthouse HikeTote Bags (Shelly)
February 25, 2012Indian Springs SpaCalistogaCastello di Amorosa 
March 5, 2011Mark Hopkins HotelSan FranciscoKathy joinsSister T-Shirt for Kathy
February 27, 2010Embassy SuitesSacramentoState Capitol TourSister T-Shirts
February 28, 2009Best Western All SuitesSanta CruzBigfoot Museum 
February 16, 2008Vision Quest RanchSalinasSafari Tent Cabins 
March 2, 2007Embassy SuitesNapaWine TrainPink Hoodies (Ginger)