Napa Valley is a wine, food, and spa lover’s paradise, which makes it the absolutely perfect weekend getaway for a girls trip. To past the time before my husband got home from a long basketball season in France, I was determined to go on all the girls trips that I possibly could and when I got the news that Calistoga Ranch had availability for Memorial Day Weekend, I knew that it would be the perfect occasion. I spent 48 hours in Napa Valley and it was just enough time to take in a little of what the area has to offer. If you only have a couple of days but want to make the most of your time in Napa, this itinerary is for you!
48 Hours in Napa Valley
Sip and savor at Clif Family Winery: Clif Family Winery is owned by the same family who created Clif Bars, and they are just as skilled at winemaking as they are as creating healthy snack bars! At Clif Family Winery, you can taste fine wines paired with delicious cuisine. During our tasting, we feasted on prime rib along with a bean salad and a kale salad, and the food and wine both set the standard very high for the rest of out trip. If you don’t have time for a full tasting, at least stop by their food truck and enjoy a glass of wine paired with delicious cuisines.
Eat your heart out: There is no shortage of delicious cuisine in Napa Valley. From roadside burgers to Michelin starred chefs, there is truly something for every foodie. During my 48 hour visit to Napa, I enjoyed quite a few lovely meals, including brunch at Evangeline, which features creole inspired dishes in a causal bistro setting. For dinner time, be sure to check out both Market and Archetype, which are both absolutely phenomenal.
Enjoy the view at Newton Vineyard: If I’m honest, the wine at Newton Vineyard wasn’t my favorite, but the views made it totally worth the visit. Perched atop Spring Mountain, Newton Vineyard boasts gorgeous scenic views of what feels like all of St. Helena. There are also beautiful picturesque gardens throughout the property. What I loved about our visit to Newton Vineyard is how much we learned about the grape harvesting and winemaking processes. I left with an all new respect for wine and more knowledge than I could have imagined of what goes into creating it.
Have a mud bath: Calistoga Ranch is a beautiful resort and the best word I can think of to describe it is “glamping.” The property is breathtaking and there are scenic hiking trails throughout that make it perfect for people who love the outdoors but don’t want to sacrifice luxury. The spa at Calistoga Ranch is part of what makes it such a great property and in true Napa Valley fashion, they offer a mud bath. Mud baths and mineral springs are part of what the Calistoga area is known for, so it’s definitely worth it to spend an afternoon having spa treatments after you’ve gotten wine wasted. Your skin will thank you for it.
Take a typical touristy photo: On your way out of Napa, a typical tourist photo is an absolute must! There are two of the iconic Napa Valley signs in the area, and they make the perfect destinations for a mini photo-shoot. You may have to wait in line for a few minutes as both signs tend to attract a crowd, but the photos are totally worth the wait!
Have you been to Napa Valley? If so, what were your favorite restaurants and activities?
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