Thanksgiving 2024

My family’s Thanksgiving tradition has often involved long-distance road trips. In past years, we’ve explored the Grand Canyon (2021) and the Great Canyon Loop (2022) and even visited relatives in Illinois (2023). This year, however, I decided it was time for a change. Instead of a grand adventure, I wanted a peaceful escape to rest and recharge. So, we opted for a short family getaway to Calistoga.

Yountville, V. Sattui, and Calistoga are some of my favorite spots in the Napa area, conveniently aligned along SR-29, making for an ideal route. Yountville, with its charming and well-organized downtown and excellent culinary options, is always a delight to visit.

This year, it was the day of Thanksgiving, so most of the famous restaurants, like The French Laundry and Bouchon, were closed. However, I managed to secure a reservation at Bistro Jeanty, and it did not disappoint. While I’ve often been skeptical of so-called fusion French cuisine, this experience was an exception. The chicken breast was so creamy, the fish perfectly seasoned, and even the French fries made a compelling case for their authenticity—yes, it was French.

V. Sattui is my favorite winery in the Napa area, largely because of its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The open public picnic area provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Unfortunately, during our visit, the winery was undergoing renovations, and many of its facilities, including the marketplace, were closed. Despite that, I was able to pick up a few of their renowned Madeira bottles from a temporary store, which made the visit worthwhile.

This was our second visit to Calistoga Motor Lodge. While it’s not a luxury resort, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with a fantastic hot spring swimming pool. The late autumn setting added a serene charm to the area, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.

“The greatest benefit of living in the Bay Area is that no other place in the world feels expensive anymore.” It’s a joke I often make, but we might be able to learn how we can cope with it. We brought along Korean Cupbops (instant meals) and enjoyed them as quick meals. This approach saved us both time and money while still allowing us to indulge in plenty of the local culinary delights.

Calistoga’s downtown was a delightful spot. While it’s a popular tourist destination, it wasn’t overly crowded. Strolling through the charming and well-kept streets, savoring ice cream, and relaxing at local cafes made for a perfect way to experience the town.

One place worth highlighting is Evangeline, where we had brunch on our last day before heading home. Despite the rainy morning, the outdoor (but covered) seating was cozy, thanks to the ceiling heaters. Every dish we ordered was excellent, but the side of potatoes truly stood out. It might seem unusual to single out potatoes, but they were hands-down the best I’ve ever had.

On our way home, we stopped by Hog Island Oyster Co. to pick up some oysters.

Back at home, we enjoyed the plumpest oysters I’ve ever had. Even though the 49ers didn’t have the best night in the snow that day, it was still a perfect ending to our Thanksgiving.