Inn at a Glance: Cottage Grove Inn

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 adorned with wooden bird feeders. Each cottage has a small porch and a pint-size yard. Wildflowers, water fountains, and wicker rocking chairs dot the grounds, making it an ideal place to find a slice of peace and quiet.

• Cozy cottages feature partially enclosed porches and hardwood floors salvaged from an old whiskey distillery, and vaulted ceilings punctuated by skylights.
• Find romance with the help of chocolate truffles and champagne (included with select options) plus your cabin’s wood-burning fireplace and two-person tub.
• Breakfast feast: Set out every morning, you can dig into a spread of quiche, waffles, and freshly blended smoothies.
• Wine-lovers rejoice: All options includes two wine-tasting passes to Tedeschi Family Winery.

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 Sarifornia.” 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 quaint, 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 a wide 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.

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