Don't get left out in the cold. Warm your bones with a soothing soak in any of these three Northern California hot springs. Say ahhhhhhhhhhh.
Folks have been relaxing at way-off-the-beaten-path Wilbur Hot Springs, near Clear Lake, for 150 years. What's the draw? The A-frame open-air "Fluminarium" here shelters three flumes of flowing water that range in temperature from 98 to 110 degrees. Their real secret is lithium, an element from the hot springs that's said to mellow out even the most anxious Type-As. These tranquil, isolated hot springs are about a 2.5-hour drive from San Francisco, so leave early in the morning to make it a day trip. (The drive through rural Yolo County is beautiful—orchard and oak trees line the little-used, two-lane road). If you opt for an overnight immersion, a bunk-house and private rooms are available on-site. Budding gourmets can prepare their meals in the fully equipped kitchen—or book a stay during the once-a-month guest chef cooking weekends and enjoy the fruits of someone else's culinary labor. After dinner, a backwoods guitar-and-piano jam session flumes to life in the community room. Hot spring heaven.
TIP: Strike a warrior pose from the yoga deck perched on the side of a hill overlooking the hot springs. Ommmmm.
Wilbur Hot Springs (530-473-2306). Day use of the hot springs (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is $52. Bunk rooms are $95 per person. Private rooms start at $202 per night. Directions are found on their website. Note: True to the spirit of hot springs culture, the Fluminarium is clothing-optional. And quiet is encouraged, though there is a designated flume for chatterboxes.
For a historic soak with contemporary comforts, consider Calistoga's Indian Springs in northern Napa Valley. Surrounded by palm trees, and with a retro-chic vibe, this steaming, spring-fed oasis was first used by the Wappo Indians; now its Olympic-sized pool entices visitors from around the world. Access to the pool is limited to those overnighting at Indian Springs or getting a treatment at the spa; the least expensive treatment is the 25-minute massage for $65, which will leave your muscles loose and your limbs noodly. (If you want to splurge, mud baths are their signature indulgence.) Mix up your soul-warming soak with a nap or a snack near the outdoor fireplace. There's also a Buddha pond respite, good for splaying out and just chilling. Overnight guests have full access to the hot springs until midnight. Sweet steams.
BONUS: Also worth a stop is nearby Vincent Arroyo Winery, where bargain prices (for Napa) meet supreme taste.
Indian Springs, 1712 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga; 707-942-9035 ext. 11. Spa visitors have access to the pool until 5:00 p.m. Overnight guests can stay in one of 24 lodge rooms or 16 cottages. Prices start at $250 per night on weekends.
Watching the winter sun set from a High Sierra hot spring surrounded by 10,000-foot-high peaks is a basking good time. Set in a sprawling, snow-covered meadow, Grover Hot Springs is 6,000 feet up in Alpine County, California's least populated county and a Weekend Sherpa favorite (see our Top 10 List of 2008). Soak your bones as the steam rises from the spring-fed pool, which reaches 104 degrees. There's also a cooler swimming pool on-site for those who want to take the dare and dash for a pins-and-needles dip. Grover Hot Springs is the place to head after a day in the snow—skiing, snowshoeing, or just generally exploring. But don't wait too long to get your Grover on; in winter, the hot springs closes at 7:00 p.m.
TIP: Make it an overnight at Sorensen's Resort, just 20 minutes away, where you can explore miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, or head to Kirkwood.
Grover Hot Springs State Park is 4 miles west of Markleeville at the end of Hot Springs Rd.; 530-694-2249. Through the winter the hot-spring pool is open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. everyday except Wednesday. The cost is $5 per person.
The food and wine gala of the year is here: Celebrating Napa's quiet-season, the two-month-long Napa Valley Mustard Festival kicks off in high style this Saturday night at the Mustard Magic grand opening event. Swirl, sip, meet, and munch to gourmet food and wine pairings at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena. Be there when paintings by European masters come to life in the candlelit setting; mingle with chefs and winemakers. Later in the festival, on Feb. 21, Le Grand Diner dazzles food-lovers with a seven-course feast hosted by award-winning La Toque restaurant. Check the mustard season calendar for other events on tap through the end of March, including The Marketplace—a two-day open-air event with live music, dozens of wineries, and food booths. Celebrate the riches of the region at Napa's signature festival!
Events for the Napa Valley Mustard Festival run from January 31 to March 28. Get your tickets today! (707-938-1133)