This is a long-overdue review of a very special place that is near and dear to my heart…read more
Napa Valley is a destination that people travel from all over the world to experience. Living in the Bay Area, we are lucky enough to have it right in our backyard. My partner and I have not taken our good fortune for granted, and have spent many weekends and mini-vacations in Napa.
Napa Valley is a place of relaxation, romance, enjoyment, and incredible natural beauty. It is the perfect reprieve from the stressors of urban life. A short trip from the Bay Area, but a different world.
In accordance with the serene environment, the locals of Napa Valley are so welcoming, and genuinely kind. We have experienced so much kindness from the people here, even total strangers. Truly some of the nicest people we have met. One time we pulled over on the road to get something from the trunk of our car. A truck pulled up in front of us, and in all our urbanite disillusionment, we were both sure something nefarious was about to go down. Instead, an incredibly nice gentleman came up to us and asked if we needed any assistance, being on the side of the road and all. We were floored.
Napa Valley is one of the world's premier wine-growing regions, so obviously the area's many outstanding wineries are a huge draw. Our favorites include Trefethen, Paraduxx, Duckhorn (Paraduxx's older, more stoic sibling), Vine Cliff, Rutherford Hill, Pine Ridge, Conn Creek, and Black Stallion. Fun fact: if you go to Black Stallion, you will find a picture of my partner in the tasting room from his horse-riding days when what is now Black Stallion used to be an equestrian center!
Napa Valley is also the destination for many incredible eateries. Most notably, the world-famous French Laundry, which we have had the privilege of dining at multiple times. Take a look at my review for The French Laundry for more about this very special restaurant.
Another restaurant I would highly recommend, in the heart of downtown Napa, is Cole's Chop House. Unparalleled service and food in a classic steakhouse atmosphere. The owner Eric is wonderful, and you can usually find him on the floor of the restaurant, actively checking in on everything. I don't even eat steak, but this is one of my favorite restaurants; they have the best salmon I have ever had in a restaurant, hands down; I order it every time. If you go to Cole's, ask for Andrea & Richard's corner table, and you will find our picture on the wall.
While you're in downtown Napa, check out a very sweet little store called Miyamo on 1st Street. Beautiful gifts to get for yourself or others, especially the bracelets with different sayings on them. I have a collection of them and wear them constantly.
Oh, one more place to add to your list, also in downtown Napa, is Downtown Joe's. Right on the Napa River, this is both a great place to party/karaoke late into the night, and enjoy a leisurely all-American breakfast at in the morning.
When looking at places to stay, the Indigo is our usual go-to. Fairly-priced, it meets our needs and is a short Uber ride away from downtown Napa and many wineries in the area. Speaking of Uber, listen to your ride-share drivers, they have a lot of good recommendations to share about the places to check out (and occasionally avoid) in the area.
I can't say enough about the Napa Valley in one review, but feel free to message me if you want more recommendations. This magical part of Northern California has kept me sane throughout many years of living in the rat race. I can't wait for our next visit.