Crocker & Starr Wines

Winery Welcome Party

Johnny's (in the Mount View Hotel)

The Afterparty

Palisades Vineyard

The Main Event

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

FAQs

This is the airport shuttle that will take you between SFO and Santa Rosa.

Sonoma County Airport Express

The Calistoga shuttle is an on-demand transit service within Calistoga city limits for the general public. No advanced reservations required. The Shuttle is wheelchair accessible and connects with Vine Transit Route 10.To request a pick-up:Call (707) 963-4229Book through our <a href="http://vinetransit.wpengine.com/ride-the-vine-app/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mobile app</a>, available for <a href="https://apps.apple.com/app/ride-the-vine/id1658396816" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iOs</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vinetransit.ridethevine" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Android</a>.Book online at <a href="http://ondemand.transloc.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ondemand.transloc.com</a>Your ride will arrive in approximately 15-30 minutes.Current Service HoursMonday-Thursday 7am to 7pmFriday 7am to 9pmSaturday 8:15am to 9pmSunday 11am to 9pm (May 1 through November 30)Fares$1 one-way cash fare$1 punch with a Punch PassExact fare is required on all buses. All fares are non-refundable. Drivers cannot make change.

Calistoga Shuttle

Travel

Most of what we like to do is drink good wine, eat good food, and hike...so this Things to Do section reflects our tastes! Hike information coming soon.

Steve's Guide to Wedding Wineries

Calistoga sits at the northern end of Napa Valley. The wineries around Calistoga tend to be smaller and less well-known than the big names in mid-Valley, but they are great places to visit. Most of these wineries are close to Calistoga. They are listed more or less from north to south. There are a lot of people visiting Napa Valley in August, so book your visits to the wineries as soon as you know your travel plans. Check tasting prices—they can be expensive. And check bottle prices on the web before you visit if you think you want to buy wine. Prices can be high! Two wineries a day is enough for most people. Don’t try to book four. There are a lot of tasting rooms in Calistoga, so you can easily taste wine even if you don’t visit any wineries.&nbsp; Storybook Mountain Vineyards: A family owned and run winery that is best known for its Zinfandel. You will taste in their cave, among the oldest and largest hand dug caves in Napa Valley. Tell Rick and Colleen you are friends of Felicia and Steve. Jericho Canyon Vineyard: Nestled in a canyon just north of Palisades Vineyard, this is a true family run operation. Great people, great friends. Ask to get a ride on their Polaris for a vineyard tour. Chateau Montelena: A stone’s throw from Palisades Vineyard, this winery put Napa Valley on the map by winning the 1976 Judgement of Paris (Bottleshock&nbsp;was the movie) with their Chardonnay. It’s an historic site and a great visit. It gets very busy in the summer so make a reservation well in advance. Vince Arroyo Winery: Virtually across the road from Palisades Vineyard, people love this winery. Very “down home.” Rivers-Marie: This is the home winery of Thomas Rivers Brown, one of the big names in Napa Valley winemaking. While Thomas is known for his Cabernets, the Pinot Noirs they taste at the winery are probably the best you will taste locally. Kelly Fleming Winery: Tucked into a canyon just south of our canyon, this is a charming small winery with great Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet. The Sauvignon Blanc is one of our “house” wines in the summer. Fisher Vineyards: A beautiful new family-run winery just south of Calistoga (though the family has been making wine in Sonoma County since 1973). Beautiful modern facility, great people. Great wines. Titus Vineyards: Excellent wines in a low-key modern tasting room with a great view of the vineyards along the Napa River. Larkmead Vineyards: One of the oldest wineries in the north end of the valley, they make great wines in a beautiful setting. While not corporate, it is bigger than a family winery. Schramsberg Vineyards: Schramsberg, one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley, is a “champagne" house. Their sparkling wine is served at the White House. They have incredible old caves and their tour is one of the best in the Valley. Book&nbsp;way&nbsp;in advance. Barnett Vineyards: On top of Spring Mountain above St. Helena, the views from Barnett are stunning. Great wines made by David Tate. Very friendly and down to earth. Corison Winery: Cathy Corison is a great winemaker and Napa Valley visionary (and in Felicia’s (Scott’s mom’s) monthly wine tasting group). Pam Starr (of Crocker &amp; Starr where Friday night’s party will be held) is too. Joseph Phelps Vineyards: Large, famous, but a beautiful place to visit. Excellent wines and a great tasting staff. Book well in advance. Viader Vineyards &amp; Winery: Situated above the valley with great views, this is a family operation that has developed a great reputation for Cabernet. Seavey Vineyard: A pretty drive and a beautiful location. The Seavey’s are kindred spirits who have taken a historic property and farmed it with care.It’s a very relaxing place to visit away from the crowds. Tres Sabores: No one is nicer and more “authentic” than Julie Johnson and her staff. Julie is a leader in organic farming in the valley and a great friend of ours. She is passionate about her wine, her animals and her pomegranates. Robert Biale Vineyard: Biale is a Zinfandel and Petite Sirah specialist and makes among the best wines from these grapes, including a terrific Petite Sirah from our own Palisades Vineyard. He is a good friend as well. If you go, make sure to tell them you’ve come from a wedding at our vineyard.

Steve's Guide to Restaurants in Calistoga and Napa Valley

There are lots of great places to eat in Calistoga and St. Helena. Here are some of the family favorites. Since we’ll be serving food on Friday and /Saturday nights, we’ll start with places for breakfast. Calistoga is small so no need for a car if you are staying in town, Google for directions.

Calistoga Breakfast

Sam’s General Store:&nbsp;On Wappo just off Lincoln. Sam’s is a charming place for a great coffee, cappuccino, latte, chai, tea (more than 20 drink choices) with a pastry or a breakfast quiche or frittata. They have lovely garden seating that can’t be beat on a lazy sunny morning. To make it more perfect, the inn above the General Store will be occupied by Sara and Scott's friends, so you’ll likely be hanging out with fellow wedding revelers. This place is a little bit of Brooklyn in Calistoga.&nbsp; Cafe Sarafornia:&nbsp;In the middle of town on Lincoln. Calistoga was founded as a spa town. The town founder marketed the town as “The Saratoga of California”—Calistoga. Left over was “Sarafornia.” Cafe Sarafornia is the classic breakfast spot—lots of egg dishes, pancakes, etc., but with a California vibe. Servings are large. Prices are mid-range—less than $20 for a big breakfast. Sam’s Social Club: This is the restaurant for the Indian Springs resort and it’s right on Lincoln at the edge of town. A great breakfast menu for those looking for something upscale. Their eggs Benedict is terrific but costs $24. Good for groups wanting a social breakfast. Bella Bakery:&nbsp;On Lincoln in the center of town. There are a few tables, but mostly this is a take-out bakery. It’s the only bakery in town, but fortunately it’s terrific. They have a wide assortment of pastries, but get there early if you want your pick. They have coffee and espresso drinks too. The Calistoga Roastery:&nbsp;Main drag. This is the coffee hangout for old-time locals. You’ll recognize the scene. If you want to stir the pot, sit at the big table at the front with the old guys. It’s the “Table of Knowledge.” House of Better: Lincoln next to Calmart. Looking for a morning Blueberry and Pomegranate Mimosa ($12) or a Spicy Bloody Mary ($12) to drink in an Adirondack chair while you eat your Breakfast Protein Bowl ($18) or Kale and Maitake Omlet ($18)? This is your spot! Lot’s of other moderately-priced choices.

Calistoga Lunch

Calistoga Inn: Lincoln&nbsp;Ave. on west end of town. This is our favorite lunch spot on a sunny summer day. It’s a brewery as well as a restaurant with ample outside seating in the sun or shade. Full bar, large menu that will appeal to anyone. Good pizzas, great salads, excellent sandwiches. The salmon cakes are a favorite as well as the Reuben. Burgers: Sam’s Social Club, Sarafornia, Calistoga Inn. Solbar or Pico Bar: Both of these choices are at the Solage Resort. Excellent cocktails and great menus. Pico Bar is a poolside bar/retaurant that swings tequila or mezcal for the drinks and high-end tacos and ceviches to help the tequila go down. Solbar has a Asian-Mexican focused menu that rivals high-end NY restaurants. Solbar once had a Michelin star and is working hard to get it back. The fish tacos are fantastic. Expensive, but a treat if you want fine dining. El Taco Feliz Taco Truck: Best in town is El Taco Feliz on Lake Street at the East end of town. It’s a black truck. Unless you are really into tacos and want t eat them all day, you may want to hold off as Edgar, who owns Tacos Feliz is going to cater the Saturday night dinner with a taco bar. Sam’s Social Club: Very good lunch with outside seating. Hydro Bar: Felicia loves the Chile Relleno. Lots of other choices at a ”real" bar. Great prices for Calistoga. No need to dress up! House of Better:&nbsp;Lincoln next to Calmart. See breakfast above. The brunch menu runs all day. They also serve pizza. Busters: If you are looking for a late lunch on Sunday and want barbecue, you can try Busters. They have live music. At the way east end of Lincoln Ave. Follow the smoke. Sushi Mambo: Lincoln across from Indian Springs Resort. Sushi Mambo is a favorite spot for locals for lunch or breakfast. Think excellent sushi (same fish source as the high-end Marimoto in Napa) with a sense of humor and generous quantities. Order off the laminated menu insert and not the traditional menu. You’ll get tons of fish in unique combinations. The Mount Hula Hula is all fish and seaweed. That and one of the irreverent-sounding rolls will fill you up! This could be the best fish for the price that you’ve eaten.

Calistoga Supper

We’ll keep this section short as most of you will be eating at the wedding. Sushi Mambo: See above. Highly recommended. Calistoga Inn: Large menu at moderate prices. Good bar. Lovina: A local favorite at the west end of town on Lincoln. Sam’s Social Club: Standard American cuisine well done. Solbar: High-end casual. Expensive. Dine in or outside. Auro at the Four Seasons: The exclusive restaurant at this world-class resort where Rolls Royce held their worldwide launch of their EV. Auro is intimate and has a tasting menu only. If you want the best and most expensive meal in California prepared by a French Laundry alum, check it out. If you want to spend money, you won’t be disappointed—by the food.

St Helena

Since most of you are staying in Calistoga, this will only be a list of a few good places to try. Look at Open Table for details. The Model Bakery. They are famous for the English Muffins that Oprah has declared the best in the world. Gott’s Roadside:&nbsp;A classic roadside hamburger joint with choices that range from classic old style milkshakes to ahi tuna tacos. A St. Helena institution that won’t let you down. Farmstead: With an organic farm and cattle ranch, Farmstead is a fabulous farm-to-table restaurant where&nbsp;you can’t go wrong. We especially recommend the steak tartare, the the grilled artichoke (both Felicia’s favorites) and the ribs (Steve’s regular&nbsp;over-indulgence). Charter Oak: Considered the best happy hour around. Dine as a group in a yurt. Some say the best hamburgers in the Valley. Market: Classic American restaurant. Brasswood: A family favorite restaurant and bar that has great food. Ask for the fresh housemade mozzarella! Cook: Italian dishes and housemade pasta. Will not disappoint. Intimate. Charlie’s: The new kid on the block. Excellent. Getting rave reviews.

Yountville and Napa

Bistro Jeanty: This Yountville bistro is a Valley mainstay and the family favorite restaurant in the area. Traditional French food done better than anywhere in the Bay Area. The smoked trout and haricots verts are to die for. You can’t go wrong here. You can sit at the bar, drink, eat and watch a French movie (with subtitles). A good way to waste three hours in Napa Valley. Buchon: A Thomas Keller&nbsp;restaurant in Yountville. Excellent and expensive—but nowhere near as expensive as the French Laundry. Book a reservation well in advance. Ciccio: A relatively new restaurant in Yountville that is knocking it out off the park. Make a reservation. R&amp;D Kitchen: Along 29 at the edge of Yountville, the traditional family stop for a fried chicken sandwich when driving from SFO to Calistoga. Don Giovani: Between Napa and Yountville, Don Giovani is where you go for classic Italian food in Napa Valley. Lots of outdoor seating. Angele: Another French restaurant that’s in Napa and the place where winemakers and vintners hang out. They describe their cuisine as simple food from the countryside, but don’t be fooled—it’s elegant, classic French fare. Torc; A great place for dinner in Napa. Kitchen Door: If you are walking around Napa during the day and want a casual fast lunch that’s surprisingly good, try the Kitchen Door.

Healdsburg

The drive from Calistoga to Healdsburg in Sonoma County on 128 through Knight’s Valley and the Alexander Valley is beautiful in the late afternoon. If you go earlier, you can taste wine at many places along the route. In Healdsburg there are great dining option. Here are three of our go-to places Valette: Classic California cuisine by one of the areas best chefs—Dustin Valette. Bravas: A Spanish tapas restaurant. Casual. Good drinks. Very nice patio for lunch. Hazel Hill at the Montage Resort: Expensive but beautiful view from the deck where you can drink or eat. You’ll feel very privileged there if you need a hit of privilege. Expensive, but very relaxing.

Wineries to Visit

There is so much to do in Napa, Sonoma, and beyond! We of course recommend wine tasting (see our list of where to go), but if that’s not your thing or you’re wined out, below is a list of great hikes, points of interest, restaurants, day trips and more to check out while you’re in the area. A few things to keep in mind about visiting the area: Always take a jacket with you when you kick around. Even if it gets to 95 degrees during the day, it will get to 50 degrees after dark. And even on the hottest days it can be windy and cool by the ocean. Locals always have a jacket, fleece or sweatshirt handy when out and about. Visitors from the east are too often shocked to find themselves unprepared. The party after the wedding will go late and it will get cool/cold. Bring something warm to wear while you party. You’ll want it! Bring your sunscreen and a hat when hiking or kicking around. Calistoga Spa DayCalistoga is historically a spa town, famous for its abundant hot mineral geysers. Interestingly, the name is a combination of California and Saratoga (think Springs). Steve (Scott’s dad) can tell you much more about the history of Calistoga (or visit the <a href="https://www.sharpsteenmuseum.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sharpsteen Museum</a> for lots on the history of Calistoga and Napa). Mud baths are a regional specialty, but there are many opportunities for treatments, massages, and other ways to pamper yourself. Indian Springs is a longtime family favorite and where we go for a slightly higher-end experience. Dr. Wilkinson’s is another classic, they recently remodeled and it’s apparently a bit more stepped-up these days. All the higher-end resorts also offer massages and more. Calistoga SightsA walk up and down Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga’s main drag, will take you to most of the sights in town. Here are a couple of places you won’t find on this stroll, however, that are well worth seeing: Sharpsteen Museum: This is Calistoga’s local history museum. Free and open from 11 to 3 every day, it will orient you to the history of the town and area. It’s on Washington Street just past the Police Station. You only need 30 minutes to visit. Look at the display of the Palisades Mine. This mine was in the canyon next to ours below the iconic Palisades cliffs. And don’t miss the iron pot used by the Donner Party to …. Ca’toga Villa and Art Gallery: Local artist Carlo Marchiori has transformed 5 acres on the outskirts of town into a Venetian palace with Greco-Roman ruins and a Trojan Horse. Really! On Saturday mornings at 11:00 am you can tour the villa ($50). It’s a wonder of Calistoga. Buy your tickets in advance at the Ca’toga Art Gallery (also worth a look) at 1206 Cedar Street. Or call 707-942-0212. Bicycling on the Vine Trail: The bike shop on Lincoln in Calistoga rents bikes. There is a new bike path called the Vine Trail that starts in Calistoga and goes all the way to St. Helena. It is supposed to be complete by the date of the wedding. It’s a nice way to see the vineyards and it passes a number of wineries that are open without reservations. Susie’s: Calistoga’s dive bar and the only place to get a late night drink in town. An easy place to meet locals and get in trouble. Special EventsThere are two special events happening in the area during the time of the wedding. Both are great fun!: Concerts in the Park: In the summer, Caistoga turns out for concerts in our park bandstand—every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8:30. Hundreds of people turn out—young and old—and spread out their picnic dinners and bottles of wine on the grass and boogie. Every week it’s a different genre. On Thursday, August 1, it’s Bautista, a dynamic band known for their eclectic mix of samba rock, Latin rock, funk rock, and jazz fusion. On Thursday, August 8, it’s The Boys of Summer Eagles Band hailing right from Southern California. Think “Eagles.” So, if you’re arriving in Calistoga early or hanging around later in the week, don’t miss the summer jam. Free! The park is on Cedar just north of Lincoln. Sturgeon’s Mill Demonstration Run: Sturgeon’s Mill is a 100+ year old steam powered sawmill deep in a canyon full of old Redwoods. It is a working museum that is open four weekends a year to the general public. On these weekends historians, gear heads, steam heads and students of California history come to “Step back into History” and watch as volunteers crank up the historic mill. It is epic! You’ll see a side of California history few get a chance to see. One of the coolest things that Felicia and Steve have ever done in the area. We’re lucky that one of the demonstration runs is happening August 3 and 4, from 10 am to 3 pm (lunch break from 12 pm to 1 pm). Sturgeon’s Mill is just under an hour from Calistoga. If you go early on Saturday you can make it back to Calistoga in time for the wedding. If you recover early enough on Sunday after the wedding party, you can make it to Sturgeon’s Mill at 1:00 pm after their lunch break. Learn more at <a href="https://www.sturgeonsmill.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.sturgeonsmill.com</a>. Local HikesHiking in the area is magnificent! Bring along lots of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Hike early in the day as temperatures can make hiking unpleasant or even dangerous by noon or early afternoon. A couple family favorites include: Deiss Trail: This trail is a private single-track trail on our family property. On Sunday morning, following the wedding, Steve will lead a hike on this trail. (Details will be announced in the wedding program.) From our vineyard, it’s a 4 mile hike that ascends 1000 feet to a peak with a 360-degree view of the Palisades and the northern end of Napa Valley. The trail is well marked so if you want to hike it on your own, we can direct you to the trailhead. <a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/477/files/Bothe-NapaValleyFinalWebLayout111016.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bothe-Napa Valley State Park</a>: The park is just a couple miles from Calistoga. We love walking along the creek bed in the shade of redwoods or for something a bit more challenging head up the ridge to Coyote Peak for a nice view. The walk meanders along a creek past towering Redwood trees. If you’ve never seen a Redwood tree, this is your chance. <a href="https://www.visitnapavalley.com/listing/oat-hill-mine-trail/417/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Oat Hill Mine Road</a>: This is a family regular on a well-maintained fire road. It starts just outside of Calistoga on the Silverado Trail at the one and only stop sign. It’s up, up, up with nice views along the way. You can go as far or as long as you like. <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/table-rock-trail-palisades-trail-to-holms-placehttps://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/table-rock-trail-palisades-trail-to-holms-place" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Table Rock Trail</a>: At the top of the Palisades, you can catch a great view and nice picnic spot on Table Rock. It’s a windy drive up the mountain, but a great and popular out-and-back trail. The trail is located in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. To access the trail, drive up Highway 29 past our vineyard towards Middletown. At the top of the mountain pass, there is a parking area on the right of the road. The trail starts there. If you start to descend the mountain, you’ve passed the parking area. <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lake-hennessey-shoreline-trail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lake Hennessey Reservoir Shoreline Loop:</a> This is a pretty hike along the shore of Lake Hennessey, Napa’s reservoir. If you want to keep it flat, simply stay on the trail that follows the lake shoreline.&nbsp; If none of these are your fancy, there are TONS of hikes in the area and many guides to help you find them. Enjoy! Local SightsThere are a variety of sights in and around Calistoga. St. HelenaSaint Helena is historically where the wealthy lived in Napa Valley. Its Main Street is a pleasant stroll with a number of galleries and shops. Woodhouse Chocolates should not be missed if you are a chocoholic. Bale Grist MillLocated between Calistoga and Saint Helena, the Bale Grist Mill is a fun visit on weekends. It’s a fully restored working mill and on weekends it operates. In its heyday, during the California Gold Rush, the mill furnished flour to the miners in the Sierra Nevada. Petrified Forest and Old Faithful GeyserThese two visitor attractions have been operating in the area for over 100 years. They sound more exciting than they actually are. Robert Louis Stevenson summed up Petrified Forest pretty well in Silverado Squatters, his book about his visit to Calistoga and Napa Valley: “Doubtless, the heart of the geologist beats quicker at the sight; but, for my part, I was mightily unmoved.” The same could be said about Old Faithful. Safari West Wildlife PreserveWho would imagine you could go for a wildlife safari near Calistoga? If you always wanted to see a giraffe in the “wild,” and can’t afford a trip to Kruger, you might consider Safari West. Tickets well in advance are a must. It’s hugely popular. RestaurantsEating well in Napa is not a problem. However, choosing where you’d like to go and getting a reservation can take a little research and advanced planning. From tacos to roadside burgers to elevated dining – we got you.&nbsp; Inexpensive and Tasty El Taco Feliz: Calistoga’s favorite taco truck (and one of our wedding caterers). You’ll be sampling the tacos at the wedding, but if you don’t get your fill, you can visit the truck on Lake Street near the stop sign at the end of town to get more. Cafe Sarafornia: Classic big breakfasts. Named after the parts of words left over when Samuel Brannan coined the name of the town by combining “California” and “Saratoga.” Sam’s General Store: Not to be confused with Sam’s Social Club, Sam’s General Store is a café in the the Brannan Cottage Inn on Wappo just off Lincoln. It has great garden seating for hanging out and is an excellent spot for morning espresso drinks with small quiches and frittatas. The frittatas and salads there work for lunch as well. Lincoln Avenue Brewery (LAB): On Lincoln behind the Calistoga Creamery, the lab is the place to go for beer and BBQ. Sushi Mambo: More expensive than the quick spots above, but an incredible deal for excellent sushi. A local favorite. Order from the card with the crazy roll names or order the nigiri sushi if you are a purist. Leave your usual roll order for your sushi spot back home. My dad always starts with the Mt. Hula Hula and asks José to go light on the sauce. Bella Bakery: On Lincoln in Calistoga, although not technically a restaurant, you can get a great fresh pastry and espresso drink here. If that’s your morning routine. They are making our wedding cake. Gott’s Roadside in St. Helena: Classic drive-in with a gourmet twist, so it’s more expensive than Burger King. Very popular. There can be long lines. Nice, But Not Too NiceThere are a lot of restaurants in Calistoga and St. Helena (and farther afield), but these are some of the family recommendations. Restaurants are ordered by proximity to downtown Calistoga. Calistoga Inn: Excellent food and a large menu. The outside seating is perfect on summer days or evenings. They also brew their own beer. Sam’s Social Club: Excellent food at the Indian Springs resort in Calistoga. Reservations on weekends recommended, or look for a space at the bar. Very good ceviche and octopus and brussels sprouts. Lovina: Another local favorite. Has great vegan/vegetarian fare. Pico Bar: This is the pool bar at the Solage Resort on the Silverado Trail at the edge of town. Pico Bar has a menu with great Mexican bar food—high end tacos and ceviches—and features a large selection of mezcals and tequilas. Brasswood: On Highway 29 between Calistoga and St. Helena, Brasswood has a big menu and all the choices are good. Excellent ribs and pastas. They’ll tell you about their mozzarella. Order it! Goose &amp; Gander: Nice outside patio for summer dining. Good bar downstairs. Classic local hangout for folks in the wine biz. Cook: Small Restaurant on Main Street in St. Helena. Known for their pastas. Market: Perhaps the most varied manu around so you’ll be sure to find something you like. Favorites include the Fish and Chips and the Pork Chop. Excellent bar. Farmstead: Farmstead has their own farm at Long Meadow Ranch and the food is always good. Usually seats at the bar if you don’t have reservations. R+D Kitchen: In Yountville, R+D is a good stopping point on your drive north from the airport in San Francisco. We always go for the chicken sandwich. Bravas Bar de Tapas: Excellent taps and drinks in Healdsburg. Combine with a day trip. See Day trips below. Madrona Hotel: Nice cocktails on a beautiful outdoor patio in Healdsburg. Reservation likely needed for dinner but walking in for a cocktail and snack shouldn’t be a problem. Fine DiningExplore these options online and be sure to make reservations. Reservations at the bottom three may be hard or impossible to get, and virtually impossible less than a month out but we have seen a couple very rare cases with last minute openings... Solbar: Fine dining at the Solage Resort in Calistoga. Reservations are recommended, but seating is often possible without. There are usually seats at the bar if nothing else is available. Tell Carly you are a friend of Felicia and Steve’s. Auro: This is the exclusive restaurant that offers a tasting menu at the Four Seasons Hotel on the outskirts of Calistoga. They only have a few seats so get a reservation asap if you want to go. Expensive, but a great meal&nbsp; Au Berge du Soleil: The one Michelin-star Restaurant at the original Au Berge resort is what put northern Napa Valley on the map. Beautiful terrace dining in one of the country’s most beautiful restaurants. Reservations are a must. Press: In Saint Helena, Press features a tasting menu that is expensive, but excellent. Reservations shouldn’t be a problem. Fine wine list. Hazel Hill: Located at the Montage Resort in Healdsburg, this restaurant offers terrace dining with beautiful views. Make a reservation. The drive from Calistoga is about 40 minutes but beautiful. Cyrus: An experience if you are looking for a dinner you can talk about for years. Ends with a chocolate waterfall. Read about it online. It’s about a 30 minute drive from Calistoga. Has a Michelin star. French Laundry: World famous three Michelin-star restaurant in Yountville. Hard to score a reservation. If you eat here, you can brag to your friends at parties. It’s the restaurant that almost got Gavin Newsome impeached, so be careful if you have political ambitions. SingleThread: Three Michelin-star restaurant in Healdsburg. Reservations are released on TOCK on the first of every month for the following month at 9 am PT. You’ll be lucky if you score a reservation.&nbsp; Day TripsIf you are staying in the area long enough to day-trip, here are some great options. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural ReserveArmstrong is a one-hour drive from Calistoga near the Russian River. It’s a pleasant drive. At Armstrong, you can see giant Redwood trees without the crowds and parking jams of Muir Woods. From Armstrong, you can continue down the Russian River for a visit to the Sonoma Coast. Goat Rock State Beach is a great place to access the water. Alexander Valley and HealdsburgHealdsburg is the center of Sonoma County wine country. The town has great restaurants, a classic town square, upscale shopping and lots of tasting rooms. It’s a good place for a lazy day if your ambition is low. Lunch on the patio of Bravas, a Spanish tapas restaurant, is a family favorite. Great cocktails as well. Valette’s is another family favorite restaurant. The drive from Calistoga to Healdsburg is beautiful and takes you through Knights Valley and the Alexander Valley. There are<a href="https://map.alexandervalley.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> multiple excellent wineries in the Alexander Valley</a>. A visit to Medlock Ames’s Bell Mountain Ranch is a great way to spend an afternoon. We relate to them because of their commitment to land stewardship—and their excellent wines. They have a tasting room in Anderson Valley as well if you are looking for a fast wine experience on your drive. Hanna, Soda Rock, Stonestreet, Silver Oak are all on the route to Healdsburg and can be visited without reservations. Sonoma Coast and Bodega BayWe love driving Highway 1 along the Sonoma/Marin Coast. Windows down, cruising. It’s the California dream! There are a number of cute towns to explore, beaches to wander, and hidden redwood groves to find. Our favorite lunch spot is right on the water at Fisherman’s Cove in Bodega Bay, a charming crabbing town. A nice driving loop is to head from Calistoga through Sebastopol (great ice cream at Sceamin’ Mimi’s) onwards to Bodega Bay on the coast then looping back home through Guerneville. Point Reyes National SeashoreOn the coast, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Point Reyes National Seashore</a> is a fabulous place to hike and experience the Pacific Ocean. There are many hiking opportunities from the relatively flat Bear Valley trail to more ambitious hikes. It’s best to look at all the options online at the official park site. The town of Point Reyes Station near the park on Highway 1 is one good place for lunch.

Scott & Sara

Scott & Sara

Photos