scarlett's country inn (707-942-6669; $135-$205), midway
between calistoga and st. helena, is a hidden little b&b
featuring a hot tub, pool, and one of the most congenial hosts
around. the inn at southbridge (800-520-6800; $290), in st. helena,
was recently opened by the folks who brought you the meadowood
resort.
villagio inn & spa (800-351-1133; $250) is one of the
valley's newest luxury hotels, complete with spa and faux-roman
ruins.
nightlife
the 1351 lounge (707-963-1969) is the hippest nightspot in
the entire valley. also, no other place stays open as late - until
2 a.m.
getting around
there are many ways, other than by car, to explore the napa valley.
bicycle rentals (
st. helena cyclery, 707-963-7736) are
plentiful. there are also a handful of hot air balloon companies;
adventures aloft (800-944-4408) and
napa valley
balloons (800-253-2224) are two of the oldest. horseback riding
is available through
napa valley trail rides (707-996-8566).
sail up the napa river with
five star yacht charters
(415-332-7187), or take a train ride on the
napa valley wine
train (800-427-4124), featuring vintage cars and a wine tasting
bar.
for more information
visit
www.napavalley.com or
call (707) 226-7459. -
a cultural eden
a cultural eden
napa valley's new copia is expected to be the epicenter of american
food, wine, and art - a synergy that noted oenophile robert mondavi
(above) calls a celebration of "the american passion for living
well."
if renowned winemaker robert mondavi has a muse, her name must
surely be copia, the roman goddess of abundance and the namesake of
the american center for wine,
food & the arts opening in napa
november 18.