Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride… - John F. Kennedy
Since moving to downtown Napa, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of owning a pretty cruiser with a basket and bell attached {to stylishly cruise around town}. My wish was granted a few months ago when my boyfriend surprised me with the most thoughtful gift – my very own mint green & cream cruiser! I swear, it was love at first sight.
There is something so liberating and freeing when you’re holding those handlebars and the wind is gently blowing through your hair. I love everything about biking and find it to be completely and totally relaxing. Living in downtown Napa makes cruising so accessible, especially with all of the great restaurants, tasting rooms and boutiques at your beck and call.
One of my favorite afternoon rides has been to the Oxbow Market, where I find myself gravitating toward Three Twins ice cream for a tasty treat {the Cardamom Spice & Earl Grey flavors are amazing!}. Ole!
{Urban Outfitters Jumper, Gap Braided Belt & Zara Wedge Sandals}
Last year I was approached by television producers to co-host a mini web series called ReDiscover for Msn.com. The web series focused on 12 major cities throughout the U.S., highlighting the “secrets” of each city. Honored and excited about this fun work opportunity, I agreed immediately and got to work rediscovering Napa. As a local, I loved picking my top hidden gems that tourists might not have the chance to experience {outside of wine tasting and restaurant hopping}.
Drumroll please… and here are my top five secrets of the Napa Valley:
1. Napa Valley Balloons- Take an early morning balloon ride over the mystic Napa Valley & enjoy a nice glass of bubbles for breakfast as the sun peaks over the Mayacamas Mtns. It was one of my most breathtaking & memorable experiences.
2. Clemente’s at Val’s Liquor Store- Craving some traditional Italian comfort food? Clemente’s is the place to pick up your dinner. It’s a mom and pop local shop and is know for it’s Malfatti, which are cheese/spinach dumplings served with their famous marinara sauce. These homemade dishes will have you begging for seconds!
3. Indian Hot Springs- Take a swim in the natural mineral pools and follow with a juicy mud bath or massage. My favorite time of the year to go is during the fall/winter months when it’s so cold outside you can marinate in the hot pools and relax with a bottle of wine. A sexy getaway for couples or a group of friends.
4. Betty’s Girl Boutique- Talk about a clothing store with character! I’m obsessed with dresses and Kim {the store owner} has a vast collection of vintage style dresses that she can custom fit or design. For all of you ladies out there, there is no other clothing store like this in Napa.
5. Bistro Sabor Salsa Saturday nights!- {And no, not just because I’m family}- Let’s face it, Napa isn’t known for its night life but Bistro Sabor offers complimentary Salsa dance classes from 10pm-1am every Sat night. It’s fun, it’s unique {the food rocks} and it’s bringing culture to downtown Napa. Need I say more…
As I had hoped, we filmed a second segment flying in a hot air balloon. It was such an amazing experience! The video ends at our Ceja Vineyards tasting room in Carneros cooking and feasting on Chilaquiles!
