Staying Active in Wine Country
When most people think of Napa Valley, they think of wine! Rolling hills of beautiful vineyards, stunning wineries and elegant wine tasting rooms, with world renowned restaurants and fine dining to match. Many can sum it up with one word: luxury.
While it’s true that Napa Valley boasts all of those things, there’s a whole ‘nother side of Napa Valley that we’ve discovered over the past few years that’s just as great. It’s a side that teases our taste buds for adventure and wellness. Yes, you read that right! A place known for luxury, decadence and dare I say, indulgences, can also be a place for adventure, outdoor sports & activities, healthy food, and even recharging the body and mind!
If you know us, you know that adventure, outdoor sports & activities, healthy (plant-based) food, and unique experiences are our jam! We’ll choose running or hiking shoes (or no shoes at all) over dress shoes or high heels, and getting a little sweaty over sitting and sipping wine with our pinkies out (though we have enjoyed the latter as well!).
So where and how do you even start to try and plan an active and adventurous vacation, weekend getaway or even day trip to Napa? We’re glad you asked! We’ll share with you some of our favorites for curating a more active and health-minded itinerary for your next visit to Wine Country.
Pro Tip: Get fueled up!
First things first: A healthy and active day starts with making sure our bodies are properly nourished and “fueled up” so that we can feel our best, and perform at our best! For us, “first things first” means coffee! We love our morning cup of warm, aromatic and comforting coffee, and we love supporting local businesses and trying new cafes wherever we travel. We’ve even gotten to meet some fascinating people and enjoyed some of the tastiest coffee, tea and locally made baked goods because of it! If you’re not a coffee drinker, it’s okay! Most of these cafes have plenty of other options to help get your day started. Bonus: Usually local shops offer locally-made provisions, which usually means fresher and more nutrient-packed food versus pre-packaged options at many chain establishments.
Monday Bakery & Cafe (bakery and cafe that focuses on locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients for their rotating breakfast/lunch menu and tasty treats)
Naysayer Coffee Roasters (family-owned specialty coffee roasting company)
Bouchon Bakery (French bakery and cafe featuring artisanal breads, sandwiches, pastries, & desserts)
Ritual Coffee Roasters (the Napa outpost of the SF coffee roasting company located within Oxbow Public Market)
Pro Tip: Get outside!
Let’s boost those feel-good endorphins and energize our bodies and minds, shall we? There’s so much natural beauty in Napa (and the world in general), and all you have to do is look up once in a while to see it. Well, we not only want to see it all, we want to experience it and immerse ourselves in it! Remember, we humans are like complex and sophisticated plants; we need fresh air, sunshine and water to thrive and feel our best. So, do your body and mind a favor and get outside!
Fat Tire Bike Rentals (family-owned full service bike shop and rentals)
Napa River (seasonal activities available like kayaking and stand up paddling)
Napa River Trail (great for walking, running and biking)
Napa Valley Vine Trail (great for walking, running and biking)
Skyline Wilderness Park (great hiking trails just minutes from Downtown Napa)
Linda Falls Preserve Hiking Trail (great hiking spot in Napa Valley that leads to waterfalls)
Pro Tip: Plant-based bites
All that activity, exploring and adventuring likely worked up an appetite, yes? Great! Here are some of our tried and true spots for satisfying that grumbling tummy of yours with tasty, nutrient-packed foods that will not only give you more natural energy, but also help your body recover better so that you’re ready for the next activity! Wherever we travel to, we always seek out the top plant-based options. Even if you’re not vegetarian or vegan, we encourage you to try one or a few of our favorite spots. Our goal to help you on your wellness journey is to not only be more active and eat healthier (even when on vacation), but also to try new things!
Lunch Box at Copia (California-Mediterranean lunch specialties inspired by the Copia garden and prepared by chefs of the Culinary Institute of America)
Hudson Greens & Goods (a locally-sourced market within Oxbow featuring a juice bar that offers up freshly made juices, smoothies & Acai bowls)
C Casa (reimagined Mexican cuisine within Oxbow that focuses on nourishing, gluten-free and locally source ingredients)
Tarla Mediterranean Grill (Turkish & Greek cuisine featuring local, seasonal & organic ingredients)
Pro Tip: Experience something new
Every town or city has special events or festivals that are unique to them. When we travel, this is one of the many ways we like to immerse ourselves in the local culture or even just the local vibe. Sure there are always tourist attractions and sights that are worth checking out too, but mixing in some other “local flavor” always makes for richer experiences and incredible memories whether you’re there for a day, a weekend, or longer!
Napa Lighted Art Festival (happening now through Feb 18, 2024)
BottleRock Napa Valley (3-day music, food & wine festival during Memorial Day Weekend)Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon & 5K (scenic half marathon & 5K race in the summer)