welcome to wander where you are
Hi friends, let’s face it—midlife often feels like the ultimate balancing act between family, career, financial obligations, and the randomly occurring pulled muscle (Yes, I’m talking to you pesky shoulder pain). While escaping to an exotic location or jetting off to Europe on some bucket list vacation sounds dreamy, most of us do not have the resources, time, or budget to support that kind of habit. That’s exactly why I’m beyond excited to introduce: Wander Where You Are.
While working on my 2025 Vision Board, it became abundantly clear that travel was a major recurring theme. Not that this was necessarily a surprise to me - I mean I dedicated an entire portion of my website to it (Soulo Travel)- but even I was shocked by the number of leftover travel-focused magazine clippings that didn’t make it onto my board because I ran out of room! That’s when I decided I needed to figure out a way to scratch that itch without breaking the bank, and while still focusing on my other two major priorities - being a mom & continuing to refine my professional path.
So cue Wander Where You Are, my 2025 guide to taking advantage of the everyday moments and turning them into extraordinary memories. Whether you’re sneaking in a quick adventure while traveling for business, planning a weekend escape, or day-tripping like an influencer, this series is here to inspire you along the way!
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The art of “Wandering”
Why “wander where you are”?
There really is a certain magic to a spontaneous day trip close to home or a budget-friendly staycation within driving distance. Maybe you have overlooked a local destination because it’s not featured on some fancy “bucket list” article or because you drive through it on the way to work every day. How cool would it be to turn a business trip into a mini-getaway or a weekend sports tournament for your kids into a family adventure? There are so many amazing opportunities to make the most of what’s around you, no matter what brought you there in the first place!
so many reasons to “wander”
Time Savings: When you choose to become a “local tourist” and take advantage of the things to do wherever you find yourself, you can spend less time in transit and more time enjoying the destination!
Budget Savings: Stay local and say goodbye to expensive travel costs like airfare, car rental, and accommodations. Instead splurge on an epic meal, a luxurious spa day, or a unique local experience (like wine or beer tasting, an outdoor adventure, a point of historical interest, museum, etc. - and don’t forget the free adventures like hiking or meandering through a cute little downtown). Lots of hotels, restaurants and other venues offer specials to local residents too. Don’t be afraid to ask! Your wallet will thank you!
Not So Hidden Treasures: You’d be surprised at the gems hiding in plain sight. Even in your own hometown! Take a moment to view where you live or work through the eyes of a visitor. You might be surprised by all of the cool things to do in your own zip code!
Eco-Friendly: Traveling locally (or even choosing to vacation where you are already traveling for business or other required travel) can reduce your overall carbon footprint. Every little bit counts, right?!
Community Connection: Staying local and learning to appreciate what’s in your own backyard can help you grow personally, professionally, and as a community member!
So, whether you’re heading out for a business trip, doing college visits, or on the road for yet another weekend of travel sports, it’s time to embrace the journey and turn it into something memorable!
Downtown Napa is filled with so much to do! It’s a destination in and of itself with tons of trendy shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, music venues, art galleries and public art displays - all within a few blocks radius!
The Silverado Resort in Napa, CA
The famous “Welcome to Napa Valley” sign. Being a local, I have never stopped at or taken a picture of this sign - it was so fun playing “tourist”!
First Stop - Napa
To kick off my Wander Where You Are series, we chose to take a staycation in the city of Napa, CA. We chose to focus on Napa proper, since there is so much to do in the Napa Valley and not enough time in two days. Not to mention, this gives us a great excuse to return and showcase all of the things that the other towns in the Napa Valley have to offer! Stay tuned!
Most people don’t necessarily think of Napa as the most “budget-friendly” of destinations. However, I am here to tell you that Napa can be done on any size budget. Especially if you choose the off-season like we did. There is always something fun to do in Napa, even in January. In fact, I assert that January may be one of the best months to visit! January is Restaurant Month in the Napa Valley. Yes, you heard me right, MONTH! 28 days of deals up & down the valley. The dates & participating restaurants change from year to year, so make sure to start researching the deals as we get closer to next year!
Another great reason to visit Downtown Napa in January & February is the Napa Lighted Art Festival. We didn’t even realize that this was a thing and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip! This annual event transforms the city into an enchanting, FREE, open-air gallery of lights & art displays. Running from mid January to mid February, the festival features larger-than-life light installations, 3D mapping projections on historic buildings, and interactive exhibits. Cool for all, including families!
January - March is the Napa Valley Mustard Celebration. There are not many things more beautiful to see than the mustard flowers growing in the vineyards. Check out all of the events associated with the celebration here
Downtown Napa: Fun for everyone
There really is something for everyone in Downtown Napa, including families and “non-wine” people (yes, there really are non-wine people, I swear!). Incredible restaurants, music venues, darling boutiques, trendy coffee shops, and art displays everywhere you look.
And yes, there is wine! And lots of it! Did you know there are more than 50 tasting rooms in Downtown Napa alone? That’s right—you don’t need to drive all over the valley to taste your favorite wine, as many of the valley’s top wineries also have tasting rooms downtown. The cool part is that the downtown tasting rooms boast a totally different vibe than the wineries themselves, so you can get two totally different experiences.
When you have had your fill of wine (if that is actually a thing), you can stroll along the Napa Riverfront Promenade, where you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, candy shops and cozy cafés. For history buffs, the Napa Valley Opera House offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural past.
Where to Stay in Napa
For our Napa getaway, we chose to stay at the Silverado Resort, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. This resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and luxury. We booked the Napa Valley Mustard Celebration Package, which not only gave us a fantastic room rate but also included special perks like complimentary bottles of wine and a $50 resort credit (which we used for a delicious breakfast at The Grill).
Silverado Resort runs different specials year-round, making it a flexible option no matter when you visit. From golf packages to luxury spa retreats, there’s something for everyone. Highlights of staying here include their world-class spa, two championship golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts and multiple dining options that showcase the best of Napa’s farm-to-table cuisine. Plus, the location is ideal—just a short drive from Downtown Napa, but far enough to feel like you’ve truly escaped the hustle and bustle.
Obviously Napa is not short on places to stay. Here are some additional options:
Budget-Friendly:
Or if you want to go in the complete opposite direction!
Upscale Options:
Where to Eat in Napa
Carpe Diem Wine Bar: This is where we chose to go for dinner & were so happy with our decision! A lively spot offering creative small plates and an impressive wine list. Perfect for a casual yet sophisticated dining experience.
Allegria: Located in a former bank building, this upscale Italian restaurant is in a great location with a fun vibe. I have been here several times and it never disappoints!
Marimoto Napa: A well known Napa staple serving Japanese classics. Must go for Sushi lovers!
Angele Restaurant & Bar: A charming riverside spot serving French country cuisine with a California twist.
Celadon: Known for its global comfort food and beautiful garden patio, it’s a must-visit for any foodie.
Other Must-Visit Spots in Napa
Oxbow Public Market: No trip to Napa is complete without a stop at the Oxbow Public Market. This bustling marketplace is a food lover’s paradise, featuring everything from artisanal cheeses and fresh oysters to gourmet coffee and handmade chocolates. It’s the perfect spot to grab a casual lunch or pick up some local goodies to take home.
Right next door to Oxbow is the Culinary Institute of America at Copia. Here you can take part in hands-on cooking classes, attend wine tastings, or simply explore the beautiful gardens and art displays. They even have a 3D dining experience set to open later this year!
Mark Your Calendars: 2025 Napa Valley Events
Here are some can’t-miss events happening in Napa Valley in 2025:
BottleRock Festival (May 23-25, 2025): This three-day music festival features a diverse lineup of artists, including Green Day, Justin Timberlake, and Noah Kahan. It’s a must for music lovers and festival-goers alike.
Festival Napa Valley (July 2025): A ten-day extravaganza celebrating music, food, and wine across various venues in the valley. Expect world-class performances and plenty of opportunities to indulge in local cuisine and wine.
Music in the Vineyards (July – August 2025): This nationally acclaimed chamber music festival takes place in intimate winery settings, offering a unique blend of music and wine.
Harvest Celebration Weekend (September 19-20, 2025): Celebrate the grape harvest with special tastings, vineyard tours, and festive events throughout the valley.
Truffle Festival (December 6-7, 2025): Indulge in the earthy decadence of truffles at this annual celebration featuring cooking demonstrations, truffle hunts, and gourmet tastings.
The Napa Neighbor program is also a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck! There are special deals offered for CA residents and neighbors of the Napa Valley at almost all of the wineries. Check out the deals here
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—a taste of what’s to come in my Wander Where You Are series. Whether you’re sipping Cabernet in Napa, exploring the historical sights on your college tour in Philadelphia, or just spending the weekend playing tourist in your hometown, there’s adventure to be found everywhere. Stay tuned for more tips, guides, and stories to inspire your next local escape.
Mustard flowers growing in a Napa Valley Vineyard in January of 2025
