Calistoga
Founded in the 1880s by California’s first millionaire Samuel Brannan, Calistoga remains a small and earthy town in the northernmost part of the Napa Valley. Home to a number of health spas that take advantage of the town’s natural hot springs, the town has always been focused on relaxation and rejuvenation. This attitude is reflected in the people of Calistoga, who are as great an attraction to the town as the beautiful scenery that surrounds it.
Calistoga is now home to 5300 people and a host of great visitor attractions, such as the Petrified Forest and the Old Faithful Geyser and more recently venues such as the Castello di Amorosa, a spectacular re-creation of a 13th century Italian Castle and Safari West, a wild animal park just a few minutes out of town.
For nature lovers, there is hiking on Mount St. Helena on the Oat Hill Mine trail. The Napa County Fairgrounds are located in Calistoga and feature a golf course, RV campgrounds and SOMETHING car races in the summer. Music events include the Marsh jazz festival and the Downtown Blues Fest in October.
Calistoga is also home to numerous wineries and fine restaurants. This is a place for people who want to know their neighbors but also be a part of an active social life. Restaurants are open later, there are often live bands playing in intimate venues and home is usually a brisk walk away.
Here are some informational resources on Calistoga:
- The Calistoga Chamber of Commerce and their Events Page
- Calistoga City Hall can answer many of your questions regarding the town.
- If you have children, be sure to check out the Calistoga Joint Unified School District website!
- Calistoga is also home to a great RV Park.
- Every summer the Napa County Fair takes place in Calistoga. Fun for the whole family!
- The Calistoga Farmer's Market is another summer staple.
- It may come as a surprise, but just down the road is Safari West where you can see all sorts of
African animals and even go on a safari!
- The Sharpsteen Museum is the host of Calistoga's history.