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Community Corner

Take This Day Trip: Yountville With Kids

Wine country with little ones? Think parks, trolleys and yummy treats.

 

I know, Yountville usually conjures up ideas of pricey restaurants and wineries, not ideal for entertaining a kiddie crew. But look at it our quaint eastern neighbors from a kid's perspective: vast open play spaces, great snacking and lunch spots, easily accessible (and clean) bathrooms and, of course, nice places to sight-see.

See, enough hidden treasures to keep the whole family happy.

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With only 34 miles and gorgeous vineyards separating Yountville from Sonoma, I reccomend a day trip during this time of year, when the tourist season is low and the mustard is just popping up. Here's what's on my don't-miss list:

Hit a Park

Yountville has a handful of parks peppered throughout the main part of town. Start with the Yountville Community Park, on the north end. It's just over a year-old and between the climbing structures, tire swing, toddler area and shade, it'll keep your kid entertained for a few hours. (There's a bathroom, too.) 

Bonus: the Free Trolley stops right at the park, and will loop you around downtown in 30 minutes. Check the schedule, it usually runs Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am - 2 pm. Check the trolly map here, and scout out other downtown parks.

Walk south from the park to Washington Street for the French Laundry Demo Garden, where they recently added a chicken coop. The three-acre garden has rows and rows of well maintained winter vegetables, that are clearly labeled. It was quite a treat to walk through “my dream garden” and my kids were very excited to see the chickens and wonderful winter vegetables.

Don't Miss the Great (Kiddie) Eats

Ranch Market, 6498 Washington Street (next to Bistro Jeanty) has great picnic food to grab. The deli is located in the back and has wonderful sandwiches, salads, bags of chips and lots of drinks.

For more yummy picnic fare for you and the kids, head to the V Marketplace, home to The NapaStyle Paninoteca & Wine Bar, where you can enjoy pressed hot and cold paninis, seasonal salads, and antipasti plates. Through Feb. 29 Yountville is hosting Movable Feast, where you can receive a free cup of soup with any sandwich. Check here for all the other specials around town.

My new favorite stop for treats is also in the V Marketplace: Kollar Chocolates. They have the most amazing chocolate, gelato and espresso – honestly, the best chocolate ever!

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Cross the street for Pacific Blue restaurant, one of the most affordable options in downtown Yountville. They have a very relaxed atmosphere that is great for families with kids and a great outdoor dining area. The restaurant serves kid-friendly fare including burgers, fries, ribs, chicken and a variety of appetizers. They certainly won’t mind if you get a little messy or throw down a beer.

If you just need a quick coffee stop, check out Yountville Coffee Caboose. All of their coffee is as “local as possible” and French pressed. They have a large menu of mochas and lattes, along with French sodas for the kids. Also, lots of yummy muffins and scones.

Of course I can’t leave Yountville with out stopping in Bouchon Bakery. Just looking at the beautifully arranged pastries is eye-candy for myself and my kids. Unfortunately they are remodeling right now but will be re-opening in February so check their website for updated information.

Visit a Museum

Yes, Yountville has a museum and Mondays are free! Located on the grounds of the California Veteran’s Home, west of Hwy 29, the Napa Valley Museum has a rotating display of local and world renowned artists and offer. Check out family fun days on the second Saturday of every month: the museum hosts an educational activity along with their regular exhibits. (Reservations are recommended for all Family Fun Day activities: call (707) 944-0500) On Feb. 11 the museum will host a Valentine's Day card making workshop. Fun!

Mark Your Calendar

The 19th Annual Taste of Yountville will be Saturday, March 24, from noon to 5 pm in down town Yountville (along Washington Street). Live entertainment, children's activities, Open Studios fine art show and sale, art in the park, French Laundry garden tours, drawing for amazing prizes, CalFire BBQ and much more!  Admission is free, tasting tickets may be purchased for $1 each at event. For more information visit www.yountville.com or call (707) 944-0904.

So if you have been to Yountville for date night, but haven’t thought of Yountville as a location to take the kids, think again. Right now is the perfect time to have a picnic, take a trolley, visit a new park and hit a museum and be home in little over 30 minutes.

I can’t wait to go back and my kids can’t wait either!

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