'''Calistoga''' is at the north end of the Napa Valley in the Bay Area region of California. Calistoga was founded as a hot springs resort in the 1860's by Sam Brannan, California's first millionaire, and has long been a destination for its natural hot springs and mineral water and their supposed health benefits. Its position at the north end of the Napa Valley also makes it a gateway to Sonoma County wine country. Calistoga is a visitor's destination that celebrates being different _c franchise fast food is against the law (really!) and healthy hedonists are celebrated. Go wine tasting, have a fabulous dinner, then take a bike ride and have a mud bath before you leave.
Get in
By air
'''San Francisco International Airport''', 650-821-8211, [http://www.flysfo.com]. 90-120 minutes away by car.
'''Sacramento International Airport''', [http://www.sacairports.org/int/]. 90-120 minutes away by car.
'''Oakland International Airport''', [http://www.flyoakland.com/]. 80-110 minutes away by car.
'''Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport''', [http://www.sonomacountyairport.org/] in Santa Rosa, is served by [http://www.alaskaair.com/ Horizon Air] to and from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle. The airport is 20-40 minutes west of Calistoga by car.
By car
'''From San Francisco:'''
:'''Highway 101 North''' over the Golden Gate Bridge, to '''Highway 37''';
:'''Highway 37 East''' towards Vallejo/Napa, to '''Highway 121''';
:'''Highway 121 North''' towards Napa to '''Highway 29 North''' to Calistoga.
Alternatively,
:'''Highway 101 North''' over the Golden Gate Bridge, to Mark West Springs Road exit, just north of Santa Rosa;
:'''Mark West Springs Road East''' becomes '''Porter Creek Road''';
:Continue on '''Porter Creek Road''' to stop sign;
:Left on '''Petrified Forest Road''' to Calistoga.
:This route avoids the traffic in Napa Valley.
Yet another route '''from San Francisco''' goes via the East Bay.
:'''Interstate 80 East''' across the Bay Bridge;
:Follow directions from Oakland, below.
'''From Oakland:'''
:'''Interstate 80 East''' to '''Highway 37''' at Vallejo;
:'''Highway 37 West''' to '''Highway 29''';
:'''Highway 29 North''' to Calistoga.
'''From Sacramento:'''
:'''Interstate 80 West''' to '''Highway 113''' at Davis;
:'''Highway 113 North''' to '''Covell Road''' exit in Davis;
:'''Covell Road West''' to Winters. Covell Road becomes '''Highway 128''';
:'''Highway 128 West''' to '''Highway 29''' at Rutherford;
:'''Highway 29 North''' to Calistoga.
Get around
Calistoga is a very small town, with most of the shops and restaurants on two crossing streets, Lincoln Avenue and Washington Street. Walking is the best way to explore the town.
Bicycles are another good option, especially for those wishing to visit the wineries and other attractions a little farther from the center of town. Bicycles can be rented at The Calistoga Bike Shop [http://calistogabikeshop.com/], which also dispenses tips and route advice. The Bike Shop can also arrange "Calistoga Cool Wine" tours, with arrangements for the shop to pick up and deliver any purchased wine, so the bicyclist is not weighted down.
A relatively new bike path connects the eastern end of Washington Street to Dunaweal Lane, providing easy, car-free access from the center of town to several wineries, including Twomey, Clos Pegase, Paoletti and Cuvaison.
See
'''Old Faithful Geyser''', 1299 Tubbs Lane, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-6463, [http://www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com]. 9AM - 6PM every day of the year. Named after the far larger geyser in Yellowstone National Park, this geyser puts on a good show every hour or so. Bring a lunch and have a picnic while waiting for the show to start. $8 adult, $3 6-12 years old, free for under 6 years old.
'''Petrified Forest''', 4100 Petrified Forest Road (off Highway 29 south of Calistoga, then a few miles west along Petrified Forest Road) [http://www.petrifiedforest.org]. 9AM-7PM (9AM-5PM in winter). Big-old honking redwood trees which were petrified after being covered by ash from a nearby volcano. You will never see a bigger petrified tree anywhere. Adults $6, Children 6-11 $3.
'''The Sharpsteen Museum''', 1311 Washington St., Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-5911, Fax: ''+1 707'' 942 6325, [http://www.sharpsteen-museum.org/]. Daily 11AM-4PM. Presents the history of the upper Napa Valley. Free; $3 donation recommended.
Do
'''Bothe-Napa Valley State Park''', 3801 St. Helena Highway North, (Highway 29), Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-4575, [http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=477]. Hiking or horseback riding (see below) through redwoods on 10 miles of trails in over one hundred acres including Ritchey Canyon. Also ruins of Napa Valley's first church and a pioneer graveyard with the graves of some of the Donner Party. Swimming pool (extra fee). Day use $5/car.
'''Triple Creek Horse Outfit''', Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Phone: ''+1 707'' 933-1600, [http://www.triplecreekhorseoutfit.com/]. Horse back ride through beautiful Bothe-Napa Valley State Park on guided group or private tours. Group Tours : 1 hour $60/person, 1 & 1/2 hour $70/person. Private Tours: 1 hour $130/person, 1 & 1/2 hour $155/person.
Spas
Lavender Hill Spa. 015 Foothill Blvd. (HWY 29). 1 (707) 942-4495. ttp://www.lavenderhillspa.com. Beautiful garden grounds with full spa packages perfect for couples on a romantic vacation. Check their website for specials, they often have discounts of gift cards that can be printed in advanced and used for treatments.
Mount View Spa. 457 Lincoln Ave. nside the Mount View Hotel. 1 (707) 942-5789. ttp://www.mountviewhotel.com/. assages start at $75/25 min. In a beautiful historic 1917 building on the main drag in town this spa makes you feel like you are Europe.
Lincon Ave. Spa. 339 Lincoln Ave. 1 (707) 942-2950. ttp://www.lincolnavenuespa.com/. assages start at $60/25 min.
Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort. alistoga Oasis Spa. 300 Washington St. -800-914-8957. ttp://www.romanspahotsprings.com. assage:$85/50min, Mud Bath: $75/60min. An oasis of exotic trees and warm mineral pools. Roman Spa offers mineral pool, mud baths, saunas and a full menus of spa treatments.
Golden Haven Spa. 713 Lake Street. 1 (707) 942-8000. ttp://www.goldenhaven.com. essage: $85/1hour. Although great for personal or couples get aways, Golden Haven Spa is the perfect place for a girls get away. Their Girlfriends package is sure to be a hit for batcherete parties or a girls weekend. Starting at $165 per person this includes a nights stay, facial, message, and much, much more. This is the best deal in Calistoga.
Wine Tasting
Sterling Vineyards. 111 Dunaweal Ln. oll free: 1-800-726-6136. ttp://www.sterlingvineyards.com/. 0:30AM-4:30PM. View the Napa Valley from high above on the aerial tram that delivers you to the Sterling Vineyard tasting room; $15 and includes tasting of 4-5 wines and a self-guided tour for 21+ and $3 for under 21. Pay a little extra and taste the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlots from single vineyards and other premium wines. Great place for those traveling with their whole family. Great Cabernets, too.
Clos Pegase. 060 Dunaweal Lane,. 1 (707) 942-4981. ttp://www.clospegase.com. aily 10:30AM-5PM. our: Free. Estate wines grown, pressed, vinified and bottled on their 450 acre winery. Wine, art, architecture, picnic area, it's all here. Try their great red wines and enjoy their public tours.
Vincent Arroyo Winery. 361 Greenwood Av.. 1 (707) 942-6995. ttp://www.vincentarroyo.com. aily 10AM-4:30PM. Their wines can only be bought through the winery and usually sell out before the grapes are picked. Big red wines, especially Petite Sirah.
Summers Winery. 171 Tubbs Lane. 1 (707) 942-5508. ttp://www.summerswinery.com. 0:30AM-4:30PM. ine Tasting: $7/person waived with any purchase of wine. Beautiful setting with bocce court and entertainment center. Taste their Charbono wine, a wine grown exclusively in California and primarily in Calistoga.
Buy
'''Ca'toga Galleria D'Arte''', 1206 Cedar Street, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-3900, [http://www.catoga.com]. Wed-Mon. Tile and stone artwork.
Calistoga Wine Stop. alistoga Depot. 458 Lincoln Ave. #2. 1 707 942-5556. 1 800 648-4521. om@CalistogaWineStop.net. 1 707 942-4528. ttp://calistogawinestop.net/. 0AM-6PM. Napa & Sonoma County wines from smaller wineries. Housed in the historic Calistoga Depot, the oldest surving railroad depot in the state.
'''Lee Youngman Galleries''', 1316 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-0585, [http://www.leeyoungmangalleries.com]. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM.
'''A Man's Store''', 1343 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-2280, [http://www.amansstore.net]. W-M. Men's work and leisure clothing and accessories, and cigars.
Eat
Budget
Bosko's Trattoria. 364 Lincoln Avenue. 1 (707) 942-9088. ttp://www.boskos.com/. aily 11:30AM-10PM. tarters $4.75-$8.75, Fresh Pastas and Pizzas starting at $12:50. Fresh made pasta, wood fire oven pizza, sandwiches.
FlatIron Grill. 440 Lincoln Avenue. 1 (707) 942-1220. ttp://www.fatirongrill.com. inner Daily from 4:30PM. ppetizers starting at $6, Mains starting at $12, and Desserts $7. California cuisine on a budget, one of the best values in town. Try the FlatIron Stake and the Sauteed Mussels, save room for dessert.
Cal Mart. 491 Lincoln Avenue. 1(707) 942-9686. ttp://www.calmartnv.com. A grocery Store offering take out sandwiches and prepared foods.
Palisades Deli Cafe. 486 Lincoln Avenue. 1 (707) 842-0145. Offers take-out sandwiches and prepared food. Palisades also offers the option of eating on-site. Take-out from either place can be taken to any of Calistoga's parks, where consumption of beer and wine is also permitted. Both may be purchased at Cal-Mart, or at any number of wine stores or wineries in and around Calistoga. Note, however, that open containers of alcoholic beverages are not allowed on city streets--only within the parks.
Buster's Southern Barbeque and Bakery. 207 Foothill Boulevard. 1 (707) 942-5605. ttp://www.busterssouthernbbq.com/. andwiches $4-9, Dinner $10-11. Offers southern style barbecue, beer and wine. Warning: the hot sauce is extremely hot. Ask for a taste if you are not sure you can handle it.
Moderate
Splurge
Brannan's Grill. 374 Lincoln Avenue. 1 (707) 942-2233. ttp://www.brannansgrill.com/. unch 11AM-3:30PM, Bar Only 3:30PM-4:30PM, Dinner 4:30PM-9PM(Weekdays)10PM(Weekends). ains $16-39. Fine dining in a beautiful facility.
JoLe Farm to Table. 457 Lincoln Avenue. nsdie the Mount View Hotel. 1 (707) 942-5938. ttp://www.jolerestaurant.com/. un, Tues-Thurs 5PM-10PM, Fri-Sat 5PM-11PM. tarters $7-12, Mains $12-20. All-Natural, mostly organic and locally farmed ingredients. Small plates allow for sharing. Most wines available by the glass or pitcher, as well as by the bottle.
SolBar. 55 Silverado Trail. oll Free: +1 866 942-7442. ttp://www.solagecalistoga.com/dining/index.shtml. reakfast: 7AM-11AM, Lunch 11AM-3PM, Dinner 5PM-11PM. ains $10-$29.. This restaurant and bar at the Solage Resort aims to compete with Brannan's for the upscale clientele. Daily menu based on seasonal changes and the chefs' whim.
Drink
Bars
Calistoga has more bars per capita than any other Napa Valley city, and may even have more than the City of Napa itself.
'''The Calistoga Inn''', 1250 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-4101, [http://www.calistogainn.com]. The Inn houses Napa Valley Brewing, which produces 4 beers as well as seasonal offerings, and a full pub-style bar, as well as a restaurant and lodging. Weather permitting there is also a back bar and beer garden along the Napa River, with picnic tables and horseshoe pitches. The Inn features live music nightly.
'''Susie's Bar''', 1365 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-6710. Less touristed than the others on this list.
'''Hydro Bar & Grill''', 1403 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-9777. The Hydro features an extensive offering of specialty beers and top-shelf liquors. Hydro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features live music on the weekends.
'''Bar-Vino''', 1457 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-9900, [http://www.bar-vino.com]. Bar-Vino offers small plates and a wide range of local and imported wines from 4 p.m. daily.
These restaurants have separate bar service areas for still more nightlife options.
'''Pacifico Restaurante Mexico''', 1237 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-4400, [http://www.pacificorestaurant.com]. Renowned for its margaritas, Pacifico's happy hour is 4:30-6:30 Monday-Friday. Pacifico frequently features live mariachi music.
'''Bosko's Trattoria''', 1364 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-9088, [http://www.boskos.com]. Dinner can be enjoyed at Bosko's long wooden bar.
'''Brannan's Grill''', 1374 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-2233, [http://www.brannansgrill.com]. An elegant atmosphere does not preclude televised sport at this restaurant's popular bar. Brannan's features Herb Gibson on vibes.
'''Checker's''', 1414 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-9300. The bar features a number of wines by the glass.
'''Flat Iron Grill''', 1440 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-1720, [http://www.flatirongrill.com]. The small bar is located near the food-preparation area.
'''Kitani Sushi''', 1631 Lincoln Avenue, Phone: ''+1 707'' 942-6857, [http://kitanisushi.com/]. This traditional sushi restaurant features the usual lineup of Japanese beer, sake and plum wine.
'''SolBar''', 755 Silverado Trail, Phone: ''+1 866'' 942-7442, [http://www.solagecalistoga.com/]. This restaurant and bar at the new Solage Resort aims to compete with Brannan's for the upscale clientele.
Sleep
Budget
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs. 006 Washinton St. 1 (707) 942-6269. ttp://www.calistogaspa.com/. ooms starting at $142(March-Oct), $120(Nov-April) . Four outdoor mineral water pools, exercise and aerobics rooms. Right in town.
Calistoga Wine Way Inn. 019 Foothill Blvd. 1 (707) 942-0680. ttp://www.winewayinn.com. ooms starting at $100. Historic bed and breakfast with 6 rooms, right in town, owned by Best Western.
The Clarion Collection Lodge at Calistoga. 865 Lincoln Ave. 800) 652-5130. ttp://www.thelodgeatcalistoga.com. ooms Starting at $115.
Mid-range
The Craftsman Inn. 213 Foothill Boulevard. 1 (707) 341-3035. ttp://www.thecraftsmaninn.com. ooms Starting at $166. An extension of the Wine Way Inn. Brand new 5 room bed and breakfast, with craftsman style and decor in center of town.
EuroSpa & Inn. 202 Pine Street. 07-942-6829. ttp://www.eurospa.com. :00PM. 1:00AM. 125-210. Spa services, and Wine Country California vacation packages.
Mount View Hotel & Spa. 457 Lincoln Avenue. oll free: +1 800-816-6877, Phone: +1 (707) 942-6877.. ttp://www.mountviewhotel.com. ooms starting at $189. Historic hotel with luxury feel and day spa. A romantic location with beautiful "Artist Cottages".
Roman Spa. 300 Washington St. 1 (707) 942-4411. ttp://www.romanspahotsprings.com. ooms Starting at $120(Midweek) and $160(Weekend). Hotel and spa in a Roman theme with baths and pools that compliment the romantic cottage rooms.
Splurge
Calistoga Ranch. n Auberge Resport. 80 Lommel Rd. 1 (707) 254-2800. ttp://www.calistogaranch.com/. odges starting at $550. 46-room luxury resort is located on a 157-acre site in a private canyon with a private restaurant, outdoor activities including hiking, fitness center, yoga, pool overlooking vineyard and spa treatments at The Bathhouse.
Solage Calistoga. 55 Silverado Trail. oll Free: 1=866-942-7442. ttp://www.solagecalistoga.com. ooms Starting at $350 (Nov-March), $450 (Oct-April). 89 studio-style loft-inspired accommodations with an eclectic design offering spa facilities.
Campground
'''Bothe-Napa Valley State Park''', 3801 St. Helena Highway North, (Highway 29), Tel: +1 (707) 942-4575. 40 sites. Restrooms and hot showers. $15.
Get out
Finished with Napa Valley? There's more wine to the west in Sonoma County, with Healdsburg close by.
Lake County, with recreation opportunities at Clear Lake as well as Harbin Hot Springs, is just over Mount St. Helena to the North.
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