A meandering ‘local’s favorite’ itinerary

Walking Adventure of Downtown Napa (Spring or Summer)

Day One:

You awake refreshed in your lovely balcony room at the Napa River Inn, make a cup of joe in the Keurig and relax for a moment in your robe, sipping the coffee and overlooking the river.

While breakfast in your room is included from Sweetie Pies bakery, today you decide to start your morning meal at one of the best places to eat breakfast outdoors:  Napa General Store, at 540 Main Street.  Mimosas are a requirement when you are having eggs al fresco. They serve breakfast until noon, which is great when you want pancakes for lunch.

It really isn’t too early to start wine tasting, but I would begin this day on the Napa River. Paddleboarding, canoeing, or kayaking will help you row away all stress and anxiety with a gentle two-hour tour of this lovely natural habitat. You need to make reservations for the water-sports rental companies. There are several good ones to pick from, just stop by the concierge desk at the Inn and they can get you started. Some of them even start or leave by the dock just in front of the Riverfront.

“For an afternoon to early evening of active entertainment, consider shooting some pool at Bilco’s Billiards, 1234 Third Street. You don’t have to be a pool shark playa to enjoy a couple of games knocking the billiards balls around.”

After such a hearty breakfast, there is no need to eat lunch early. Spending a couple of hours in the sun and water, however, you will have worked your appetite back up. Stop by Bounty Hunter, 975 First Street, for either a light smattering of charcuterie and a flight of wine tastings, or wolf down the ever famous beer-can chicken. Since they don’t close between the lunch and dinner service, you can eat at your convenience – especially if you stopped for a shower and nap after your river adventure.

Time to continue with your day of play. For an afternoon to early evening of active entertainment, consider shooting some pool at Bilco’s Billiards, 1234 Third Street. You don’t have to be a pool shark playa to enjoy a couple of games knocking the billiards balls around.  Their seriously excellent selection of beer make the competition all that more fun.

Time to eat, again? While there is pub fare available at Bilco’s, there are SO many excellent places to eat in downtown Napa, and so little time; we have to recommend trying as many places as possible. Slightly off the beaten path is another long-time Napa favorite, Pearl Restaurant, 1339 Pearl Street.  Here you will find soft-shelled crab (in season), barbecued oysters (try the Breton – roasted with aged balsamic vinegar), and an amazing double thick, bone-in pork chop.

After dinner, you must find some live music. There are several venues that could have the type of entertainment you need: Blue Note and Uptown Theatre.

One full day, a couple of local best-kept secrets, and lots of different things to do – a great way to enjoy a wide variety of activities all within a couple of blocks walking distance.