After a long holiday with my live-in mother-in-law, I needed a getaway.  She talks all day- every day- about nothing of value and about people whom I have never met before.  I try and tune out her ramblings, but sometimes all I could really use is a few days (ok, who are we kidding– the rest of my life) without having to hear her nonsense anymore!

A relaxing choice for an after holiday getaway would be to go to Bordeaux, France and indulge in the world’s first official wine spa, the Caudalie Vinotherapie® Spa.  The exclusive spa is located in the middle of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards; it is next to the Sources de Caudalie hotel just outside of Bordeaux.

Their Vinothérapie® (wine therapy) treatments combine minerals, natural spring water and wine & grape extracts. The wine’s high antioxidant levels are supposed to firm the skin and slow the aging process.  Who doesn’t want to look and feel younger?

After a long holiday with my mother-in-law, I always feel as though I have aged a few years, so this is perfect!

Located between Calistoga and Santa Rosa, Safari West maintains over 400 acres with some 350 species of animals. 2 1⁄2 hour tours are led by resident naturalists, with half the time being spent in an open-air safari vehicle, and half on foot. The organization offers regular tours, private twilight safaris in the summer with wine and cheese (from 7:00 until the sun is gone), and private sunset safaris in the spring and fall, also featuring wine and cheese. Various renditions of these private tours occur on holidays.

2. SOAR IN A HOT AIR BALLOON

In Napa, at least, most hot air balloon rides begin before dawn in order to take advantage of the optimal air currents and atmospheric conditions. There are many companies operating rides, and different options are available. Some, for example, include various types of brunches and/or wines. The hour you are in the air is spectacular. Adventures Aloft: 800-944-4408 Balloons Above the Valley: 800-464-6824 Calistoga Ballooning: 800-359-6272 Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.:800-253-2224 Up & Away Ballooning: 707-836-0171.

3. SHOP

There are some wonderful shopping opportunities in the Valley, beginning with the revitalized downtown area of Napa, and going all the way north to Calistoga. We can’t list every specialty shop in wine country, but the following are some of the places to go. Downtown Napa The Hatt Market in Napa Southern Yountville, including Vintage 1870 Shops Napa Valley Grapevine Wreath Company in Rutherford Olive Oil Shop at the corner of Rt. 29 and Rutherford Rd. Main St. in St. Helena Lincoln Ave. in Calistoga Ca’ Toga Galleria in Calistoga, featuring works of resident artist Carlo Marchiori.

4. CYCLE THE CIRCUIT

There are few places in the world better suited to biking than the Napa Valley. In the morning temperatures are jacket cool (even in the summer) and early evenings are very pleasant. Even in the middle of the day, the dry heat lends itself to cycling. There are tours available that combine biking and wine tasting, or you can plan your own schedule. Napa Valley Bike Tours707-251-8687  St. Helena Cyclery: 707-963-7736 Napa Valley Bike Tours: 707-2453

5. ENJOY MUDBATHS & SPAS

There are some beautiful hotels and country clubs in the Napa Valley offering modern health clubs and spas, but when most people refer to a spa in wine country, they are speaking of Calistoga, a town founded in the 1860′s for its volcanic ash and peat-moss mud and mineral baths. Calistoga sits near natural mineral and mud springs, as well as near functioning hot water geysers, thus making it the ideal spot to luxuriate. For more information we suggest you go On Line, or contact the Chamber of Commerce.

6. FLY SILENTLY

Is there anything more peaceful (unless you’re a nervous wreck) than riding smoothly and silently through the air in a glider? Crazy Creek Gliders operated out of Calistoga for years, and has moved about 20 – 30 minutes north to Middletown to keep up with their expansion and need to park more planes. You can choose from varying lengths of rides. reservations call 707-987-9112

7. SIX FLAGS MARINE WORLD

Located in Vallejo, about an hour from mid Valley, is Six Flags Marine World, America’s only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park. Need one say more? For more information call 707-644-4000

8. GOLF (ALWAYS GOLF)

There are only a few courses in the Napa Valley itself, but at least the golfer won’t have to go cold turkey. You can find one 18 hole public course in Napa, and two 9 hole public courses – one in Yountville and one in Calistoga. Private links include 18 holes at both Silverado and Chardonnay Country Clubs, and a 9 hole at Meadowood country club.  Chardonnay Golf Club: 707-257-1900 Napa Municipal Course: 707-255-433 Vintner’s Golf Club: 707-944-1992.

9. THERE IS WATER IN NAPA

Napa River Adventures offers a variety of water-craft that allows people of all ages and abilities to experience the beautiful Napa Valley, and the Napa River. Regularly scheduled cruises on an electric, luxury riverboat offer the opportunity to relax in comfort on a guided narrated tour of current river developments, local history and ecology. You will enjoy the gorgeous sweeping vistas of the mountains, and see and learn about wildlife such as the Great Blue Heron, the osprey, the egret, and the kingfisher. You can also bring wine. Canoes and kayaks are available for those looking to get a closer look into the wetlands and surrounding marshes. For more information and reservations call:707-224-9080.

10. FESTIVALS AND ARTS

Throughout the year there are dozens of festivals honoring many things that have nothing to do with wine, as well as a number of shows, concerts, and arts demonstrations. To name a few, we let you know there is the Napa Valley Dog Show, The Zarzuela Opera Festival, The Napa Chef’s Market, The Wine Country Film Festival, The Music Festival for Health, Bluegrass jams, The Micro-Brew Fest, The Mustard Festival, The Memorial Weekend Sprint Car Races, The Silverado Parade, The Napa Valley Shakespeare Festival, and The Antique Car Show. We recommend calling the various Chambers of Commerce for more information. Calistoga: 707-942-6333 Napa:707-254-1142 St. Helena: 707-963-4456 Yountville: 707-944-0904.

Info compiled by Sally’s Place! Thanks Sally!