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Carried Away in CalistogaReconnecting with your Soul MateBy Lucinda Michell
Just like the restaurants, there are a number of award-wining wineries to visit. One that has been called “the best of the best” is Sterling Vineyards. The winery itself sits high atop a mountain with a spectacular panoramic view from the View Terrace. Their aerial tram will take you through the hillside for more stunning mountain and vineyard views. The tasting room is elegant and the perfect setting for sampling a variety of wines.
Did I mention that Robert Louis Stevenson honeymooned in Calistoga back in 1880? Now you know where he got his inspiration. Don’t you two feel carried away too?! Contact:Calistoga Chamber of Commerce Cottage Grove Inn Ca’toga Galleria D’Arte Sterling Vineyards Calistoga Balloons Images by Melissa Shoen |
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If you weren’t quite soul mates before you came to
Calistoga, you definitely will leave as “one”...in body, mind and spirit.
This wonderful little town in California's Napa Upvalley was home to the Wappo
Indians. They must have left a sensual, spiritual spell on Calistoga because
when the two of you look back on this weekend you’re going to get that slow,
easy grin on your faces. These memories are going to last you a lifetime. 
Begin
your luxurious weekend by checking in at the Cottage Grove Inn, where you
can choose from 16 different cottage themes. And yes, these are individual
cottages that you’ll have all to yourselves. The owners of these beautifully
appointed cottages have thought of every little detail, such as Japanese
soaking tubs for two, wood burning fireplaces, overstuffed chairs to cuddle
in, king size beds, complete stereo systems and plush robes. Although it
would be tempting to stay in these rooms all weekend, there’s just too much
to do. So off you go. 
First, to get your bodies in sync, choose from one of
the couple’s spas. You may want to try the private and peaceful Lavender
Hill Spa. Their LaStone Therapy uses heated basalt rocks and cool marble
stones to help increase circulation (just in case you feel like you’ve died
and gone to heaven and need to get that circulation going again). Sinking in
mud doesn’t sound very picturesque but a mud bath for two at the Golden
Haven Hot Springs Spa can be very romantic. Really! The Lincoln Avenue Spa
has a number of indulgent body treatments that can be shared in a private
room. Try the herbal mineral body mud, then relax on a steam table. Ahhhh... 
For
a small town there’s an inordinate amount of unique and savory restaurants
to experience. If it’s a pleasant day you’ll want to eat outdoors in the
terraced garden at Calistoga Inn & Brewery. If it’s a dreary day, cozy
up to the fireplace at Brannan’s Restaurant. You’ll recognize Flat Iron’s
Restaurant with the eye-catching tile work outside. Inside the dining room
is equally as beautiful and they suggest that you hide away in one of their
private booths. 
Now that the body has had some attention (spa, food and
wine...what were you referring to?), it’s time to focus on the mind. In a
word, Ca’Toga Galleria D’Arte...or maybe in a few words. This gallery
features the exclusive works of Carlo Marchiori. You’ll feel like you’ve
walked into a museum when you see his distinctive and varied creations. If
you’re lucky enough to be there during the Villa Ca’Toga weekly tour (it’s
seasonal), you will actually enter his Palladian villa and tour 6 rooms
decorated in trompe l’oeil frescoes. 
Finally, we focus on the spirit. The two of you will
rise before the sun (sorry, but it’s worth it) and travel a short distance
to the foothills of the Mayacama Mountains. There you will take an
unforgettable flight in a hot air balloon from Calistoga Balloons. As the
sun rises, you will be traveling over breathtaking mountains and vineyards.
Now look in each other’s eyes, kiss and realize what a beautiful world this
is.