10 Things We Loved About 2017

It’s an understatement to say it’s been an unforgettable year.  Here at Brannan Cottage Inn, we celebrated all kinds of great things with our guests, noted a few milestones, shed a few happy tears, laughed a lot, and other than those hellish wildfire weeks in October, had a fabulous time. We know 2018 is going to be even better.

10.  Calistoga’s Lighted Tractor Parade. Always awesome, even more awesome this year.

9. Arts in April
Our favorite artsy-fartsy Calistoga weekend of the year. Put it on your calendar for 2018. #verycalistoga

8. Saw Bill Murray & Friends at Festival Napa Valley.
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen him sing “I Feel Pretty.”

7. Earth & Sky Chocolates.  If you’ve tasted them, you know what we mean.

6. Did a little wine tasting.  Where to start?

5. Made the news
(We tip our collective hats to these travel writers… next round’s on us!)
7 Best Places to Stay in Napa Valley by Matt Villano, CNN Travel
5 Romantic Weekend Getaways in California by Jackie Burrell, San Jose Mercury News
How To Help Napa Valley Recover from the California Wildfires by Katie Hammel, Conde Nast Traveler
4.5 Star Review by Daniel Mangin, Fodor’s
Luxury for Less: Top 45 Cyber Monday Deals, Forbes
London Telegraph Review by Dana Rebmann
Wellness Springs Eternal in Calistoga by Carol Ann Davidson, Tribune News Service
Weekend in Calistoga by Julian Hatfield, Don’t Forget To Move

4. Weddings, proposals, bridal showers and tea parties, oh my
We were honored to host many beautiful private events at Brannan Cottage Inn this year, with graceful assists from our partners Napa Valley Elopements, Tan Weddings & Events, Syrendell, Mobili-Tea, Chloe Johnston Experiences, Bennett Lane Winery, Bella Bakery, and others. We’re excited to work with Rue 29 Napa, Emily Burton Designs, KnightsBridge Winery and many more to come this year!

3. Reached #3 on TripAdvisor’s Calistoga B&B list
To be honest, some guest reviews are so sweet, we get a little verklempt. We’re gobsmacked by the amazing things our lovely guests say about us.

2.  Celebrated our 3rd Anniversary
Labor Day 2017 marked 3 years since our grand reopening. What a total blast it’s been welcoming y’all to our little slice of heaven. Haven’t stayed with us yet? This is the year!

1. We survived the Tubbs Fire, and counted our blessings.
   Calistoga came through the fire, literally, thanks to heroic firefighters and first responders, and were overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from friends all over the world. Our little town was extremely lucky; many neighbors were not as fortunate, and their losses still resonate.  The silver lining to this awful event is the love that never ends, the unshakable sense of community we feel for our Napa Valley and Sonoma County neighbors, partners, colleagues and friends.  And best of all, YOU, our guests, who put a spring in our step and a smile in our hearts.    – Eden and everyone at BCI