Last week I had a fun little trip exploring Napa & Saint Helena. Even though I am always in these areas I don’t usually get to explore much, I’m more than likely on the go or working, so I really enjoyed myself this day.

My first stop was at the very well known and popular Mustards Grill on St. Helena Hwy. When driving by the restaurant there is always a line out the door and the parking lot full but since I went right when the doors opened I was the first one in. Amazingly as soon as I got seated the place filled up. I can see why, the food was fabulous! I tried the Mac N’ Cheese and a sandwich, this isn’t just any ordinary cheese it was made from five different types of cheeses which made it taste so cheesy, yummmmm!! They have all kinds of unique foods that you can try and look tasty. They even have their own garden right outside, they grow their own squash, mustard and several other things. This place is a little on the higher price side with three $$$ signs on Yelp but you should try it at least once, its worth it.

My second place I stopped by was Yountville. I walked around the V Marketplace. Did you know that Yountville started in 1867 by George C. Yount? It is such a cute town! One of my favorite places to visit for a relaxing day. This place is a beautiful rustic area, there is even a great wedding venue there as you can see in the second photo. There are so many great spots you can take wedding photos. Of course I am always looking for those types of things for my couples, I can’t help it. This can be a busy area on the weekends so if you do happen to have your wedding here try to reserve a parking lot. Don’t worry about people walking by, there are a lot of nice places to have photos taken without any of them in the background. 

Wedding venue –

Then after I saw the nice venue I went inside to see all of the shops. Chocolate is a weakness for me so you know I had to go in there and get some. I also got some gelato! In this shopping area there are some clothing stores and a lot of great art galleries (no photos allowed, sorry). I was tempted to purchase a painting myself, it was GORGEOUS! I couldn’t afford it though unfortunately.

Across the street from the V Marketplace is the BEST bakery called Bouchon Bakery! This place is always busy, they tempt you by leaving the window open and the aroma of the bread flowing through the area. OMG so good! They have two buildings so you know it is amazing. Make sure to go early in the morning during the week so you do not have to wait in a long line. I’m just trying to help you out.

You can even rent one of these scooters to look around the area. Pretty cool huh, it feels like Europe.

After visiting that area I then drove past this place that caught my eye called Chimney Rock. I didn’t go inside but the architecture was really pretty so I had to stop and take a few photos.  Do you see the dark hill side in the background? That is from the Napa fires, I am sure they were all terrified that it was going to effect them. 

I then drove to Silverado Vineyards, I heard how great the workers there are so I wanted to stop by to see if it was true and it was. Everyone there treats you very nice and makes you feel very important. Now, I can’t tell you how the wine or spirits taste because I don’t drink but I have heard that they are tasty. Maybe you can visit and tell us about it.

Now, isn’t that an amazing view?!  It is gorgeous especially during the time of day I went because it was getting closer to sunset. Unfortunately, you can not have a professional photographer photograph you at Rutherford Hill but if you wanted to visit on your own you can sit, order some food and enjoy the view. They have picnic tables right near where I am standing in the photo, make sure to call ahead to reserve a spot. 

This area was on the drive up to Rutherford Hill.

The last place I was able to visit before rushing to coach my volleyball team (by the way we won that day!) I went to Chateau Montelena. Isn’t this an amazing venue!! This place was owned by several different people with different influential backgrounds. First a man from France owned it, as you can see by the stone architecture in the second photograph. Years later a man from China purchased the winery and as you can see he added his own spin on things bringing in the Chinese culture. Don’t you love history…your probably saying no right now but its interesting to know how things originated like this. Wouldn’t you just love to have your photos taken here? Well I would too but too bad because they don’t allow it. Sorry to get your hopes up. You can take photos with your phone and just for fun but no professional photos can be taken. So sad right, especially because it is so beautiful!

This was taken while I was driving. I absolutely could not pass up this beautiful opportunity. It has a little bit of blur but it gives it a cool effect. I can’t wait for my next trip. If you have any suggestions of my next visit in this area please feel free to leave it in the notes section below. I will try it out and write about it in another blog.