What is your city best known for, as far as the locals are concerned?
As far as many locals are concerned (and a little-known fact), Napa is best known for its extensive historic neighborhoods. Napa has the second largest National Register residential district in California and almost 3,000 homes on the historic resources inventory.
If you sought a truly "off-the-beaten-path" experience in your city, where would you go or what would you do?
A favorite off the beaten track is riding bikes through Old Town, the Napa Abajo/Fuller Park National Register district, where you see all the houses designed by Luther Turton, a prolific architect from the turn of the 20th century. Then out to Carneros and down to the boat launch off Milton Road for a bite or beer at Moore’s Landing. Another great little known experience is hiking to Lake Marie in Skyline Park. An even more local experience is walking through Old Town (Fuller Park area), through the Mansion District, to the historic Hatt Mill, to the Oxbow District.
Where are some places our guests should go to taste local cuisine?
Downtown! Breakfast? Gillwoods. Lunch? Azzuro, Pearl, Uva, Piccolino’s, Celadon, Taqueria Rosita, Villa Corona, box lunch from ABC or Sweetie Pies, take on an outing...Dinner? Any mentioned previously, add the other great restaurants downtown such as Cole's Chop house.
What does your city have to offer as far as unique, romantic outings?
Rent a canoe or go on river tour, walk along the river walk, watchWesla Whitfield signing the Great American Songbook at Silo’s, jazz for dancing at Uva.
What are some sensational shopping spots in your city?
Betty's Girl Boutique, WildCat, The Mustard Seed, the Factory Stores (ride the trolley bus there), Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
Where would you take your friends to experience the local music scene?
Wesla Whitfield signing the Great American Songbook at Silo’s, jazz for dancing at Uva, Downtown Joe's for younger music, the Napa Valley Opera House, a show at the Opera House, First Saturday open mic opera at Jarvis Conservatory - any of our many festivals or downtown events, Chefs Market, believe it or not -- the high school performing arts groups.
Where would you go to see intriguing local art?
Di Rosa Preserve and the Open Studios semiannual art torus
What types of family fun activities would you suggest to those you know?
Biking, hiking as noted above - go to Genova Delicatessen and get picnic supplies and head to a park or to a winery with picnic grounds or Westwood Hills park (picnic table at the top overlooking Carneros)
Imagine you're planning a local day trip for your friends. What would it entail?
Direction would be based on their interests - might entail a winery trip, or not. I think the question is too general. Two wineries that I usually show off are contemporary Artesa in Carneros and Nichelini up in the mountains above Rutherford. It is on the National Register, off the beaten path, offers free tasting , has excellent wines, and was built in 1890 and is the oldest local winery still in original family hands.
Where in your city do you go to splurge or treat yourself?
Nail salon, shopping at the Premium Factory Stores, Ubuntu for drop-in yoga
What are the three words you would use to describe your city?
Historic, fun, friendly
Where in your city are you most likely to run into a celebrity?
Azzurro Pizzeria and Enoteca, Napa Valley Opera House or Ubuntu vegetable restaurant
If your city were a movie, what would be its soundtrack?
Miles Davis "Kind of Blue"
What are some essentials that guests to your city should be sure to pack?
Walking shoes.