Day Trip to Calistoga

I used to believe that the harvest season in autumn was the nicest time to visit our Northern California Wine Country but with all the wildfires in the past few years, I now prefer to spend time among the vines in the springtime instead.

In late April and May we enjoy the most beautiful weather here, so yesterday I took the day off and spent the afternoon in one of my favorite little towns in Napa County: Calistoga. It was a quiet weekday so less people were around. The wineries and restaurants have opened again with restrictions, the town requires social distancing and masks for entry.

For a visual, Calistoga is located in the northern end of the Napa Valley. It’s a popular destination for its art scene and location to famous wineries. Years ago, it was famous for its mud baths and hot springs, now people come for the spa treatments and small town feel. It’s only a few blocks wide with one main street down the middle and it’s easily walkable. However, many people opt for bicycles so they can enjoy the outdoor beauty and visit a few of the wineries close by. Most of the hotels welcome travelers with bicycles that they provide for guest convenience.

Calistoga is a popular destination for its art scene, high end spas, and world famous wineries, but having lived in the region all my life, I find it’s one of the most pleasant places because it has maintained its small town charm. Below are a few snapshots I took while I walked around the town for a few hours, enjoying the weather, local art, food, homes, and hotel grounds.