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Winter is still very much here–in fact it has been gray and rainy almost non-stop (I just happened to sneak these shots in between the rain clouds).

But Spring–with all its sweet promise of exhilaration, exuberation and energy is thisclose.

The scene: A cave tour at a local winery

Samantha: “Oh no! He doesn’t look very happy!”

Tom and me, simultaneously: “Actually, kiddo, he is REALLY happy…”

Located in the town of Calistoga, Buster’s Southern Barbeque has been offering generous servings of their mouth-watering BBQ since 1965.

Now, I know that folks can be…well, let’s just say picky…about barbeque. But Buster’s delivers just what I think of when I want barbeque: smoky and tender meats with a classic spicy tomato-based sauce, served with a side of garlic bread, baked beans or coleslaw.

One note on that spicy sauce: the hot is HOT. Super hot. Tom & I both enjoy a good deal of spice (meaning we aren’t wimps here), but we couldn’t even eat the food the time we went with the hot sauce (and to think, a big, burly construction worker-type had warned us…). So take this as your warning: Go with the mild. Seriously. And put in on the side for the little ones.

Like the food, the setting is simple–perhaps ‘rustic’ is a better description. And as every parent knows, ‘rustic’ usually means kid-friendly. The only seating is outdoor–a few tables are outside, but the main area is an enclosed patio. They do have those tall heaters going in the winter, so we were comfortable in our light California-winter jackets.

The prices are decent–and as the servings are generous, you could likely even share and cut some costs.

And Calistoga is a great little town to visit, you can check out more about it here.

Who: All ages

What: Authentic Southern Barbeque

Where: 1207 Foothill Boulevard, Calistoga

When: Anytime, but be prepared for outdoor seating

Why: Barbeque done very well

Like one of my favorite bloggers, I just don’t feel up to posting on my usual topic(s) today when thousands upon thousands of people in Haiti are suffering.

Here is a list of six ways that you can help.

Honig is a small, family-owned winery and was one of the first tasting rooms Tom & I visited when we moved to the Napa Valley five years ago.

That was, of course, pre-kiddo. And while we had a wonderful visit then and have been long-time fans of their wines, we hadn’t thought of the winery as being kid-friendly.

That is, until we saw them listed on our go-to winery finder tool on the Napa Valley Vintners website.

So while we were out & about this past weekend, we gave them a quick call (tastings are by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead), and to our delight, got in that afternoon.

Recently, I wrote about this time of year as being ideal to visit because the tasting rooms tend to not be busy. And indeed, we were the only ones there for most of our visit.

Our tasting took place seated at a long table in an open, comfortable room. As our host poured the first of the wines–their popular Sauvignon Blanc (which we purchased and enjoyed that evening), she asked if Samantha would like to check out the toy cabinet.

And boy, was she excited.

We spent the remainder of the tasting–a second Sauvignon Blanc, two Cabernet Sauvignons and Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc–with kiddo happily occupied.

And when she did grow bored, she headed out to the expansive patio (easily viewable from the tasting room) and explored.

Located in a little strip mall near Queen of the Valley Hospital in the town of Napa, Genova Delicatessen at first appears to be nothing special.

But it’s been a locals’ favorite since 1926, serving generous sandwiches, salads and hot case items such as lasagna, eggplant parmesan, and more.

They also have a grocery featuring a extensive variety of cheeses, authentic Italian pastas, sauces and all sorts of dry goods. They also have a nice selection of local and imported wines, and an espresso bar.

It is the sort of place you walk in, wade your way through the throngs of people, take a number, and wait. While they have a legion of workers, be prepared to be patient as each sandwich is carefully made to order.

Seating is indoor or outdoor. The few outdoor tables are just out on the sidewalk, nestled between the building front and the parking lot.

You could also place your order to-go and enjoy lunch at one of the many nearby wineries with picnic grounds (see category Kid-Friendly Napa Valley: Wineries for some ideas).

This Napa dining spot is super-casual–nothing fancy here–just straightforward, delicious deli foods.

Who: Absolutely all ages

What: Quality, old-school Italian deli classics

Where: Genova Delicatessen, 1550 Trancas Street, Napa

When: Monday-Saturday: 9am-6:30pm; Sunday: 9am-5pm

Why: When you want to get back to the basics; this is a very special place

We found this to be quite the funny form of kindling:

Last night, Samantha turned to us, smiled and said “I have super-fast-double-motion in my brain.”

I don’t know if that is a reference to some kids’ book or show with which I am not yet familiar, but my first reaction was “That’s OK, it happens to me sometimes too.”

I took it as a good sign of her potential.

What do you think?
An indication of creativity and intelligence? Or an omen of ADD?