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Step 1
Visit wineries. A number of Napa Valley's more than 200 wineries now charge a small fee for wine tastings, but many operations still offer samples of their wine for free. Many also give guided tours of their properties and wine cellars. Particularly interesting are the Sterling Winery, Robert Mondavi and Beringer.
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Step 2
Hike in Robert L. Stevenson State Park. This park is a scenic oasis in the middle of Napa Valley's wine estates. Located just north of Calistoga, the park is where the famous author spent his honeymoon in 1880. The honeymoon cabin is long gone, but the park's evergreen groves and dramatic canyons are reason enough to visit. Particularly noteworthy is the five-mile hike to the top of Mt. St. Helena for a sweeping view of the Bay Area.
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Step 3
Visit the Napa Firefighters' Museum. This small, free museum is located in the heart of downtown Napa and features an interesting collection of antique fire engines, dating back to the creation of the department in 1859. Also discover fire hydrants, extinguishers, toys, photos and old newspaper clippings. The museum is open year round on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Step 4
Explore Yountville's art galleries. The town of Yountville, near the geographic center of Napa Valley, is noted for its fine art galleries. Numbering more than a dozen, they feature everything from paintings to textiles to art glass. Of particular note are the Blue Heron Gallery and RAS Galleries, both on Washington Street. Buying isn't free, but enjoying the work of Napa Valley's many talented artists doesn't cost a thing.
Comments
hlthychoclitnut said
on 12/28/2008 Don't forget Temecula wineries down south. We have some awesome wineries.