One of my girlfriends (Sherry) came & picked me up at my brother’s a couple days after the wedding.  We went “up valley” (I was in Napa) to St. Helena for some shopping, wine tasting & food.  I grew up in Napa and remember driving by this motel everytime we went up valley.  It began as a religious retreat in the 1940’s and changed into an art deco motel in the 1950’s.  Well the rooms are totally updated, very nice and very clean.  It’s located right off the highway as you enter into St. Helena and they have a continental breakfast with pastries from Butter Cream Bakery (which is a well known bakery in Napa).  http://www.elbonita.com

It’s a really cute property, lots of huge trees.  If you’re ever in Napa and traveling “up valley” to do some wine tasting, look into to staying here!

They have a swimming pool (not huge), a separate hot tub and also a sauna.  It’s surrounded by lush greenery and a large hedge of jasmine.

Anddddddd if you’re looking for a great place to eat – Tra Vigne Pizzeria!!!  You could walk there from the motel.  I’ve been there once before and couldn’t wait to go back.  It is delicious!!!!  Sherry and I had the garlic rolls “Saporito”, they’re truffle french fries with aoli and a simple salad with a lemon citronette dressing.  Oh my word – they alllllll were sooooo delicious (the pizza is also fantastic)!  The hotel is on the left side of the highway and the restaurant is tucked in behind a building on the right side – just about a block north of the hotel and over the railroad tracks.  You won’t be disappointed!!  http://pizzeriatravigne.com

We also drove up to Calistoga for some wine tasting.  Sherry’s friend Lydia and her family have a winery just outside of Calistoga and a store front on the main street (Lincoln Ave.) in Calistoga for wine tasting.  It was great!  Cute little shop with wine and trinkets.  We each brought back a bottle (not from this list) lol.  I purchased their “Farm Worker” Chardonnay.  It’s a great, light, fruity, not too sweet summer wine.  We had a great time “up valley”.  Be sure and stop by their place!  Calistoga is just up the highway from St. Helena.  https://maldonadovineyards.com