In the Napa Valley, Calistoga Offers an Active Night Life

(Bikers above zip through Calistoga, thinking, perhaps, about what to do at night)

The quaint, relaxing charm of downtown Calistoga gives the impression of a sleepy wine country town.

But don't be fooled. When the sun sets on a day filled with wine tasting, spa treatments and pampering, Calistoga comes to life. From the sizzling sounds of salsa to a picnic under the stars while enjoying a classic movie, Calistoga is home to a wide variety of nightlife that offers yet another great way to de-stress in this idyllic town.

Most nights of the week visitors will experience the pulse of live music from the heart of downtown at Calistoga Inn on Lincoln Avenue.

Live Jazz, Latin-Style Music

During the warm months, live jazz, blues or Latin-style music wafts through the air from Calistoga Inn's patio from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Every Friday and Saturday night, dancers kick up their heels in the Pub as they groove to blues and rock bands from 9 p.m. to midnight. Wednesday nights in the Pub are a Wine Country version of "American Idol" as both amateur and professional musicians perform before a live audience during Open Mic Night from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

"Calistoga is such a pedestrian-friendly town that it really lends itself to being able to walk around and check out what's going on in all the businesses here," says Mark Young, co-owner of Brannan's Grill and barVino restaurant. Brannan's Grill features Vibraphonist Herb Gibson Friday-Sunday nights.

Pacifico Restaurante Mexicano features acoustic guitar Thursday nights, live Mariachi music every Friday night and salsa music and dance lessons on Saturday nights. At the Hydro Bar & Grill fans listen to rock and blues every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. On Sunday nights they feature live swing and Dixieland which attracts a crowd of all ages.

Enjoy a Picnic at Sterling Vineyards

Picnics also are encouraged at the Sterling Vineyards Silver Screen Series. This is the fifth year the winery invites guests to spend the evening enjoying outdoor movies while sipping wine. A pre-show of classic cartoons, followed by the feature presentation, begins at dusk. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children (16 and under). Sterling Vineyards is located at 1111 Dunaweal Lane, about a five-minute drive from downtown Calistoga.

For more information on Calistoga nightlife, visit www.calistogachamber.com or call (707) 942-6333.