Grands and Kids United in Napa Adventures
Posted on 04. Mar, 2010 by admin in Local Light
Does anybody know how many grandmothers move to Napa County annually? Never mind. I can assure you there are a bunch of us. And I’m here to tell you it’s a fabulous area in which to entertain our toddlers and their older sibs!
For example, at only 15 months, my granddaughter, Mackenzie defines the corner of Browns Valley and Robinson as Baa-Baa. That’s because just a few blocks to the west are the sheep, goats, pigs and fowl that reside at the Connolly Ranch. It’s one of our favorite strolls. For us it’s enough to call to the animals through the fence and to toss a few bread crumbs across to the ducks and geese. But camps and classes await her as she gets older. It’s a great local asset designed to connect kids with nature through farm-based environmental education programs, according to the web site. (www.connollyranch.org)
Also an adventure for Grands and Kids is Scientopia Discovery Center at 1785B Tanen St. Kenzie loved her first visit, well before her first birthday. But her older cousins (6 and 
had just as much fun. It’s a big-city concept tailored to the not-so-big city of Napa. There’s plenty of action for curious kids, with science lessons learned more by osmosis than through conscious education. Unless, of course, the youngsters join the Reptile Club or attend the special Science Nights. Get a loyalty card and earn a free visit after nine reasonably priced paid visits. The web site alerts us to special dates, such as free days for grandparents and spring break schedules. (www.scientopiadiscoverycenter.com)
Nothing better after such adventures than lunch at The Little Gourmet at 1040 Main St. in downtown Napa. It’s no exaggeration to say that the restaurant specializes in “creatively fun and healthy meals for lunch and dinner.” But the fare for adults is delicious as well. In the future, we hope to take advantage of the cooking and etiquette classes that are geared for youngsters. (www.thelittlegourmetnapa.com)
If you’re like me, we’ll want to keep adding to this list of Napa’s activities for Grands and Kids. Let’s share.
Mushroom Hunting at Las Posadas in Angwin
Posted on 27. Jan, 2010 by admin in Local Light
One of the many joys comes after the first rain in late Fall in Napa. Hikers, amateur mushroom foragers and mycologists head for the hills to discover some of Napa’s finest fungus. Some, like Matsutakes or Chanterelles, are edible and easily identifiable. Others are best left alone, as the majority of wild mushrooms are poisonous enough to kill you. Local markets, like Sunshine in St Helena will sometimes help you identify mushrooms you have picked. Restaurants, like Cook or Martini House in St Helena serve delicious seasonal dishes with local mushrooms.
On a recent hike in Las Posadas (Pacific Union Campus, Angwin), we photographed some of these beauties for our friends at YourNapaRealtor. No mushrooms were hurt, or eaten, in the process of shooting this gallery!
Directions:
Napa Valley Olive Oil Company
Posted on 27. Jan, 2010 by admin in Local Light
Most people come to the Napa Valley to experience the wine, the weather, the laid-back lifestyle, and the great culinary treasures. In fact, these are probably the same reasons many of us decide to stay.
It’s always fun to find a surprise a little off the beaten path that has been there forever, but is entirely new to you. One such place is the Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company, housed in an old barn in St Helena, just east of the landmark Tra Vigne restaurant, at the end of Charter Oak Avenue.
This little gem has been around for over 30 years, and is the best place to pick up deli meat, breadsticks, cheese and obviously, olive oil from a family-owned, authentic Italian deli.
Directions:
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Authentic Mexican at Azteca Market
Posted on 27. Jan, 2010 by admin in Local Light
Located at the south end of Main Street in St Helena, the Azteca Market is the most authentic place (north of La Luna) to pick up real mexican peppers, cheeses, meats and cold cervezas.
They also serve amazing carnitas and burritos from their deli counter and offer a huge selection of hot sauces to take home with you.
Azteca also offers catering if you are throwing an event in the Napa Valley and would like to bring the party home..
Directions:
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