PHOTO: Add some adventure to your Super Bowl 50 experience with a hot-air balloon ride in Napa Valley. (Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
The NFL playoffs haven't even wrapped yet, but Napa Valley is already counting down the days to Super Bowl 50. The game takes place Feb. 7 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., but if you are planning to stay and play, Visit Napa Valley has 50 "Super" reasons the wine region deserves your attention - starting with the fact that it is less than two hours away from the stadium. Here are some of the best reasons to plan a visit.
Food and Wine
Napa Valley is a foodie haven and there are more than 400 wineries in the area - many of which are family owned and operated, so obviously some of the best reasons to visit revolve around the valley's culinary activities.
Experience a food & wine pairing at one of Napa Valley's wineries.
Visit the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) at Greystone, which is open to the public and features two restaurants; a bakery; public tours of the campus; food and wine classes; and events.
Blend your own wine at one of the "Barrel Blending" classes offered at Napa Valley wineries.
Take a cooking class at a Napa Valley cooking school.
Taste olive oil at one of Napa Valley's olive oil companies.
Dine by rail on the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Taste wine underground by visiting a winery that has caves.
Health and Wellness
Napa Valley is not a destination with a singular focus. In addition to food and wine, wellness has evolved as another main draw to the valley.
Observe the Napa Valley from above with a hot-air balloon ride.
Ride a bicycle or take a stroll on the Napa Valley Vine Trail.
Hike in one of Napa Valley's numerous parks and recreation areas.
Take a yoga class at one of Napa Valley's resorts and spas.
Unwind with a luxurious spa treatment or relaxing mudbath.
Visit the Old Faithful Geyser of California in Calistoga and witness one of its regular eruptions as one of only three "faithful" geysers in the world.
Arts and Culture
Napa Valley has a deep cultural history, from inspiring artists to the roots of its wine production, visitors can get to know what makes this valley tick.
Visit one of Napa Valley's museums including the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville; the Robert Louis Stevenson Silverado Museum in St. Helena, the Sharpsteen Museum in Calistoga or the Carolyn Parr Nature Museum in Napa.
Find treasures at one of Napa Valley's unique clothing boutiques and antique shops.
Take a historic walking tour of downtown Napa or Yountville.
Listen to live music at one of downtown Napa's live music venues.
Add to your art collection with Yountville's Art Walk, which includes 29 unique sculptures, many available for purchase.
Perfect for Football Fans
Fans will be happy to note that there are several notable NFL stars that feature prominently in wine country.
When in downtown Napa or Calistoga, stop in at one of former pro football champion head coach Dick Vermeil's wine tasting rooms, Vermeil Wine.
When in Yountville, visit former pro football executive Carmen Policy's winery Casa Piena, Italian for "full house."
Anticipate the opening of the tasting room for TwentyFour Wines, created by pro football player Charles Woodson.
Taste former pro football's Rick Mirer's Mirror wines at Napa Wine Company in Oakville.
Stop by Bell Wine Cellars in Yountville, owned by pro football team owner Alex Spanos.
There are many more reasons to visit Napa Valley, of course, and hotels are offering a number of special promotions and packages for guests planning a visit during the Super Bowl.
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