It’s time to put on a favorite pair of walking shoes and get acquainted with the Fuller Park – Napa Abajo Neighborhood, an area rich in history. A quick drive-through might give one the impression these are just blocks of beautiful homes, but look more closely and discover a slice of Napa richly layered with interesting things to do,
a thriving business community, and an urban forest.

By design, the heart of this neighborhood is Fuller Park itself. The park occupies one entire city block in downtown Napa on grounds originally part of what was known as Campbell’s Grove, an area with orchards and open spaces, some of which were used by Napa’s early baseball and football teams. Eventually, this parcel of land was cleared in anticipation of an extensive park development, though the first iteration with a lake and plant conservatory never materialized.

In 1919, the City of Napa purchased the property, and Oak Street Park was born. It was later renamed Fuller Park after Mayor C.H. Fuller. Over the years, Fuller Park has seen a variety of recreational attractions come and go, but the park’s distinctive and varied trees, its broad stretches of lawn, bocce ball, rose garden, enclosed playground, and picnic table areas, have over the years, made the park the place locals gather. Also of interest is the quarter mile of smooth, flat walking path on the park’s perimeter, a great spot to pack in those 10,000 steps the doctor ordered.

Plan to bring a blanket for those considering a picnic in case the ever-popular picnic table areas are occupied. There is ample room on the lawns, in the shade or sun. Consider swinging by Winston’s Café and Bakery for “farm-to-table” style sandwiches. In the evenings, enjoy the tacos, local-made tamales, and fresh fruit juices from street vendors on the park’s perimeter. The wafting aroma of carne asada and carnitas is irresistible.

The two neighborhoods surrounding the park are collectively called the Napa Abajo – Fuller Park District by the National Register of Historic Places. They are bounded by the Napa River on the east, Highway 29 on the West, Imola Avenue on the south end, and Division Street on the north. This 1200-acre district was settled in the mid-19th century before Napa was incorporated, and today, as it was then, it is primarily a residential neighborhood, affluent in examples of architecture from that period. Within this relatively small footprint are an impressive 295 buildings listed on the National Register. That alone makes these neighborhoods worth a long and studied stroll.

Photo by Chris Andrews

History and architecture buffs will enjoy the National Park Service’s fascinating description of the neighborhood and these historic homes. The National Register of Historic Places Listing details significant addresses and the dates when the structures were completed, their functions, and, in some cases, the first owners and architects of the properties. Pull up the NRHP listing on a smartphone and explore Napa’s living “museum” of homes for the afternoon. // www.npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/b370d2d7-bef5-45df-9cf3-8681a6b7a438

Porchfest // Photo by Art + Clarity

For those who prefer guided tours of the neighborhood, a number are available throughout the year. Favorites include the Photography Tour of Historic Homes, the Fuller Park Historic District Walking Tour, and the Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour, which, at some homes, includes walk-throughs of the interiors. One of Napa’s most beloved summer traditions also takes place in this neighborhood, namely Napa Porchfest. Every year, on the last Sunday in July, Fuller Park streets are cordoned off, and Napa Valley musicians perform on porches at many historic homes. For more information on neighborhood tours and special events, visit www.donapa.com and www.napaporchfest.org.

And why just look at historic homes when one can actually stay in them? The Napa Abajo is where many of the region’s best B & Bs are located, all in homes on the National Register. The George and McClelland House are especially beautiful and recently restored. Visitors to the region will be pleased by these luxurious accommodations, situated in a peaceful residential setting and just a five-minute walk from the city’s best shopping, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Other beauties in the Abajo neighborhood are side-by-side mansions, the White House Inn, and Churchill Manor.

Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Yacht Club

Other neighborhood features worth a gander are the Napa Valley Yacht Club and Riverside Park Boat Launch. The yacht club hosts hundreds of guest boats each year, bringing together boating enthusiasts from all over the Bay Area. This is an ideal location to set anchor as the docks are just a few blocks from downtown Napa’s many amenities. With nearby parking, the boat launch is perfect for those looking to kayak or canoe on the Napa River.

Other neighborhood attractions include everyone’s favorite thrift store, Community Projects. The store showcases high-quality used household items, clothing, artwork, collectibles, jewelry, books, and more; it’s a fun place to pick up inexpensive “souvenirs” or to find bric-a-brac and home essentials. After shopping, meet up with friends for an espresso and pastries and to shoot the breeze at Napa Bookmine. One might also find a great title or two to pick up from the their thoughtfully curated collection.

Photo courtesy of Ackerman Family Vineyards

Two outstanding tasting experiences in the District are the Napa Valley Distillery and Ackerman Family Vineyards’ Heritage House, an 1889 Queen Anne Victorian at the epicenter of the Napa Abajo neighborhood. Heritage House hosts exceptional wine-tasting and food pairing experiences and high tea with all the to-do and fixings, including crumpets, finger sandwiches, and organic teas.

Napa Valley Distillery is proudly the first distillery in the county since prohibition, producing artisan whiskey, vodka, gin, brandy, and barrel-aged cocktails. Libations can be enjoyed in the cocktail lounge, and the Hollywood Room is now offering concerts and comedy, with tickets available online.

Lastly is the district’s newly renovated Food City Shopping Center. This new community hub is at a corner of town, previously wanting for good eateries. Naysayer Coffee is the area’s new spot for the perfect cup of joe and super tasty breakfast foods, while La Hacienda Bar and Grill offers generously served Mexican classics. And Rutherford Family Pizza will indeed become a family favorite with its authentic New York-style pies, with slices so large one is often enough.