When I first started this, I thought it would be fairly easy and not very lengthy. Hah! As a result of having a lot more information and material than I originally anticipated, I have set this file up as a series of downloadable files (covering each town and its surrounding points of interest)so you may pick the area of your particular interest. You may also download the entire (rather HUGE) file, if you wish. The TourGuide will also be available in booklet form by the first part of 1995.
Please NOTE!
This listing is prepared with the sincere wish to make your visit to the Napa Valley a pleasant and memorable experience. While I do not recommend any one hotel, B&B, day trip or winery over another, when I think there is something outstanding about that place or activity, I will say so. I have tried to make this file as complete as possible, with a little history on the Valley itself and a brief history of the towns in it. There are also a couple of surprises here that you wouldn't expect! All listings are "bare bones", check with the individual establishment for what credit cards they accept, pet/smoking policies, wheelchair access, etc.
The listings are given in the order of the towns going from the most northern part of the Valley (Calistoga) to the most southerly (the city of Napa). Each section will list all the available hotels, B&Bs, wineries, and activities for that perticular town area. It is almost impossible to list every single business, B&B, winery, etc., but all the major/worthwhile ones are included.
While I have used the most recent information available to me for room rates, activities, etc., CHECK with the business for any changes! I am NOT responsible for anyone going out of business, jacking up their prices, not having what you want, or whatever. If you have any questions not answered here, OR! if you find something or a place that's really worthwhile to add to the listings, feel free to contact me by e-mail at spotthecat@aol.com For on the road convenience, I will also have the entire TourGuide available in booklet form in January 1995.
Travel Notes:
If there is something in particular to mention about an area or establishment, I will mention it under the Travel Notes
Zip Codes to Napa Valley Cities:
This is just an easy way to index what is located where, if you get lost in the TourGuide, just check for the Zip to see in what town the business is located.
City of Napa: 94558, 94559, 94581(PO boxes only)
Yountville: 94599
Oakville: 94562
Rutherford: 94573
St. Helena: 94574
Calistoga: 94515
HANDY NUMBERS:
Queen of the Valley Hospital Emergency: 707-252-4411
St. Helena Hospital Emergency: 707-963-6425
Napa Valley Visitor's & Conference Bureau: 707-226-7459
Napa County Arts Council 707-257-2117
Napa Valley Vintner Assn. Hotline 707-963-1112
Napa Downtown Merchants Assn. 707-257-0322
TABLE OF LISTINGS:
The following is a listing of all the categories covered in the TourGuide. The commentary is to help you know the general area as well as specific things to be aware of. Each town and its surrounding area is listed separate so that each file is complete with listings in all categories. This keeps the file size down and allows you a choice of areas to investigate. As each town/area file is completed, I will be adding it ASAP.
BED & BREAKFASTS
One of the nicest ways to travel in any area, the B&Bs of the Napa Valley are usually Victorian in period, with some California Bungalow or Mexican influence in their architectural styles. There are a very few contemporary-style B&Bs.
HOTELS/MOTELS
Most of the larger hotels and motels are located near to or in the city of Napa itself.
MEETINGS/CONVENTION CENTERS
If your company is considering its next convention location, Napa Valley has much to offer. Several hotels have excellent meeting facilities, some of the smaller hotels have facilities for more intimate atmosphere for smaller groups.
RV PARKS/CAMPGROUNDS
There are several parks within the Valley, including state, county, and historic parks. RV & tent campers have limited facilities available, however Napa has an excellent RV park and Bothe State Park offers sites to tent campers.
RESTAURANTS/CAFÄS/DELIS
Due to the fact that there are SO many restaurants in the entire Valley area, I am listing just a few for each town. However, as there is a cuisine for every kind of palate somewhere, each section will be diverse enough to please most appetites and budgets. (I hope!)
WINERIES
This area is a "bare-bones" listing throughout the TourGuide. A comment may be added for something really notable, however; history, or other aspects worth noting. Most wineries are open for business and/or touring between 10am and 4:30 to 5pm, with the majority offering tours. Some wineries may have tours by appointment only (as with many of the boutique wineries) so call ahead for tour reservations and any other info you may need. Please keep in mind that I haven't listed every single winery in the Valley, either. There are over 200, and as they are often one next to another, letting the traveler have the adventure of discovery...howzzat sound?
SPAS/RETREATS
As all the spas in Napa Valley will generally have the following services and/or service packages available, I am listing the minimum-maximum rates for any single/combination per person. Services will include mudbaths, mineral baths, massage, sauna, facial and body treatments (including acupressure in some spas) Reservations are strongly recommended for any of the spas.
BALLOON RIDES
One of our prettiest sights is seeing many colorful hot-air balloons riding in the early morning skies. Ballooning is an adventure and a thrill beyond compare, especially when you're actually IN that little flimsy basket high up in the air...well, it makes you ponder on how firma the terra really is. However, silly thoughts of falling aside, this is one of the most peaceful and truly exciting rides you can experience. Most balloonists/balloon companies will offer gourmet breakfast, lunch, souvenir photos and even a Certificate of Flight as a commemorative of your experience.
SPECIAL TRIPS/TOURS
Always be sure to take a look at a side trip, there are many terrific spots that tourists don't always know about that let you see the Valley as we who live here see it. There are lots of little hide-away places for picnics, swimming, etc., even rides on helicopters and riverboats!
MUSEUMS/GALLERIES
The works of Napa Valley artists and artisans are well-represented in the many art galleries throughout the Valley. Some of the more interesting works are on display in the Juniper Gallery Arts Complex, which houses several working studios displaying a variety of media. Artglass, textiles, sculpture, and ceramic arts are amongst the less traditional art forms you will find, as well as many works of our local painters and watercolorists.
There are several museums in Napa Valley, covering everything from Valley history and development to natural history to genealogy research and history. All museums and galleries will be listed in the TourGuide according to their location.
SHOPPING
Each area has many shopping opportunities, the city of Napa has a Downtown Mall area, Yountville has the Vintage 1870 complex, St. Helena and Calistoga's shopping districts are generally confined to their main streets/thoroughfares.
SPECIAL SERVICES
Many couples come to Napa Valley for their weddings/honeymoons, what better place to be? There are several companies to cater to newlyweds and those about to be. Also special catering and party services will be in this category. Special services is the place to check for that one thing you may need and can't get anywhere else.
JUST FOR KIDS
Sad to say, but there are limited activities for young people in the Napa Valley area. As so much of the tourist industry here caters to the adult wine and food connoisseur, children are often left out of the entertainment picture. Napa College opens their pool to the public, the city of Napa now has a new skateboard park, and there are many movie theaters. When there is an attraction appropriate for children and young people, it will be listed here.
TRANSPORTATION RENTALS
Transportation in the Valley ranges from a rental car to a fully-stocked limo w/driver, a private riverboat cruise, or an antique car rental, truly something available for every kind of budget and taste. Best bets for regular car rentals will be in the city of Napa.
GENERAL INFORMATION
OR
INTERESTING STUFF TO KNOW ABOUT!
A VERY SHORT HISTORY OF NAPA VALLEY:
The Napa Valley area was not always known for its many fine wines and world-reknown wineries. Prior to 1823, when Father JosÄ Altimira considered establishing a mission here, the Valley was the exclusive home to the Wapoo Indians. Many explorers came through the area but it wasn't until 1832 that explorer George Yount came and saw an ideal place for a settlement in the area known as Yountville today. Yount was given a land grant by General Vallejo and in 1836 the first structure was built, and the first grapes were planted (these were the Mission variety, a very "coarse" grape) to be used for Yount's personal table wine. By 1841 another parcel of land (the Rancho Carne Humana) was granted to Dr. Edward Bale, a surgeon who also built and ran the only grist mill in the Valley. Dr. Bale served his growing community well, not only as the miller, but also as a well-appreciated surgeon. Located on Hwy. 29, the Bale Grist Mill today has been completely restored and today is a State Historic Park.
In the 1850s the Napa Valley region was one of the first gold rush centers in Northern California. Though not much gold or silver was found, cinnabar (or quicksilver, used in gold and silver recovery from raw ore) was discovered in the Mayacamas mountains. From 1864 through 1904, Napa was one of California's leading cinnabar producer. Today, you can still see some limited goldmining activity in the Knoxville area located at the northeastern part of Napa County.
In 1858 Charles Krug came from Germany and (with advice and assistance from Sonoma's Count Harazthy of the Buena Vista winery) was the first vintner to give a more sound business base to the developing wine industry. By the 1880s-1890s, the wine industry took off; Beringer, Inglenook, Beaulieu, Krug, Mondavi, and Martini are amongst the founding wineries still in operation. World War II brought a severe slump to the industry, but by 1963, Napa had once again established itself as the American wine-producing region. With 50 wineries in 1975, and over 200 wineries in operation today, Napa Valley wines are recognised worldwide as some of the very best available.
GEOGRAPHY:
One of California's crown jewels geographically, the Napa Valley is a beautiful place no matter what time of the year you visit. Located just north of San Francisco Bay, the Valley encompasses many mountains, hills and winding roads meandering throughout its six distinctive areas: Napa, Yountville, Oakville/Rutherford, St. Helena, Calistoga, and Lake Berryessa. Thirty miles long and running from one to five miles wide, the valley floor scenery is often breathtaking, with numerous rugged hills jutting through the lush green carpet of the vineyards. The Lake Berryessa Recreational Area has its own unique qualities; pine-covered hills sloping down to the Lake and a generally warmer climate than the Valley itself. Lake Berryessa is a manmade lake covering what was once the Berryessa Valley and the town of Monticello. During the very dry period a couple of years ago, the lake had fallen so much, the town was beginning to rise up again! Now, it is approaching normal levels and offers year-round hiking, picnicking, and water sports. At the southern end, the Valley spreads more widely, encompassing the rolling hills of the Carneros and Mayacamas districts, and the meandering Napa River, down to San Pablo Bay.
WEATHER:
Though the Napa Valley area is a truly beautiful vacation spot, you should be prepared for the weather; the Valley has definite "micro-climates" ranging from very cool to downright roasting. The upper valley and the Calistoga region. are generally much warmer than the lower valley. We are not far from the San Francisco Bay and the lower valley can be cool and often windy in the afternoons. Evenings are generally cool everywhere.
GETTING AROUND:
Since this is the second biggest comment on the Valley, need I say more? Yes! Traffic IS one of the biggest problems, particularly at the height of the late summer-fall touring season as there are only two main roads running the length of the entire Valley region. There are many crossroads connecting these two main arteries, several of which are some of the prettiest drives in the area, which will give you a break from the traffic on the main route, Highway 29. Most locals prefer the much more scenic route along the other main road, the Silverado Trail. The Trail follows the hills very closely and, as you get into the mid- and upper valley regions, it is a beautiful drive through rolling hills and vineyards covering the Valley floor.
There are alternative methods available to you in getting around the Valley, including aerial tours by glider, helicopter, and balloon. On the water you can do it by canoe or riverboat. If you want to keep in contact with the earth, try a bicycle (bicycle paths follow alongside Highway 29 to Calistoga with rest stops located en route) or rent an antique car for the day. Of course, a must ride for the committed couch potato is the Wine Train, in which you not only tour the Valley floor in wondrous old-world luxury, but you are also stuffed like a Strasbourg goose from the delicious on-board cuisine.
Many of our best-known wines are served with most of these excursions; if your time and budget can afford it, any one of them is well worth it and is sure to give you a vacation that you will always remember.
THE BEST TIMES TO VISIT & WHY:
Of course the most exciting time to visit the Napa Valley is at the height of the "crush" or grape harvest. It is also a time of utter chaos and madness as each winemaker works frantically to get the harvest in at the peak time for his particular wine. All to often weather rears its ugly head, putting harvesters in a frenzy to get the grapes picked at their peak of sugar content. The visitor gets to see winemaking in process and gets to feel like a part of the country lifestyle of this verdant paradise.
However, because all the winecarts are on the road at the same time(the winecarts are often pulled by tractors or very slow trucks), traffic becomes a nightmare and slows to a snail's pace. Rooms are at a premium and rarely will the casual visitor be able to find lodging on short notice. BUT! With careful planning well in advance you can come experience the crush to its fullest. Plan for a stay from September though October at least 6 to 8 months in advance and you will usually be able to have your pick of lodgings. The same rule holds for elaborate wedding plans or other special events. Believe me, proper planning is of the essence for an enjoyable stay, especially if you want to be in one of the hot spots of the Valley!
All through May to the end of October you will find the many farmer's markets in the city of Napa, St. Helena and Calistoga. These markets are open from about 7-8 am to noon as a general rule and are wonderful for starting off your day or to find goodies to bring home. Everything from fresh breads, produce, and freshly-roasted coffees to grapevine wreaths and other crafts are offered, often this is where you find that special souvenir that is truly unique.
The winter months are when many Valley residents celebrate with symphony productions, Christmas caroling in many of the winery caves, plays and concerts, and special presentations such as the "Sweet Specialties & Suspense", an annual old-fashioned melodrama series. The holiday season has seasonal events like the annual Victorian Candlelight Tour, the Carols in the Caves concert series, and Victorian Horse & Carriage rides through Yountville, aglow with holiday lights. Though there are many things to do in the Valley in winter, this is a quiet and peaceful period and a wonderful time to visit if you don't want to be amongst the crowds. The vineyards take on a different beauty in their starkness against the early-blooming mustard, spring storms bring a moving palette of light to the Valley that is stunning and give any photographer ample opportunity for "beyond the snapshot" work.
CALISTOGA
Recognised worldwide for its many wonderful spas, mudbaths, and health resorts, the little town of Calistoga was developed by the San Francisco newspaper millionaire Sam Brannan as a resort area in the 1860s. It got its unusual name when someone tried to define the area as the Saratoga of California, instead it came out as the Sarafornia of Calistoga and has been Calistoga ever since.
Situated at the top (northern end) of Napa Valley, Calistoga has many historic attractions both in the town itself and in the surrounding countryside. Many historic buildings as well as the whole of downtown Calistoga is easily accessible on foot; the countryside and easy river access offer many beautiful settings for daytrips and picnicking. Other historic sites in the surrounding area include the Old Faithful Geyser and the Petrified Forest.
Travel notes: Calistoga and the entire upper Valley region gets quite hot during the day (sweltering, pounding heat in mid-summer is NOT uncommon) but will cool in the evening to cold at night, layered clothing is a must almost all year round.
Important Phone Numbers:
Napa Valley Conference & Visitor's Bureau: 707-226-7459
Bed & Breakfast Inns of Calistoga: 707-942-2632
Calistoga Chamber of Commerce: 707-942-6333
St. Helena Hospital Emergency: 707-963-6425
BED & BREAKFASTS
Travel Notes: You will find the majority of B&Bs in Calistoga on Foothill Boulevard. Most of them date from the mid-to late 1800s and offer a wide range in architectural styles. Especially interesting are the homes which are on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHC), and be sure to take a look at a fine example of California Craftsman style seen in the Wine Way Inn.
2. Calistoga Country Lodge: 1910 Southwestern style lodge in the country
2883Foothill Blvd. 94515 707-942-5555 $95-125
3. Calistoga Enchanted Cottage: 1875 wooden cottages on hillside, 2 blocks from town 1407 Foothill Blvd. 94515 707-942-9463 $65-165
4. Calistoga Wayside Inn: 1920 Spanish-style inn
1523 Foothill Blvd. 94515 707-942-0645 $95-135
5. Calistoga's Wine Way Inn: 1915 California Craftsman home
1019 Foothill Blvd. 94515 707-942-0608 $75-120
6. Calistoga Wishing Well: country inn and cottage with 1930 farmhouse on 4 acres
2653 Foothill Blvd. 94515 707-942-5534 $100-150
7. Christopher's Inn: New inn, country-style design
1010 Foothill Blvd. 94515 707-942-5755 $90-165
8. Culver's Country Inn: 1875 Victorian inn
1805 Foothill Blvd. 94515 707-942-4535 $95-115
9. The Elms: 1871 French Second Empire/NRHC/truly an outstanding place!
1300 Cedar Street 94515 707-942-9476 $95-180
10. Foothill House: 1897 remodeled farmhouse and one cottage on grounds
3037 Foothill Blvd. 707-942-6933 $110-220
11. La Chaumiere: 1932 Cotswold cottage revival in residential area of Calistoga
1301 Cedar Street 94515 707-942-5139 $125-140
12. Larkmead Country Inn: 1920 clapboard house located in vineyards, wonderful feeling of living in the midst of the Valley itself
1103 Larkmead Lane 94515 707-942-5360 $80-110
13. Meadowlark Country House Inn: 1889 country home on 20 acres of woodlands
601 Petrified Forest Rd. 94515 707-942-5656
14. Oakwood B&B: 1890 renovated Queen Anne style, cottages available also
1503 Lake Street 94515 707-942-5381 $85
15. Pine Street Inn & Spa: 1930's Cape Cod style ranch (?) house, I don't know how they mixed the two styles, but it's a very pleasant place!
1202 Pine Street 94515 707-942-6829 $65-105
16. The Pink Mansion: 1875 Victorian (great place but you better like pink!)
1415 Foothill Blvd. 94515 707-942-0558 $85-155
17. Quail Mountain B&B Inn: 1984 contemporary style inn located on 26 wooded acres
4455 N. St. Helena Hwy 707-942-0316 $90-125
18. Scarlet's Country Inn: 1923 California bungalow (this is a slightly different style from the Calif. Craftsman architecture)
1443 2nd Street 94515 707-942-0948 $125
19. Sleepy Hollow B&B Inn: 1938 Country style inn in wooded hillside setting
911 Foothill Blvd. 94515 707-942-4760 $100
20. Trailside Inn: 1930 rural farmhouse
4201 Silverado trail 94515 707-942-4106 $95-120
21. Zinfandel House: contemporary rural home midway between Calistoga & St. Helena
1253 Summit Drive 94515 707-942-0733 $65-100
SPAS/RETREATS
Travel Notes:
If you have ever wondered whether or not the mud is changed in between you and the next victim, it aint. However, don't despair, the mud is VERY clean and even though you feel very weird sitting in the stuff at first, it is very relaxing. If you suffer from arthritis or other joint inflammatory problems, the mud baths will make you feel terrific and you'll go eat a whole cow afterwards! Also keep in mind that almost all of the spas are geared toward adults/couples.
1. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs: family-oriented health resort w/ 4 outdoor mineral pools
1006 Washington Street 94515 707-942-6269 $68-100
2. Calistoga Village Inn & Spa:
1880 Lincoln Avenue 94515 707-942-0991 $50-150
3. Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs: one of the oldest spas in Calistoga, fitness program also
1507 Lincoln Avenue 94515 707-942-4102 $49-95
4. Golden Haven Hot Springs
1713 Lake Street 94515 707-942-6793 $28-116
5.Hideaway Cottages: single cottages nestled under the trees
1412 Fairway 94515 707--942-4108 $47-150
6. Indian Springs: built on what the Wapoo Indians called the "oven place" and what the Spaniards referred to as "Agua Caliente", Indian Springs was Sam Brannan's first health resort; today it is still California's oldest continuously-operating spa. Lodging also available.
1712 Lincoln Avenue 94515 707-942-4913 $35-95
7. International Spa: in addition to the more traditional boil yerself up in mud stuff, the International offers Japanese, herbal and seaweed baths. Very nice place
1300 Washington 94515 707-942-6122 $30-82
8. Lavender Hill Spa: offers a "Fango" mud treatment, sounds interesting but I haven't tried this one yet! Also one of many offering "aromatherapy", a most pleasant experience for those into incense.
1015 Foothill Blvd. 94515 707-942-4495 $28-70
9. Lincoln Avenue Spa: here you get smeared with mud rather than dunked in it.
1339 Lincoln Avenue 94515 707-942-5296 $28-169
10. Nance's Hot Springs: another long-time Calistoga traditional spa
1614 Lincoln Avenue 94515 707-942-1930 $69-129
11. Roman Spa Health Resort: Lodging available
1300 Washington 94515 707-942-6122 $54-80
12. Triple S Ranch: Rustic cabins on a mountainside ranch, great place
4600 Mt. Home ranch Rd 94515 707-942-6730 $49 and up
HOTELS/MOTELS
1. Comfort Inn Napa Valley North
1865 Lincoln Avenue N. 94515 707-942-9400 $62-120
2. Mount View Hotel:
1475 Lincoln Avenue 94515 707-942-6877 $80-189
A beautiful old 1910 hotel w/ 2 balcony suites, the Mt. View has one of Calistoga's most charming secret places, the turn-of-the-century patio & pool area with a deer fountain
3. Calistoga Village Inn & Spa
1880 Lincoln Avenue 94515 707-942-0991 $50-150
MEETING/CONVENTION CENTERS
1. Calistoga Village Inn & Spa: 2 mtg rooms max 30 people first/80 people second
1880 Lincoln Avenue 94515 707-942-0991 $50-150
RV PARKS/CAMPGROUNDS
1. Calistoga Ranch Club: RV PARK/
580 Lommel Rd. 94515 707-942-6565 $16-20
167wooded acres just off Silverado Trail with pool, laundry, showers, game room, and snack bar. 144 sites: 62 full hook-ups/84 elec. &water
RESTAURANTS/CAFÄS/DELIS
1.Lincoln Avenue Grill (@ Calistoga Village Inn)
1880 Lincoln Avenue 707-942-0979
2. Valeriano's at Mount View Hotel
1457 Lincoln Avenue 707-942-0606
3. Calistoga Inn & Restaurant: the BEST Caesar salad I have ever found yet!!! Eat it with yer fingers and it's worth every bite...wonderful to share with a significant other or hog the whole thing all by yourself.
1250 Lincoln Avenue 707-942-4101
4. Big Daddy's
1522 Lincoln Avenue 707-942-9503
5. CafÄ Pacifico Mexican Bar & Grill
1237 Lincoln Avenue 707-942-4400
6. Lord Derby Arms English Pub: a great little traditional pub at the far end of town, be sure to go on a Friday night and hear the talented Welsh folksinger John D. Kelly.
1923 Lake Street 707-942-9155
7. So Yuan Restaurant: Seczuan cuisine, pretty good
1144 Lincoln Avenue 707-942-9404
8. Villas Restaurant
1473 Lincoln Avenue 707-942-0713
9. Fellion's Delicatessen: good deli. perfect to get the picnic goodies
1359 Lincoln Avenue 707-942-6144
WINERIES
Please note that while I try to list all the wineries currently in operation, some do come and go rather quickly. All the information should be correct for 1994.
1. Arroyo Winery
2361 Greenwood Avenue 94515 707-942-6995
2. Chateau Montelena Winery: one of the Valley's beauties!
1429 Tubbs Lane 94515
3. Clos Pegas Winery: Outstanding for its contemporary architecture and collection of modern art on display in the winery
1060 Dunaweal Lane 94515 707-942-4981
4. Cuvaison Winery
4550 Silverado Trail North 707-942-6266
5. Dutch Henry Winery
4300 Silverado Trail 94515 707-942-5771
6. Richard L Graeser Winery
255 Petrified Forest Rd. 94515 707-942-4437
7. Mumm Napa Valley: the Napa Valley branch of the famous Mumm Champagne Cellars
8445 Silverado Trail 94515 707-942-3434
8. San Pietro Vara Vineyard & Wine Company
1171 Tubbs Lane 94515 707-942-0937
9. Schramsberg Vineyards
Schramsberg Road 94515 707-942-4558
10. Sterling Vineyards: Our one and only tram ride! The view at Sterling is breathtaking, the ride is fun, the wine is great, and the winery crowns a hilltop...who could ask for more?
1111 Dunaweal Lane 94515 707-942-3344
11. Stonegate Winery
1183 Dunaweal Lane 94515 707-942-6500
12. Storybook Winery
3835 Highway 128 94515 707-9425310
13. Von Strasser Winery
1510 Diamond Mt. Rd 94515 707-942-0930
14. Wermuth Winery
3924 Silverado Trail 94515 707-942-5924
SPECIAL TRIPS/TOURS
Stuff to do outside the food'n'wine trips! The entire Napa Valley area and surrounding region of Lake Berryessa, the Mayacamas mountains, Anderson Valley, Pope Valley, and other areas, offer many beautiful, unique, or just plain fun spots to visit for a day. Not all our treasures are bottled!
1. Calistoga Gliderport
1546 Lincoln Avenue 94515 707-942-5000 $79-150
See the Valley from the air by glider! On clear days, the vistas stretch from San Francisco/Mt. Tamalpias in Marin County to the Sierra foothills and mountains. Especially breathtaking is the rugged beauty of the Palisades, an ancient reminder of the volcanic nature of the Napa Valley region. Walk-ins taken as scheduling permits, reservations STRONGLY recommended.
Travel Notes: If you can time it just right and find a willing pilot, plan to go up at the end of the day and get them to cut loose a little. Be sure to call well in advance for tickets as they can get booked rapidly, especially in good weather. Also, prepare for cold and wear an extra sweater or jacket.
2. Old Faithful Geyser of California
1299 Tubbs Lane 94515 707-942-6463 Call for rates
Travel Notes: The Old Faithful is one of the 3 regularly erupting geysers in the world and a natural tribute to the hot springs legacy of the Calistoga region. Fed by an underground river and reaching temperatures of 350í F, the geyser spews a 60-foot stream of superheated water and steam about every 40 minutes, with a 2-4 minute period of actual eruption time. Earthquake activity can disrupt this regular cycle and it has been said the Old Faithful is also faithful in earthquake predictions! A fun place for a picnic and not too "touristy"...check it out!
Travel Notes: When Mt. St. Helena erupted over 7 million years ago, the resulting blast covered the mountain and immediate areas with a heavy layer of lava and ash. The rains following the blast turned the entire mountainsde into a massive river of mud which completely covered the mountainside forest in a thick layer of mineral-rich muddy ash. This is the very same pale-yellow ash and sandy soil you walk on throughout the Petrified Forest today. An interesting sight is that all the trees face in a southwesterly direction (away from the volcano) and supports the theory that the volcanic blast literally knocked al the trees over.
BALLOON RIDES
Travel Notes: Be sure to wear layered clothing, riding in balloons gets very cold very quickly, even on a warm morning. Be prepared to start at almost dawn and don't forget your camera!
