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As I’ve posted previously on this topic, the Harvest Festival here in Saint Helena is truly a family event.

Sure, there’s plenty for adults to do too. But, from the pet parade, to the craft and artist booths, to the food, to the wine tasting tents, to the face painting, to the bouncy house, to the pony [...]

The Harvest Festival always begins with the Pet Parade. As you see below, folks cetainly bring all sort of pets.

But, Samantha’s favorite part is the candy.

Samantha as Dalmatian

Here Comes the Parade

Oak Street

Bird on Parade

Thriller

Greyhound as Butterfly

Golden Retriever and Goat as Pony

There is a lot to be said–and a lot of photos to share–of this past weekend’s annual Saint Helena Hometown Harvest Festival.

Always one of our most favorite events of the year, not only does it signal the change of seasons here, it is pure family fun.

I’ll share more of the experience over the next few days, but below [...]

On Sunday, we attended the annual Saint Helena Fire Department Station Open House.

Although we missed last year, it is one of Samantha’s favorite events. Tom & I enjoy the small-town, old-timey atmosphere as well. So we were quite pleased when we ran into kiddo’s BFF Brookie there.

And in reviewing the photos from the day, I was [...]

I love, love, love farmers’ markets (click back there on that to find one near you).

The easygoing summer mornings, the happy, eco-conscious folks, and of course, the bounty of produce and handmade goods…

Part of the community since 1986, the Saint Helena Farmers’ Market is a fine example.

Just as one would expect, naturally.

Who: All ages

What: Stand after stand of jaw-droppingly, lusciously gorgeous local [...]

If you’re going to be in the Napa Valley this upcoming Independence Day weekend, we recommend taking the family to the Silverado July 4th parade in Calistoga.

A small-town, old-fashion parade at its finest, festivities begin at 11am. Get there early though–and bring lots of water. Due to its northernmost location in the valley, Calistoga is always [...]

Seems to me that bocce is the official pastime of Saint Helena.

There is an actual Saint Helena Bocce League, which according to Metroactive “holds the title of the largest and most contentious area bocce league, with almost a sixth of the citizenry competing on 89 teams” (click here for the entire article).

Though I am not currently playing [...]

It gets hot here in the Napa Valley.

While many of the larger area hotels have swimming pools, many of the smaller hotels and B&Bs do not.

And, for locals–as we already know, many of the larger area homes have swimming pools and many of the smaller homes do not.

So when the air conditioning is just not cutting it, head [...]

Located just outside of the Napa Valley—in the charming town of Sonoma—Train Town is about a 40 minute drive from Saint Helena, perhaps 15 minutes from the town of Napa.

A mini-theme park if you will–in addition to several train rides, Train Town also offers a ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a Merry-Go-Round, a petting zoo and more.

Who: All ages, [...]

We love to go to Crane Park on Saturdays.

Beyond the tennis courts, bocce courts and baseball fields is the playground. Towering old oaks shade the two main areas, each geared toward different age groups.

You’ll find baby swings, big-kid swings, slides galore, climbing structures and many other options.

Who: All ages can find something to do

What: Extensive, beautiful outdoor [...]