Trace the route of the Napa Valley Northern Railroad as you walk along side over 1500 feet of track…read morerepresenting a run from Napa north through Lake County with connections northbound to Portland and southbound to Stockton. My preschool-age train fanatic delighted in the detailed layout that had to have taken such patience and time. From the picnickers by the lake to the trains snaking through tunnels and hillsides, this miniature representation of life on the rails was expertly assembled by the Napa Valley Model Railroad Historical Society and if you'll allow, their hard work will transport you back to life in the 1940s.The society was formed in 1955 to advance the hobby of model railroading in the Napa Valley and surrounding areas. The organization was incorporated in 1966. The railroad is open to the public, be sure to check it out if you're in the area. Hours: Friday evenings 7:00 to Midnight Shows held in conjunction with events at the Napa Valley Exposition For more info dial: (707) 253-8428 or visit: www.nvmrc.org

Something that is free to take your kids to in Napa. This place is tiny, but if you or your kids…read moreare into trains, it's kinda neat to see the models. When you enter, there's a little brochure holder with checklist of things that kids can look for in the models (ie, Coca cola truck, etc). It's just down the road from Oxbow, so after hamburger with your kids, you should stop by here.

It's hard to miss this brightly colored building in downtown Napa and the historical marker on the…read moreside. I wasn't in a mood for drinking but I'm sure in a mood for a historical marker to share some of what has been. The marker is on the front of the building and reads, "Built in 1893, the Oberon was the hub of activity in downtown Napa. Patrons could buy a cigar, get a shave and a haircut for two bits, or relax with a cold beer while playing a leisurely game of pool or cards. Many a shoe was shined here. In 1932 the building burned down. Two years later the building was restored to its current Art Deco style. The Oberon was a hangout for boxing legend Rocky Marciano while training for fights. In 2010 the building was earthquake retrofitted by the present owner Joe Peatman and since 1994 has been the home of Downtown Joe's Restaurant and Microbrewery." "Dedicated September 21, 2013 by Sam Brannan Chapter #1004, E Clampus Vitus." There is street parking and while the beers aren't two bits any more, you can still get beer here though no shaves or haircuts. [Review 17658 overall - 449 in California - 1179 of 2022.]

This little gift shop / visitors center at the end of First Street has been a mainstay for at least…read more15 years. It's a one-stop shop for all things visitor related from locally focused tchotchkes, Benicia specific Merch, local maps, community events... and See's Candy!!! The employees are always super knowledgeable, patient and helpful. Would definitely recommend visiting whether you are in town for a quick visit, or you're a local that needs to procure the perfect box of See's Candy as a gift.

MAIN STREET ON FIRST STREET…read more Benicia Main Street is located at the end First Street near the water. The building stands independently and has the happenings of Benicia inside. They sell Benicia-related trinkets for a small fee, local wine, beautiful local art and photography, and even See's chocolate. Most significantly, they organize events like the Benicia Ghost Walk, and promote activities like the Benicia Artists Open Studios. They have maps and a knowledgable person working that will answer questions you have. After asking more about the Ghost Walk, we learned that it was a one-time event that drew so much attention they changed to make it reoccuring. We're told it's very popular and not just focused on ghost-hunting, but that it tells a lot of history as well. Sounds awesome! The small room here is worth stopping in if you've walked all the way down to the water. The building is cute too!

Fellow Yelper Terry T. very thoughtfully picked up on my fondness for mosaic tiled stairs and…read morerecommended I take a look at this particular flight. Vallejo?? Well, I immediately filed it into the cobwebs of what's left of my brain thinking it would be hidden in my subconscious. Sure enough I was recently driving on Route 37 and decided to stop in Vallejo. I'm not sure why, but I suddenly remembered those stairs were somewhere in town. Found 'em. They're in a relatively inconspicuous spot off the main thoroughfare, Sonoma Blvd. it took local neighborhood activists to get them renovated after they fell into a state of disrepair since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Inspired by the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps in San Francisco's Inner Sunset (review: https://bit.ly/3rRhxgn), they were able to recruit Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher, the artists behind that masterwork as well as others in the city. Now I know nothing about Vallejo's history, so I couldn't appreciate a lot of the details of the imagery. Starting with the giant compass on top, it's pretty clear there was a lot of shipbuilding and other maritime activities like the ferry service to and from San Francisco. Obviously it's best to appreciate the two flights of stairs up close for all the trivia, but the best vantage point is actually across the street where the stairs look like a cascading waterfall. So if you're ever in Vallejo... RELATED - Exploring north of San Francisco? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2tIHlkV

Did some sight seeing in the home town today. A project the city had been trying to finish for a…read morewhile now got finished and dedicated at the end of 2021. I've finally made my way down town to see these beautiful steps. These centrally located, yet tucked away treasure can be found of the main road of Sonoma Blvd and Capitol street in downtown Vallejo. Visit for a breathtaking views of the city, walks for pets exercise, or just great photo opps. Whatever may be the case you are sure to enjoy some time enjoying this historical sweet space!

Sweet space for affordable living…read more.... In downtown Vallejo, the Temple lofts are amid one of the creative, artistic, entertaining, and business savvy places you'll find when you come here. The building is made up of studio to 2 bedroom apartments. Open to the residents is a beautiful ballroom like space to reserve for small parties/gatherings. A friend who lives here was able to throw a bridal shower for our mutual friend...everything came out great. This place caters to those who are in the Arts and entertainment field. Its close to great restaurants, library, city hall, Soltrans bus transportation, Ferry Station, Vallejo Marina, and so much more....

What the Fork?? So…read moreinteresting to find a "Fork in the Road" near the Culinary Arts Institute at COPIA. This monumental fork sculpture is made out of....forks. Over 8,500 recycled stainless steel forks make up The Fork. Sculpted by local Napa artist Gordon Huether, the piece pays homage to the role that food plays in Napa. Farming. Farm to Table. Culinary Arts. Sustainability. A very creative piece in Napa.

My Favorite Valley In The World…read more SITREP Seriously. I mean it. I ain't shittin you. In fact, if somebody were sweet enough to gift me (hint hint) with an opportunity to have a home and asked me where would I want it to be? I'd keep my apartment here in Sacramento, but choose to have my home off of the Silverado Trail of the Napa Valley, high in the hills overlooking the Yountville / Stag's Leap regions where I could have full-on bay windows taking in the valley as well as view some dynamic sunsets over the Pacific Ocean just in the distance. THE SETUP Over the last 25 years, I've joyfully made treks from the Davis / Sacramento areas to visit family and friends and former college buddies who have all taken up residence in the valley. These wonderful people introduced me to the wonders of wine-tasting. I actually did not have my first class of wine until I was 28 years old, and credit for bursting my wine-virginity goes to the now defunct Napa Creek Winery that was on the lower Silverado Trail just south of Mumms. My gateway wine was Gewürztraminer (since it is sweeter than most whites & reds), and so needless to say this varietal will always hold a special place in my heart. COMMUNITIES The small cities and towns that I have fallen in love with would have to include , in no particular order, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, and Angwin. They each have their own character and strengths during different seasons of the year. WINERIES VISITED Over the years, wineries that I have enjoyed here- and revisited on more than one occasion - include (but are not limited to since I can't remember them all): * Napa Creek Winery * Mumms * Mondavi's * Opus One * Sutter Home * Beringer's * Christian Brothers * Krug * Sterling * Silverado * Sutter Home * Robert Sinskey * Picu * Trumball * Rombauer * Rubicon * Vincent Arroyo * Chateau Boswell Outstanding restaurant stops would have to include Bistro Jeanty and The French Laundry. But even the most humble stores & markets in the valley all seem to be elegant, teeming with incredible wines that you could not possibly expect to find any like-gas station in Sacramento, for instnace. THE LOWDOWN I count myself very lucky to live near my favorite region on this planet.

Who doesn't love Napa Valley? You must be crazy if you don't pay a visit to Napa Valley Wine…read moreCountry, then I'd suggest visiting Napa State Hospital. Although, wine is cheaper than therapy =) Long before Real Housewives of Orange County, we would make the trek up to Napa Valley from SF for day trips. There's so much to do here year-round. No matter the season, Napa is our getaway. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. People from all over the world come here. Dine, shop, eat, drink, stay, sip & stroll, catch the Napa Valley Wine Train, stop and smell the roses. Napa Valley is the BEST in the WEST! Cheers :)

I attended an art reception at is this great old school house. When I walked though the gabled…read moreportico and up the interior stairs I could smell the perfume of old wood. The rooms with the large windows were a perfect location for an art show. There are other events held at this delightful school that has been renovated as a community center

Interesting, old building. People are working hard to preserve it. Great town, too.read more