In celebration of the California sunshine, Visit Napa Valley encourages visitors to fully experience each town in the Napa Valley one step at a time, to reach the goal of walking 10,000 steps, or, approximately five miles, per day.
Traveling north up iconic Highway 29 will lead you to Napa Valley’s Main Street, St. Helena. This charming town offers stunning views, world-class dining and laid-back luxury. Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, local trails and breathtaking wineries offer a bounty of experiences to enjoy fresh air, admire the landscape and accomplish 10,000 steps.
Incorporated in 1876, the city of St. Helena is an epicenter of historical architecture and culture. Begin the day with a visit to the St. Helena Welcome Center, centrally located on Main Street, to pick up St. Helena Historical Society’s walking tour booklet. The curated Main Street Tour allows visitors to explore St. Helena’s commercial district, recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The Side Street Tour of Spring St. gives visitors an in-depth glance into the historic community of St. Helena, highlighting churches, social halls, a library, the post office and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. These walking tours easily add 1,000 to 2,000 steps while celebrating the rich history of small-town St. Helena.
While exploring Main Street, pop into the deli at Sunshine Market and enjoy a picnic in Jacob Meily Park. After your meal, add another 1,000 steps on the paved walking trail along Sulphur Creek, within the park.
A short three miles north of downtown, Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park offers a glimpse back in time into the rural life of St. Helena’s residents. The 1846 fully restored grain mill built by Edward Turner Bale, provides background into the important role Napa Valley settlers played in the famous wine region’s industrialization. Add 4,000 steps with the History Trail, passing along Mill Creek, to visit the first church in the Napa Valley and Pioneer Cemetery.
For days when indoor steps are preferred, experience the iconic Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, the world’s premier culinary college. The school, built in 1888, offers a 30-minute tour of the 117,000 square foot stone building, or about 1,000 steps. Coffee at the Spice Islands Market or dinner at the Gatehouse Restaurant, both showcasing the skills and talents of students at the CIA, is sure to leave a lasting impression.
St. Helena provides endless vineyards to enjoy a glass of wine outdoors, while logging steps. Round out the day in southern St. Helena at Whitehall Lane Winery and Vineyards, where exploring the property during their Estate Tour & Tasting will add more than 1,000 steps. The tour provides an educational element, with an overview of winemaking from vine to glass, all while walking through the vineyards and admiring the views of the surrounding mountain range.
About Visit Napa Valley
Visit Napa Valley is the official tourism marketing organization for the Napa Valley, with a mission to promote, protect and enhance the region’s position as one of the world’s premier wine, food, arts and wellness destinations.
The Napa Valley, conveniently located just an hour from the San Francisco Bay Area, consists of the following distinctive towns, including, from north to south, Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford/Oakville, Yountville, the city of Napa, American Canyon, and the outdoor recreation area of Lake Berryessa.
The Napa Valley Welcome Center, located at 600 Main St. along the riverfront in downtown Napa, provides visitors with expert Concierge services from Napa Valley Ambassadors who offer complimentary Napa Valley Guidebooks, maps, brochures and winery tasting passes. The Welcome Center, open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., also offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a mercantile shop featuring locally sourced gift items.
For additional information on the Napa Valley, or to plan your Napa Valley experience, please explore VisitNapaValley.com, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @VisitNapaValley.
Media Contact:
Angela Jackson, Director of Media Relations
Visit Napa Valley
Angela@visitnapavalley.com
707-260-0114
