Napa Valley has been synonymous with good wine, fresh local produce, and good food. After all, the county is known as a hub for the California wine industry. The county is also known for other attractions, including their hiking trails, arts and culture, and hot air balloon tours. Here are other unique ways to enjoy this northern California county.
Have a Wine and Culinary Adventure
Any list about Napa Valley would surely start with its most obvious regional attraction. As a premier wine region, Napa Valley ranks among the best in the world. The region has hundreds of wineries and tasting rooms for connoisseurs and beginners. Over the years, Napa Valley’s wineries have perfected their craft and started producing the best Cabernets, Merlots, Chardonnays, and other varieties. In Napa Valley, visitors can also learn more about wines through classes hosted at several culinary schools. Participants can choose from a tasting class or hands-on cooking session. Some of the recipes taught in the sessions are for multi-course meals with their recommended wine pairing.
Ride a Hot Air Balloon
Exploring Napa Valley from the sky could be a memorable experience. The activity could be planned ahead of time and coordinated with local hot air balloon companies in the area. For a more exciting adventure, search for a Napa Valley hot air balloon festival near me for a comprehensive list of festival dates. From the hot air balloon, visitors can have a more scenic view of Napa Valley’s lush vineyards and hills. A balloon ride can be experienced with friends and family since a basket can accommodate at least 8 people or more per flight. A typical balloon tour lasts for about an hour or more. It is also dependent on the weather conditions.
Explore the Valley by Foot
After completing an air adventure, try to conquer the land. Napa Valley has a lot of scenic hiking trails. The Bothe Napa Valley State Park is one of the most accessible options in the area. Visitors can choose from a daytime hike or an overnight stay in the park’s camping grounds. Here, visitors will see forests of majestic redwood and Douglas fir when hiking through the park. Another option is to check out Skyline Wilderness Park, a more than 800-acre preserve managed by a nonprofit. The area is perfect for wildlife watching. For those who want to cool down after a hike, visit Lake Berryessa for swimming and other recreational water sports activities.
Relax in a Therapeutic Mud Bath
In Napa Valley, relaxing in a natural bath and spa is a thing. The county’s Calistoga area is known for its volcanic mud baths with natural minerals. Along the Calistoga’s town center, visitors can choose from different spas that provide a variety of mud-based therapeutic treatments. On the next trip to Napa Valley, sample the glorious wine and the exciting culinary offerings of the region. But also expand your horizons and explore the sky and the land. After all, there are multiple ways to enjoy the attractions of Napa Valley.