California Coast Road Trip: 24 Hours in Calistoga California
Day one of the California Coast road trip series: Day one was spent in Calistoga California, a city at the top of Napa Valley. In this travel blog post, I’ll be sharing where we ate, stayed, had a wine tasting, and the spots we explored.
Calistoga California is a great budget-friendly way to explore the Napa Valley area. It’s classy, yet laid back. This quaint town is known for its gorgeous castle-like wineries, hot springs, mud baths, delicious dining, and some of the best Napa Valley wines. The 24-hours spent here has me wanting to come back and stay for an entire week. Have you seen the Netflix movie Wine Country? It was filmed in Calistoga!
Our first couple of days of the California trip were spent in Lake Tahoe. When we were planning out our itinerary, we knew that we had to kick off the official road trip in Calistoga California. After spending three days with a large group of people, we needed a spot to unwind and decompress. The views, food, and wine were everything we dreamed of it to be. You don’t even have to be a wine lover to appreciate a place like this. You’ll be able to find hiking trails, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, cute shops, and spas to spoil yourself at during your trip. Calistoga is Napa’s #1 spot for spas!
FIRST STOP: CALISTOGA CALIFORNIA
Since we had less than 24 hours in Calistoga, we decided to visit a couple of wineries, enjoy our gorgeous hotel, walk the town and have dinner with some of Caitlin’s family. We didn’t want to overload the itinerary because that would take away the point of it being relaxing, and we had a long week of traveling ahead of us.
Our first stop in Calistoga California was the gorgeous Castello Di Amorosa winery, an authentically-built Tuscan castle that took over fourteen years to complete. This winery made you feel as if you took a plane to another country. It was constructed with 8,000 tons of Napa Valley stone and iron and brick imported from Europe. The 121,000 square foot castle had all the features of a fairytale castle with a drawbridge, moat, prison, chapel, and gargoyles. Castello Di Amorosa is known for its heavenly Italian-style wines, and it’s the perfect place to escape to for a change in scenery.
CASTELLO DI AMOROSA WINERY
You can experience more than wine tastings here. What’s a castle without a grand ball? Make sure to check out their events calendar for parties, dinners, and celebrations. If we didn’t have an appointment for a wine tasting at another winery, we would have taken the tour! After seeing this place in person, I’d recommend taking that tour if you can. And if you do, come back here and tell me all about it. I had been looking forward to the wine tasting at Chateau Montelena Winery for months! The estate is drop-dead gorgeous.
Most people know of Chateau Montelena as the famous winery that won with it’s Chardonnay against nine wines from France at the “Judgment of Paris,” a blind taste test competition. This tasting was what broke the misconception that only great wines could be grown in France. After reading about the history of this winery, I was eager to join a wine tasting and experience it all, especially the Chardonnay! You may also recognize this winery if you’ve ever seen the movie Bottle Shock!
WINE TASTING AT CHATEAU MONTELENA WINERY
Chateau Montelena was so kind enough to give us a complimentary wine tasting, and our wine steward was so incredibly knowledgeable. He loved answering our questions, and when we were finished, I felt like I learned so much about the process of winemaking. It’s a beautiful craft.
We tried the Potter Valley Riesling, Napa Valley Chardonnay, Napa Valley Zinfandel, and the Napa Valley Petite Sirah. There wasn’t a wine I didn’t like. I usually lean more towards a red, but even their white wines had my taste buds dancing. After our tasting, I purchased the Napa Valley Zinfandel and the Petite Sirah. I knew my brother, a red wine lover, would enjoy these!
If you can’t make it out to Napa Valley anytime soon, check out their online shop to have it sent to you! 🍷
Exploring the grounds and beautiful gardens was the best way to end our time at Chateau Montelena. Again, this place will make you feel like you’re no longer in the United States.
(dress details)
After touring a few wineries, it was time to get settled into our hotel for the night! Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa were so kind as to host us, and their lodge was a dream. What better way to end a day of wine tasting than with their mineral pools, a whimsical spa, lawn games, or a walk down the street into town?
WHERE TO STAY: CALISTOGA MOTOR LODGE
We loved the laid-back and chill feel of this place, and the whole vibe was relaxing. The layout was unique, retro, and not like your typical hotel. The convenience of everything was ideal for a traveler; Parking right by your rooms, dog-friendly, drinks & snacks at the front desk, the most delicious coffee, and steps away from the quaint downtown area. Don’t feel like walking? No big deal, they have complimentary bikes for their guests, too! You can tell so much work was put into the design and hospitality of this fun spot. I would 1000000% come back and stay for a more extended period. And the best part? It looks like a fancy Napa Valley hotel, but it’s very affordable. I’m really looking forward to traveling back to try out their new restaurant once it’s finished.
I couldn’t stop taking photos of this place. I hope you enjoy the overload.
When you visit, make sure to set up an appointment at the spa. It’s not one of those “be quiet and talk to no one” kind of spas. As I said, this place is laid back. The spa is meant for good-spirited fun while relaxing during your trip. You can treat yourself to a mineral water-fed pool, cover yourself at the apply-your own mud bar, or try one of their massages. If you’re big into CBD, you should look up their spa menu and sign up for a CBD soak or CBD massage.
We stayed in the Camper King Suite. The room came with custom-designed hoodie bathrobes, complimentary high-speed internet, a mini-fridge, large screen T.V., rainfall showers filled with signature grapefruit sage scented products from MoonAcre Spa, and daily fresh ground organic pour-over coffee! Are you kidding me? Can every hotel get on this coffee level, please! There’s nothing better than waking up early and being able to make your own coffee instead of waiting for a restaurant to open up. Plus, pour-over coffee is the queen of all coffee. When you check into the hotel, they give you a little jar of fresh ground coffee to take back to the room with you. As a coffee lover, I really appreciated that.
**stay tuned on my Instagram for a special giveaway announcement coming soon* *hint* hint* ^^^
After getting checked into the hotel and exploring a bit, we headed to Tank Garage Winery for another wine tasting. Tank Garage Winery is a 1930’s era gas station turned into a fun and retro tasting room. If you’ve been touring all the fancy Napa Wineries all day and need a change in scenery, this is it.
TANK GARAGE WINERY
The tasting was at your own pace type of thing. Since we were meeting up with Caitlin’s family, it was nice to have them come to the table to pour, talk a bit about the wine, and let you enjoy it at your own pace. They serve limited production, one-off wines, and change them up with the seasons.
After all the wine, and walking around the town, we were so ready for dinner!
skirt / eyelet top / necklace / straw bag / tassels on bag / boho slide sandalsWhile looking for places to eat in Calistoga, I came across Sam’s Social Club. I took one look at the menu and knew right away that this was the spot!
WHERE TO EAT: SAM’S SOCIAL CLUB
The restaurant itself is charming, and from the outside, it looks like a movie set with a gorgeous Napa Valley sunset backdrop. The inside interior is so fun and vibrant, perfect for any occasion! You can choose to sit inside or outside, but I was ready to cool off from walking around outdoors. Sam’s Social Club is a farm to table restaurant serving seasonal food with an always-changing menu. They were excellent about accommodating allergies at the table and went out of their way to offer substitutes to make sure we had a great dinner experience. I always like to mention when the service at a restaurant is spectacular, and this place was indeed that.
It was so hard to decide on a meal. Everything on the menu looked fantastic!
WHAT TO ORDER: SAM’S SOCIAL CLUB
Because I do not like oysters, I started with the butter lettuce salad. The colorful plate was filled with avocadoes, radishes, shallots, micro herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette. It doesn’t get more refreshing than that!
Caitlin and her cousins shared the chilled hog island oysters which came with housemade amber mignonette, hot sauce, and cocktail sauce. The presentation was pretty, and I’ll go by their reactions, and say that these were also a pretty good menu item to start with!
For my entree, I ordered the Piri Piri Pepper Chicken. It had free-range Mary’s chicken with rosemary brine, haricots verts, almonds, and grilled lemon. I also had garlic jalapeno aioli on top.
The food was a 10/10, and I really hope you consider this spot during your Calistoga trip!
Ending the night at the Calistoga Motor Lodge pool was one of the most relaxing parts of the day. The weather was fantastic, they had lawn games, the fireplaces were cozy, and we met some cool people that we talked to for a while. I think the down to earth people vacationing here is what made me love it even more. It definitely went high above my expectations.
We were up bright and early on Tuesday morning. I wanted to have some time to enjoy coffee, go for a run, and pack up before heading to our next location. The cool thing about making this California trip during the week is you don’t have to deal with a crowd of travelers.
This morning view had me second-guessing the rest of our trip. I almost said, “let’s just stay here the whole time”, and the funny thing is Caitlin would have probably agreed with me. Calistoga is a unique place filled with kind people, great food, and I’m so excited to get back there. I can’t wait until my vlog is finished because you’ll be able to see this photo come to life. It was as dreamy as it looks.
After packing up, we headed to Soul Rebel Coffee for smoothies for the road. We didn’t have time to sit down and enjoy a big breakfast since we had a long trip planned for the day, and this spot looked like the perfect place. There’s a reason this place has a five-star review on Yelp. The friendliness of the man working was something I’ve never seen before.
COFFEE, JUICE, & SMOOTHIES – SOUL REBEL COFFEE
The coffee shop was a small bar area made for to-go orders, or you could sit outside on their patio surrounded by picnic tables and plants. When it was my turn to order, I told the man working to make my smoothie as green as possible, and he was so awesome at accommodating my request. He made us feel like locals that had been coming in for years, or as if we were friends. This is a perfect spot for coffee, pastries, smoothies, acai bowls, or other tasty breakfast items on their menu. I’m so happy we stopped in here before leaving Calistoga!
I’m so excited to get the rest of the California Coast road trip series up for you! I have five blogs ready to go, and each one will have a fun giveaway included. When I’m finished with all of the blogs, I’ll add a separate post with our entire itinerary that you can print as a guide to help you plan your trip along the coast! 💜 I’m also working on the travel vlog for this trip, which is turning out so fun! I can’t wait for you to watch it.
Questions for you!
- Have you ever been to Napa Valley?
- Is traveling the California Coast on your bucket list?
- Where did your last road trip take you?
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Amanda says
#1!
I’ve never been to Napa Valley, but I definitely want to do. I’d love to travel the California Coast.
Our last road trip was to Vermont. We go there a lot. i’m not the best in the car. I’d prefer to fly, but you can’t get better scenery!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Amanda!
The California Coast trip was a dream! I hope you add it to your travel plans in the future! xo
oh, and Vermont is on my list!!
Nicole says
#2
I love Calistoga and your pictures were so pretty. I have family that lived in Santa Rosa so we would always take summer road trips from Oregon to visit them and we’d drive through Calistoga. I have so many great memories from those trips. My family lost their home a couple years ago during the horrible fire that was in Santa Rosa and they now live in Windsor while their neighborhood is rebuilt. I’ve been really wanting to go see them myself and your blog post has made me start to plan!
I’m so excited to read your post about San Francisco! It is one of my favorite cities. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Nicole!
Thank you so so much!
I’m so happy you experienced the beauty of Calistoga! & so sorry to hear about your family’s home 😞 Praying that they have a quick rebuild! I can’t imagine how awful that must have been.
San Fransisco is my next blog, although we only spent an hour there!
Megan says
#1 🙂
Is traveling the California Coast on your bucket list?
YES – I’m hoping to plan a trip next spring 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I hope you go! How fun!
Alaina says
#1
I’ve never been to Napa Valley but would love to go despite not being a huge wine fan! Maybe this would change my mind!
Taralynn McNitt says
I like wine, but it’s not something I live for, but this was certainly a fun place and you get to learn a lot about the wine which I found interesting!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Megan!
You won #1 giveaway! Please email me for next steps! Congrats!
Megan says
#2
Where did your last road trip take you?
My last “big” road trip was from Charleston, SC to Salt Lake City, UT. In a few weeks, I’ll be re-locating to Houston for a year for residency…so I’m road tripping from Charleston, SC to Houston 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow! Now, that’s an epic road trip!
Hope you enjoy Houston! I hear wonderful things 😊
Jennifer K. says
Love all of your pictures and recommendations! My husband and I did a quick stop in Napa a couple of years ago, but we definitely need to go back!! We ran a 1/2 marathon in San Francisco and then hopped in the car and headed for Napa. We actually spent most of our limited time at Castello Di Amorosa! Can’t wait to see the rest of your adventure.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Jennifer!
That is so awesome, and I bet ending your running portion of the trip in Napa was the best way to celebrate!
Did you get to do the tour at Castello Di Amorosa!? I bet it was amazing!
xo
sarah says
Yes! My husband and I went 11 years ago, spent 4 days in napa and 3 in SFO. Would love to go back!
#2
Taralynn McNitt says
So fun! ❤️ I hope to visit Napa longer like you did.
Tina says
My husband and I took our first trip to Napa over 20 yrs ago when we rented a convertible and drove up the Pacific Coast Highway then all the way to Napa. We’ve visited Napa every year since. Our next visit will be in September after we road trip it to Long Island’s North Fork to check out some wineries close to home
Taralynn McNitt says
That is so fun! & I love that you keep going back to Napa. I do not blame you 😊
Have so much fun on your upcoming trip!
Sarah says
Our last road trip was years ago, but we are getting ready to take one to NY this Saturday to visit family and friends.
Taralynn McNitt says
So fun!!
Sarah says
oops #1
Taralynn McNitt says
Got it! ❤️
Catherine says
We did a California road trip last year – it was the most amazing trip we’ve ever done. We also went to The Castello and loved it! We booked the wine tour and it was perfect – we went after the in-laws had been and raved about it. Ended up buying some delish rose to bring home and we weren’t disappointed! Looking forward to your other road trip posts! #1
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Catherine!
I’m so happy you also did the California Coast trip! It’s truly unbelievable! Castello was so cool, wasn’t it! I’m not a Rose lover, but the Rose I had in Napa was actually really good!
Raeleen Gutierrez says
I love the way you blog!You share such great information, I would never had known about these spots without your blogs. I would like a chance to win the candle, #1, thanks! Now on to the questions;
Have you ever been to Napa Valley? I haven’t yet, but it’s definitely on my travel list!
Is traveling the California Coast on your bucket list? Although I am a California girl, I haven’t had the chance to drive the coast and stay up there. It’s a big bucket list item for sure. I love my state!
Where did your last road trip take you?
My last road trip was in 2015 and we drove to Denver, Colorado. It was such a fun trip and a beautiful drive.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Raeleen!
Thank you for the sweet words! 😃
Glad to hear that Napa is on your travel list.
You’re way too close to NOT do the drive!! You must.
I bet that was a gorgeous trip out west! 💕
xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Your roadtrip looks amazing! 🙂 I wish I could go on one in the US one day. I’ve only been on one roadtrip in my entire life and that was through different parts of Japan a month ago… (it was fun haha!) ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Charmaine! I love hearing about your adventures as well, and I hope you do make it to the states soon!
Victoria Walker says
I lived in LA for four years during college and never did a proper trip up the coast – one of my biggest regrets. It’s now at the top of my bucket list for the next year 🙂
#1
Taralynn McNitt says
So fun! You must go 😃
Erin says
I’ve only been to Napa once for a wedding. Would love to go back and check out Calistoga!
#1, please!
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow, what a gorgeous spot to get married!
Rachel says
I’ve never been to Napa Valley but I think it be a great place to plan my next girl’s trip!
#2
Taralynn McNitt says
An amazing girls trip spot~
Danette says
I’ve never had a chance to go thru Napa…yet. I’ve found people are so friendly in my travels of California!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes they are 😊
Stephany Porter says
I have not ever been to Napa Valley, but it looks like I need to go! Everything about this trip so far looks like my style. I’d love to enter for #1
Taralynn McNitt says
You should most definitely go!!
Lorna McClusky says
Yes. Yes. Oklahoma City. #1
Taralynn McNitt says
👍
Lauren Tunberg says
I’ve never been to Cali but it is DEFINITELY on the bucket list!!
#1 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Glad it’s on your bucket list!!
Amy T says
Have you ever been to Napa Valley?
No, sadly I haven’t yet, but would love to!
#1
Is traveling the California Coast on your bucket list?
YES! And I’ve already done parts of it. I’ve driven several hours along Pacific Coast Highway from Sanfran and did it again when I was in LA area to drive up to Malibu.
I would love to take time off and travel the entire coast of Cali…That state definitely has a piece of my heart!
#2
Taralynn McNitt says
I hope you visit soon!
Ahhhhh so glad you did that drive! How amazing 😊
Muge says
#1 – My last road trip to Toronto and it was so much fun. However, we stayed with Airbnb first time ever and we had a horrible experience. It was super hot and humid, there was no AC in the room and we had to leave 1 day earlier than planned because we could not take it anymore.
Taralynn McNitt says
Sorry, you had a bad Airbnb experience! 😢
Brooklyn Murtaugh says
What a perfect 24 hours! Everything looks incredible.
I absolutely want to do a California Coast road trip. Living in Vancouver, I would love to take a few weeks and drive down the coast to California. Hope I get the opportunity one day!
Giveaway #1 please!
Taralynn McNitt says
Definitely a great 24 hours 😊
Oh my gosh you would LOVE that drive!!!
Jacqui says
Your photos are absolutely INCREDIBLE! Now I’m definitely considering Calistoga as a honeymoon!!!
Have you ever been to Napa Valley? – We drove up from LA to visit a single winery one day and loved it, but I haven’t had a chance to really explore!
Is traveling the California Coast on your bucket list? – I would say that it wasn’t, but you might change that 🙂
Where did your last road trip take you? – We drove down to North Carolina from PA last fall! Gorgeous
Giveaway #1 please! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you so much, Jacqui!
A honeymoon in Calistoga would be perfect!!!
I bet that was a gorgeous fall road trip!!
Erica says
Love this post, the colors are so vibrant!!
Have you ever been to Napa Valley? I’ve never been, it looks amazing 🙂
Is traveling the California Coast on your bucket list? I’ve never considered it, but it looks beautiful and I’m looking forward to the other blogs
Where did your last road trip take you? I live on an island, we do road trips quiet often around our province but to get off the island in car is a bit of a ferry ride! Plane is much easier 🙂
#1 for the give away 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you, Erica!!!
You live on an island? umm HOW COOL!!
Haley says
#1!!!
Have you ever been to Napa Valley?
-No, but it’s on my bucket list to go with my life long bff!
Is traveling the California Coast on your bucket list?
-yes! I have never been to Cali and there are so many cities there I want to visit! (I can die happy if I take a pic with the Full House house)
Where did your last road trip take you?
-Savannah, GA /Tybee Island—- can’t wait to go back!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Ahhh such a fun trip to go on with your bff!!
Ahhhh the best trip! LOVE LOVE LOVE Savannah!! ❤️
Meghan says
#1
I visited Napa with my mom as a girls trip a couple of years ago. It was such a fun mother daughter trip and so relaxing. We didn’t make it to Calistoga but after reading your blog it is on my list of places to visit.
Taralynn McNitt says
Such a fun girl’s trip spot!
Melissa Moore says
I’m a California native, but I’ve never spent time in Napa! #1
Taralynn McNitt says
Hope you get to go soon!
Melissa Moore says
I love the California coast, and traveling it is with my kids is on my bucket list! #2
Taralynn McNitt says
What a fun trip to do with your kids!!
Courtney says
Hi Taralynn!
My last road trip was to Lake Lure, North Carolina. It was absolutely beautiful! The lake we stayed at was surrounded by mountains so the views were always amazing. They had the best hiking at Chimney Rock State Park and some of the best food. We also took a day trip up to Asheville to tour the Biltmore Estate because I saw one of your blogs where you went there and raved about it. We absolutely LOVED it and we can’t wait to go back!
I’d like to enter in for #1, please 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
I love lake lure!! ♥️ You just hit all of my favorite spots!!
Stephanie says
This looks like such a fun trip! #1 Please!
Have you ever been to Napa Valley? I’ve been to California, but not Napa Valley. It is definitely on my bucket list.
Taralynn McNitt says
You must go!
Connie Randazzo says
My 2nd post- Forgot to say your pics are great and looks like a wonderful time!! Also wanted to say on my last road trip we did not have a specific plan and we just did what you wanted to do as we were driving along and thought of. Also wanted to say on my last road trip we did not have a specific plan and we just did what we wanted to do as we were driving along and thought of it It was great because there was no stress to be anywhere at a certain time and we just did what we wanted. I do hope to see places along the California coast one day !
Taralynn McNitt says
Sounds like the best time!!
Madison says
Oh my goodness girl, you’ve got me dying for a glass of wine.
I have not been to Napa but it is so high on my list. I’m hoping to go there for my bachelorette weekend oneday in the near future. Your pictures have got me wanting to go so bad.
Also I love the clothes you’re wearing. SO chic but functional looking.
I noticed you have a small camera with you on this trip. Do you leave the DSLR when you go adventuring? I’m trying to decide what I should do because it is a pain to haul!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Madison!!
That would be a great place for a class and relaxing bachelorette party for sure!
I take my smaller camera with me just about everywhere! I did bring the bigger one with me to California but didn’t use it as much. I love my Canon Powershot! It’s small and takes great photos!
Stephanie says
#1
No, but I really want to! Actually, a California northern coast trip has been on my bucket list for awhile. We don’t road trip too far from home (midwest), but I think a girls road trip would be the most fun!
Taralynn McNitt says
I think you should totally do it! Even the drive out west crossing all the other states would be such an adventure!!
Brittany says
Our last road trip took us to Estes Park, Colorado…beautiful!!
(#1 ;))
Taralynn McNitt says
Bet that was gorgeous!
Kiera Stachowiak says
#1! I’ve never been to Napa Valley! But last November, my boyfriend and I went on a wine tour in Seneca Valley in NY (The Finger Lakes) and we absolutely loved it!! We were there right as the leaves were changing which made the whole weekend feel even more magical and cozy. We were in a tiny town so walking around experiencing the local life was so much fun
Taralynn McNitt says
Ohhh that sounds like a dream spot!! I’ll have to look into that. Especially in the fall!
Danielle says
#1. I’ve wanted to do a huge road trip starting in Sedona and then winding up the California coast to end all the way up in Vancouver. It might be years from now due to having two kids under 2 🙈 but that hasn’t stopped me from daydreaming of a girls trip to Napa now! Your photography skills are on point (I’ve been following your blog since Chicago). Last road trip I went on was when my husband and I rented a car and drove from Spain to Paris. We saw a lot of fields dedicated to wine but no official wineries
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow, what an incredible trip that must have been!!!
Brittany says
Another recent road trip was to Asheville. We did some hiking, brewery hopping, and visited the Biltmore. So much fun! I enjoyed reading your blogs about your trip to the Biltmore!
(#2 ;))
Taralynn McNitt says
Love love love Asheville! I need to go back soon 😃
Jamie says
I’ve never been to Napa but it’s on my list! Living in LA, the California coastline is one of my favorite, most peaceful drives. The last trip I took was to Austin to visit friends, which was a nice little getaway. But I have my sights on an international trip next. Maybe Amsterdam! #1 please 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Austin is high on my places to travel to 😊
ohhhh Amsterdam would be gorgeous
Kelly says
Hi Taralynn!
Wow! Reading your blogs is making want to go to CA right now!
1. I have been to California but have never been to Napa Valley before but I want to go!!
2. Is traveling the California Coast on your bucket list? Absolutely!
3. My last road trip took me to where I am right now, which is St. Louis to visit my lovely family 🙂
#1 please!!
Can’t wait to read more about your CA adventures!
Kelly
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Kelly!
Thanks so much 😃
Hope you had fun in St. Louis!!
Heather says
My last road trip was to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to visit my parents. It’s a long drive from High Point, N.C., but it’s also pretty. #1 😊
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww! Yay Iowa! 😊 Oh, I know that drive all too well!
Kelly says
Hi Taralynn!
Question for you…. in your vlogmas you always showed your pour over coffee…. what brand of kettle/pour over set do you use? I have been wanting to invest in one 🙂
and… #2
Kelly
Taralynn McNitt says
A Chemex! 🙂
Leslie Rhodes says
I have been to Napa/Sonoma several times & LOVE It. We especially love Calistoga too! It is so laid back & beautiful!
#1
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re so right about that!
Haley says
#1
Have you ever been to Napa Valley?
-Not yet! It’s a trip me and my bff want to do!
Is traveling the California Coast on your bucket list?
-yes! So many places in Cali I want to go! I would die happy if I could take a pic with the Full House house!
Where did your last road trip take you?
-Savannah, Georgia!! My favorite city I’ve ever been too!
Taralynn McNitt says
I have to agree about Savannah ❤️
Brittany M. says
Our last road trip was over 4th of July holiday and we went to a Memphis, TN! It’s one of my favorite places. We did two escape rooms, went to the zoo, shopped, museums, etc. we go once or twice a year and it never gets old!
#1 for the giveaway
Taralynn McNitt says
So fun!!
Brittany Meacham says
I have never been to Napa, but I have been to Downey, California to visit my aunt. We went to Disney and Knott’s Berry Farm. It was really fun! I would love to visit some wineries. They are so beautiful!
#2 for the giveaway
Taralynn McNitt says
Sounds like so much fun ♥️
Kaylin says
#1
I have been very close to Napa Valley area once before and it was just beautiful. I want to back. And I especially want to do a California road trip sometime! So many places in California I want to visit, I can’t even name them all here. Top ones are probably Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh, man Yosemite is on my list!
Paige says
#1
My last far road trip was to Charleston from wisconsin! I would LOVE to go Napa and love all the spots you went to!
Taralynn McNitt says
Charleston is one of my favorites!
Ron Rose says
As a calistoga resident I appreciate your visit and very positive remarks. I’m glad to hear that you had a great time. I wanted to let you know that you didn’t get a chance to visit what I think is the best restaurant in Calistoga. The Calistoga Inn is perched right next to the Napa River and has a wonderful garden area. Enormous in fact. The food is in my opinion the best in our area, specializing in seafood especially. All thoughtfully sourced. Give it a try next time. I am not affiliated. Just appreciate good food and beverage services.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ron!
Thank you so much for the suggestions and the next time I visit, I’ll certainly stop in!
Ashley says
#1
I have never been to Napa Valley, but I grew up in Southern California! It seems like a totally different place than Northern California and I would love to visit!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! California is like 10 states all in one! different vibes in every city & i love it!
Ashley says
#2
My last road trip took me to Bend, Oregon. I live in Portland but I spent the 4th of July in Bend hiking with my boyfriend and my dog! I would love to go to Napa! It looks beautiful. I’m glad you had a good time!
Taralynn McNitt says
So fun!!! My brother just got back from Oregon and he said it was unreal!
Emily says
#1
My last road trip was from Nashville to Louisville! Not the longest road trip in the world, but we made a day out of it by stopping at Mammoth Cave National park 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Sounds like a blast and sometimes short road trips are the best kinds! xo
Emily says
#2
Traveling the California Coast was not on my bucket list previously, but I have a feeling once you’re done with these posts it will be! Lake Tahoe and now Calistoga are officially on my list because of you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Ahhh! I hope you visit all of these places, and I promise that cali coast trip is so worth it!
Ann says
💜💜#1 💜💜
As I was was reading through this post, I told my husband that Napa Valley area, now Calistoga, is on the list! It sounded so enjoyable! The last road trip I took was along the Michigan coast, Lake Michigan side, which was beautiful too, but Napa Valley……….💜
Taralynn McNitt says
Yay! So glad you’ve added it to your list. It’s a dream spot! 🙂
Melissa says
Beautiful photos. I’ve been to Napa once and only went to one winery. I’m trying to figure out how to go to that winery after reading this post lol. I’m lucky that I’m from Southern california and went to school in central California so I’ve hit a lot of the hot spots. Still so much more to see. My last road trip was to Palm Springs to kick off summer
Taralynn McNitt says
Ohhh Palm springs is on my bucket list!
Skyler says
#2
My last road trip was to Crested Butte in Colorado! I live in Denver and it is one of my favorite mountain towns. My friend just had her bachelorette weekend in Napa and it looked like so much fun. I enjoyed reading about your trip and need to go soon! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds so fun! I hope you get to visit soon! 😊
Emily says
Napa is for sure on my bucket list! One day! #2
Taralynn McNitt says
Hope you go soon!
Ky Tran says
Our last road trip took us to Colorado Springs and we got engaged at the Royal Gorge 😍 #2
Taralynn McNitt says
How sweet! ♥️
Connie randazzo says
1) i’ve never been to Napa Valley but my son has And he said it was one of the most beautiful places he has seen. 2) It was sort of on my bucket list because I’ve always thought that would be nice to do but now it definitely is on my bucket list! 3) my last road trip was from New Orleans, thru cities in GA, NC, SC, beaches along the way too, and back home thru GA to LA. ((( I will make a second post with one more piece of info )))
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s a gorgeous spot!!
That sounds like an amazing road trip!:)
Alex says
Loved seeing your trip and that awesome place you stayed in Calistoga! 😍 I live in CA and am thinking of taking a road trip there soon.
The last road trip my husband and I went on was when we went camping at Shasta Lake. It was a blast!
Giveaway #1
Taralynn McNitt says
That is awesome, and you should most definitely take a trip there!
Shasta Lake sounds like the perfect summer spot!
Kate says
If you get back to Calistoga, a tour of Castello di Amorosa is a MUST! My husband and I did the tour a couple of years ago and the place is SPECTACULAR! We were there the night before their Halloween party and it was all decked out. We loved Napa and definitely plan to go back. There is SO much to do (and so much wine to try!)!
It’s been a while since I’ve taken a road trip, but my mom and I are taking a girls trip to Portland, Maine this weekend to hit the beaches. I can’t wait!
Taralynn McNitt says
ughhhh I neeeeeed to get to Portland Maine!!!
I am totally going to go back to Calistoga! & I’ll make sure to do that tour! 😀
Kate says
Sterling Vineyards is a great spot to tour in Calistoga too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Adding to the list!!
Kelsey W. says
Our last road trip took us to Charlottesville, Virginia! We planned our anniversary weekend there and spent a few days eating at a lot of cool, locally-owned restaurants and then we hiked in Shenandoah National Park! It was about a 4 hour drive from our home in Maryland. The biggest roadtrip I ever did was by myself and I drove from Baltimore to Los Angeles and back. California was definitely one of my favorite states to drive through, so I would love to do a roadtrip down the entire coast!
#1 please 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh man, I am so close to there! I need to make a trip!
Jorden W says
Never been to Napa but OH MAN does it look gorgeous! Would love to visit one day!
#1
Taralynn McNitt says
😃
Jayna says
Giveaway #1!
Not sure if I would want to do the whole coast but San Francisco has been on my bucket list for some time now. Would love to get out there and explore! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
A great spot!!
Ashley says
#1
California looks like it has the most beautiful scenery! I’d love to go one day
Taralynn McNitt says
One of the prettiest states!
Amanda says
#1
I’ve never been to Napa Valley. Def, on my bucket list. I’ve never been to California. Crazy, I know. I always lived in the east coast, but now I’m a little closer and hope to go one day. The last road trip I took was North Carolina to New Hampshire, on my way to a friends wedding.
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s such a long trip, so I totally get it! I think you’d love it though!:D
Mikayla says
I have never been to Napa Valley but it has definitely been on my bucket list for awhile. Seeing this post makes me want to visit even more! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hope you go soon!!
Mikayla says
I have never been to Napa Valley but it has been on my bucket list for awhile! Seeing this post makes me want to go even more! 🙂
#1
Taralynn McNitt says
Hope you go soon!
Juhi says
#1!
I’ve been to Napa before but never on an overnight trip! I really want to visit one of these places – I had no idea a pretty much real life caste was in Napa too!
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes you have to go back! I wanna go for a longer period of time!
Em says
#1!
1.Have you ever been to Napa Valley? Yes! Believe it or not, I just got back from Calistoga with my family!
2.Is traveling the California Coast on your bucket list? Yes! I’d love to drive across the really high bridge over the ocean (from the opening credits of Big Little Lies). It looks gorgeous!
3.Where did your last road trip take you? Oh gosh it’s been so long I can’t remember… maybe Austin, TX?
Taralynn McNitt says
Didn’t you love it! 😊 what a great place to go to!!!
Brittany says
Love, love, love this post 🙂 Just reading this brought me back to my Napa adventures with my mom back when I was in college! I went to school in the Bay area and everytime my mom would come to visit, she just felt that it was hard to have 1×1 girl time SO we went to Napa together one weekend and we had an absolute blast!! Now that I am not living in California anymore, I want to go back to Napa for another girls weekend 🙂
Anywho, loved this post (as usual). Can’t wait to read more!
#1 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Brittany!
I love that you and your mom went to Napa together! How special 😊
xo xo
Shellie says
#1 Never been to California would love to some day!! Last trip was Charleston SC. Your trip looks like so much fun!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Love Charleston!
Caitlin says
Giveaway Option #1. I have never been on a California road trip but it is definitely on my bucket list. Since wineries are such a large part of napa valley I am waiting until my younger sister, who is currently 20, turns 21 so that we can go and explore Napa Valley and all it has to offer together. Thank you for sharing! Calistoga looks beautiful and I will definitely be adding it to places to stop at!
Taralynn McNitt says
What a fun trip to do with your sister!!
Sarah says
#2
I haven’t been to Napa Valley, but I’ve been to Sonoma for a wine tour and loved it!
I would love to travel the California Coast in a road trip!
Our last road trip was to Michigan and we are going there again in two weeks! This time we are going to Travers City and Mackinac Island!
Taralynn McNitt says
Ohhh Sonoma is on my list!
Have so much fun in Michigan!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Sarah!
You won #2 giveaway! Please email me for the next steps! Congrats!
Marilyn says
I’ve been to the Napa Valley and Sonoma area many times. I live in the Sacramento area, so they’re pretty close by. I’ve never been to Calistoga specifically. Thanks for the recommendations! Would love either giveaway.
Taralynn McNitt says
Ohhh, I think you’d love Calistoga and I’m so jealous you live so close! Also, you should check out the giveaway on my instagram since you live so close! 😀
Susie says
#1
OMG, you find the best spots! Just gorgeous.
I’m from California and I’ve been to Napa, but never for wine tasting. That will soon change, lol! I’m in love with your Castello di Amorosa pictures and absolutely must go once we return from vacation in August. Only thing I’m torn about is whether or not to take my 4 year old daughter. She’s really into the Disney princesses and would simply squeal at visiting a real castle! But not sure how other visitors would like that (I read that children are allowed but many reviewers were not thrilled with that rule)…
My last road trip was to Monterey, CA. So pretty.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Susie!!!
YOU MUST GO!! & make sure to check out my Instagram for the latest giveaway since you live so close!!!
I bet your daughter would have a blast! I’d go during the day because there were tons of kids there and sometimes you have to ignore what others think! It’s your life and if you think your daughter would love it, GO FOR IT, GIRL! 😊
Ashley says
I visited Napa briefly in the winter, but we were only passing through! I’d love to return during their harvest season!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hope you visit soon!
Mary says
I’d love to visit!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’m sure you’d love it. Hope you visit soon!
Lacey says
#1 I have never been to Napa Valley but I would LOVE to go. I’ve heard really great things and I think it would make a fun girls trip!
Taralynn McNitt says
The best girl’s trip!
Lacey says
#2 My last road trip took me to Lake Geneva, IL. It is absolutely beautiful there! It was so nice to escape the busy city of Chicago for a weekend 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Ohhh that sounds gorgeous!
LJ says
#2 Traveling to California is definitely on my bucket list! #2
Taralynn McNitt says
YES!!
Heather says
#1 🙂
I have never been to California but its definitely on my bucket list, hopefully sooner rather than later! I’ve only been to one vineyard and that was in Pahrump, Nevada. It was lovely but when all said and done you’re still in Nevada. Want to indulge in California and the vineyards there!
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet it was gorgeous though!😊 Hope you get to visit Cali soon! xo
Rachel says
I havent been to Nappa Valley or California but definitely on my bucket list, especially after this blog! My last road trip was to Mackinaw Island in northern Michigan
#1 or #2
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Rachel!
I need to make it up to Michigan to explore more soon!
Hannah R says
I have never been to Napa Valley, but all of your photos look SO dreamy ♥ It’s definitely a place I want to visit sometime! I would love to try out the candle! SO, I’m voting for your giveaway #1! I can’t wait to read the next stops!! This trips looks amazing!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Hannah!!! xo xo
christina says
#1!
I love Napa Valley! It’s a great spot for a chill bachelorette party.
Taralynn McNitt says
Definitely!
christina says
#2!
The last road trip we did was to Tahoe in the spring. It was so gorgeous!
Taralynn McNitt says
LOVE LOVE LOVE TAHOE!
Elise says
#2. I have never been to Napa Valley and even though I’m not a huge wine lover it has always been on my bucket list and after this post make that a trip of the California Coast. I have actually never been on a true road trip, but have always wanted to so am excited to see the rest of the itineraries and hoping I can follow in your path one day! Thanks for sharing!! I always love seeing your travels and food recommendations!
Taralynn McNitt says
Not a huge wine lover either (more of a coffee nerd) but napa is so worth it!!
Tara says
What a beautiful place! I can’t wait to try!! I have only been to L.A. and the surrounding beaches but I would LOVE to do the entire coast! Either 1 or 2 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Such a fun trip!
Heather says
#1
I’m from the Midwest, so I’d love to go to CA, but it’s so expensive to fly there. Looks beautiful though!
Taralynn McNitt says
♥️
Jess says
#1 – haven’t been to Napa yet but its on my bucket list and will be visiting in september! We are also staying at Calistoga Motor Lodge and so excited when I saw this on your blog!
Taralynn McNitt says
OH YAY!!!!! You’re going to love it!!!