I know many people think Napa with kids is an oxymoron, but we love to escape to the wine country at least a few times a year as a family. The colors in the spring and fall are gorgeous, and over summer months it’s an easy way to escape foggy San Francisco (save winter visits for romance) for perfect swimming weather.
We feature The Westin Verasa Napa on Ciao Bambino and this was our home-base for our last trip. In addition to appreciating the all-suite set up for families, the location is excellent for urban activities. We always hit the Oxbow Market—it’s essentially an indoor farmers market with an array of unique treats from ice cream, to oysters, to wine, to cupcakes, i.e. something yummy for everyone.
Compared to pricing for the rest of the gourmet food in this area, the Oxbow Market is a bargain. If you’re a burger fan, Taylor’s Refresher (recently renamed Gott’s Roadside) is a must for a meal. Warning, it’s impossible to walk by Kara’s Cupcakes and not indulge. I left our s’mores cupcake in the car for 5 days on accident and I’m still crying about it.
A stop at Ritual Roasters is mandatory for coffee fans. Plus, who wouldn’t want to try something called Evil Twin Espresso?
Then, when everyone’s wired on sugar and coffee, take a drive up Silverado Trail for eye-popping scenery. My favorite spring shot from this year’s trip is this view of the bare branches against the mustard grass with the cherry blossoms in the background.
For more Photo Friday fun, head over to Delicious Baby.
Relevant Links:
Napa with kids – 5 kid-friendly activities
Napa family hotels
Things to do in Napa on Uptake.com
Google+
Topics: Blogsherpa, California, Destinations, Napa Valley, Photo Friday, Tips, USA