1-2-3 Travel Planner: Napa Valley

Napa Valley is one of the most beautiful areas around. With its rolling hills of vineyards, you'll get an immediate sense of serenity and peacefulness as you drive along the country roads sprinkled with wineries. If you are planning a weekend getaway to Napa Valley, you may be having difficulty deciding where to stay, what to do and where to eat. We've made travel planning easy for you: one hotel, two dining choices and three activities. So pack your bag, we're going to the Wine Country!

STAY
When in Napa Valley stay at Napa Valley Inn.
Located in the old Historic Napa Mill, the Napa Valley Inn has been completely renovated into one of Napa's luxury boutique hotels. Ideally situated in downtown Napa, this beautiful waterfront hotel is close to many of the area's top wineries and activities. Guests will be treated to amazing accommodations and amenities including: personalized California basket upon arrival; complimentary breakfast delivery; evening wine tasting; complimentary wireless Internet; Napa Valley Spa toiletries; refrigerator with complimentary water bottles; and nightly turn down service. Small and medium pets are welcome for an additional $25 pet fee. Pet amenities include: pet blanket; stainless steel food and water bowls; Napa Valley-based Cab-Bone-Nay or Char-Dog-Nay dog biscuits; and a list of pet services offered in the area. There is an on-site market, gift and wine shop. Many rooms offer fireplaces and river views.

Napa River Inn
500 Main Street
Napa CA 94559
877.251.8500

EAT
When in Napa Valley Eat at Gillwoods Cafe in St. Helena
A little bit of a drive, especially since there's a Gillwoods Cafe located right in downtown Napa, but the St. Helena location is the one with the quaint small town atmosphere. Located on Main Street in St. Helena, Gillwoods Cafe offers one of the best breakfasts around and serves it all day long. The Huevos Rancheros is delicious and is topped with a nice spicy Rancheros Salsa with cheese. Try their Scrambles for a different take on the traditional scrambled egg breakfast entree. The Scrambles options include: the Salmon which includes two eggs scrambled with salmon, cream cheese and capers; the Gillwoods which includes two eggs scrambled with Applewood smoked bacon, mushrooms, chives, tomatoes, cheddar and jack cheese; and the Ortega which includes two scrambled eggs with green chili peppers, cheddar and jack cheese. The wait staff is friendly with exceptional service.

Gillwoods Cafe
1313 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
707.963.1788

When in Napa Valley Eat at Rutherford Grill
This well-known amazing restaurant has been located in Rutherford since 1994. Rutherford Grill is popular among locals as well as visitors for its wonderful cuisine. From the "Hacked" Chicken Salad to the Bangers and Mash, Rutherford Grill has an extensive menu that is sure to please every palate. The Rutherford Rib Eye is a fabulous entree and the grilled artichoke is a favorite of many. The homemade cornbread is to die for. The restaurant gets packed, especially on the weekends, so reservations are a must.

Rutherford Grill
1180 Rutherford Rd
Rutherford, CA 94573
707) 963-1792

DO
When in Napa Valley You Must Go Wine Tasting
With numerous wineries around every bend in the road, you must spend some time wine tasting. From small intimate wineries to the big production wineries, you'll find tasting prices range from $5 a tasting on up. Plan your trip in advance to make sure you hit the key wineries on your list. Also, not every winery is open 7 days a week or they may require appointments, so double check hours and dates when making your list. Not sure what wineries to visit? Check out this writer's list of top ten Napa Valley wineries here.

When in Napa Valley Take a Balloon Ride
What better way to see the beautiful Napa Valley then soaring overhead in a hot air balloon. Napa Valley Balloons has been providing aerial tours of the valley for over 28 years. Each balloon holds up to ten passengers and each tour lasts an hour. Prices start at $199 per person which includes a pre-flight continental breakfast and post-flight champagne brunch.

Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.
Post Office Box 2860
Yountville, California 94599
800.253.2224

When in Napa Valley Head to the Culinary Institute of America
Plan a trip to the premium culinary college in the world-The Culinary Institute of America. One of three locations (New York, California and Texas), the Napa Valley school is a definite must to visit. Besides offering top programs for budding chefs, the CIA also offers tours to the general public. Scheduled tours are on Mondays at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesdays at 4 p.m., Wednesdays at 4 p.m., and Thursdays at 4 p.m. Tour prices are $5 per person. Reservations are required. The architecture alone is worth a trip. A unique experience for all.

The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
2555 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
1.800.CULINARY

Now that you have all the details for a ideal getaway to Napa Valley, place your reservations and be ready for a memorable trip.