Last month I was in Calistoga, a small town of about 5,000 people in the northern most part of California’s famous wine region, Napa Valley.
Calistoga is known for thermal hot springs, wineries, and volcanic mud baths, all of which I sampled, and will be writing more about.
In March the vines are just beginning to sprout a bit of leafy green color, and are still kind of bleak looking. Mustard plant which typically grows all across the valley in the spring, provides a bright yellow blanket of color. However, due to the long drought in California – no mustard. Just the bare brown vines.
In spite of the lack of sunny yellow mustard plants, the geography and flora of the area paint a peaceful picture for the eyes to gaze upon. The mountains lend color and texture along with the coastal live oak trees, olive trees, and beautiful madrone trees.
Calistoga is a wonderful small town; easy to navigate, with only one main road through the center of town. It is peaceful, a bit eccentric, definitely unique, and relaxing.
It had rained the day I took this photograph. Knowing that the light would be especially nice, I took off in search of a place to try to best capture it. I had just arrived in Napa the day before so I wasn’t sure which direction to go. I just lucked out and happened to find a pretty good spot at the right time.
Have you been to Napa? Do you have a favorite memory to share?
20 comments
Beautiful photo. There was a lot of mustard this year since we got significantly more rain than in the past 4 years. Maybe the yellow flowers weren’t prevalent in Calistoga (or you we’re a little too late), but they sure were in Oak Knoll, Stags Leap & Rutherford.
Hi Megan This was taken in 2014. No rain. And I was there end of March. Hopefully I’ll get some nice shots this trip
Beautiful photo. You captured the light at the perfect moment.
A little luck and then driving like crazy to be in the right place at the right time. Thanks Mary.
That’s a beautiful photo, Penny! I hope I have the opportunity to see you at the Castello again someday!
Warm regards,
Jim Sullivan
Thanks Jim. Me too!
Great shot! I’ve been to Napa as well as Sonoma. Neat places!
Thanks Raul!
Stunning picture! I love Calistoga, especially the spa treatments there.
Me too. I have lots more information on the spas coming soon. That is specifically why I went to Calistoga.
Looks gorgeous! Thankfully, Spain is full of vineyards, so I never have to go far to look for them. Come to think of it, you should probably visit.
I know! Ok, you’ve convinced me. I’ll have to message you now for dates. 🙂
One of my great regrets of my time in San Francisco is that I didn’t make it the Napa Valley. Your photo so makes me want to return. What a captivating image.
Well I’d only make the time to go to Napa if you love wine.
Lovely shot! Looks much more Mediterranean than I’d imagined Napa.
Thanks!
Gorgeous!! and well worth your efforts!
I thought so too. Thank you.
Great Photo………just beautiful
thanks!