To get a better feel for Napa Valley and enjoy dinner and wine at the same time, we took advantage of the Napa Valley Wine Train. The train depot is located only three short blocks from our home base at the Napa Valley Expo RV Park. We hopped aboard an air-conditioned restored vintage train taking us on a three-hour journey through some of the most beautiful vineyards and small towns. Towns known for great restaurants and wine such as St. Helena, Calistoga, and Yountville.
We arrived at the train depot at 10:30 a.m. for registration. As we waited for our train departure, we were served some local wine with a short seminar given by their vintner. The train left the station promptly at 11:30 a.m. As the train left Napa, we ordered our meal (yellow fin tuna—excellent) with a David Mondavi chardonnay. After dinner was finished, we were invited to another rail car set-up in lounge fashion. Our comfy swivel chair faced the window and we were served dessert and coffee. There is also a wine tasting bar, but we took our time with the sweet Tiramisu (heaven in your mouth) and perfectly brewed coffee.
Our trip accomplished exactly what we wanted. A relaxing day after yesterday’s whirlwind of activities, an escape from the heat; and most importantly, getting an idea how we will plan our outings during the remainder of our stay in Napa.
I am trying to talk Mike into a mud bath at a spa in Calistoga. Do you think he will go for it? No, I do not think he will do it, either.
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Terry, a couple of suggestions for your time in Napa: For hiking, visit Skyline Wilderness park, a big regional park on the south side of Napa. You could also check out the campground while you are there - we alternate between Skyline Wilderness CG and the Napa Elks when we stay in Napa. Skyline is much more rustic than the Expo, but the price is much better and we like the access to hiking trails.
ReplyDeleteFor a fun day trip, we like to drive up north of Yountville to the little crossroads of Oakville. Stop in the Oakville Grocery for picnic supplies, then turn west and take the Oakville Cross Road to the Sonoma Valley, also laden with vineyards. Jack London Historic State Park in Glen Ellen is a nice place for a picnic and some history, then continue south to the town of Sonoma and enjoy the bustling central plaza there (and have a coffee and dessert). Take Hwy 12 back home to Napa.
Petaluma is another town we really enjoy, with a pretty drive to get there. All the towns in your area have good restaurants and cafes... a real plus!
Also, when driving in the Napa Valley, the Silverado trail, on the east side, carries FAR LESS traffic than Hwy 29, the main N/S route - and is a beautiful drive.
We love that area - and know you are having fun!
Safe travels
Thanks, Laurie. We are missing our daily walks/hikes and your suggested hiking locations are greatly appreciated. The weather is perfect today (Thursday) and we are looking forward to some new sights. Thanks!
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