Middletown – Our Towns

Middletown earned its name the practical way—sitting squarely between Calistoga and Lower Lake, a midpoint on the old stagecoach route that once wound over the steep, dusty flanks of Mount St. Helena. Travelers would rattle into town shaken, sore, and hopefully still in possession of their belongings. If luck wasn’t on their side, they’d be greeted not by friendly locals but by the infamous Buck English, a trigger-happy outlaw who had a habit of relieving stagecoaches of their gold just as they dropped into the valley. Once finished with his mischief, he’d vanish into the rugged Mayacamas Mountains that cradle the town.

These days, you can roll into Middletown without fear of being robbed at gunpoint—and with air conditioning instead of dust in your teeth—but the town’s colorful history is still wonderfully easy to find. Just a couple of blocks from where Buck once exchanged gunfire with F. Prebble (Buck, reportedly, hid behind a tree) sits the Gibson Museum and Cultural Center. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the fence made entirely from old farm implements—a quirky, can’t-miss landmark. Step inside for a personalized tour overflowing with stories, artifacts, and local character.

But Middletown isn’t just a place to learn about the past—it’s a place to explore, shop, sip, and wander.

Start at Koontz Middletown Mercantile, a treasure trove of curiosities you didn’t know you needed until you see them. Owner Reuben Koontz creates original welded art pieces, and the shelves are dotted with backpacking gear, artisanal foods, and other surprises that make the shop feel like part general store, part art gallery.

For a deeper dive into the creative soul of the community, head to The MAC (Middletown Art Center), perched right where Highways 175 and 29 meet. Here you’ll find rotating exhibitions highlighting standout Northern California artists, plus writing workshops, craft classes, and monthly First Friday Makers’ Fairs complete with live music—a lively gathering where visitors become part of the scene.

If fresh air is calling, wander up Rabbit Hill to the iconic Middletown water tanks, wrapped in 360° murals inspired by traditional Pomo basketry. They’re stunning, photogenic, and proudly recognized as the first project of their kind in California.

A block away, Martin Pohl Wines invites you to slow down with a tasting flight of Martin Pohl’s distinctive organic, biodynamic wines—complex, thoughtful, and very much reflective of the region. And if you’re up for a short scenic drive, don’t miss Langtry Farms Vineyard and Winery, once home to legendary Victorian socialite Lillie Langtry, celebrated in her era as one of the most beautiful women in the world.

Eventually hunger kicks in, and Middletown does not disappoint. Locals rave about Buddha Thai Kitchen, where everything is made from scratch using family recipes. It’s one of the best Thai spots in the region, and diners regularly travel from afar to get their fix. If you’re craving Mexican, La Parilla serves hearty, flavorful favorites, while Perry’s Deli crafts simple, fresh, satisfying sandwiches perfect for a midday refuel.

Whether you come to chase history, art, wine, or just a good meal, Middletown welcomes travelers the same way it always has—minus the stagecoach bandits.