In California’s Napa Valley,
Calistoga was the vision of Sam Brannan who purchased property, including the
"Spring Grounds", in the early 1860s. Impressed by the New York
resort of Saratoga, he decided to make his development the "Saratoga of
California." After too much champagne, Brannan slurred "we'll
make this the Calistoga of Sarifornia". Realizing his mistake, he
then proclaimed, "So be it! We'll just name it
Calistoga".
Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs
Resort is synonymous with the word Calistoga. One of Calistoga's oldest
spas, Dr. Wilkinson’s has been serving guests for approximately 65 years.
When I first visited this iconic wine country resort around the turn of
the century, the late Doc Wilkinson was in his eighties and still greeting his
guests. The then-octogenarian “King of Mud”, told me that “the mud baths will
always be the main attraction here .” Since Dr. Wilkinson’s
death, his children Carolynne and Mark have carried on their father’s tradition
and history. The original 1952 neon sign still glows and legacy abounds.
They have kept a certain formula while keeping up with the
times...constantly upgrading the lodging and amenities. There is even a TESLA
charging station on property.
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| THE ORIGINAL1952 NEON SIGN |
