The old toll road inn
EXploring the area
DESIGNATED DRIVER SERVICES
Designated driver:
We highly recommend hiring a designated driver when your group will be visiting wineries. Much more affordable than a limo service, and everyone in your group can have fun!
https://www.winecountrydrivers.com/
MUST SEE WINERIES
Local must see Calistoga wineries:
Jericho Canyon:
Located at the bottom of our road, one of the most beautiful vineyards in the valley. Fun fact: Robert Redford rented the Bleecher's beautiful home for 8 years - The Horse Whisperer was edited here :)
www.jerichocanyonvineyard.com
Reverie: Diamond Mountain gem of a winery- beautiful grounds, amazing wines including Petit Verdot
www.reveriewine.com
St Helena must see wineries: Bremer Family Winery: This is a winery that Bill introduced us to this weekend- our tour guide Tom was great, the Cabs are amazing and reasonably priced.
www.bremerfamilywinery.com
Other Napa must see wineries:
Frog's Leap:
One of our all time favorites, they have a great free walking tour (reservations required)
www.frogsleap.com
Groth:
In Oakville, amazing Cabs, beautiful tasting room/winery.
www.grothwines.com
LOCAL HIKING TRAILS
Oat Hill Mine Trail
The palisades are beautiful, and this hike offers gorgeous views of it and the Calistoga valley. This hike simply goes up and returns back to the same trailhead. This makes it easy to offer several hiking options - people can simply turn around when they are tired. The grade is fairly easy on the knees.
http://northbayhikes.com/info/calistoga/oat_hill_mine_trailhead.shtml
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park - Palisades Trail & Table Rock
The Palisades trail is one of the best hikes in California’s Wine Country. Combining epic vistas, awesome and unusual rock formations, solitude, and a surprisingly wild setting, it is a route that offers the kind of spectacular scenic payoffs one would expect in more mountainous and wild terrain.
http://www.napahiking.com/oat_hill_mine_trail_table_rock_palisades.htm
http://www.summitpost.org/palisades-trail/380692
LOCAL ATTRATIONS
Barrel Blending Experience WINNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL “BEST OF WINE TOURISM” AWARD
A visit to the Conn Creek Barrel Blending Experience is a tasting tour of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, all in one stop, from Carneros to Calistoga. The two-hour seminar is offered twice daily by appointment only and available for up to 10 guests. (Tina’s went in 2012 - Her bottle of “New Year’s Resolution” was enjoyed on New Year’s Eve 2013 – it was AWESOME!)
www.conncreek.com
Oxbow Public Market
If you’ve been to the Ferry Building in San Francisco and LOVED IT – you have to visit Oxbow Public Market! Located in the Oxbow District of Napa, the market has become the local gathering place for great food and wine in downtown Napa and throughout the Napa Valley. The 40,000 square foot marketplace, which includes a scenic outdoor deck with seating along the Napa River, features a diverse tenant mixture of local food vendors, artisan cafes and an organic produce outlet for local farms.
www.oxbowpublicmarket.com
Culinary Institute of America - St. Helena
The world famous CIA in St. Helena is located in one of Napa’s most historic buildings. Partake of unique sensory evaluation guided tastings at the Flavor Bar, shop for everything culinary in the Spice Islands Marketplace, dine in the award-winning Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant, stop in at The Bakery Café by illy, or dine at the new "crop-up" restaurant The Conservatory at Greystone, which is open to the public Friday and Saturday nights. You can enjoy a cooking demonstration, visit the Vintners Hall of Fame, learn something new about wine in Wine Exploration classes, or take part in a wide range of food enthusiast courses.
www.ciachef.edu/california/
Sharpsteen Museum- Downtown Calistoga
Learn about the history of Upper Napa Valley! The Museum was a project of Ben and Bernice Sharpsteen, who retired to a ranch near Calistoga which had been acquired by Ben's grandmother in the 1800s and which today remains in their family. Ben was an Academy Award-winning animator, producer and director for Walt Disney Studios, working on many famous Disney projects. Memorabilia of his career (including one of his Oscars), his hobby (antique autos) and family history are displayed in the founders room of the Museum. The museum building adjoins a restored original cottage from Sam Brannan's original resort.
www.sharpsteen-museum.org
Calistoga Hot Air Balloons
This is the only hot air balloon company to fly from scenic Calistoga. Their flights are more rural in nature, providing pristine views of the Napa Valley from a hot air balloon. Check out the website for packages like the Balloon, Bike & Breakfast package!
www.calistogaballoons.com
Old Faithful of California
In the heart of the wine country, experience the wonders of nature's geysers and the mineral waters and spas that have become destinations for millions of worldwide travelers. The Old Faithful Geyser of California is one of three geysers in the world with the designation “old faithful.” These are the geysers that perform at regular intervals. Quirky and unique, this reminds us of a destination that would be featured in a Chevy Chase Vacation movie….you have to go at least once!
www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com
The Petrified Forest
Step back in Time, over 3 million years, and follow the trail of majestic petrified redwood giants arrayed before you in a fascinating grove in beautiful California wine country. Come take a walk with family and friends and be a witness to redwood trees that once grew in abundance here and were turned to stone 3.4 million years ago by a local volcano. Another candidate for a Chevy Chase Vacation movie….you have to see it at least once!
www.petrifiedforest.org