NVL things to do
C A L I S T O G A’ S
MUD BATHS and MINERAL SPAS
A Wellness Haven for Rest and Relaxation BY MELISSA VOGT
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Photo by Codi Ann Backman courtesy of Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
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NAPAVALLEYLIFE.COM
or those looking for rest and relaxation this holiday season, Calistoga is a true haven for self-care. Calistoga has long been offering a tranquil place for visitors to get away, with deep roots entrenched in wholistic wellness and the belief that the local geothermal mineral waters possess healing powers. Located in the northern end of Napa Valley, and often referred to as the region’s quiet mountain town, Calistoga offers a down to earth atmosphere and self-pampering in the form of signature mud baths and mineral hot springs from the local geological wonders. Calistoga’s quiet and restorative Napa Valley vibe is no doubt influenced by the practices of Dr. John Wilkinson, a chiropractor and wholistic practitioner who sought alternative health care treatments for recovery and restoration in Calistoga starting in the 1940s. “Dr. Wilkinson came to Calistoga in 1946, fascinated by the wellness offering springs and mud-bathing tradition. He was ahead of his time, studying alternative medicine and practicing wellness long before these concepts were in vogue,” said Avery Winter, Director of Spa & Wellness at Dr. Wilkinson’s. A true believer in the healing powers of the local hot mineral water mixed with local volcanic ash, Dr. Wilkinson helped pioneer the now-famous Calistoga mud bath and helped put “Calistoga on the map for its health-giving mineral treatments.” Dr. Wilkinson crafted a proprietary recipe, now 70+ years old, that is still used today at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs located in downtown Calistoga. Although Dr. Wilkinson passed away in 2004, his legacy lives on in Calistoga—both at his resort and in the community that continues to offer the very best in wellness for all who visit.
