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Where To Stay In Napa

We booked our stay at the absolutely lovely North Block Hotel, a boutique retreat right in the center of town with a beautiful courtyard, heated pool and hot tub, and rustic-modern Mediterranean-style rooms. We were greeted in the lobby with warm chocolate chip cookies (the BEST) from Chef Juan Cabrera, who serves an incredible tasting dinner menu next door at The Restaurant at North Block.

We kicked off our stay by hopping on the hotel’s complimentary cruiser bikes to explore Yountville. We pedaled down charming Washington Street, then veered onto the town’s serene bike path, eventually winding our way through quiet country roads lined with peaceful vineyards. It was the perfect way to ease into the slower pace of Yountville — and a dreamy start to our stay. After, we hung out by the heated pool and hot tub before heading to our dinner reservation.

The Restaurant at North Block. was one of the most memorable and visually stunning dining experiences I’ve ever had. This Michelin-recognized gem showcases ingredients that are locally farmed, fished, and foraged. The spring gnocchette — with morel mushrooms, garden peas, and an applewood-smoked butter sauce — was pure perfection. Chef’s kiss. Bonus: Chef Cabrera also serves the hotel’s continental breakfast, complete with housemade croissants that are nothing short of dreamy.

Hwy 29: Yountville To St. Helena

Our first full day, we popped by Chef Thomas Keller’s beloved Bouchon Bakery for lunch, once the usual early morning crowd had cleared. Just a stone’s throw from his iconic restaurant, The French Laundry, the bakery is a must-stop for flaky pastries and gourmet bites. From there, we set out to explore the wineries along Highway 29 — easily accessible by car, or by bike if you're in the mood for a more scenic, slow-paced ride through wine country.

Along this wine country highway, you can take a snapshot in front of the iconic Welcome to Napa Valley sign near Oakville. Nearby, visit Oakville Grocery — a grocery store that first opened its doors in the 1870s, but is so much more. You can grab a gourmet picnic (their wood-fired pizzas are delicious) and eat out on the lawn, visit the adjacent Victorian, 1881 Napa, a history museum that combines a gallery of winemaking relics with DIY wine tasting of over 200 local wines.

Wineries dot Highway 29 like bakeries do in Paris, or pizza places in NYC. There are A LOT. Reservations are recommended during the high season. Some of my favorite ones to visit are Peju for its tasty wines, beautiful gardens and vineyard views from their terrace; Cakebread Cellars for delicious wine and food pairings and stunning grounds, and the tasting garden, AKA the Wren, at Bella Union Winery, where you can enjoy an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon by the glass or by the bottle. Stop by their family of wineries, Nickel & Nickel and Far Niente, too.

You'll probably be hungry at this point. Wine-filled and happy, head over to Farmstead At Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena for its American farmhouse restaurant, outdoor café, and general store for a unique and tasty Napa Valley experience. I love sitting out in the apple orchard. Dishes are made with ingredients from their farm, ranch, and vineyards.

After, head to Main Street and stroll St. Helena's charming shops, likeOlivier for olive oil-based souvenirs and gifts. If you're up for a movie, check out the Cameo Cinema, one of the few single-screen movie theaters in the country, before heading back to North Block for a soak in their two-person friendly soaking tub and a favorite read by the fire.

Day 2: Downtown Napa To Carneros Region

Buzzier downtown Napa is definitely worth a visit. The Napa River offers kayaking, SUP, and gondola rides and there are lovely walks and restaurants along it. You can pop by the French-inspired Angèle Restaurant – I love the vibe here, rustic, lively and always friendly serving comfort food with a French twist.

From Angèle and the Napa River walk, you can pop into the General Store for local goods, and then head over to First Street for indie boutiques, bookstores, and ofc wine! Brown Estate is a Black-owned winery based in St. Helena but they have a tasting room downtown that offers lovely certified-sustainable wines. They're super friendly! Housely is another downtown tasting room owned by actress Tamera Mowry and family. They offer award-winning wines in a casual living-room vibe setting. No need for a reservation!

Boon Fly Cafe, part of the luxe Carneros Resort and Spa, has one of the best brunches in town. For a picture-worthy spot, book a bubbles tasting at nearby Domaine Carneros, a breathtakingly beautiful Château in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Art lovers might enjoy the art and nature walk at the indoor-outdoor Di Rosa Contemporary Art Museum across the street. Book a second tasting at Artesa Vineyards & Winery, featured in the movie Wine Country with Amy Poehler, for Napa wines with Spanish twist, also in the picturesque Carneros region.

Downtown Napa

Back downtown, grab a delicious cocktail at Bitter Barand seafood-rich Southern Italian fare at the charming Scala Osteria. If you prefer something a little more casual, head to Napa Yard, a beer garden-style restaurant with music, games, beer and cocktails, plus salads, burgers and cozy sides. Nearby are also the Oxbow Market, definitely worth a walk through and soft serve at Gott's, and CIA at Copia, the culinary institute that offers creative and inspiring food events to check out.

Day 3: Silverado Trail To Calistoga

Your final day is spa day! Silverado Trail is a beautiful 30-minute drive to Calistoga, known for its natural hot springs and wellness escapes. The wineries here are set in a more chill atmosphere than Hwy 29. Clos du Val offers a lovely farmer’s market event with live music, bites, and local goods; Baldacci offers a wine and chocolate tasting; and Stag Leap Wine Cellars is credited with putting Napa Valley on the global wine map – though not to be confused with Stag's Leap Winery, another gem in the area.

Drive along the palm tree-lined drive to Indian Springs Calistoga. You can plan an overnight and access their Olympic-Sized mineral pool, or go for a spa treatment and hang at their very Zen Buddha pond. Sam’s Social Club Restaurant is a worthy eatery on the property. For a more budget-friendly escape, try Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs for a mud bath and mineral pools. You can also visit the Petrified Forest here, unearthed petrified redwood trees that date back to the Pliocene Epoch, 3.4 million years ago!

Grab dinner along the Napa River at the Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery, which offers live music in a beer garden setting with outdoor fire pits. Order the Country Paella, Calistoga’s spin on the classic Spanish seafood dish before heading back to Indian Springs for a late-night swim in their steamy mineral pool.

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Lead image via Stag's Leap Winery