Karen Kaminski – Reservations Manager

Helping Guests Acheive the Perfect Stay Since 2001

I have worked at the Napa River Inn since 2001 and have gone through many different job titles and promotions. Anywhere from Front Desk, Sales & Catering and Accounting to Reservations Management. You name it- I’ve done it. This knowledge has allowed me to work closely with both guests and employees. Starting when I was 21 to now an adult, the Napa River Inn is more like a family than place of employment.

I am a native to Napa Valley and currently live in Yountville, CA with my partner and five animals (3 dogs and 2 cats). When I’m not at home spending time with the pets, I do like to get out and enjoy what Downtown Napa has to offer.

Here is a two-day itinerary for some of my favorite things to do in Napa Valley, from an insider’s perspective:

Day 1: Start the day off with coffee from the Coffee Caboose in Yountville.   Literally located in the Caboose of a train.  I can walk right up to the window with my dog and get my double latte to go. Plus they always make sure to give Jax a few dog treats before heading out on our hike at Alston Park.

Alston Park

Known to locals as the dog park,  it’s located just a few miles off Highway 29. Alston Park not only offers sweeping views of the Napa Valley and great hiking, but a place where my dog can run freely (in a designated off-leash area; dogs are required to stay leashed in the rest of the park). Alston Park offers two different loops. The off-leash area sprawls through the heart of Prune Picker’s 1/2 mile circuit, which is where I go, but if you and your dogs want a longer loop, you can park at Alston Park’s second trailhead.

 

Lunch time: Head back north to one of my favorite lunch spots. Pet-friendly Rutherford Grill offers a great outdoor bar, fireplace, and relaxing atmosphere. A few of my favorite things on the menu are the Home Smoked Salmon appetizer, French Dip Sandwich, the corn bread.  Don’t forget to ask if they have the Queso Dip appetizer as a special. Be prepared to wait- however well worth it! 

 

Just a few miles drive will bring you to a must see pet-friendly winery: Frog’s Leap.  Open to the public daily, you can enjoy a seated tasting on their wrap around porch or join a guided tour of the vineyards and winery. Don’t forget to say hello to their winery dog, Abby.

If you’re still hungry for dinner Redd is the place to be. Back in Yountville and footsteps from home, Redd offers wine country cuisine with influences from Asia, Europe, and Mexico in a relaxed yet elegant environment. Be daring and sit at the bar! You’re probably sitting next to one of the top wine makers in the valley. Must haves are the pork buns and chicken wings (bar menu only).

Day 2: Start off the day by strolling on the Napa River Walk on your way to the Oxbow Public Market.  The Oxbow has it all. You can find tasty picnic items, local and fabulous meal provisions, great bottles of wine, riverfront patio dining and a unique shopping experience. Also, if you happen to be here on Tuesday, it’s Local’s Night. Great crowd and fun music!

If it’s time for a light snack, order a dozen or so oysters and a bottle of champagne from Hog Island Oyster Company, located within the Oxbow.  You can sit either inside the lively market or outside on the river front patio where live music may be playing.

A must have for your day in Napa is the Downtown Wine Tasting card. Only $25, the Taste Napa Downtown Wine Tasting card allows you to sample wine at 12 different tasting rooms and wine bars in Napa. Using the card, your initial tasting is only 10 cents!  You’ll be able to stroll around Downtown Napa sampling all of the great wines our Valley has to offer.

You’ll definitely work up your appetite. Instead of sitting down for a full meal, I like to bar hop and try different appetizers and wine at each place. A few of my favorites are:

Cole’s Chop House - Oysters Rockefeller or Grilled Mexican Prawn Cocktail

Zuzu – Moroccan BBQ Lamp Chops

Morimoto Napa - Tuna Pizza or Rock Shrimp Tempura

Celadon –  Flash fried calamari with a spicy chipotle chili glaze

Angele -  Torchon de Foie Gras

Hope you enjoy!