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.

You will not easily find the info listed in this article, as most businesses would rather you were spending your money in town, but YourNapaRealtor is here to help de-mystify ALL the glories of Napa – both indoors and out.

Below, I am listing the hidden gems for mountain biking in the Napa Valley. Soon, I will also review the best hikes and road rides.

Here are the top 3, in our order of preference:

1) Las Posadas (Angwin) – RARE MAP – Rolling trails with ups and downs, whoop-de-doos, mostly single track, diverse terrain, freeride dirt jump parks.

2) Oat Hill (Calistoga) – Review and Maps – 9 miles up to the mine, then 9 back. Great views, single track / fire road.

3) Skyline (Napa) – directions – RARE MAP – fun single track/trail system, shared with hikers and horseback riders. Bring your discs for a round of post-ride frisbee golf!

Imagine this reality – one day soon, you will be able to ride your bike from the hot springs of Calistoga, 44 miles south through the vineyards of Napa, then hop on a ferry to San Francisco or Marin – all without having to compete with automobiles and traffic.

Surprisingly, the path has not received much resistance from the decision-making governing bodies and agriculture groups. A joint statement from the founding members of the Vine Trail Coalition was issued May 7, 2009, indicating support for the trail plan: “The Napa Valley Grapegrowers, the Napa County Farm Bureau, the Napa Valley Vintners and the Winegrowers of Napa County support the voluntary development of a trail along the existing major transportation routes that does not require any modification of the Agricultural Preserve,” it reads.

At a recent NVVT Committee meeting, I learned of the following progress:

- NVVT has received its 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization

- As part of above, they have organized a board of directors, and are now able to accept volunteers and donations.

- A new website (napavalleyvinetrail.org) is under development and will launch Q1-2010.

- Yountville is breaking ground on the first part of designated NVVT around April 15th, 2010.

- The first phase, from Trancas in Napa to Calistoga, is 22 miles.

- Current budget for the project is at approximately $40M, of which the NVVT Coalition is responsible for raising 20% and is counting on goverment funds for the remaining 80%.

- Committees are actively working on capital campaign, permits, and all other aspects of making this trail a reality.

To volunteer, get additional information, or provide comments contact NVVT: info@napavalleyvinetrail.org

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:

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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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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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The good news is that the mustard has come early, and despite some cloudy days, it is lovely in the Napa Valley!