Experience Yountville like a local! I am always looking for insider tips when I am traveling. Locals have the inside scope on the best places to eat, the hot new spots to check out and the cool “secret” places that haven’t been widely discovered yet. Since not everyone is able to experience Yountville with a local, I have gathered some of my best “local tips” below.
Ranch Market Too!
More than just a market, Ranch Market Too is my favorite one stop shop in Yountville. They carry everything from gourmet truffle potato chips, fresh fruit and veggies, an impressive wine selection, Yountville swag and lots of Wine Country souvenirs. And if you are like me and tend to forget some of the basics while traveling Ranch Market Too has all of that too!
Happy Hour at Lucy at Bardessono
My favorite place to enjoy Happy Hour in Yountville is Lucy Restaurant at Bardessono. Offered Sunday-Thursday 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. you can enjoy discounted Napa Valley wines and bar bites while enjoying the serenity of the Bardessono property. Make sure to check out their signature seasonal cocktails as well! As an added bonus your four legged friend is always welcome at Bardessono!
Ice cream at Platform 8
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Nitro Ice Cream! Platform 8 is Yountville’s newest ice cream spot, is serving up something new and fun with its nitrogen ice cream bar. Pick from several different flavors and watch them freeze the ice cream right before your eyes!
Napa Valley Museum Yountville
When I am traveling, I like to learn as much as I can about the local art. Napa Valley Museum Yountville is housed on the grounds of the Veterans Home of California Yountville and is open Wednesday – Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Museum features a great history exhibit about Napa Valley and rotating art exhibits that are worth of a journey. If you happen to be in town on the second Saturday of the month head up to the Museum for a free family friendly activity!
Lunch at Lakeside Grill
Looking for a light lunch, on a budget, with an impressive view?  Lakeside Grill offers a variety salads, sandwiches, and light lunch fare. They also have one of the best Bloody Mary’s in town! With an impressive view of the Macaymus Mountains, Lakeside Grill is the perfect place to take a moment for yourself and reflex on the beauty that surrounds Napa Valley.
Walk in Tasting at Jessup Cellars
When I have friends come to visit we always end our day at Jessup Cellars. Voted the Friendliest and Most Knowledgeable tasting room/winery in the Napa Valley three years in a row; Jessup Cellars is the locals favorite tasting room.  No reservations are required to enjoy a bar tasting in the newly renovated tasting room, but if you would like to sit among the impressive artwork and enjoy cheese with your wine make sure and call ahead.
Protea Rooftop Dining
Rooftop views are hard to come by in the Napa Valley and Yountville is lucky enough to have Protea Restaurant with one of the best rooftops around. Chef Anita cooks up mouth watering Caribbean inspired cuisine including a daily selection of empanadas, tacos and sandwiches. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine on the rooftop or take it to go to one of Yountville’s wonderful parks. If you are staying in Yountville Protea will even deliver to your hotel room!
Secret Garden Tour at Hill Family Estates
One of the most unique experiences in Yountville is the Secret Garden Tour by Hill Family Estates. Offered seasonally, and only once a day at 10:00 a.m. the Secret Garden Tour starts with an hour long exploration of one of Yountville’s best kept secrets. You will see where food for The French Laundry is grown, and if you’re lucky, you might even meet one of their chefs. Depending on the season you will get to taste white strawberries, peach blossoms or any combination of the wonderful things growing in the Secret Garden. Following the tour, you are treated to a sit down tasting at Hill Family Estates tasting room in Yountville, where you can learn how to pair the delicious things you have collected with amazing wines.
Welcome Center
Need more insider tips? Then visit the Yountville Welcome Center. The Welcome Center is a wealth of information and can help you make the most out of your trip. Located right on Washington Street, the Welcome Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and staffed with knowledgeable local volunteers who are happy and excited to answer any questions you might have about Yountville and the Napa Valley.