Even our four-legged friends deserve a taste of the good life.
Guest blogger Archer shares his experience at Archer Hotel Napa — penned by his human, Mary Anne Bargen. From sniffing out wine country's top dog-friendly spots to lounging in style, Archer’s blog delves into the ultimate dog-friendly experiences in Napa Valley.
Learn more about Archer Hotel Napa's Pups Welcome Program.
Just a Dog That Loves Adventure
Hi besties! New year, same me, your puppy pal Archer, making my way around these United States, kicking grass and sharing my name with the best boutique spot in the biz. A visit to Archer Hotel Napa offered the perfect opportunity for a road trip, so I was like, “Wake me up when we get there. Archer wants a NAP-a.”
Before checking in, we ventured to Mutt Lynch Winery in nearby Windsor. This small town is very cute and dog friendly. It wasn’t my first time in a tasting room (humble brag), but it WAS the first time I was offered a dog-treat flight. My two-legged friend could barely get a pic before I licked the cutting board clean. And not to tell tales on her, but she got really into sniffing glasses, and we all know who taught her everything she knows in that department. Mutt Lynch has a variety of dog-themed wines, supports animal rescue organizations, and doesn’t require reservations. Big wins for us.
As we wound our way south through wine country, we stopped at The Petrified Forest in Calistoga to stretch our legs and see the sights. Two paws up.
In the Heart of Downtown Napa
And then…we were in the center of it all at Archer Hotel Napa. I’ll never tire of how hosts greet me when I arrive. My partner says my name, and their faces light up. The unforgettable-ness of the stay starts there. We made our way to our room, where more dreams came true. I'm a little guy who loves a big bed, and Archer has my number. I’m also always a fan of the welcome wagon of gifts - and the pet resource info card - that prove I’m the important one in this duo. One of my favorite things about Archer Hotels is how WELCOME I feel. It’s like this chic, sophisticated hotel that puts the FRIEND in dog-friendly. We go to a lot of places, and this is a noticeable - and memorable - difference.
Where To Eat
You don’t have to go far to find four-legged friendly eateries. Highly recommend Winston for breakfast. Head to Contimo for sandwiches or Oxbow Public Market for a little bit of everything (eat outside or bring food back to the hotel like we did). There’s also a Gott’s for burgers and shakes. Venture a little further and check out: the historical (since 1881!) Oakville Grocery for takeaway sammies, Don Giovanni for Italian, and Fume (a locals spot for salads, hot fudge sundaes, and bacon and eggs for the pups). Another hot tip: Bouchon Bakery, which is under the same umbrella as the renowned French Laundry, but cheaper. Finally, shout out to Brix. They welcomed me INSIDE (there’s also a patio outside), gave me a blanket (I’m a little guy, I get chilly!), served me the BEST burger I’ve ever had, and topped it off with some locally-made cookies.
Let Your Nose Do The Exploring
Cap off the night with a drink at the hotel rooftop bar Sky & Vine where views are incredible any time of day. When it comes to wineries, friends recommend visiting two-to-three a day to be able to enjoy your time and not get overwhelmed.
If you like the wind in your fur, take to the Napa Valley Vine Trail on two wheels. Some of our favorite spots include: Raymond Winery, where I sniffed my way through the various aromas and stopped by Napa’s FIRST dog winery FRENCHIE. Another recommendation is Migration Winery. These guys put the KUTE in BARKUTERIE. A whole plate of snacks, just for me, including a cookie with my name on it. Can you believe? Finally, Kunde Family Winery hosts occasional DOG HIKES through the property which seems super fun, and proceeds benefit Dogwood Animal Rescue Project and the Humane Society of Sonoma County.
Honorable mentions: St Supery (ESPECIALLY if you like white wine), Trefethen, Tres Sabores (women-owned!), Jessup Cellars (dog-friendly inside too!), Pine Ridge, and Priest Ranch. In most cases, reservations are required, and please remember to follow the rules of wherever you visit, so pups like us can hang with our people pals for years to come.
With eats and drinks covered, there are so many photo-worthy sights to see, like the famous Napa Valley Sign!. We also enjoyed meandering through the vineyards. If your human likes a walk-and-shop (or browse), the First Street Collective is right out Archer’s door. The riverfront area is convenient as well. The Main Street strips in Yountville and St. Helena are terrific for dog-friendly strolling.
If you’re ready to RUN wild and free, head to Alston Park. With 157 acres of space, you’re able to move those muscles and make some furry friends (or not!). Another unique place we found to get some steps in (or ride a bike) was the Rail Arts District. There’s a bike path next to some train tracks and murals painted along the way. RAD indeed. As we found the whole region to be. And Archer Hotel Napa is the perfect place to start any adventure. We’ll see you on the next one.
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