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Real Stepmoms. Biased Reviews.

Our Fall picks for Napa County.

BEST DAY SPA: Silverado Country Club

Beautiful pools, breathtaking views and cabana boys (OK, I may have made that part up, but it’s a nice fantasy). A friend of mine flirted with David Spade once in the shallow end, but I don’t think that counts. As far as I know, he doesn’t work there.

BEST SALON AND STYLIST: David Magna Workshop

Call and make an appointment with David Magna right now. By far, he is the most creative, charming and charismatic man doing hair in this town. He will serve you wine, celebrity rags and make you feel like America’s Next Top Model. Not only does he love your hair, he sings lead vocals in a metal band and regularly appears on Food Network’s Napa Style. How hot is he?

BEST DINNER WITH YOUR MAN: Tra Vigne

Ask for a table in this St. Helena couryard. A canopy of trees, magical lighting strung overhead and Tuscan vines spilling out of rustic pots. It is lovely. Not to mention amazing food and a flawless wait staff. Robert Redford is a regular. If it’s good enough for Bobby, isn’t it good enough for you?

BEST WINE BAR: Cantinetta Wine Bar

Right next door to Tra Vigne in an ivy covered Italian wine shop. Enjoy free wine and tasties on Wednesday nights. They pour over 50 wines by the glass and they know their grapes. “Oaky, buttery…” Schmooze wine and watch the sun go down.

BEST GIRLS NIGHT OUT: Adhoc for dinner and then Redd for drinks

Thomas Keller of French Laundry opened this Yountville restaurant, so make reservations and prepare to indulge. Creative comfort food that lends itself to animated and unabridged conversation. Don’t skip on dessert. Don’t be a girl.

For a swanky cocktail not far down the road, perch yourself at the cool, blue bar of the very modern Redd. You’ve already eaten dinner or I’d suggest the tastes of Chef Richard Reddington, formerly of Jardiniere in San Francisco and Auberge du Soleil in Napa.

BEST LOCAL JEWELER: Patina

Antique and estate pieces that’ll get you misty-eyed. Art deco, Edwardian Gold and Retro. This St. Helena shop encourages you to come in off the street and try on their rocks, so I say- do it!

BEST SHOES AND BOUTIQUE: Foot Candy

I want everything, especially the yellow, patent-leather, Marc Jacobs pumps. This downtown St. Helena boutique is home to designer handbags, clothing and shoes, shoes, shoes. Make room on your credit card.

BEST OVERNIGHT STAY: Calistoga Ranch

My savvy Napa Valley girlfriend calls this “amazingly romantic.” Enough said.

BEST PLACE TO WALK AND THINK: Skyline Park

Fresh air and walking trails, wild California poppies and the golden slope of Wine Country hills characterize this sprawling Napa park. Perhaps this is the best therapy for an overstressed Stepmom.

List your picks and add your comments. S-mom escapes are updated regularly.

izzyrose@stepmothersmilk.com Be sure to put S-mom escapes in the title bar and give a brief description of why this is your top pick.