One Day in Calistoga

While much of the Napa Valley can be pretentious and even a bit snobby, this down-to-earth town in the north end of the valley is friendly, pretty, and easy to visit. It doesn't hurt that some of the best wines on the planet are made here either.

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Mount View Hotel & Spa
If I'm not on a budget, I'm staying at this hotel a half block from Calistoga's downtown. Otherwise, I'll be staying in Santa Rosa. Luxurious bedding, great pool and deck, spas, giant tubs, and breakfast in bed. I also like that I can just walk into town from here and leave the stress of driving for another time. Around $200-$300 p... More >
If I'm not on a budget, I'm staying at this hotel a half block from Calistoga's downtown. Otherwise, I'll be staying in Santa Rosa. Luxurious bedding, great pool and deck, spas, giant tubs, and breakfast in bed. I also like that I can just walk into town from here and leave the stress of driving for another time. Around $200-$300 per night.
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Old Faithful Geyser Of California
You thought you had to go to Yellowstone to see Old Faithful? This regularly erupting hot-water geyser is just north of town. A bit kitschy, maybe a touch overpriced, but it's a prime example of a traditional roadside attraction. My favorite thing to see here are the fainting goats. $10 adults, $3 for kids, and $7 for seniors. AAA... More >
You thought you had to go to Yellowstone to see Old Faithful? This regularly erupting hot-water geyser is just north of town. A bit kitschy, maybe a touch overpriced, but it's a prime example of a traditional roadside attraction. My favorite thing to see here are the fainting goats. $10 adults, $3 for kids, and $7 for seniors. AAA members get a discount.
Stop here for a reasonably priced (by Napa standards) gourmet lunch or dinner.
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Chateau Montelena
Napa Valley's most famous winery. It was here that Jim Barrett created the Chardonnay that beat the French wines in a blind taste off in the 1970s, putting Napa Valley on the map. This story is told in the movie Bottleshock with Bill Pullman and Alan Rickman. The wines are very good but the tasting overpriced at $20. You do get th... More >
Napa Valley's most famous winery. It was here that Jim Barrett created the Chardonnay that beat the French wines in a blind taste off in the 1970s, putting Napa Valley on the map. This story is told in the movie Bottleshock with Bill Pullman and Alan Rickman. The wines are very good but the tasting overpriced at $20. You do get that back if you buy at least $100 worth of wine. The deal here is the buy a copy of the movie, signed by Bo Barrett...the son from the movie...and a bottle of wine for $35. The grounds are also gorgeous and it's worth it to take some time here to relax, sip a glass of wine, and see the swans glide along their little lake.
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The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
No secrets here, the CIA is one of the best culinary schools in the world. Stop here for a reasonably priced (by Napa standards) gourmet lunch or dinner. Want a bargain? Five small bite appetizers paired with a premium glass of wine will only set you back $10. A full meal, $15 - $40.
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Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Breathtaking views of the Napa Valley can be had by hiking up to the top of Mt. Helena. The trail can be tough on hot days, so try the shorter trail to the cabin where Robert Louis Stevenson and his bride lived during the Civil War era. Free.
This story is told in the movie Bottleshock with Bill Pullman and Alan Rickman.
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Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
Rejuvenate yourself with a mud bath at this spa just a block from downtown. The two hour treatment includes a soak in hot mud, a soak in a hot mineral bath, a session in the steam room, and then wrapped in a hot blanket. If you add a massage, they take $15 off of the massage price. Mud bath treatment is $65. More
Rejuvenate yourself with a mud bath at this spa just a block from downtown. The two hour treatment includes a soak in hot mud, a soak in a hot mineral bath, a session in the steam room, and then wrapped in a hot blanket. If you add a massage, they take $15 off of the massage price. Mud bath treatment is $65.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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