Until recently Napa and Pompeii had one thing in common: both were dead at night. Pompeii had a good excuse: Vesuvius had extinguished the town in 79 AD.

Pompei’s got NOTHING on Napa's nightlife

Napa just hadn’t yet awakened. Well, we’re alive and kicking up our heels now!

The Stars are Aligned, signaling Napa’s Rebirth!

The Stars of cuisine have opened up signature restaurants, the stars of the Music world are striding our stages and the darlings of the wine industry are opening up new tasting rooms faster than baptists leaving a vice bust.

Iron Chefs, TV Celebrities and Vintners now call Napa Home.

Masaharu Morimoto opened “Morimoto”  right on the same Napa River which used to flood each year in an instant “restaurant row” that includes Food Network star Tyler Florence’s Rotisserie & Wine and “Fish Story” by Lark Creek restaurant group.

At Napa’s new “West End” two blocks from the Beazley House, two new restaurants and a hot night spot of a wine tasting bar by the famous Truchard family’s John Anthony Truchard opened.

Just across from the new Norman Rose Tavern and Oenotri, John Anthony stays open until 2 a.m. “My best hours are from 10 to 2, ” Truchard explained. After tasting his fabulous wines here at one of the Beazley House wine tastings, we know why!

Norman Rose Tavern openned in mid winter last year and hasn’t stopped buzzying since. Oenotri has just been named by the SF Chronicle’s Restaurant critic Michael Bauer as one of the top 100 Bay Area restaurants.

Let us entertain you!

Carol and Jim at the Gala RE-opening of the Uptown Theatre

But wait, there’s more! With the opening of the newly restored Uptown Theatre and the Napa Valley Opera House and now Silo’s Napa has burst onto the LIVE entertainment scene.

The Uptown, an iconic 1937 movie palace has been brought back to its art deco glory and features a who’s who list of the hotest artists! Starting with Big Bad Voodo Daddy last May, the Uptown has been selling out with the likes of Boz Scaggs, Tower of Power, Joan Rivers, BB King and Kris Kristopherson.

The Napa Valley Opera House is a gem of a 500-seat theater which has seen the likes of Robin Williams, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Ottmar Liebert, Elvis Costello and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, to name a few.

Tucked behind the historic Napa Mill like a classy Chicago speakeasy, Silo’s features a wine bar with appetizers available until 10pm on Thursdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and unforgettable live music most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights

And again, all are walking distance from the Beazley House and we feature specials to our entertaining partners.

I’m writing this on December Eve..that’s right, November 30th.

In the past I looked forward to “The Holidays” about as much as Scrooge.

This year will be different. I’m getting an early start. The family was fully involved in Napa’s Christmas Parade two days after Thanksgiving.  Pheenix drove our decorated PT Cruiser as Spencer tossed out candy. (That lasted about 1 block!) Sidney manned the ’47 Packard, daughter Brooke accompanied Carol and me walking the Historic Inns of Napa banner. And Daryl took pictures.

Tonight I’ll watch the George C. Scott version of the Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” and drink good wine. I’ll cry and then I’ll watch Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life.”  That should do it.

If it doesn’t,  getting ready for the 6th annual Napa B&B  Holiday Tour and Taste on Saturday December 4th will slap me into the spirit. There are lights to string, a tree to build, decorations to resurrect and cookies to bake.

With 12 of Napa’s finest B&Bs en holiday regalia, we will kick off the season featuring wine from John Anthony Vineyards and Napa Cellars; tasty bites from Pearl Restaurant and Grace’s Table; and divine chocolate truffles from Anette’s Chocolate Factory. Francesca Fanelli (harp), Sonia & Lenny Murphy (guitar & vocals) will provide the carols to get the spirits flying.

If you haven’t bought tickets definitely plan for next year…because over 350 others have once again made this charity event a sellout.

So why am I telling you about an event that’s sold out? To offer hope for the rest of your Christmas. Because even if you’ve missed the Holiday Tour, there’s still LOTS of ways you can show your loved ones you care.

Take our Gift Certificates (please!) You decide the amount we issue the good news. We’ll even throw in a $50 gift card for YOU to use for your next visit.

Don’t feel THAT generous? Buy a set of our super sheets for YOURSELF! At just $150 for Queen size and $160 king we’ll help relieve any guilt by including a $50 gift card to pass on to loved ones. Sleep on THAT!

It’s already freezing here at night. And with this Winter predicted to bring record cold, what better place to be than a cozy Beazley House room with your own fireplace and hot tub? Our December rates are HOT! Right now they’re nearly 40% off our regular rates.

And in December and January you’ll find there’s no waiting in the tasting rooms, nor for that choice table right by the fire at our finest restaurants. And they practically wipe your chin. (Okay. Probably not. But they will lay the napkin right in your lap!).

Just like home, but with better food. Winter never felt so welcoming!