Lodging at a Glance: Calistoga Wine Way Inn

With its brand of homestyle hospitality, the Calistoga Wine Way Inn has been serving guests for over 40 years. All the quaint charm of this original Craftsman house remains—the uniquely decorated guest rooms are full of homey touches and antique accents. That doesn't mean they're not fully modernized, though; each room is equipped with complimentary WiFi. The inn is also surrounded by natural beauty; you can see Mount Saint Helena and the Palisades from the multilevel redwood deck in back.

• Sip vino visiting nearby wineries for a tasting.
• Start the day with snack pack breakfast, served each morning, and in-room coffee.
• Walk to the shops and restaurants in downtown Calistoga.
• Recent accolade: 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award.

Calistoga, California: Down-to-Earth Hamlet in Northern Napa Valley

The story goes like this: 19th-century developer Samuel Brannan wanted to create a West Coast version of Saratoga Springs (renowned at the time for its mineral spas), but he had been drinking when he made the announcement and so the name came out garbled as the "Calistoga of Sarifornia." This origin myth sounds a little fishy, but nevertheless, Brannan's vision of creating a relaxing-and-therapeutic Napa Valley getaway was eventually realized. Thanks to the area's natural hot springs, a slew of spas sprang up, offering restorative mineral soaks and mud baths. You can still find many such businesses peppered among the restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries lining Calistoga's quiet main street, which is set against a backdrop of rolling hills.

Those hills are home to some of Napa Valley's more than 400 wineries, many of which lie within a short drive of downtown Calistoga. The curious wine lover can choose from an array of vineyard experiences, ranging from tours to tastings at wineries modeled on English castles and Tuscan villas. One word of warning: many of these places require reservations, so be sure to book in advance.