Beard - Napa, CA Area Guide

Named after the Nappan Native American village, Napa and its beautiful rolling hills have seduced visitors with its natural charm since 1823. In 1847, Nathan Coombs founded the city, which experienced a population boom during the California Gold Rush. Starting around 1858, there was a silver rush, which brought even more miners to the area. Today, Beard provides a diverse environment with a slew of different interests, tastes, and appetites.

Museums include the Scientopia Discovery Center, a kid-centric nonprofit institution that encourages discovery while working with local teachers and educators to supplement science, math, and arts curricula. Di Rosa houses an extensive collection of significant Bay Area artists in the Di Rosa family vineyards around Winery Lake. Gorgeously erected in a classic Napa Valley landscape, the three gallery buildings welcome visitors for current exhibitions with a suggested donation of $5.

Beard features chain and fast-food establishments alongside many inexpensive Asian and Mexican restaurants. Locals usually head downtown for special occasion dinners or trendier fare.

Up your foodie factor by dining at the legendary Morimoto Napa, where fans of Iron Chef gather for a taste of Chef Morimoto's master cooking. Combining Western and Eastern ingredients and techniques, Morimoto's art takes diners on a voyage of culinary discovery in a streamlined yet warm environment. Diners sit at gorgeous, organically-shaped tables while they dive into yellowtail pastrami made with gin creme fraiche and candied olives. For an entree, sink your teeth into grilled Hamachi or braised octopus with sweet miso and black bean chips, or keep it simple with eel avocado and soft shell crab maki rolls. Pair it with premium sake for the perfect night out.

TORC on Main Street serves new American cuisine with global influences. In a loft-like space with plenty of elbowroom, dining at TORC feels modern and urbane without the pretentiousness. Locals rave over the Maine lobster risotto with lemon verbena and the Schmitz range beef short ribs with Brussels sprouts and rutabaga.

For authentic Mexican, head to Mi Casita, a no-frills counter spot that dishes out fresh, fiery burritos, oversize quesadillas, and tasty specials such as poole soup.

Going to bed early on Saturday night feels silly in a city where locals choose from world-class wine bars, jazz clubs, comedy, and ballet every night of the week. The wine and beer bar CADET focuses on Californian vintages and beer producers while showing off an extensive collection of vinyl. Nod along to the Beach Boys or N.W.A. while exploring the local-centric menu of wine alongside a large selection of bottled beer, and enjoy nibbles such as prosciutto and cheese plates.

Music lovers head to Silo's for great wine and music, including live performances of Flamenco and Afrofunk. Located in central downtown at the historic Napa Mill, Silo's has the ambiance of a classic speakeasy, serving inspired cocktails such as the Bon Scott made with gin, sour orange marmalade, and lemon. The bar also pours local Napa Valley wine and small-brew craft beer.

At the Uptown Theatre Napa, locals take in live shows, with past performances by such international luminaries as Lucinda Williams and Roy Orbison. This gorgeous Art Deco landmark has 860 comfortable seats for a truly unique and intimate experience.

Residents of Beard can get around using local public transportation, biking, or walking; however, residents take advantage of the perks of driving a car. The VINE transit system serves locals throughout the city for $1.50 while also providing regional routes to Sonoma, Calistoga, and El Cerrito del Norte, the nearest Bay Area Rapid Transit station, for $5.50.

Though the city's infrastructure revolves around car ownership, recreational cyclists have numerous scenic opportunities in the valley. Residents who don't want to drive or cycle can take advantage of local Uber and Yellow Cab Napa services. The streets of Beard provide plentiful public parking, and drivers enjoy the neighborhood's proximity to Highway 29.

When locals want to walk or run off all that amazing food and wine, they head to one of several parks in Napa for trails, scenic vistas, and off-leash dog areas. Launch a canoe in the Napa River or ride your bike on Trancas Crossing Park's tidy paths. Hike the steep hills of Westwood Hills Park for breathtaking views of the valley.

The annual Napa Porchfest in July features local musicians playing on residential porches throughout the city. This unique event brings together neighbors from all over the city for a day of sitting on lawn chairs and enjoying the wealth of local talent and art.

With Beard apartments starting around $1,532 per month, the cost of living in Napa in general sits about five percent higher than the California average and 39.8 percent higher than the national average. A typical price for beer at a local pub runs around $5 to $6. Locals pay nine percent above the national average for gas. A one-way trip on VINE transit system anywhere in the city costs $1.50. Taking regional routes typically costs $5.50 for a one-way trip.

Locals splurge on boutique-centered shopping downtown for gifts, bath and body products, and home decor.

Betty's Girl carries one-of-a-kind customized, vintage and special occasion dresses for women of all ages who love a unique shopping experience. With a retail location in Antiques on Second, Betty's Girl has everything from casual dresses to party frocks in classic silhouettes with charming details.

Poor House satisfies all your furniture, home decor, tabletop, and accessories needs with its design-focused, rustic contemporary style. From gorgeous mid-century-inspired sofas to drool-worthy rugs and throw pillows, Poor House packs a lot of punch for residents who love a modern yet eclectic home decor. With an excellent selection of cookbooks and a wide array of home items, Poor House keeps shoppers inspired.

With plenty of shopping options for groceries, Beard residents enjoy charming and inexpensive ethnic stores alongside markets full of local foodie-centric produce and goods. Rancho Gordo New World Specialty Foods, a specialty heirloom bean store on Yajome Street, carries a bevy of Mexican kitchen staples. The Napa Valley Farmers Market runs from May to October on Tuesdays and Saturdays on First Street downtown. In a lively environment with vendors and events, locals get fresh fruits, veggies, and specialty foods from local purveyors, including the Hummus Guy and Paige's Pickles.