Calistoga

I just got back from a mini-vacation. The vacation took place in a little slice of heaven called Calistoga. I basically spent every day going to wineries, soaking in the sites, window shopping in cute little shops, eating delicious food, taking mud baths, getting massages, and swimming in pools of mineral water.

Things that I love about Calistoga:

- It is a small town, with charm and character. I could see myself living here. Living a calm life. Drinking great wine. Getting to know my neighbors. Being happy.
- There is no shortage of entertaining things to do: from mud baths to Italian castles, wine tasting to petrified forests and old faithful geysers. Ok, so the place is a little touristy. But, the amount of tourists is minimal given Calistoga's up-most northern position in Napa Valley. Most tourists never make it up that far. Calistoga is like a hidden gem that only the die hard wine-aficionados make it to.
- There is a great grocery store in the middle of town. I love grocery stores. I don't know why, I just do. Especially grocery stores with organic meats and produce, and rows filled with delectable cheeses.
- There are no annoying restaurant chains (aka, fast food chains) or things like Embassy Suites. All of the restaurants and hotels in town are unique and one of a kind.
- The food is amazing. All the restaurants and bakeries are just delectable. For a town of 5000, this is quite an accomplishment.
- The scenery is a picture of bliss. Rows after rows of grape vines, making vineyards, surrounded by roses, which in turn are surrounded by lush green mountains.

Here are a couple of the pictures I took while on vacation:

Need I say more?