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St. Helena, California, the small charming Napa Valley town home to many upscale boutique hotels, as well as bustling restaurant and art scenes, will welcome a new concept store on Sept. 1, focusing on immersive design, wellness, and dining.

Housed in a remodeled 1920s building with a courtyard on 1429 Main Street, NO|MA House Café & Collective will be an all-day gathering space with integrated shoppable decor and an ever-changing selection of objects and furniture sourced from international and hard-to-find brands.

"It's a dynamic space. As soon as you walk into this space, you feel elevated," Ann Backen, NO|MA House's owner, told Travel + Leisure.

Backen, a St. Helena resident who works alongside architect Howard Backen at their design firm Backen & Backen, was inspired by the idea of a gathering space that blends design, community, wellness, and food. To make it more welcoming and connect the space to the outside, she opened the façade of the historic building by installing a 17-foot pivot window and incorporating an indoor-outdoor bar. Then, she added lush greenery and sidewalk seating reminiscent of European cafes. Another standout design feature is the 14-foot living green wall by award-winning landscaping company Seasons that infuses the interior with a relaxing vibe and brings the outdoors in.

"We painted the floors in a beautiful, oversized checkered pattern like Alice in Wonderland to evoke this playful, whimsical feeling," Backen explained. "The design was the genesis of the whole project. We want to whisper luxury rather than jamming it down your throat," she added.

Guests of NO|MA House Café & Collective can purchase almost everything in the space — from the beautiful porcelain ceramic plates their food is served on to the chair they are sitting on. The property will be the only U.S. retailer to carry items by sustainable lifestyle English brand Marfa Stance as well as luxury home textiles company Treko Chile, and Belgian furniture maker Ethnicraft.

The cafe will offer comfort diner classics — think: lemon ricotta waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and grain bowls — prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms and vendors.

The space will also feature a large video wall for special movie screenings and documentaries, workshops, and presentations by artists, designers, authors, and other tastemakers aimed to educate and engage the community on "regenerative practices for land, body, and building."

"This space [NO|MA House Café & Collective] will teach, inspire, and support whoever walks in there — their mental and physical health," Backen said.

NO|MA House Café & Collective opens in St. Helena, California, on Sept. 1st and will be open Wednesday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (retail only) and Thursday - Sunday from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A city representative addresses the cause, what is being done and whether the city's water is safe to use.

Press release from the City of St. Helena:

ST. HELENA, CA — Patch received this community alert Wednesday evening from Andrew Bradley, assistant to the city manager, and in turn is publishing it for the community to view.

Dear Residents and Water Customers of St. Helena,

This communication is intended to provide information about the cause of our current water discoloration issues and the City’s action plan to remedy the situation. You should know that City staff is working diligently to address these issues.

First, the City has no current reason to believe that the water from throughout our distribution system is not safe. Staff continue to be in contact with the California Water Board’s Division of Drinking Water (“DDW”) about this matter, providing them with regular updates as we work with a multitude of specialized partners toward a comprehensive solution.

Find out what's happening in Napa Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, the investigation of any potential issues from the water treatment plant is not yet complete, and the City intends to complete this investigation as quickly as possible. This will require the immediate procurement of specialized services and equipment to address the issues that are causing the discolored and cloudy water. The City Manager, in coordination with the Public Works Director, understands the nature of this urgent situation and will take emergency actions under the Municipal Code to expedite procurement of equipment that will allow the City to urgently address the water treatment plant. The City Council will then make required findings supporting the emergency and ratify the City Manager’s actions, in some cases after actions and work has been done, at the City Council’s next scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Like most complicated situations however, there are no easy or quick fixes, and we are exploring the most effective path to address the situation while complying with the City’s obligations under the Municipal Code and other applicable statutes.

While our water system has experienced several issues in the last couple of decades, last year’s pipe failures and the current water discoloration indicate the precarious state of the system. Although the system will be receiving significant investment over the next few years, the work required for this remediation was not on the City’s list of planned upgrades. The City Council and staff are diligently working on finding solutions and the following is a status report.

THE CAUSE:

WHY NOW?

WHAT’S BEING DONE:

SHORT- AND LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS:

WATER USE:

REPORTING ISSUES:

CONTINUED UPDATES:

*Clear Well: A clear well is a component of a municipal drinking water purification system. It refers to the final storage stage in the system, following the filtration and disinfection stages. The filtered water is held in a storage basin to allow the disinfectant to inactivate any remaining pathogens.

This press release was produced by the City of St. Helena. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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Switch up your workout without sacrificing any of its intensity with a climb up the Bay Area’s tallest hikeable peaks.

From 2,463-foot-tall Sonoma Mountain in Glen Ellen to 4,342-foot-tall Mount Saint Helena in Calistoga, bagging these mountains will have you working muscles you forgot you had. Our advice? Don’t forget to stretch.

Mount Diablo, Walnut Creek

Elevation: 3,849 feet

Hike length: 7 miles out-and-back

The Summit Trail to the top of Mount Diablo, the East Bay’s tallest, hikeable peak, is notoriously challenging—especially in the heat of the summer. But despite the 2,000 foot+ climb, doing this hike in the cooler months is as visually spectacular as it is physically rewarding. Just keep reminding yourself that the second half is all downhill.

Need to know: Enter the park via the South Gate Road to reach the Summit Trailhead. There’s a $10 day use fee to enter Mount Diablo State Park. Not far from the trail’s highest point at the summit is a visitor center with interactive displays and a gift shop that’s worth checking out.

// Mount Diablo State Park, 2675 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd. (Danville), parks.ca.gov

Mount Saint Helena, Calistoga

Elevation: 4,342 feet

Hike length: 9.7 miles out-and-back

The highest climbable peak in the Bay Area, this hike up Mount Saint Helena will give you a whole new perspective on Napa County. It’s a heart-pumping five miles to the summit where you’ll gain more than 2,000 feet of elevation but never fear, every time you need a break, those panoramic views will be there to keep you company.

Need to know: Mount Saint Helena is located in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. The hike follows the Stevenson Memorial Trail (named for author Robert Louis Stevenson who honeymooned here in 1880) for about a mile before turning on to the wide Mt. St. Helena Trail.

// Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, 4824 Lake County Hwy #4774 (Calistoga), parks.ca.gov

Mount Umunhum, Los Gatos

Elevation: 3,486 feet

Hike Length: 8.3 miles out-and-back

One of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mount Umunhum has been an important landmark for the Ohlone people since time immemorial (its name means “resting place of the hummingbird”). The construction of a boxy radar tower at the summit during the Cold War added to the mountain’s distinction, making it instantly recognizable from nearly anywhere in the South Bay. This 8.3 mile out-and-back takes you straight to it.

Need to know: The way to the summit starts at the Bald Mountain/Mt. Umunhum Trailhead and climbs along switchbacks for 1,200 feet. Parking at Bald Mountain is limited so arrive early to snag a spot. If you’re interested in learning more about the mountain’s natural and human history, download the free audio guide before heading out.

// Mt. Umunhum Rd. (Los Gatos), openspace.org

Mount Sizer, Morgan Hill

Elevation: 3,216 feet

Hike length: 15.2 miles loop

At 3,216 feet high, although Mount Sizer isn’t the highest peak on our list, it is far and away the most challenging, with an absurd 4,250 foot elevation gain (don’t ask us about the math). But along with the mettle-testing trail comes a solitude you’re unlikely to find on any other route due to the enormous size and relatively low visitation found at Henry W. Coe State Park. All the same, you’ll definitely want to start this one early. With all the oxygen breaks you’ll need, it’ll take you most of the day.

Need to know: This hike is best in the spring when the wildflowers are popping but avoid it at all costs in summer when the intense heat sets in. Park at the Henry W. Coe Visitor Center then follow Dunne Avenue north to Manzanita Point Road and the sign for the Monument Trail.

// 9000 E. Dunne Ave. (Morgan Hill), parks.ca.gov

Hood Mountain in Kenwood is 2,730 feet high(Courtesy of @checkeb25)

Hood Mountain, Kenwood

Elevation: 2,730 feet

Hike length: 8.4 miles out-and-back

Hood Mountain in Sonoma’s southern Mayacamas Mountains holds all kinds of surprises, from its pygmy forests to its dramatic rock face to its blooming spring wildflowers. There are actually three trails that wind to the peak’s highest point but two are currently out of commission. The remaining route, the Goodspeed-Nattkemper Trail, is a little over eight miles with more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

Need to know: Access the Goodspeed-Nattkemper Trail from Adobe Canyon Road. The trailhead is on the left hand side just across the Sugarloaf Ridge State Park boundary. Parking is free.

// 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd. (Kenwood), parks.ca.gov

Mount Tamalpais, Mill Valley

Elevation: 2,571 feet

Hike length: 13.3 mile loop

Mount Tam has no shortage of gorgeous hikes but, to truly bag the peak, only the Summit Loop will do. We’re not gonna lie, the hike is pretty brutal, with a 2,349 foot elevation gain over 13.3 miles. But the payoff—views that stretch out over the Pacific and bay—is unbeatable.

Need to know: This hike begins and ends at the Blithedale Summit Trailhead and is primarily made up of unpaved fire roads. A day use parking pass ($8) is required to visit the Mt. Tam Watershed. Pick one up at the entrance kiosk at the Sky Oaks Headquarters or buy an annual pass online.

// Blithedale Summit Trailhead, 535 W. Blithedale Ave. (Mill Valley), marincountyparks.org

Views from the summit of Mission Peak in Fremont(Courtesy of @missionpeakhikes)

Mission Peak, Fremont

Elevation: 2,520 feet

Hike length: 5.8 mile loop

This hike up one of the South Bay’s tallest peaks is not for the faint of heart. You’ll gain 2,135 feet in elevation in less than six miles on the Mission Peak Loop—and all that without a shade tree in sight. But, as always when it comes to peak-bagging, the reward is an epic one: crystal clear views of the entire Bay Area.

Need to know: The Mission Peak Loop trailhead begins at the Stanford Avenue staging area of the Mission Peak Regional Preserve. Parking is tight so get there early to avoid having to park on residential streets further down the hill. Since there’s virtually nowhere to hide from the sun, this hike shouldn’t be attempted in the summer.

Sonoma Mountain, Glen Ellen

Elevation: 2,463 feet

Hike Length: 7.6 to 8.3 miles out-and-back

The hike up Sonoma Mountain comes with a literary pedigree courtesy of Jack London. It’s a little over eight miles to the top of the steep Sonoma Mountain Trail which, not surprisingly, is located in Jack London State Historic Park, but the trail is mostly shaded. You can also get to the summit from North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park on the North Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail, which is just slightly shorter at about 7.6 miles.

Need to know: Hit the trail in Jack London State Historic Park from the Beauty Ranch parking area. There’s a $10 fee to park but it includes admission to the park’s museum and cottage. In North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park, the trailhead is accessible from the main entrance. Parking is $7.

// Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd. (Glen Ellen), parks.ca.gov or North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park, 5297 Sonoma Mountain Rd. (Santa Rosa), parks.sonomacounty.ca

St. Helena is home to some of the most storied wineries in Napa Valley: Charles Krug, Beringer, Lokoya, Cain, Newton, Chappellet, Ehlers, Corison, and more are all found there, which means that it's become a destination of choice for serious oenophiles. But St. Helena is about much more than its world-class producers. From hotels and restaurants to a downtown dripping with enough charm to make it the perfect backdrop to your next favorite wine country rom-com, there is something here, as the old cliché has it, for everyone. Just bring an appetite and an extra suitcase: You'll need both. Badly. Below are the best St. Helena restaurants, hotels, and boutiques to visit during your next trip.

Harvest Inn (1 Main St., St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-963-9463): Whether you stay in a Vineyard View Collection room overlooking Whitehall Lane's Leonardini Family Vineyards, or an elegantly appointed, welcoming Harvest Inn room, this property offers all of the perks of wine country and then some. There is an excellent spa on-site, the perennially popular Harvest Table restaurant means you don't have to leave the property for a great meal, and the bacon at breakfast is some of the best in the Valley.

Alila Napa Valley (1915 Main St., St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-963-7000): With just 68 rooms and suites (many of which overlook the vineyards and have private balconies with cozy fire pits) Alila Napa Valley is a welcomed retreat just minutes away from downtown St. Helena. It's a no-kids property, which is a very good thing indeed as you're sloughing off the stress of your non-wine-country life. The property's Acacia House restaurant is helmed by acclaimed chef Chris Cosentino and Beringer winery is within walking distance — another very good thing, because relaxation is thirsty work, and you'll need to hydrate with something delicious.

RELATED: The Best Things to Do in Napa and Sonoma, According to Locals

Meadowood (900 Meadowood Ln., St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-531-4788): After being destroyed by the California wildfires of 2020, Meadowood has begun rebuilding its beloved St. Helena resort. In 2021, the property reopened with 36 new suites featuring cottage-style interiors. The impeccably appointed rooms embody the very concept of wine-country chic, each one with fireplaces and spacious decks surrounded by lush foliage. Chef Christopher Kostow’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant has yet to reopen but in 2022, the property unveiled Forum, a new casual dining space that's open for breakfast, dinner, and small bites — and an impressive wine list to match.

Wine Country Inn and Cottages (1152 Lodi Ln., St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-963-7077): With a fireplace in every room and a patio or terrace off most of them, you may be tempted to stay inside for the duration of your stay. Don't fall into that trap: Head on out and explore St. Helena, make the most of the charming downtown and incredible vineyards of the appellation, and then come back to your room, pop the cork from one of the too-many bottles you'll likely buy during your day of tasting, and sink into an in-room spa treatment. Then, and only then, are you allowed to stay put.

Wydown Hotel (1424 Main St., St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-963-5100): Original art and furniture in each room, a continental breakfast featuring the local bounty, and the close proximity of the Culinary Institute of America Greystone all mean that the Wydown is a perfect place for the kind of wine-country vacation that food-lovers and oenophiles alike will savor.

RELATED: Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit

Restaurants

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch (738 Main St., St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-963-4555): LMR produces excellent wine that I've been a fan of for years, and the Farmstead restaurant lives up to the high bar set by their bottlings. The menu is highly seasonal and features lamb, honey, olive oil, and much more from their estate.

Goose and Gander (1245 Spring St., St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-967-8779): I first dined at Goose & Gander more than seven years ago, and every time since then it's more than lived up to that initial experience. The wine list is stellar — think verticals of Corison, splits of Corton-Charlemagne, and more — and the cocktails are forward-thinking yet rooted in good sense and taste. Dishes like the wood-roasted cauliflower and grilled Spanish octopus epitomize a menu that brings together impeccable ingredients, smart technique, and old-school deliciousness.

Gott's Roadside (933 Main St., St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-963-3486): Let's face it: A day of tasting big, expressive red wines can be exhausting. And unless you're in the business, chances are you won't be spitting as much as I do (it's the worst part of my job). This is where Gott's roadside comes in. It has no Michelin stars, you have to wait in line to order your meal, and they sell T-shirts and hats emblazoned with their logo. All of this adds up to one thing: Gott's is exactly what you'll need after a morning of winery visits to soothe your weary palate (Fat! Protein! Carbs!) and fortify you for the afternoon's "work." The Western Bacon Blue Ring is one of my go-to options, though the Kimchi Burger comes in a close second. The fish and seafood tacos are solid choices, too. Whatever you eat there, you'll be ready to face that next round of Cabernet with confidence. And probably a new T-shirt.

Press St. Helena (587 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-967-0550): Carnivores will swoon when they read over the menu but produce and seafood also play an important role in this St. Helena favorite. Accompanying that wildly appealing menu is a wine program that runs the gamut from unexpected back-vintage gems like the 1975 Stony Hill Riesling to mortgage-payment-level wines like the 2015 Screaming Eagle. The secret sauce? Expect expert guidance, no matter what your tastes and budget.

RELATED: The 17 Most Important California Vineyards All Wine Lovers Need to Know

Shopping

ACME Fine Wines (1080 Fulton Ln, St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-963-0440): No matter how hard you work at it, it's just not possible to visit every winery you want to in Napa. Trust me: I've tried. And in more than a decade of visiting for work and play, I still haven't even come close. I'm just one man, with one liver. Fortunately, Acme Fine Wines can help fill in the gaps during your next trip, with a well-curated selection of bottles that include every conceivable price point and stylistic preference. Because let's be honest: It's not a successful trip to wine country unless you have to pay hundreds of dollars in extra baggage fees at the airport to account for all the Cabs and Chards you've purchased.

The Model Bakery (1357 Main St., St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-963-8192): This is the O.G. (for "original gluten" — sorry!) The store that started it all — there are now outposts at the Oxbow Public Market and Napa — is still going strong over nine decades later. The attention to detail here is stunning: The sourdough is leavened using a starter sourced from wine grapes, the pastries will weaken your knees, and the cookies instill a sense of childlike glee. At least, that's been my experience.

New West KnifeWorks (1380 Main St., Ste. 102, St. Helena, CA 94574; 707-244-5188): The only other outposts of New West KnifeWorks are in Jackson, Wyoming, and Park City, Utah, which makes this one slightly easier to get to if you're in wine country. It's worth stopping by. The kitchen knives are gorgeous to look at and even better to use: Perfect to bring home and try to recreate all the great food you'll be eating in St. Helena.

Northern California is home to no shortage of wellness retreats, but the offerings at Harvest Inn in St. Helena go beyond the typical events at meditation centers and health spas. Located a short walk to town in St. Helena or a quick drive in the resort’s car service to many of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed wineries, Harvest Inn is ideally situated for enjoying California’s world-renowned wine country. While that on its own would be enough to satisfy many travelers, Harvest Inn’s idyllic architecture and park-like setting, which backs to working vineyards, make the property serene enough to transform a wine country visit into a wellness weekend.

Mix in fantastic food with an eye for health-conscious ingredients (and special dietary needs) as well as hosted meditation retreats, Saturday morning yoga, pools heated year-round, and on-site massage, and the Harvest Inn checks all the boxes for wellness travel. In fact, the resort has so much to offer, you won’t have to leave the property if you’re craving a getaway where you can move slowly, enjoy good food, and truly unwind. Here’s how to plan your own perfect wellness getaway at Harvest Inn in St. Helena, California.

Book A Daylong Wellness Retreat At Harvest Inn

Not to be missed, the Feed Your Soul Wellness Retreat is hosted quarterly and can be booked on Harvest Inn’s event calendar. The next retreat will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. with additional dates added each quarter throughout the year. Expect to experience guided yoga and meditation as well as opportunities to connect with other participants and journaling to record what comes up during the process. Led by Tamara Stanfill, wine expert and well-being guide, great effort is put into creating a space where participants from all backgrounds and gender identities feel honored, heard, and safe in exploring mindfulness.

Set against the backdrop of working vineyards, the Mayacamas Mountains, and the charming storybook architecture of Harvest Inn, the retreat setting is perfect for self-care, relaxation, and connection to nature with towering redwoods and resident hummingbirds helping to hold space. Gourmet snacks and lunch are served from Harvest Table, the resort’s well-reviewed restaurant, and the day is capped off with a mindfulness wine tasting experience where guests are invited to try local wines with all of their senses while receiving guidance from industry experts. Put simply, the daylong retreat is magic and you’ll leave wanting to attend again and again.

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Pick The Perfect Harvest Inn Room To Unwind

While the Feed Your Soul Wellness Retreat is reason enough to visit Harvest Inn, building a stay into the experience will deepen your level of relaxation. Harvest Inn is set on eight beautiful acres with plenty of space to explore by foot, as well as many amenities to support a wellness getaway. All of the rooms on the property are perfect for proximity to the retreat, but choosing a Vineyard View Collection Spa room is the ultimate upgrade as it adds access to your own private hot tub to relax and unwind under the stars (and against a backdrop of vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains). Many of the rooms on the property, including the spa rooms, feature brick fireplaces for a touch of warmth and romance. And, some rooms are pet friendly if bringing your furry companion is key to your wellness experience—dogs (and owners) will also love all the space for morning walks.

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ByAmy DaniseEditor

ByAmy DaniseEditor

Enjoy Meals At Harvest Table

California’s Napa Valley is known for its restaurants, so it is a true compliment to Harvest Table that guests don’t have to leave the property to experience fine dining with excellent food and service. Chef Jeff Libunao genuinely enjoys preparing food for people with all dietary needs and is an expert at making vegetarian cuisine delicious and desirable instead of what’s leftover on the menu. In fact, if you love mushrooms, you won’t even miss the meat with what Libunao is able to prepare—although there are still plenty of savory meat dishes on the menu, as well.

The restaurant sources high-quality ingredients locally and often organically which results in incredibly fresh and seasonal offerings. Diners can choose to eat by the warmth of a roaring fire in colder months or al fresco overlooking the property on the terrace when the weather (or the space heater) allows. Harvest Table is everything you expect from upscale California cuisine—it’s inventive, fresh, and feels equal parts delicious and nourishing.

Soak In Everything Harvest Inn Has To Offer For Wellness

Once you’re well rested and well fed, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything else Harvest Inn has to offer when it comes to wellness. From two swimming pools heated year-round to a meditative koi pond and plenty of room to walk among the vines and redwoods, relaxation is easy to achieve at this property. Saturday mornings also include complimentary yoga and meditation for hotel guests on the picturesque Vin Rose Lawn.

And, what wellness getaway would be complete without a spa treatment? Harvest Inn’s spa offerings include three treatment rooms on property as well as a partnership with the highly-rated Health Spa Napa Valley in St. Helena for all of your massage and pampering needs. From the Feed Your Soul Wellness Retreat to the spacious rooms, delicious food, and endless opportunities to relax, Harvest Inn is a one-stop destination for wellness travel.