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| calistoga |
Calistoga is a small, unpretentious city at the northern end of the Napa Valley. Known for its spas, mineral water hot springs, mud baths, wineries and natural wonders, Calistoga has retained the feel of the "old" Napa Valley and its Western roots.
In 1859, Samuel Brannan, a wealthy San Francisco executive, realized the area’s hot springs and natural mineral hot water geysers could be the beginning of a perfect resort location. As folklore has it, Brannan was drinking and dining with friends one evening, when he declared he would make the area "the Sarasota of California!" but it came out, "the Calistoga of Sarafornia!" Hence the town’s name. Brannan also started planting grapevines in the fertile soil. This early heritage reflected in the town’s 30 wineries and restored historic buildings, which are now bed and breakfast inns, fine restaurants, gift boutiques, art galleries and a western museum. Its downtown streets, shaded by mature trees, invite leisurely strolling.
Visitors still escape to Calistoga for its luxurious spas, hot springs and soothing mud baths made with steaming mineral water from a geothermal underground lake. That same water feeds the Old faithful Geyser of California, which erupts about every 40 minutes. The town offers the quiet beauty of the Petrified Forest, where the tallest petrified trees in the world were first discovered in the 1870s. Three California state parks are also located within five miles of downtown. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival’s two-month season celebrates the
region’s agricultural and cultural riches, and Calistoga plays a part in many of the activities. Other ongoing events include tours and picnics at the town’s wineries, wine tasting, Victorian stained glass shows, blues concerts, farmers’ and chefs’ markets.
After enjoying Calistoga’s museums and galleries, which showcase California’s history and the works of regional artists, one can head outdoors for a balloon ride over California’s finest wineries.
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