Calistoga

Situated in Napa County, California, Calistoga—known in the Wappo language as Nilektsonoma—is a small city with great appeal. Calistoga, which is in the San Francisco Bay Area‘s North Bay, had 5,228 residents as of the 2020 census. Rich history, natural hot springs, and this small city’s central importance in California’s Wine Country define this little city.

Calistoga’s beginnings lie in 1868 when the California Pacific Railroad was built, turning the area into a sought-after tourist destination because of its Calistoga Hot Springs. For those seeking a special mix of leisure and natural beauty, the hot springs have been a major attraction. Calistoga’s gorgeous vineyards and old landmarks help it to remain a popular tourist destination today.

Calistoga, at the northern end of the Napa Valley Calistoga AVA (American Viticultural Area), is a natural component of California’s Wine Country. Many wineries dot the area, each providing a unique taste of the nearby terroir. Calistoga visitors can enjoy Wine Country as it was before fast food chains and freeways arrived. Maintaining only two-lane roads, including portions of Highway 29 and Highway 128 that pass through the city, it has kept its appeal. Furthermore forbidden by law are fast food chains, so preserving the special character of the city.

Calistoga is notable for its hot springs spas, including the well-known Calistoga Spa Hot Springs. These spas provide a range of treatments, including a local specialty called the mud bath whereby guests submerge themselves in hot volcanic ash. Drawing guests from all around the world, this special experience is therapeutic as well as relaxing.

Calistoga also boasts an artificial geothermal geyser called the “Old Faithful of California,” sometimes known as “Little Old Faithful.” Fascinating sight is this geyser, which erupts from the casing of a well dug late 19th century. In his book A Guide to Geyser Gazing, Dr. John Rinehart describes a man searching for water by drilling into the geyser unintentionally reopening a dormant geyser. Regular eruptions of the geyser offer an amazing show of the force and beauty of nature.

The movie business has not missed Calistoga’s appeal. The city’s appeal has been enhanced by several film locations it has provided. Filmed in and around Calistoga, scenes from the film Hot Rod highlighted the scenic splendor of the area. Scenes shot in Calistoga also appeared in the Adam Sandler-starring Disney film Bednight Stories in June 2008. More lately, in May 2018, Calistoga’s downtown was the filming site for the Netflix film Wine Country.

Calistoga has a rich cultural legacy in addition to its natural and movie appeal. Originally the Wappo people, who called the area Nilektsonoma, “Chicken Hawk Place,” lived in the city. Using the plenty of oak trees for food and the natural hot springs for healing, the Wappo flourished in the area. The cultural scene of the region still clearly shows the impact of the Wappo and other indigenous people.

Early residents and businesspeople also had a significant impact on Calistoga’s past. Calistoga developed thanks in great part on the efforts of eminent California historical person Samuel Brannan. First millionaire from California, Brannan bought more than 2,000 acres in the region with plans to build a spa evocative of Saratoga Springs in New York. Opening in 1862, his resort drew elite Californians and made Calistoga a top spot for rest and renewal.

Calistoga is still a dynamic community today that skillfully combines modern conveniences with its rich past. One of Napa Valley‘s most notable locations is the city’s dedication to maintaining its distinctiveness while providing world-class events. Calistoga presents a really remarkable experience whether your interests are in its historic sites, mud baths, or wine drinking at a nearby vineyard.