Downtown Napa Fun Things
We are continually looking for new and exciting activities for our guests, so this list of favorite fun things is always growing and changing. There are also seasonal activities, such as the Mustard Festival, Napa Chef's Market, Third Thursday and special winery events
If you haven't been to downtown Napa lately, you don't know what you're missing.
Thanks to a glorious revitalization effort, Napa's historic riverfront district now encompasses superb dining, wine tasting, art, live performances and recreation - all within a short stroll or trolley ride from the inn.
Copia
(American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts) - Opened in late 2001,
COPIA combines culinary gardens, art exhibitions, wine and food programs and events such as "Friday night Flicks" and the "Monday Evening Concert Series".
Napa Valley Opera House
a centerpiece of Napa's cultural renaissance, the historic 1879 Opera House reopened in 2002 with a wide variety of matinee and evening performances ranging from jazz, theatre, comedy, classical, Broadway, opera and more.
Napa Valley Wine Train
An elegantly restored train, riders enjoy a leisurely journey through the valley while enjoying brunch, lunch or dinner. Special events such as Winemaker Dinners and Murder Mystery are also available.
Downtown Tasting Rooms
A recent and welcome addition to the downtown landscape are several intimate tasting rooms and wine bars. Within walking distance of the inn, these wine merchants offer not only an excellent selection of small-production and often elusive premium wines, but knowledgeable advice in a fun, casual atmosphere. As a guest of the Inn on Randolph, you'll be treated with special care. For information on special wine events at one of our favorites, check Back Room Wines.
River Activities
At the heart of downtown Napa's transformation is the meandering Napa River, one of the largest protected wetlands on the West Coast. Stroll and shop along the river or view the town from a different perspective - by canoe, kayak or luxury cruise. Options can be viewed at Napa River Adventures.
Outdoor Recreation
With its year round temperate climate and spectacular scenery, Napa is ideal for outdoor recreation. For the golfer, Napa's public course is located in nearby Kennedy Park and offers18 holes, plus a driving range and practice putting greens. If you would like a choice of two spectacular courses set among 150 acres of vineyards and protected openspace, there's Chardonnay Golf Club (also nearby). For special privileges and discounted rates, check the Specials page.
Restaurants
Napa boasts an ever-expanding number of superb restaurants, most within walking distance of the Inn on Randolph. From sushi to steak, tapas to tortillas, pasta to paella, eating well in Napa is not a problem! Choose a multi-course repast, or sample lighter fare at a café or wine bar. We provide menus for guests to peruse at their leisure and we'll be happy to provide suggestions, directions and reservation assistance.
Entertainment
Entertainment, especially in the evenings, has been long-awaited. Visitors and locals now have a variety of excellent options, from jazz several nights a week at Uva (a popular Italian eatery) to "Jammin at Jessels", where art, music and wine mingle in an intimate atmosphere. A recent addition is DG's, a jazz, blues and salsa club by night and art gallery by day. We maintain up-to-date entertainment information for our guests and can often pass along special offers.
Spas and Health Clubs
Exertec Fitness Club - Located within walking distance of the inn, facilities include a 25 yard indoor pool, aerobic studio, personal trainers, indoor cycling and gym equipment.
Guests of the inn are invited to enjoy the club during their stay with guest day passes ($10.), which include use of all facilities, as well as lockers and towels.
Napa Valley
Wineries are, of course, a major attraction. With over 250 within the Napa Valley, there are too many to mention here. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the choices and need help creating an itinerary, or just want to find some new wines for your collection, we can help. In addition to the basic tour and tasting room visit, we can suggest a number of special wine and food experiences and private tours. Offerings vary, so give us a call to see what's available during your stay.
Transportation
If you choose to drive, we'll be happy to help with maps, itinerary suggestions and reservations where needed. If you prefer to let someone else do the driving, may we offer two outstanding choices.
For an full day tour in the company of a small group of other wine explorers, the Napa Wine Shuttle is a good choice. You'll be picked up at the inn in the morning, treated to an informative day of tours and tasting at a variety of wineries, and returned late afternoon in time to relax before dinner.
For cruising in the privacy of your very own limo or town car, we suggest Beau Tours. If a restored 1947 Packard convertible is more to your liking, try Antique Tours. Both are available on an hourly rate (within minimums) and tours can be customized to your specifications.
Hot Air Ballooning
A dramatic and romantic way to enjoy the beauty of Wine Country is by air. Nothing can quite compare to floating over the Valley at sunrise. With our "Floating on Air" Special, you'll enjoy a narrated 1-hour flight, pre-flight muffins and beverages, post-flight champagne brunch and a certificate of ascension with commemorative balloon pin - all at a special rate.
Golf
How does golf among the vineyards sound? With 350 acres of golf and 150 acres of vineyards, Chardonnay Golf Club is beautiful and challenging course. Check our "Golf Special", where you'll receive special privileges and rates.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy a beautiful ride in Napa's Skyline Wilderness Park, where you'll ride up an old wagon road to Lake Marie in the heart of the park. Rides are geared to accommodate the novice or the experienced rider and are usually available during the spring, summer and fall months.
Outdoor Recreation
If you're looking for a spot to hike or bike, try one our parks. There's Alston Park, a 157 openspace park in the northwest hills of Napa with three miles of trails available to hikers and mountain bicyclists. A little farther north, between St. Helena and Calistoga, are two state parks. The Bale Grist Mill Historic Park offers a look at a flour mill operation dating back to before California was a state. The old 1846 mill has been restored to operation, complete with water wheel and millstones. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (just north of the Grist Mill) offers picnicking, swimming and hiking trails that go through strands of coast redwoods and forests of fir and madrone. Most of this park is rugged, with elevation from 300 to 2,000 ft.
Spas
For spa services that also include not only massage and facials but bath treatments, try Lavender Hill. This "garden spa" sits on a Calistoga hillside and offers volcanic mud, seaweed and aromatherapy mineral salt baths, as well as herbal bath wraps.
Other Fun Things in the Valley:
- Culinary Institute of America Cooking Demonstrations
- Art Galleries
- diRosa Art Preserve
- Napa Valley Museum
- Firefighters Museum
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
- Olive Oil Tasting
- Shopping
- Antiquing
- Relaxing at the Inn on Randolph!!! |