Calistoga with Palisades Mountains in background. Photo ©: Chick Harrity. Provided by the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce
Calistoga, located at the narrow northern end of the Napa Valley, and with the most stunning views of the Palisades Mountains, has always been considered a bit "funky." Originally founded by Sam Brannan in the 19th century as a resort for San Franciscans, Calistoga's main street, Lincoln Avenue, definitely retains a lot of the original "country western" look, without the chic and shiny look of St. Helena. Calistoga and its many spas celebrate wellness with an annual monthly long event each January, and the town holds several "Blues and Jazz" festivals throughout the year, a "Cinco de Mayo," 4th of July, and Christmas parades. Calistoga Ranch and the brand new Solage Resort offer high end lodgings and food to a very relaxed ambiance. Locals and visitors love the Calistoga Inn and Brewery, BarVino, Brannan's, and the new JoLe restaurant. The legendary Araujo Estates, Schramsberg Vineyards, and Chateu Montelena are in Calistoga, as well as the up-and-coming Rivers-Marie and Kelly Fleming Wines. This is an ideal place for hiking and biking-or just relaxing in many of the spas or wineries. Bottle Shock and several episodes of NBC's "The Bachelor" were filmed here.