Tucked away in the verdant Napa Valley, Calistoga offers a sublime (and casual) weekend escape where the sophistication of oenology meets the restorative powers of geothermal wonders. This charming California hamlet, with its rich history and boutique offerings, provides a lovely weekend getaway for elevating the senses and rejuvenating the spirit. Here is a curated guide to experiencing some of its under-the-radar gems and experiences.
STAY:
Brannan Cottage Inn
A historical cornerstone of Calistoga, Brannan Cottage Inn dates back to 1860, making it one of the few remaining structures built by Calistoga’s founder, Samuel Brannan. The Inn has been lovingly restored to maintain its Victorian charm while incorporating modern amenities. The property includes just six individually decorated rooms, each echoing the style of the era but with contemporary comforts such as heated floors (and toilet seats!), luxury linens, and beautiful murals. The intimate scale of the Inn allows for a personalized and off-the-beaten-path experience. Check-in is touchless (over text or phone) and the staff on site are all ready with a style. Beyond the historical charm, Brannan Cottage Inn offers an on-site café offering breakfast, sandwiches, salads and wine.
Sam's General Store at Brannan, outside areas and rooms
The outdoor spaces, including a quaint garden, provide a peaceful setting for sipping, reading (and letting your canine friends relax, too).
The Francis House
The Francis House stands as a monument to French Second Empire architecture, originally built in 1886 and meticulously restored over five years. Located on a residential corner only blocks from the main street of Calistoga, the building's exterior (made of old stone), surrounded by quiet gardens and sitting areas reminiscent of Europe, is striking. With only eight guest rooms, The Francis House offers exclusivity and privacy in equal measure- perhaps think of booking the whole place, including its suite out back, for an anniversary or gathering of friends. Each room, some with vaulted ceilings, is decorated with high-end finishes that blend historical elements with contemporary design. The outdoor pool, set within a courtyard of greenery (and a few whimsical sheep statues) adds to the tranquil ambiance.
Francis House pool and gardens, suite, and bedroom
The hotel features a saltwater pool, a sauna, and a tennis court. The owners are lovely, and offer curated local experiences, such as personalized wine tastings and cultural excursions, to provide guests with a customized and more boutique experience during their stay.
Perks when booking through Viewfinder Travel:
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Complimentary bottle of wine in room on arrival
Welcome treat in room on arrival
Complimentary Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley
A relative newcomer to Calistoga, the Four Seasons Resort blends the brand’s renowned refined elegance and luxury with the rustic charm of Napa Valley. Situated within a working vineyard, the resort offers an immersive experience that reflects the region’s viticultural heritage. The resort’s design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with each room featuring expansive windows and private terraces that offer sweeping views of the vineyards and mountains. The architecture and decor combine modern elegance with natural materials, creating a serene and sophisticated environment. The spacious accommodations are designed to capture the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, offering panoramic views of the rolling mountains and vineyards.
The resort boasts two outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a spa that offers treatments inspired by the surrounding vineyards. The on-site TRUSS Restaurant and Bar provides a culinary experience that highlights local ingredients, while the on-site winery allows guests to engage directly with the winemaking process.
Perks when booking through Viewfinder Travel:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining
$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Solage
Rooms and reception
Solage offers a sophisticated escape where contemporary design meets the healing powers of Calistoga’s natural springs. The chic, minimalist aesthetic of Solage is complemented by its geothermal pools, offering a serene environment where one can unwind and rejuvenate in style.The rooms and suites, each in its own “cabin”, are designed with a modern, understated aesthetic, each featuring outdoor spaces that connect guests to the natural beauty of the region. The resort’s signature Mudslide treatment is a highlight, utilizing the area’s volcanic ash to detoxify and rejuvenate. Solage offers a full-service spa with geothermal pools, a fitness center, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Solbar, known for its farm-to-table cuisine. The resort also provides bicycles for guests to explore the surrounding vineyards and countryside at their own pace.
Perks when booking through Viewfinder Travel:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom (up to a $45 per person value, does not include alcohol)
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out upon request (subject to availability)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Cottage Grove Inn
Rather hidden, on a quiet, tree-lined street, (across from Brannan Cottage), Cottage Grove Inn comprises 16 private cottages, each nestled among lush gardens and towering trees, creating a tranquil environment that feels secluded and connected to nature. Each cottage is a private sanctuary, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and hardwood floors that enhance the feeling of rustic luxury. The cottages are thoughtfully designed with attention to detail, from the plush king-sized beds draped in fine linens to the deep soaking tubs that invite relaxation. French doors open onto private porches where guests can enjoy a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine amidst the peaceful surroundings. A gourmet breakfast is served each morning, featuring locally sourced ingredients and freshly baked goods that can be enjoyed in the main house or delivered to your cottage. The Inn also provides complimentary bicycles for guests who wish to explore Calistoga at their own pace. The Inn blends the charm of a small inn with the privacy and luxury of a high-end retreat, and location, just a short walk from Calistoga’s main street, makes it easy for guests to explore the town’s shops, restaurants, and wineries .
PLAY:
Tedeschi Family Winery
Tedeschi Family Winery is a small, family-owned estate that prides itself on producing handcrafted wines with a deep connection to the land. The winery has been in the Tedeschi family for three generations, and their approach to winemaking reflects a commitment to quality over quantity. The tasting experience at Tedeschi is intimate and personal, often hosted by a member of the Tedeschi family. The winery specializes in small-batch wines, with their Petite Sirah being particularly noteworthy for its robust flavor profile and deep complexity. Guests can take part in private tours that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, including a walk through the vineyards and a visit to the cellar where the wines are aged.
Piazza Del Dotto
Piazza Del Dotto is part of the Del Dotto family of wineries, known for their opulent, Italian-inspired aesthetic. The Piazza itself feels like a piece of Tuscany transplanted into Napa Valley, with its grand architecture and elaborate cave tours. The winery offers an immersive experience that includes guided tours of their wine caves, where guests can sample wines directly from the barrel. The emphasis here is on sensory exploration, with tastings accompanied by artisanal foods designed to complement the wines. Piazza Del Dotto is particularly known for its wine-paired lunches, where guests can enjoy a meal featuring locally sourced ingredients alongside their tasting. The experience is designed to showcase the harmony between food and wine, with each course carefully curated to highlight the winery’s offerings.
Madrigal Family Winery
Madrigal Family Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that has been a fixture in Napa Valley for over three generations. The winery is set against the backdrop of the Mayacamas Mountains, offering a peaceful and scenic setting for wine tasting. Madrigal specializes in Rhone varietals, with a focus on producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy high-quality wines in a casual setting. In addition to standard tastings, Madrigal offers vineyard tours that provide insight into their sustainable farming practices. Guests can also participate in blending sessions, where they can create their own custom wine blend to take home.
von Strasser Family of Wines
Located on the slopes of Diamond Mountain, von Strasser Family of Wines is a boutique winery that specializes in single-vineyard wines. The winery’s remote location and serene setting make it a great discovery for wine enthusiasts looking to explore off the beaten path. von Strasser is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is produced in small quantities from select vineyard blocks. The winery offers private tastings that include a tour of the vineyards and a detailed explanation of their winemaking philosophy. These tastings provide a deeper understanding of the terroir-driven approach that defines von Strasser’s wines.
Chateau Montelena
This storied (and well-known) winery is not only a producer of exceptional Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also a landmark in the annals of winemaking history. Chateau Montelena’s victory at the 1976 Judgment of Paris cemented its place in oenological lore. The estate itself is a sight to behold, with its ivy-clad chateau and tranquil Jade Lake offering a picturesque setting for a leisurely afternoon.
UNWIND:
See Solage (above)
Indian Springs Resort and Spa
Indian Springs is one of Calistoga’s oldest and most iconic spa resorts, with a history dating back to the 19th century. The resort’s geyser-fed pools and volcanic mud baths have been attracting visitors for over a century, offering a quintessential Calistoga experience. The resort’s volcanic mud baths are a signature offering, combining local volcanic ash with natural hot spring water in a therapeutic soak that soothes both body and mind. The mineral pools, including the historic Olympic-sized pool, are another highlight, offering a relaxing way to experience the healing properties of Calistoga’s natural springs.
DINE:
Calistoga Depot
Calistoga Depot, train car shopping and dining
The Calistoga Depot is a significant historical landmark, being the second oldest train station in California. Built in 1868, it served as a vital hub for the transportation of goods and people during Calistoga’s early days. Today, the depot has been meticulously restored and repurposed as space to gather, with a distillery that produces craft spirits inspired by the region’s agricultural bounty.
The Depot dining and tasting areas
The revitalized space also houses a collection of restaurants that offer diverse culinary experiences, including a Mexican restaurant in the old train car, oysters outside in the garden, a store to purchase picnic items. The outdoor spaces surrounding the depot are beautifully landscaped, providing a welcoming environment for al fresco dining, community gatherings, and leisurely strolls. It is a beautifully- rendered blend of history, craftsmanship, and contemporary amenities makes, and a must-visit.
Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery
The Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery is a cherished establishment that has been serving both locals and visitors since 1920. (While the Inn no longer functions as a hotel in the traditional sense, it does offer a limited number of charming, budget-friendly rooms above the restaurant ). Located on the main thoroughfare of Lincoln Avenue, the Calistoga Inn is steeped in history, originally built as a hotel and later transitioning into a hub for dining and social gatherings. It played a significant role during Prohibition, cleverly repurposing its facilities to navigate the era's restrictions. Over the decades, the Inn has retained its historical charm, becoming an integral part of Calistoga’s cultural fabric.
The restaurant and brewery are warm and rustic. The interior combines classic woodwork with vintage décor, and the outdoor beer garden, with its shaded seating and views of the Napa River, offers a delightful setting for al fresco dining. The night I visited the highly-talented classical guitarist was drawing crowds from every direction. Among the standout menu offerings is the house-made pasta, which changes with the seasons, and the wood-fired pizzas, topped with locally sourced produce and artisanal cheeses. The Calistoga Inn also houses the Napa Valley Brewing Company, one of the first microbreweries established in the region.
Evangeline Restaurant
Evangeline is a charming bistro that brings a touch of New Orleans flair to the Napa Valley. Housed in a quaint, historic building that dates back to the early 20th century, the restaurant’s ambiance is a delightful blend of casual elegance and Southern hospitality. The interior features a cozy dining room with intimate tables, while the shaded patio offers a picturesque setting for alfresco dining.
Evangeline’s culinary approach is rooted in French Creole traditions, with a menu that highlights classic dishes infused with local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is known for its inventive takes on Southern staples, such as gumbo, shrimp and grits, and beignets, each prepared with a sophisticated twist that showcases the chef’s creativity. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, with a selection of both Napa Valley vintages and French.
Sarafornia Café
Sarafornia Café, fondly referred to as "Sara's" by locals, is a beloved Calistoga institution with a history that dates back to the early days of this charming town. The café's name is a playful nod to Calistoga's founder, Sam Brannan, who famously intended to call the town "Saratoga" after the famous New York spa, but in a moment of tipsy enthusiasm, coined the term "Calistoga" instead.
The café’s interior has a nostalgic diner vibe, complete with checkered floors, cozy booths, and vintage memorabilia that harken back to a simpler time. It is known for its hearty, no-nonsense American breakfast and lunch offerings. The menu features classic diner fare with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Signature dishes include their fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and the ever-popular "Hangtown Fry" – an oyster and bacon scramble that pays homage to California’s Gold Rush days. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors alike.
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Viewfinder Travel company is a boutique travel agency that designs unique, life enhancing experiences, and provides exceptional service. Whether you are in search of cultural sustenance, a relaxing island unwind, a gourmet escape, a picturesque countryside or the invigoration of a city, Viewfinder Travel will find your recipe for travel magic. We are reliable, detail-oriented, and have a flare for finding the beautiful, off the beaten path, “boutique” experiences so you can put your efforts into finding the fun and not into the logistics.
Our trips are curated with love, as if they were our own. Let our experience inform your discovery!
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