Hello and happy summer from Huckleberry Hill. It’s 2021, and with COVID vaccines and restrictions lifted it’s time to travel. Bella Sophia has very fond memories of this amazing 2018 trip with Nonna. We just love Calistoga. Enjoy this article and I hope to see you visiting Calistoga soon. Much love and HAPPY 4th of July, Maxine (“Molly’) XO
Amazing wine tasting, culinary adventures, farm to table produce, spa treatments and ‘taking the waters’. Nothing is better than a Calistoga get-a-way. Best yet, we secured a favorite granola recipe, happy summer!
Let’s travel north of Monterey Bay, over the Golden Gate…
We fell in love with the ambiance, quaintness and care given to us at the Inn on Pine via the healing small town of Calistoga. This retro, feel good inn has such a down to Earth vibe! It is a small boutique gathering spot, where you are greeted each morning with fresh coffee, juices, baked goods and the very best homemade granola. This granola is so delicious, we devoured every morsel and left with the cherished recipe (see bottom of post for the granola recipe). In the morning, we loved lounging by the outdoor fireplace, reading local papers and organizing our day. Every afternoon, unique iced teas with interesting flavorings along with homemade cookies are available to guests. This ‘niche inn’ has a way to pamper and connect in a manner that has become a long lost art of our modern era.
We found the pool and hot tub clean and relaxing. Huge towels are available and plush robes. Next door to the inn are vineyards and open space with glorious mountain views. As a matter of fact, we found that this was a welcomed retreat and we enjoyed the outdoor space both day and evening. You feel as if you are in your own private ‘vacation home’, the space is adorable.
Nonna Cathy, Bella Sophia and I delved into the Euro Spa and Wellness Center for Calistoga themed treatments. Nonna was put into an ultimate relaxation state with her massage. Bella Sophia released toxins with a high end mud wrap. We found that a mud wrap allows for customized mud blends that can assist in releasing impurities from the body. Selections included hydrating goat milk and honey mud, antioxidant rich crushed wine mud or a detoxifying herbal blend. For a mud wrap the product is applied to you and you are able to relax in a cushioned bed so that there is no need to immerse into a mud filled tub. This allows for any age or any physical condition to be accommodated easily for a Calistoga mud treatment. The spa is lovingly run by husband and wife team John and Brittany Kennedy, they take so much pride in their work and make sure to give each client time and attention.
I came home with my face purified and a glow via a custom facial and Hungarian face massage. Best yet, we reviewed health centered goals and had customized aromatherapy oils to bring home. What a divine treat!
Our Calistoga get a way allowed for a visit to the ‘Castllo di Amorosa’, we were transported back to a 13th century winery with tastings of Italian inspired wines (and grape juice).
We felt that we were back in Tuscany, Italy. With a stop at Cal Mart in downtown Calistoga (this is the BEST deli around) for a picnic we could not help but sample these adorable mini cakes. Hand made by local Santa Rosa baker Erin Manly (Rasassy Cakes).
We tucked into our picnic under the Calistoga sun.
Do you have a favorite granola recipe? At home spa tips? What is your favorite must see place in the Napa/Calistoga area? Feel free to share, I love to hear from my readers. I can be reached at huckleberryhilladventure@gmail.com.
“Cheers” to California get-a-ways!
I’ll see you at the vineyards. XOXO, Maxine (A.K.A. “Molly)
-Bill’s Delicious Home-Made Granola Recipe-
Bill was a talented chef. Although he has passed his wife Joanne continues to manage the Inn with love and care. Bill loved making this granola and Joanne looks forward to you making this blend in your home… and stopping by the Euro Spa and Inn when you visit Calistoga. Enjoy!
Gather Dry Ingredients:
Rolled Oats (Not instant) 4 cups
Brown Sugar- ½ cup
Salt- 1 TBS
Cinnamon- 2 TBS
Nutmeg- 1 tsp
Add ¼ cup of each nut, the Euro Spa and Inn Uses:
Cashews
Almonds
Pecans
Walnuts
Sunflower Seeds
Add ¼ each Dried Fruits of Choice, the Euro Spa and Inn Uses:
Raisins
Golden Raisins
Dried Cranberries
Currants
Dried Blueberries
Wet Ingredients:
Canola Oil- 4 TBS
Good quality fragrant honey- 1 cup
Vanilla flavoring- 3 TBS
Bake: Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Put wet ingredients into a saucepan on medium low heat to combine. Mix all other ingredients except for the fruit. Add wet ingredients and mix well then place on a lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes and remove, mix well in a large bowl and place back on baking sheet. Bake another 30 minutes, stirring about every 10 minutes. Blend in dry fruit once removed from the oven. Keep stored in an airtight container.
