When one visits “wine country,” no matter where it may be, a “bonus” that can be expected is a plethora of gourmet dining opportunities.
That’s certainly true in the Napa Valley, where multi-starred restaurants share the landscape with rows of pristine grapevines.
Napa also is home to world-class spas and fabulous shopping.
Less well known is the valley’s art community. In addition to art galleries at several of the wine estates, there are privately-owned galleries that showcase works from painters, sculptors and other artists.
If you’re an art lover who’s planning a visit to Napa, consider staying at the Candlelight Inn, which has been described as “a fairytale with all the modern amenities.”
Adjacent to Napa Creek and shaded by giant redwoods, the 1929 English tudor-style mansion boasts elegant rooms with flat-screen TVs and DVD/CD players, sumptuous linens, fireplaces and two-person Jacuzzi tubs.
Guests begin the day with a three-course gourmet meal and end it with hors d’oeuvres. And the inn’s concierge staff can make restaurant reservations, arrange winery tours, etc.
To learn more about the inn, visit candlelightinn.com.
Between winery visits, head for Art on Main, which is located on (as you probably guessed) Main Street in the town of St. Helena.
Art on Main recently brought in a number of new original works by renowned landscape artists Erin Dertner, Tim Howe, Pamela Anderson and Mel Amaral.
The gallery also is home to unique “pop” animal art and sculptures. A gallery stroll is a great way to break up a day of wine tasting.
To learn more about Art on Main, go online to imagesnapavalley.com.
