Romantic Cottages and Century-Old Trees near Wine Country

The Cottage Grove Inn, located in a tiny town in California wine country, looks like something out of a storybook: two rows of private cottages are shaded by century-old elm trees, many of which are hung with wooden bird feeders. Each cottage has a small, furnished porch and a pint-size yard; the property looks like its own sleepy village. Wildflowers, water fountains, and wicker rocking chairs line the grounds.

The inn’s 16 cottages are designed for peace and privacy. Individual stone walkways lead to partially enclosed porches that are bordered by leafy trees and neatly trimmed hedges. Inside the private bungalows, you’ll find unique architectural features such as hardwood floors salvaged from an old whiskey distillery and vaulted ceilings punctuated by skylights. Luxurious amenities, including two-person jacuzzis and wood-burning fireplaces, add romance and warmth.

In the morning, the inn lays out a complimentary breakfast of quiche, waffles, and freshly blended smoothies. There’s also an outdoor patio area adorned with café tables and a water fountain where you can sip a cup of locally roasted coffee. Cottage Grove Inn offers other goodies, too, including wine-and-cheese tastings and in-room picnic baskets.

If you want to check out the eateries downtown, you can hop on complimentary bicycles and ride one block south on Lincoln Street.

Calistoga, California: Small Spa Town amid Wineries in Northern Napa Valley

After a visit to Napa Valley's hot springs in 1859, millionaire Samuel Brannan planned to develop a resort there that would rival Saratoga Springs. After an especially festive evening, Brannan reportedly slurred that he would create the "Calistoga of Sarafornia." The name stuck, and today the little town at the top end of Napa Valley is still known for its many holistic spas, which offer mud baths and mineral pools.

The rolling hills of Napa Valley are dotted with scenic vine fields and more than 400 wineries, making it the epicenter of the country’s grape culture. Cottage Grove Inn—located less than a minute from the Silverado Trail and Napa’s Highway 29—is a convenient jumping-off point to some of the most famous appellations in the world.

As part of this getaway, guests can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at one of three family-owned vineyards. Benessere Vineyards pours Italian-inspired wines in an intimate spot next to the barrel cellar. You can sample hand-harvested, Bordeaux-style wines at Tedeschi Family Vineyards, or grab a spot at the copper-top bar in Tamber Bey’s St. Helena tasting room, where 100% estate-grown cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay are served in half- and full-glass and bottle portions.