Mama Travels: Calistoga

Posted by mama on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Mama Wore: Dress by FreePeople/Denim short from JCrew/Denim Jacket from Forever21/Hat from streets of NYC/Shoes by K Jacques/Sunglasses by Asos.com

Inside of the Spring Mountain Winery cave

walking and talking

I first came to Napa when I was 15 with my grandmother. I don’t remember much but I do remember the warm weather, outdoor pool, and my grandmother’s bikini-clad sixty-year-old body. I was traumatized at the time, but over the years I’ve become proud that she was so fashion forward and frankly did not give a damn what others thought, including her grand daughters.

So a decade later, I headed to Napa with my hubby and son. We stayed in Calistoga, north of Napa. All my skepticism about Napa and Sonoma went out the door the minute I saw the landscape with its vineyards. Every inch of this area is covered with grapevines. Cactus flowers, agave plants, and old plantation houses gave the place an All-American romantic feel and I can see why it’s a popular destination for weddings.

Calistoga Ranch was hosting a wedding the day we were checking in and it was a bit crowded in the pool area but it emptied out nicely the next day. We took full advantage of the place by joining two wine tastings at Barnett Winery and Spring Mountain Winery, visiting the spa, sunbathing, and eating amazing food at Calistoga Ranch and Cindy’s Kitchen. I came back a huge fan of this place.

I would love to return for longer than two days and see more of Napa. I would love to check out this little cute town called Yountville, go to French Laundry, and check out more popular wineries like Steinbeck and Coppola.