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    Sharpsteen Museum

    4.7 (19 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

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    David F.

    Driving around Calistoga on a cold, rainy January day we stumbled upon this museum. Amazingly, it was open on a Monday. We looked at each other, looked at the pouring rain, and decided it was a great day for a museum! We were greeted warmly by Roy, a retired high school educator in charge of the museum, and he gave us a personal introduction to the museum's history and high points. The founder of the museum, Ben Sharpsteen, one of Walt Disney's original animators, loved Calistoga and its history; hence the museum's focus. A beautiful model depicts the original Calistoga, designed by Sharpsteen and several of his animator colleagues. Displays highlight Calistoga's founder, Sam Brannan, the writer Robert Louis Stevenson and his time in the area, and long time resident Earl Thollander of "Backroads of California" fame. One of Brannan's original 1862 cottages is attached to the museum where furnishings of the time can be seen. A wide range of history books and some attractive items are available in the gift shop. An enjoyable visit, and well worth the time if you're in the area.

    Bookshelf from the Donner Party
    Gianna M.

    My partner and I visited this museum for the first time in March 2023. We've been to Calistoga countless times and love it there. We have an extra hour or so to kill so decided to peruse the Sharpsteen Museum for a bit. Immediately upon arriving we were greeted by a kind young woman who informed us that it was free admission and advised us on which path to take around the displays. When I tell you I have never had more fun in a museum. It was a blast. The first display discussing Ben Sharpsteen and his animations with Walt Disney Studios. The museums displays are thoughtful, well organized, and clever. I am a huge fan of tiny dioramas and they hit it out the park in every room. I could stare at each one for hours. That alone would have been amazing but then I turned around was face to face with Donner Party artifacts! I had no idea that survivors of the Donner Party had even settled in Calistoga and it was fantastic to learn about the city's pioneers and settlers. Seeing and reading about their experience and how they lived their lives post-plains journey was really interesting. But the icing on the cake was really the Mando Lisa (Mandalorian Mona Lisa). They had an entire exhibit dedicated to Star Wars and featuring a display of fan art by local kids! Their Star Wars display discussed the local Rancho Obi Wan and featured tons of cool Star Wars memorabilia. It was so cute and clever and really sealed the whole experience for us. I never thought I could experience Disney animation, tiny dioramas, the Donner Party, and Star Wars in the same place but this museum made my dreams come true! I couldn't shut up about it the rest of the trip and was just baffled at how much fun and varied the museum is. I have told probably 20 people about this experience and encouraged them to visit whenever they get a chance. You will not be disappointed!

    The first time I have ever seen a Disney Legend award! Amazing!!!
    Monica M.

    A fun little place to learn about the history of Calistoga and about Ben's life and time while he worked with Walt Disney. The museums admission is donation based (recommended $3) and it's really worth it because you get a mini tour from the staff and then they set you free to roam as you please. They have info about the original natives that lived there, Sam Brannan the founder of Calistoga, and the donner party. One thing that I found to be amazing was that Ben's Disney Legends award lives there with some of his animations. I also quite enjoyed the bedrooms and kitchen of what life was like back in the mid to late 1800's. This is a nice place to visit if you are spending some time in the area. To complete it would take about an hour and a half or so, it's not a very big place but worth a visit.

    The founder of the museum
    Caythar N.

    Great place to learn about the history of Calistoga. There is no charge but donations of $3 or more are appreciated. As soon as you walk in there is a place to sign in the guest book. Then a member of the staff gives you a tour, explaining the founding, naming, history and general layout of the town. There is a whole section of the founder and builder of the museum. They also had models of a carriage and displays of the town. They also had a display of how the cottages would have looked like back in the day. They have various books and toys for sale out front. There are also restrooms located just outside of the museum. Definitely come visit this place to get a better background of Calistoga and the surrounding area.

    Brannan's House

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    Review Highlights - Sharpsteen Museum

    The place is quiet, neat, and full of local history including Calistoga, Ben Sharpsteen, and even the Donner Party.

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    Old Faithful Geyser of California - Old Faithful Geyser

    Old Faithful Geyser of California

    2.9(418 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Did you know that the Old Faithful Geyser of Calistoga is only one of 3 Old Faithful Geysers in the…read morewhole world? So named because of the regularity in which it erupts? Well it is. For the price of $15 per adult and $9 for child, you get the privilege of watching it erupt for about 3 minutes per hour or so. There are constantly available Groupons for this place so do yourself the favor of seeking one out before you come so you can save a few pennies. There are some other attractions on site, like horses and donkeys, maybe a llama, but it was warm the day of our visit so I took part in none of that and just sat in the shaded seating areas resting and waiting. I suppose if I wanted to stay closer to 2 hours, or 3, I could have watched this thing erupt for a second time but of course I did not do that. I will say that the Old Faithful Geyser in Rotorua, New Zealand requires someone to pour in a surfactant to prompt an eruption and this one requires no similar stimulus so I guess this one in Calistoga is more....unprompted? Authentic? I am no geologist, just musing. All in all, this was a relatively family-friendly thing to do while we were already in Calistoga and I'm pleased to announce I have visited all three Old Faithful Geysers in the whole world. This was not a goal of mine but I inadvertently accomplished this feat by stopping by here so Five Stars for that alone.

    Please save your money, and go to Yellow Stone. There are no Geysers here. None! Yet they charge…read more$30 for two. Yellow Stone charges $30 for a week, of your vehicle full of people. Plus, you are going to enjoy days of amazing beauty, and Geysers. I was very disappointed of this place. Unfortunately they are stealing money as there is nothing to see. See photo of all you will see. You be the judge.

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    Old Faithful Geyser of California - Old Faithful Geyser of California

    Old Faithful Geyser of California

    Old Faithful Geyser of California - Old Faithful Geyser of California

    Old Faithful Geyser of California

    Old Faithful Geyser of California - Old Faithful Geyser of California

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    Old Faithful Geyser of California

    Romeo Vineyards & Cellars - Romeo Vineyards off Silverado Trail in Calistoga.

    Romeo Vineyards & Cellars

    4.7(134 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    To kick off day two of my birthday weekend in Calistoga, my wife and I decided to visit Romeo…read moreVineyards and Cellars. Romeo holds a special place in our hearts because we visited them a little over seven years ago. During that experience (which you can read about in my previous review - if interested), my wife and I had a grand experience with former Business Manager Emma, who administered the delicious tastings. Fast forward to the present, we looked forward to enjoying a glass of their finest red before finding lunch. Upon entering the walkway, we were enthusiastically greeted by an employee named John who quickly ushered us to a vacant table for two. My wife had a slight reaction to the beautiful flowers that were in full bloom. Out of the kindness of his heart, John provided my wife with a bottle of Pure Leaf tea that calmed her allergies. We told John that we were interested in enjoying a glass of red, in which he quickly ran off and returned with a bottle of 2009 Eugenia Cabernet Sauvignon. Upon doing the swirl and sniff test (sounds dirty doesn't it?), I knew that we were in for a treat. Since we were both in dire need of a meal, we sadly could not continue the party. However, we will make a return visit in the near future to enjoy a full tasting experience!

    The most beautiful patio setting, great wine and a wonderful sommelier. John was delightful,…read moregenuine, knowledgeable and very entertaining. The charcuterie board was delicious!! Thank you John!

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    Romeo Vineyards & Cellars - Brick-oven pizzas ( seasonal )

    Brick-oven pizzas ( seasonal )

    Romeo Vineyards & Cellars - Indoor tastings available. Artwork by Carlo Marchiori.

    Indoor tastings available. Artwork by Carlo Marchiori.

    Romeo Vineyards & Cellars - Charming indoor tasting space. Artwork by Carlo Marchiori.

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    Charming indoor tasting space. Artwork by Carlo Marchiori.

    Lee Youngman Galleries

    Lee Youngman Galleries

    4.3(3 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    It is very easy to generate a review of THIS business after the first visit. This is no difficult…read moretask because the place is full of a variety of art. Each room contains an artist's work I am interested in, for my own place. Being in this gallery has the feel of being in a museum quality place, not flipping through bulk at an art supply store. This gallery was established in 1985, and is a landmark for me now. The owner has been in this location all the time. It is a world class art gallery. The proprietor is clearly an expert. Our chat-time gave me a ton of insight about Lee Youngman Galleries. The compositions are welcomed for personal purchases, business establishments, and even significant gifts. This is not a small cramped space. This gallery is as classy as they come. And I didn't feel the unwelcome assessment other galleries in that area are apparently obligated to dispense. If you want to enjoy the experience of a fine art purchase, come in here. The memory you create at Lee Youngman Galleries will be a good one

    I paint en Plein Air with some of the best West Coast and Nationally recognized artists in the…read morebusiness. Whenever in the area we always stop in to visit this gallery. Not only because several of them have works displayed here but because Lee's gracious hospitality and personality are unsurpassed. She is one of the best representatives of fine art in the wine country, if not the entire state. The works that can be viewed here are some of the best to be found anywhere - and always a treat to see for an artist or collector. If you are interested in seeing some of the best fine art California has to offer, in a no pressure environment, that feels like home - this is the place. You won't be disappointed! BTW: She probably doesn't know who I am - but this place and people I have met there have been an inspiration to me....which I thought I should share

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    Lee Youngman Galleries
    Lee Youngman Galleries - "Lady Behind the Bar" 20x16 by James Crandall

    "Lady Behind the Bar" 20x16 by James Crandall

    Lee Youngman Galleries - Gallery Interior

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    Gallery Interior

    Chateau Montelena Winery - Indoor - wine serving area

    Chateau Montelena Winery

    4.0(766 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    What a gorgeous winery! The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and the tasting room is elegant with…read moreso many interesting things to look at while you sip and enjoy the experience. Our wine host was outstanding--knowledgeable, engaging, and so much fun! They made the tasting both entertaining and informative. The tasting fee is $65, but if you purchase $125 in wine, one tasting fee is waived. My girlfriends and I shared a tasting and ended up purchasing $250 worth of wine, so both tasting fees were removed. We left with some fantastic bottles and felt like we received great value. The wines were excellent, but the Riesling was definitely my favorite! Between the beautiful setting, exceptional service, and delicious wines, this winery was a highlight of our trip. I would absolutely visit again and we did because I forgot my credit card!

    Wanted a special place to celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary weekend. Couldn't be more pleased…read morewith the experience. Booked a tasting and was hosted by Lin - she was a delight. Super personable & knowledgeable - total class. In our top 3 tastings of all time - very special juice. "crazy yummy" was the phrase of the day. The winery history is remarkable and the various tasting and display rooms are well designed. Stroll through the Japanese gardens - will not disappoint. Bravo to the Chateau Montelena team!

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    Chateau Montelena Winery - Tasting

    Tasting

    Chateau Montelena Winery - One of the attractive features.

    One of the attractive features.

    Chateau Montelena Winery - Barrels (photo opp)

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    Barrels (photo opp)

    Sharpsteen Museum - museums - Updated July 2026

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