Calistoga is one of Wine Country's charming towns, Main street is full of great shops and restaurants (kind of like San Anselmo!) and it is close to many famous wineries. Among them are Chateau Montelena (of the 1976 Paris blind-tasting fame), Sterling Vineyards (where you arrive via solar-powered aerial tramway) and Castello di Amorosa, a faithful recreation of an Italian medieval castle.

Our favorite reason to visit Calistoga is of course the hot springs. It hosts internationally-known Spas with natural geothermal waters and mud baths. The waters are beyond relaxing and are said to hold healing properties.

"The town also hosts numerous music and wine events each year, including the Calistoga March Music Festival (second weekend in March), free weekly Concerts in Pioneer Park (June through mid-August), as well as year-round parades (July 4th Silverado Parade & Napa County Fair, Halloween Parade and the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade on the first Saturday in December). The Napa Valley Opera House, a variety of outdoor concerts, film festivals and art events at wineries are other entertainment options in the Calistoga area. " Information from: www.calistogavisitors.com