The Grape Adventure

Napa has always been synonymous with romance.When in Napa, families should take a stroll around the
Vacationing families, however, will be pleasantlyCarolyn Parr Nature Center. It depicts animals and
surprised to find that the area offers something forplants found in the County's natural habitats. Kids can
everyone. The inclusive nature of several newobserve and touch a collection of skins, skulls, and
properties enables parents to experience the romancebird's nests in the Children's Corner. The 12-acre
of Napa while their children revel in the magic andConnolly Ranch is also ideal for kids, featuring an
exhilaration of the area.animal preserve where they can interact with horses,
Accommodationssheep, ducks, peacocks, roosters, and more. For some
Solage Calistoga has wonderful amenities for bothwine education, Anthony Burich recommends the St.
parents and children. The cottage-style property isSupery Discovery Center in Rutherford. It's a
contemporary and relaxed, featuring both rooms andkid-friendly winery featuring topographical maps and an
open-plan suites. There's a casual bistro with indooroption to venture out into the vineyards.
and outdoor dining, as well as a room service option.The Grape Wide Open
The environment onsite is a social one. Kids can play inFamilies can drive over to St. Helena and visit the Grist
the family pool complete with water toys, whileMill State Historic Park, or they can head to Sonoma to
parents can hit the fitness center or take in a yogavisit the petting zoo or take a guided tour through Train
class. And when they want a little R and R, there is anTown. Featuring acres of landscaped parks and a
onsite spa that features an array of services, a Mudpetting zoo for the smaller kids, it's a wonderful treat
Bar, and a mineral pool. Teenagers have access tofor the whole family. And the Cornerstone Festival of
the gorgeous main pool area. The property also hasGardens features 9 acres of changing garden designs
complimentary cruiser bikes, bocce ball court andfrom the world's top landscape architects. It's an exhibit
offers special kids programs and activities over thethat's sure to inspire both older kids and parents alike.
summer.For those looking for a great family-friendly winery,
The Carneros Inn is another good option for families.Anthony Burich recommends heading to Glen Ellen and
"The Inn is incredibly family-friendly," says Siobhanvisiting the gorgeous Benziger Winery. Families can
Dugan, the property's Leisure Sales Manager. "Therelisten to the guide speak about the biodynamic farming
are plenty of activities on property and around thepractices and picnic in the scenic gardens afterwards.
valley to make sure the whole family enjoys theirWhile in Glen Ellen, families can visit the Jack London
stay." Otto's Pool, the option for families, is composedState Historic Park. Younger children will enjoy
of an infinity lap pool, a hot tub, cabanas, a children'sexploring the lovely grounds, while older ones can take
pool, and a snack shack. Complimentary DVDs anda look around the museum, which displays a collection
games are available for families to use in theirof London's books, mementos, and articles.
downtime. When everyone's got a little more energy,Good Grapes, Charlie Brown
Siobhan recommends taking the kids to feed theParents with young children should pay a visit to the
neighboring horses and cows (supplies are provided atCharles Shultz Museum in nearby Santa Rosa. It's the
reception), taking one of the complimentary bikes onpermanent home of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the
the property out for a spin, or playing a game ofwhole crew. The museum shows daily screenings of
croquet or bocce ball.Peanuts Cartoons, and features a "Snoopy Labyrinth"
For families that want to experience the best Napaas well as rotating exhibits of all the characters. And to
has to offer but would prefer to return home to acelebrate the kids' love of real animals, head to Safari
private space, Liza Graves, co-founder of BeautifulWest, a private 240-acre wildlife preserve that houses
Places, has the answer. Specializing in properties in400 free-roaming birds and mammals like antelopes,
Napa and Sonoma Counties, the travel service offersgazelles, elands, and zebras. Lisa Graves also
a range of villa rentals-from rustic to Italian-inspired torecommends this trip, saying that the African preserve
modern-that are perfect for privacy-seeking parents. Inis incredibly authentic.
terms of renting to families, "We to try to understandNo Sour Grapes
what their needs are so they can match them up toWhen the kids need to satisfy their sweet tooth, head
the right property," says Liza. "Properties can haveto the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield. They can learn
tennis courts, basketball courts, one property even hashow the company creates its exotic and delicious
chickens and doves." Families can do as much or asflavors, with over 40,000,000 jelly beans being
little as they want on the property, and the travelmanufactured every day. And to work off some of
service provides any and all kinds of amenities a familythe sugar rush, a visit to the Scandia Family Fun
could ask for-things like picking up groceries, planningCenter is the perfect icing on the cake. It features over
visits to private wineries, and hiring private chefs.200 games that will keep everyone entertained,
Activitiesincluding batting cages, a Lil' Indy Raceway, water
There are a number of fun family-oriented excursionsbugs, and a miniature golf course.
throughout the area. Anthony Burich, the leadSo start packing your kids' suitcases and get ready for
concierge at The Carneros Inn, shared his topa breathtaking, relaxing, and multifaceted adventure in
recommendations:Napa Valley!
The Grape Escapes