Hotel at a Glance: The Craftsman Inn

When Nick and Gillian Kite decided to convert a historic Craftsman-style home into an inn, they aimed to create the kind of inn that they’d like to visit themselves. They updated the interior of the registered historic 100-year-old Napa Valley landmark, giving each spacious room a clean, modern look. Best yet, the inn is surrounded by Napa wine country and not far from Sonoma, Russian River, and Alexander Valleys wineries.

• Start the day: with snack pack breakfast and in-room coffee.
• Where you'll stay: Each room is uniquely decorated and features a private bathroom.
• Conveniently located just a two-minute walk from downtown Calistoga's shops and restaurants.
• Recent accolade: A 2020 TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award.

Calistoga, California: Down-to-Earth Hamlet in Northern Napa Valley

The story goes like this: 19th-century developer Samuel Brannan wanted to create a West Coast version of Saratoga Springs (renowned at the time for its mineral spas), but he had been drinking when he made the announcement and so the name came out garbled as the "Calistoga of Sarafornia." This origin myth sounds a little fishy, but nevertheless, Brannan's vision of creating a relaxing-and-therapeutic Napa Valley getaway was eventually realized. Thanks to the area's natural hot springs, a slew of spas sprang up, offering restorative mineral soaks and mud baths. You can still find many such businesses peppered among the restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries lining Calistoga's quiet main street, which is set against a backdrop of rolling hills.

Those hills are home to some of Napa Valley's more than 400 wineries, many of which lie within a short drive of downtown Calistoga. The curious wine lover can choose from an array of vineyard experiences, ranging from tours to tastings at wineries modeled on English castles and Tuscan villas. One word of warning: many of these places require reservations, so be sure to book in advance.