Outdoor Activities Abound in Napa

Napans and visitors can get a tan, take in that fresh air or just enjoy a history lesson while getting outdoors this summer. Many of the activities allow Napans to enjoy and share with their out-of-town family and friends.

The majority of the activities do not even require working up a sweat. Each one does cost, but locals often get a discount not available to tourists.

First off, why not take a walk? Not just around the neighborhood -- enjoy a stroll downtown on George Webber’s . It’s a three-hour guided history lesson with plenty of stops along the way.

“There’s a lot of exciting history here,” said Webber, who describes himself as a shameless self-promoter.

Whether you're from Singapore or north Napa, the history walk can be entertaining while providing some light exercise.

The walk includes visits to the , the Napa Mill, Napa Riverfront Trail and Old Town Napa, among others.

“A walking tour is the best way to enjoy the various architectural styles ranging from Queen Anne to Eastlake,” Webber said.

A stop at Church Hill Manor at the corner of Brown and Oak streets gets plenty of oohs and aahs. Afterward the walk returns to where it kicked off — in the historic Napa Mill on Main Street.

Webber’s Napa Walking Tour costs $35 per person, usually begin at 9:30 a.m., and covers about 2 1/2 miles of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. He also offers tips on places to eat after your stroll is over, or anytime. Reservations can be made at the website.

is a green alternative to glide around and see the sights, while picking up a bit of trivia and history about Napa.

The family-run business of Gale Tyner and her husband Bob Taft also includes his brother and the couple’s children.

The self-balancing Segways are a two-wheeled battery powered form of transportation. Riders stand upright and lean their body in the direction they want go. “It usually takes riders two to 10 minutes to get comfortable (navigating) the Segway,” Taft said.

The guides reveal such tidbits of information as that the boysenberry was developed here, the last hanging in the state took place downtown, and other historic facts about Napa.

Segway Napa offers guided tours seven days a week. Reservations and more information can be found at its website or by calling 280-1348. The cost is $95 for a two-hour guided trip.

During the off-season, Napans can take advantage of a discount by booking one Segway tour and get the second for half price.

Some of the other activities for enjoying Napa’a ideal outdoors include getting a different view from the Napa River, which is what is all about. And paddlers don’t get too wet enjoying themselves, as the roomy stable kayaks are easy to paddle.

The guided tours are not a "watered-down" outdoor experience. It is a chance to see waterfowl up close and historic buildings from the water level.

Owners Laurie Aboudara-Robertson and Elizabeth Pearson of Kayak NV, as it's often called, offer discounts to Napans wanting to paddle the Napa River.

Typically paddlers enjoy about 2 1/2 hours on the river, which includes the sites along the Oxbow District near downtown, along with a picnic on the water.

Kayak NV charges $75 for the outdoor adventure. However, county residents pay only $60 per person, according to Aboudara-Robertson. Most of the kayaks carry two people and are suitable for water-loving pets. More information is on their website.

Being green in Napa just keeps getting easier. Change of Greenery allows bicycle riders to peddle up the hills to wineries without breaking out into a sweat. How? They provide electric bikes.

The two-year old business is the brainchild of Carolyn Nguyen, and is based out of the on Solano Avenue.

“I just don’t think someone would go back to riding their old bikes after enjoying one of these,” Nguyen said.

The bikes weighs about 55 pounds. “It is light enough to peddle up Mount Veeder and Atlas Peak — something a lot of people can’t do on a regular bike,” she said.

“Our goal is to offer a worry free ride,” she said, adding, “we want people to get out of their cars. I think they will with one of these bikes.”

Change of Greenery charges $99 per day and each electric bike can travel around 30 miles on a charge. Riders enjoy self-guided maps to various wineries, some of which offer discounts on purchases. Nguyen also provides road service to her customers if necessary.

On most weekends the bicycles are reserved by tourists, but Nguyen said she is willing to negotiate deals for Napans interested in trying the adventure.

Napa Parks and Recreation is another source offering fairly inexpensive outdoor activities for young and old. Even though summer is already several weeks old, tere are still plenty of classes available.

Many programs offered by the city are listed in a free a catalog, available at 1100 West St., next to Cinedome Movie Theater or www.naparec.com. The office is open Monday through Friday, but closed during lunch.

Take advantage of what Napa has to offer and get outside this summer.