Press "Enter" to skip to content

Go for the water, stay for the food

Calistoga built its reputation as a tourist destination on mud. The area at the northern end of Napa Valley was already known for its mineralized hot springs water when, in 1952, John “Doc” Wilkinson figured that combining the water with the region’s abundant volcanic ash... Continue

In the Hood: Retrofitted historic mansion to open to the public

A reclusive Sonoma Valley doyenne has been resuscitated and will celebrate her 150th birthday with a coming-out party in August. The venerable Hood House, an 8,100-square-foot brick mansion near Oakmont, has been shuttered more than 30 years while county officials pondered its future. With an... Continue

If you can't take the heat, get out in the kitchen!

The line between indoor and outdoor living is disappearing as homeowners rediscover the pleasure of preparing meals outside and dining and entertaining with the backdrop of the open skies. What started as a hibachi or Weber in the backyard, tended by the man of the... Continue

Oxbow Public Market: Too Napa for words

Last week, Sun photographer Ryan Lely (aka Flash) and I took the first of what we hope to be monthly Road Trips, exploring the countryside and exhorting people to venture beyond the Valley’s borders for entertaining diversions. The excursion to Oxbow Public Market, named for... Continue

Juan Pablo Montoya to defend lnfineon crown

Photos by Joseph Lemus When Juan Pablo Montoya (JPM to the NASCAR fans) comes to Infineon this Sunday, June 22, he will be considered the favorite to retain his winning title of last year, especially in view of how he got to the front to... Continue

It's not too late to enroll your kids in summer camp

Sonoma Valley summer camps provide children with many opportunities to learn, be creative and have a whole bunch of fun. The many wonderful summer camps, workshops, and programs offered in the Valley are certain to broaden the horizons of local children. Educational camps offer such... Continue