Student Ambassador, Sasha Biscoe’s Trip to Napa!
My name is Sasha Biscoe, I am a long-time resident of Bakersfield California who loves to travel, explore new places, and have new experiences. In late April, a friend and I sought adventure, ditched our car, and set off on a journey from Bakersfield to Downtown Napa aboard the Gold Runner.
Over the course of the trip, we were able to sit back on the train and thruway bus and relax along our journey while we caught up and enjoyed the scenery as it passed by outside. We arrived relaxed and ready to explore, and on our return trip, arrived home stress free!
I am proud to be Senior Ambassador for the Gold Runner service. I hope my journey inspires you to book your own trip and explore the 100 destinations accessible on the service!
Here are a few highlights from our trip!
Adventure Begins!
The adventure began bright and early as my friend and I boarded the Gold Runner in Bakersfield on Saturday morning. We took a pair of seats facing forward, and settled in for the ride. The train rolled past Allensworth - the first California town created and governed by African Americans. The conductor shared its story over the speakers, adding a dash of history to our ride. For the next three-to-four hours, the train was on time, the cabin was clean and quiet, and snacks and drinks were complimentary and plentiful.
Because it is 2026, we both had our phones on us, so we were able to share photos of our journey with friends and family along the way. We then plugged them in to charge and forgot about them entirely as we enjoyed the journey.
The Thruway Bus Connection
Our trip included a short transfer to the Thruway Bus, which connected us between Martinez and Downtown Napa. Because there are no rails traveling into Napa, we boarded the Route 7 Thruway Bus. Inside, it felt just like the train, only on wheels! The seats were comfy, clean, the air conditioner was pumping, there were bathrooms and even Wi-Fi! The transfer could not have been easier, as the bus was waiting for us right outside the train depot.
Our Arrival and Fun in Napa
At 11:20am, our bus pulled into the Napa Soscol Gateway Transit Center, a short walk from Downtown Napa.
Fresh and excited from our relaxing journey, we began our day of shopping, eating, and wine tasting. We wandered around every picturesque street, soaking up the charm at every turn.
Downtown Napa is a playground for us seniors, with so much to offer. There’s shopping, food, events, entertainment, and wine tasting rooms.
We stopped at the Oxbow Market which contains many upscale choices for food drinks, fresh fruits and vegetables, candies, pastries, ice cream, and more. It was impossible to leave hungry!
The hidden gem of our trip was our stop at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) at Copia. The CIA maintains a garden bursting with veggies and fruit trees and Inside, there’s a museum of cooking appliances and utensils of the past, inspiring memories of days gone by. The school, established in 2016 and formerly a museum, is one of the country’s pre-eminent culinary colleges, filtering its knowledge and resources into Napa’s nearby restaurants and those of the greater Valley. It was every bit as delicious as it sounds!
Thoughts on Our Trip
As our fun weekend in Napa came to a close, we were excited to travel home without the stress of driving. We boarded the same Thruway Bus back to Martinez, and then the train back to Bakersfield. On the way back, we reflected on how an easy, comfortable ride really enhanced our trip. The journey was truly part of the experience.
The Gold Runner is your golden ticket to adventure, traveling daily between Sacramento and Bakersfield. It’s a network of thruway bus routes, connecting from the train’s stations, that reach more than 100 destinations throughout California. It includes many “can't miss” locales around the state. Even Yosemite National Park!
Gold Runner’s service, especially coupled with the Senior Discount, is affordable mobility at an easy, leisurely pace. If you’re traveling with kids, the Kids Discount lets them ride for half price! Mobility and adventure, all at a pace you can savor.
If you’re craving a getaway, I can’t recommend the Gold Runner enough. The train is spotless, comfortable, and a window to California’s hidden gems. You’ll glide through landscapes and towns you’d never see from the highway. And the best part? You arrive refreshed, happy, and ready for whatever adventure awaits.
Sasha Biscoe