Easter in Napa Valley: Hop This Way…

Easter basket and bunnyAre you trying to find a special activity for Easter in Napa Valley this year?   Say, maybe a photo with the Easter Bunny? Or an Easter Egg Hunt that works well for your children’s age groups or your child’s special needs?  Are you interested in dying some eggs but don’t want the mess in your own kitchen?  Or, are you just trying to find a uniquely “Easter in Napa Valley” event for your friends and family?  Keep reading and we’ll tell you about all sorts of things going on this year, including several Brunches.

Easter Sunday is on April 16 this year and there are plenty of places to go for Easter Egg Hunts, Easter Bunny sightings, and Easter Brunch.  But, we’ve also found several Easter activities happening before then. So, you may be able to find something for your schedule no matter how hectic it is.

Before Easter in Napa Valley

Easter Egg Hunt and More, April 9 – CIA at Copia, 500 First Street, Napa  (707) 967-2500

CIA at Copia

CIA at Copia

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia is having their first-ever Easter Egg Hunt at 10 am on April 9, one week before Easter.  You should bring your own basket to put the eggs in but the Hunt itself is free to participate in.  But, you will need to register online in advance (go here) and then check in that morning in front of the restaurant starting at 9:30 am.  If you’re hungry, they’ll be selling coffee and pastries from a food truck both before and during the hunt.

After the Easter Egg Hunt, adults can enjoy a Sparkling Wine Tasting in the CIA at Copia Atrium ($4 per tasting, or $15 for 4 tastes), or take advantage of The Restaurant at CIA Copia which will have a Mimosa Bar.  Or, if you feel like shopping the Store at CIA Copia will be open as well.

Each Sunday, the CIA at Copia educational classes are interactive and have a “Family Funday” theme. On April 9 the 1:30 pm class is “Fun with Food” where instructors will talk about not only how different foods taste but also how they can be used as dyes for clothing, eggs and more. Everyone is encouraged to bring a plain white T-shirt along so they can get the most out of the class.  The “Fun with Food” class is $15 per person and you can register by going here.

Easter Bunny hiding Easter Bunny, Easter Eggs and a Bloody Mary, April 9 Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, 738 Main Street, St. Helena (707) 963-4555

Farmstead is having their annual party with an Egg Hunt, face painting, and a return appearance by the Easter Bunny. Check-in is at 10 am and the Hunt is at 11 am so don’t forget to bring your favorite egg basket.  There are three separate Hunts, for three age groups (up to 2 years, 3-5 years, and 6 and older) so be sure to bring enough adults to ensure adequate supervision.  The event is free for children but costs $15 for adults (who receive a Bloody Mary with entrance).  You can purchase tickets here.

The Farmer’s Market at Long Meadow Ranch will be open for business (from 10 am to 2 pm) and the Café will be selling their regular menu items such as Stumptown Coffee, Seasonal Pastries, Bacon/Egg/Cheese Panini, Oats-to-Go, Lacinato Kale Salad, Potato Chips, Pimento Cheese Dip and/or additional Bloody Marys. You can see the full menu here.

Easter Bunny at the Riverfront Chair, April 13-15 – Napa’s Riverfront, Napa

Sweetie Pies

Sweetie Pies on Napa Riverfront

Come see the Easter Bunny and take a picture at the Riverfront Chair on the Thursday, Friday or Saturday before Easter.  Grab the family and come down between 11 am and 1 pm and then do some shopping and/or dining afterwards. Napa’s Riverfront stores include Amelia’s Gifts, Cake Plate Clothing Boutique, Danielle, Helen LyallNapa General Store, Napa River Velo and Scott Lyall Clothes for Men. Dining (and/or drinking) options include Angéle, Basalt, Frati Gelato Café, Morimoto NapaSweetie Pies, and The Corner.

Easter Egg Coloring, April 14 – Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington Street, Yountville (707) 944-2950

On Friday afternoon between 1:30 pm and 3 pm you can help the Easter Bunny color the eggs he’ll be hiding the next day for the Hunt.  Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  Regardless of age, everyone should play it safe and bring a set of gloves and play clothes in case things get messy.

Easter Eggs Bunny Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt, April 15 – Yountville Community Park, 2900 Lincoln Avenue, Yountville  (707)944-8712

Beginning at 8:30 am on April 15, families can enjoy a donut, coffee, chocolate milk or juice while visiting with the Easter Bunny.  The Easter Egg Hunt starts at 10 am, with areas separated by age groups.  Each Hunt area will have a Golden Egg which can be redeemed for a special prize.

Easter Egg Hunt, April 15 John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, 3291 Streblow Drive, Napa

Kids ready for Easter in Napa ValleyStarting at 10 am, you’ll find hundreds of children and their families at Kennedy Park enjoying costumed characters, treasure hunting, face painting, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. This event is sponsored by the Active 20-30 Club of Napa and is free for ages 12 and younger.  There will also be a designated section for children with special needs so that parents will be able to assist their children in the Hunt. Face painting and Easter Bunny pictures start at 10 am, and the Easter Egg Hunt starts at 11 am (BYO basket).

 

On Easter in Napa Valley

Ad Hoc’s Easter Egg HuntAd Hoc, 6476 Washington Street, Yountville (707) 944-2487

Hot Cross BunsEach year, Ad Hoc has an Easter Egg Hunt in the garden behind the restaurant and it’s at 9:30 am this year. If you arrive early, you’ll receive complimentary Hot Cross Buns and Coffee as well as Milk for the kids.  Please note (a) registration starts at 8:30 am, (b) each registered child received a complimentary Easter basket, and (c) only provided baskets will be allowed into the hunt area.  FYI, Ad Hoc will open at 8 am, stay open until 9 pm, and it looks like their Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles will be on the menu. For links to the Brunch menu and Dinner menu, please go here. For restaurant reservations, please go here.

Easter Bunny, Easter Egg Hunts and/or Easter BrunchThe Meritage Resort and Spa, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa (855) 969-2870

You’ll find plenty of activities for children and a Buffet Brunch (with welcoming wine or sparkling wine for adults) at The Meritage Resort at Easter.  Start your morning with multiple Easter Egg Hunts suitable for different age ranges. Then, enjoy a buffet brunch outside overlooking the hillside vineyards or inside The Grand Salon with live jazz.

Free Events:

  • 9:30 am to 3:30 pm – Photos with the Easter Bunny (BYO Camera or Smartphone)
  • 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 am – Easter Egg Hunt for Toddlers (3 and Under)
  • 10 and 11 am – Easter Egg Hunt for children (age 4 to 12)

Paid Events:

  • 10:30 am to 3:30 pm – Easter Brunch Buffet ($85 for adults, $33 for children 4-14, $0 for children 3 and under). Executive Chef Ryan Rupp and his team have prepared an excellent and extensive menu which you can see here.
Brunch at Meritage

Brunch at Meritage Resort

The price for adults (21 and up) includes a welcoming glass of wine (sparkling, white or red). Brunch includes Mini Croissants, Danish and Muffins as well as a Salad Station, an Omelet Station, a Seafood Station and a Carving Board with Leg of Lamb, Niman Ranch Ham and Prime Rib of Beef.  Desserts will include Carrot Cake, Fresh Fruit Tarts, Lemon Bars, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Chocolate Truffles. There will also be a separate Cash Bar and Bloody Mary Bar for those interested.

For those under 21, the Brunch price includes a glass of juice for the Buffet Brunch, as well as access to a Cookie Decorating Station and other children’s entertainment and activities. For young ones, the Kids Buffet items include Mac and Cheese, Crispy Chicken Fingers and Mini Corn Dogs.

Easter Brunch at 1313 Main – 1313 Main, 1313 Main Street, Napa  (707) 258-1313

Brunch at 1313 Main

Chicken and Waffles at 1313 Main

1313 Main offers a three-course prix fixe Easter Brunch for $55 per person between 10 am and 2 pm on April 16.  You’ll need to make some decisions such as Miyagi Oysters vs. Foie Gras Beignets, Garden Greens with Burrata vs. Asparagus Salad, and then the main course options are Lobster Benedict, Chicken and Waffles or Wild Mushroom Hash.  You can see the Easter Brunch menu here.

Easter Brunch and Egg HuntHarvest Table, 1 Main Street, St. Helena  (707) 967-4695

Chef Charlie Palmer and Executive Chef Levi Mezick are hosting Harvest Inn’s first Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt with a little help from Harvey the Easter Bunny.  A Seasonal Buffet Brunch in the restaurant will be available between 10:30 am and 3 pm for $59 per person, $35 for children under 12.  Menu items include Hobbs Farms Clove & Pineapple-Studded Ham, Roasted James Ranch Leg of Lamb, Bacon & Cheddar Biscuits, and much more, and you can see the full menu here. Actual Easter Egg Hunts will take place at 10 am, 12:30 pm and 3 pm.  In addition, Harvest Table Bloody Marys will be served on the Manor Lawn throughout the hunt. Please call to reserve your space.

Easter Brunch at Calistoga Inn Restaurant & BreweryCalistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery, 1250 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga  (707) 942-4101

The Calistoga Inn, with an outside patio, has an extensive a la carte Brunch menu available this Easter between 11 am and 4 pm. Your options will include Fresh Pacific Oysters, Fresh Fruit Plate, Pan Seared Ahi, Eggs Benedict, Strawberry Mascarpone Crepes, Wood-Fired Burger with Apple Wood Bacon and Cheddar, Baby Back Ribs, and Carrot Cake.  Or, you could try their Napa Valley Pizza with Smoked Rainbow Trout, Goat Cheese, Asparagus, Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade.  The full Easter Brunch menu is here.

Easter Brunch at Hurley’sHurley’s Restaurant, 6518 Washington Street, Yountville  (707) 944-2345

Hurley's Restaurant

Hurley’s Restaurant

Bring the whole family to Hurley’s 6th annual Easter Sunday Brunch between 10 am and 3 pm.  Prix-Fixe menu choices will include Wild Mushroom Omelet, Petite Filet and Eggs, Medallions of Heritage Pork, Roast Leg of Lamb and Baked Easter Ham.  The full Easter Brunch menu will be here for viewing.  Your group will also find Gluten Free Items, Children’s Menus, and a la carte options.

Easter Brunch at the FARMFARM at Carneros Resort and Spa, 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa  (707) 299-4880

Between 10 am and 4 pm on Easter, FARM at Carneros will offer a four-course Brunch for $85 per person, and children are $42.50. From Executive Chef Aaron Meneghelli and Pastry Chef Jerome Maure, the menu will include items such as Rosemary Glazed Ham, Shrimp and Grits, and Eggs Benedict. Before or after the Brunch, guests can also have fun with Easter Egg dying in the FARM Pavilion.  Reservations are strongly recommended.

Rosé ReleaseThe Hess Collection,  4411 Redwood Road, Napa  (707) 255-1144

The Hess Collection winery is offering a Small Bites Tasting to pair with the debut of Hess’ 2016 Small Block Series Syrah Rosé from 10 am to 3 pm.  Your nibbles will be courtesy of Hess Executive Chef Chad Hendrickson.  Tickets are $55 per person or $40 per person for Wine Club members.  Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling Hess’ Events Coordinator at 707-255-1144, x226.

Spring Lamb BBQ Buffet at CompadresCompadres Rio Grille, 505 Lincoln Avenue, Napa  (707) 253-1111

Compadres will be offering their usual Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner menus throughout the day but you can also enjoy a Lamb BBQ Buffet from 11 am to 3 pm with Leg of Lamb, Roasted Delta Asparagus, Cheesy Potato au Gratin with Poblanos, and Ensalada de Cesar with Bay Shrimp for $20 per plate.  They’ll also be hiding plastic eggs filled with candy, coins and dining discount certificates between 10 am and 4 pm to keep the kids busy.

Easter Brunch in the Grand BallroomSilverado Resort and Spa, 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa  (707) 257-5495

Mixed BerriesBetween 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, bring your family and friends to Silverado for an Easter Buffet Brunch filled with your favorite treats. You’ll find Croissants, Artisan Cheeses, Berries, a Wedge Salad, and a Pear, Arugula and Point Reyes Blue Salad to start.  You’ll also find a Seafood Bar, a Chef’s Omelet Bar, and Caggiano Ham, Alaskan Halibut and Prime Rib.  The Brunch is $74 for adults, $32 for children ages 9 to 3 and free for children under 3. To see the full Easter Brunch menu, please go here.

Easter Brunch at La ToqueLa Toque, 1314 McKinstrey Street, Napa  (707) 257-5157 

From noon to 2 pm, La Toque’s three-course prix fixe Brunch is $48 per person and they are also offering wine pairing for two of the courses at $24 per person. Menu choices will include Chilled Delta Asparagus with Sauce Verte, Dungeness Crab Croquette with Meyer Lemon, Lobster Omelet with Leeks and Fontina Cheese, Hot and Spicy Fried Chicken and Waffles, Caramélia Chocolate Pot de Crème, and Freshly Turned Sorbet with Coconut Macaroons.  You can see the full Easter Brunch menu here.

Easter Dinner at Napa Valley BistroNapa Valley Bistro, 975 Clinton Street, Napa  (707) 666-2383

There will be some special items on the brunch menu at Napa Valley Bistro such as Fresh Dungeness Crab Skillet and Huevos Rancheros. However, they are also doing special dinner menu items for Easter such as Glazed Baked Korobuta Ham with Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables, or Meyer Ranch Prime Rib with Blue Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese and Grilled Delta Asparagus.  You can find their Easter menu items here and they will be open from 10 am to 9 pm that day.

Lunch Trip on the Wine TrainNapa Valley Wine Train, 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa  (707) 253-2111

Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa Valley Wine Train

For something different this year, maybe you should collect memories instead of eggs by taking the Napa Valley Wine Train.  Easter adventures consist of a 3-hour lunch journey in refurbished 1915-1917 Pullman Cars starting with a welcome taste of wine. The train’s rail cars have been faithfully restored with Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions and plush armchairs. Check-in for the journey is at 10:30 am and the ride lasts between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.  During the trip, you’re invited to explore the train and see the chefs in action or try the observation deck for an unobstructed view of the valley.

Options include:

  • Trips in the Gourmet Express Car, with two seatings, start at $166 per adult or $99 for accompanied minors 12 and under.  First seating guests dine on fresh soup or salad and their choice of entrée while traveling upvalley, and are served dessert with coffee or tea on the return trip.  Second seating guests enjoy appetizers while heading North to St. Helena and enjoy their fresh soup or salad, choice of entrée and dessert on the return trip.
  • In the Vista Dome Car, you can enjoy panoramic views of Napa Valley through glass windows that run the length of the car.  Starting at $221 per person, you can dine in elevated and exclusive splendor because only guests with reserved seatings are allowed in the upstairs section of this two-story car.  The four-course meal includes choices such as Truffled Ricotta Ravioli, Duck Leg Confit, Roast Tenderloin of Beef & Braised Short Beef Hash, Homemade Gnocchi with Garden Vegetables, and Espresso Chocolate Dome with Brandied Cherries.

Easter is coming soon, on April 16, and we hope the above information helps make this year’s holiday easier to plan and enjoy.

 

 


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