Eat
Napa is home to many world famous chefs and if you enjoy culinary as much as I do, you’ll find plenty of things to try and a weekend for sure won’t be enough to try them all. I haven’t been to all the fancier places owned by said chefs but I do have a couple of favorite that I’ve been returning to..AdHoc by Thomas Keller | Yelp | Menu | $$$
Must get: fried chicken and waffles (on Sunday brunch) and roast chicken for dinner. Be sure to check on their daily menu as it changes every day and always be prepared for disappointment if they’re not serving fried chicken on the Sunday you visited. It has happened to me more than once :)
The Naked Pig | Yelp | Menu | $$
Must get: bacon battered waffle and porchetta sandwich. The Naked Pig is a farm-to-table restaurant located 40 mins away from Napa Valley - which can be quite a detour if you’re heading towards Napa but I would always make the drive for it because it is so SO worth it. Their food is consistently good and the freshness of their locally-sourced ingredients are manifested into each of the dish they serve. Ugh even writing about it got my mouth all watery.
Bistro Jeanty | Yelp | Menu | $$
Must get: Crême de Tomate en Croute and beef bourguignon. I have only dined here once during one of my Napa trips and was surprised by how comforting and well executed their food is. This charming little old French restaurant located in Yountville serves Julia Child level old school French classics so if you’re a fan of her, this would be the place for you.
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| Food was too good that I forgot to snap a photo before we finished them! |
RH combines food, art and design into an absolutely one of a kind dining experience for both your palate and your eyes. There are beautiful trees in between the dining area, giving you the perfect combination of crystals, candles, romance and rustic decor. I would recommend coming in for an early dinner so it’s dark enough for them to turn on the chandelier but not too dark that your photos would turn out terrible.
Splurge on a nice stay
There are a variety of lodging options in Napa that makes it worth it to plan a trip around. It IS one of the most romantic places in America where newly weds would come and spend their honeymoon at so picture this: spa, hot tub, scenery view, room service, and steam shower. If that sounds like your kind of vacation, then consider staying at one of these places..Hotel Yountville | Tripadvisor | $$$$
What I like about it: Steam shower and a soaking tub in the room. Need I say more? Don’t even bother to leave the property after checking-in because you got everything you need for a perfect staycation in Hotel Yountville :) Also, they deliver their room-service on a cutest bike.
Indian Springs at Calistoga | Tripadvisor | $$$
What I like about it: Olympic-sized mineral pool that’s being fed from the local geyser, mud bath treatment which looks intense in photos but I heard can be pretty relaxing, and a ‘Buddha Pond’ where guests can relax before or after treatments. Indian Springs is located within walking distance of the downtown area of Calistoga so after getting yourself pampered, it’s nice to walk around the area where all the eateries and adorable boutiques are. The property also offers free bike rentals for those who wanted to explore the area on wheels.
You can read more about my stay at Indian Springs here if you like.
Rancho Caymus Inn | Tripadvisor | $$
What I like about it: Hacienda-style exterior and breakfast spread that includes English muffin from The Model Bakery. Rancho Caymus Inn has just recently undergone a two-years renovation so all the rooms have updated bedding and furniture. Perfect place for a one-night staycation if you’re looking to stay at a contemporary upscale boutique hotel within a reasonable price point.
Visit a museum
I’m not a huge museum goer but di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is a hidden gem and tranquil oasis filled with art and beauty. Perfect place to spend a couple of hours admiring the beauty of both art and nature.
More worth mentioning spots in Napa Valley area..
• English muffin from The Model Bakery
• Oxbow Public Market
• Espresso shakes at Dean and Deluca
• Small animal farm behind Castillo di Amorosa (their chickens look fabulous)
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