The BLT Guidebook

Napa is not a new place for us. With its proximity to San Francisco (it’s actually in the North Bay region of the bay area) and some pockets of more affordable housing, living and traveling there within an hour drive was possible.

What is there to do there? Isn’t there only wine? Wine is definitely part of it, but it’s not everything! In a later post, we will discuss the different itineraries you could have, but this post is going to highlight what you could do in 24 hours in Napa Valley.

First stops:

No matter the time (could be 7 AM or 11 AM- literally anytime, Oxbow Market is the first stop. The front page of their website states “the local gathering place for great wine and food” and they are not wrong.

If you have never been, it’s an indoor market for all of your culinary needs! Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s nice to explore.

But first, coffee. Ritual coffee is named one of the best coffee roasters in San Fransisco. Here, you will find it nestled in the back of the market.

If you are on your way to a picnic or just want some great bread, Model Bakery is the place to be. Get there early for a shorter line.

If it’s late enough, Fieldwork Brewery is another stop on the list. Fieldwork Brewery is no longer in the market itself, but you can find it on a walk around to the outside of the building. The “market” includes what’s on that block of land as well.

On Saturdays, you can cross the street over the river and into downtown to find a Farmers Market tucked into a corner. We stopped here once and had the best crêpe from a food truck.

Second Stops:

If the sun is out (and even if it’s not), walking into downtown is a must. The downtown curves around the river in a picturesque way. Lining the river in this section of town are restaurants, a park, bridges, and simplicity. First Street Napa is used in lieu of “downtown.”

At first glance, there’s a mixture of casual and classy in terms of what you’d like to do. Do you want to eat at Azzurro Pizzeria e Enoteca or Don Perico Mexican Restaurant? Do you want to grab a beer at Downtown Joe’s or Napa Palisades Saloon? Whiskey, wine, cocktails, and every cuisine that you imagine also line the street.

Wine is also a must- whether Napa is a jumping off point to Yountville, St. Helena, or beyond, there is fantastic wine wherever you turn. Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena is one of our favorites for its farm-to-table food and its laid back atmosphere.

Not much of a drinker? No problem! Continue browsing First Street, take a drive to look at the unique architecture each winery has to offer, or head to the river for the day of kayaking.

Third Stops:

The evening can go wherever your heart desires-do you want to enjoy whiskey on the rooftop? Visit the river at sunset? Go to a concert? Make your way back to the Oxbow? During the summer, we were lucky to see a live performance at the Oxbow RiverStage, a pop up stage next to the Market. My in-laws are also fond of the Blue Note Napa, attending concerts there semi-regularly.

Lastly,

The next day could look like First Street Napa again- first stopping at Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company then heading to Copperfield’s Books Napa or Maker’s Market, a place where you can find American-made unique goods.

Honorable Mentions

The above list was geared to your average day out. Sometimes my husband and I will have days like this to get out and about and other times we are interested in heading to Napa for the above AND an outdoor active day (or just the outdoor part).

Other points of interest include:

• Sweeney’s Sports
• Kayaking the Napa River (launching at Kennedy Park- there’s multiple places you can launch from)
• Skyline Wilderness Park

*Note: Many photographs in this post were not my own, which is unusual! It happens sometimes. Please click the caption links to photo credit.