Description:
Everyone has a favorite winery in Napa. But not everyone knows where to get the best ice cream in town (organic, too!) or the location of an amazing hand-built playground for kids that will keep them happy for hours. Here, my top 7 hidden travel gems in Napa. The kinds of places we tell our friends about, but hope the tourists never discover.
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Playground Fantastico
Contact:
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Location:
- 2400 Old Sonoma Road
- Napa,CA94559
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Our Local Expert Says:
Best way to wear out kids between wine tastings.
Description:
One of those awe-inspiring projects built entirely with community energy and support, Playground Fantastico is unbelievably fun and cool. From the minute you spot the shiny rocket-shaped towers designed by architect Matt Eisenberg, you can see this is no ordinary park. There are stone geysers, castles, swinging ramps, and sculptures that give off strange sounds. Everything was designed with kid and community input and it's all whimsical and fun. The only issue is shade -- it gets hot in Napa in the summertime and the lot feels a little bare. The community is trying to address this with a fundraising effort to plant shade trees.
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Bistro Sabor
Contact:
- (707) 252-0555
- visit website
Location:
- 1126 First Street
- Napa,CA94559
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Our Local Expert Says:
Best -- and healthiest -- ceviche in the Bay Area (salmon!)
Description:
This hip, lighthearted bistro is the brainchild of Ariel Ceja, and it's a perfect incarnation of what the younger generation of Cejas wants to bring to Napa. One of the founding families of the Napa wine industry and one of the only Latino families who ended up founding and owning their own vineyard, the Cejas are deeply involved in all aspects of downtown Napa's recent resurrection. "Thank god someplace in Napa is now open til 2 a.m. for us nightowls!" someone recently posted on their Twitter page, and the sentiment is echoed all over town. (Downtown Napa hasn't exactly been known for its nightlife.) And now, with Saturdays featuring a live band playing salsa, meringue, cumbia, and more, Bistro Sabor is becoming a beacon for those who want to cut up a little when the tasting rooms close. But fun isn't the only reason to go; the food's fantastic, too. Sort of a savory romp through Latin American street food, Bistro Sabor serves up favorites with a twist. Not to be missed are the light and lime-y salmon ceviche tostadas, but come on Thursdays and you can have homey, filling pozole as well. Top off whatever you choose with an almond flan or a chocolate and cinnamon tart. And best... read more
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Three Twins Ice Cream
Contact:
- (707) 257-8946
- visit website
Location:
- 610 1st Street
- Napa,CA94559
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Our Local Expert Says:
Best rival for Ben & Jerry's crown
Description:
Considered the best organic ice cream in the country by some chefs, Three Twins has made a name for itself among ice cream afficionados with its incredibly creamy, certified organic scoops. There's a flavor for everyone--from Cookie Jar (vanilla with three types of cookies) to Mint Confetti to Strawberry Je Ne Sais Quoi (with a splash of balsamic vinegar), and of course the flavors change with the seasons. Perennial favorites include Chocolate Project (chocolate ice cream with fleck of dark chocolate, cacoa nibs, chocolate cookies and chocolate chips) and Madagascar Vanilla.
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Ceja Vineyards Wine Tasting Salon, Lounge and Art Gallery
Contact:
- (707) 255-3954
- visit website
Location:
- 1248 First Street
- Napa,CA94559
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Our Local Expert Says:
Best tasting room art
Description:
A little bit gallery, a little bit pouring room, a little bit family salon, Ceja Vineyards' new "tasting salon" in downtown Napa is just a lot of fun. A lively, "let us show you a good time" atmostphere prevails, courtesy of the good humored Ceja family members themselves. The Cejas are, like many of the Latino families in Napa, among the founding generation of the valley's winemaking industry. Proud of their Latin American heritage, the Cejas bring a bit of fiesta to liven up the pouring process. A block away is Ariel Ceja's Bistro Sabor, offering a great "small plates" menu consisting of specialties from all over Latin America. (Don't miss the salmon ceviche tostadas or the churros.)
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Balloons Above the Valley
Contact:
- +1 707 253 2222
- visit website
Location:
- 5091 Solano Avenue
- Napa,CA94558
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Our Local Expert Says:
Most memorable view of the Napa Valley
Description:
A hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley is an unforgettable way to commemorate your visit...and the Facebook photos will certainly be memorable! A typical adventure includes an hour-long balloon ride followed by a garden Champagne brunch, but several packages are available. The pilots are well-informed locals who tell you all about the history and culture of the Napa Valley while you soar above it. Launches begin at sunrise. Enjoy incredible aerial views of Napa vineyards. Wind conditions are a factor; if it's too windy balloons can't take off, but that's fairly rare.
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di Rosa Preserve (The)
Contact:
- +1 707 226 5991
- visit website
Location:
- 5200 Carneros Highway 121
- Napa,CA94559
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Map
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Our Local Expert Says:
Best place to see works by famous artists displayed in nature
Description:
Give yourself a couple of hours to immerse yourself in modern art, indoors and out, at the Di Rosa preserve. Created and curated by San Francisco art afficionados Rene and Veronica Di Rosa, the 217-acre preserve today showcases 2,200 works of art by more than 900 contemporary artists, most from northern Californi. Indoor galleries are well lit and organized, but the most fun is to be had wandering the trails through the meadows, where works of art pop out of you in surprising places. The art gallery and lawn area are available for rental for weddings and other special events.
- Destination(s): Napa Valley
- Type: Active/Adventure,Best of...,Cool and Hip,Kid Friendly,Off the Beaten Path
- 2 DAYS
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