MY KIND OF TOWN... -- Or, what’s in a name? --

What do “Salvage”, “Dildo” and “Heart’s Desire” all have in common?

Well these titillating monikers belong to several quaint, little communities in Newfoundland (one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces, for uninitiated).

These charming little out-of-the-way gems (most folk have never heard of let alone laid eyes upon) also share another distinction; they have all been named “First Place Award Winners” in Harrowsmith Country Life’s “Top 10 Prettiest Towns in Canada”.

Let’s face it, Newfoundland (affectionately called, “The Rock”) is home to some rather fascinatingly odd, categorically unusual, if not utterly whimsical place names.

So, if you’re tired of tacky tourist traps, why not venture forth into great unknown of uncertainty and bewilderment. You have nothing to lose and who knows, you might even enjoy a slight tickle of your funnybone.

I'm certain that you'll get a kick out of warm hospitality exhibited by Newfoundlanders. No doubt, you'll catch a glimpse of naughty nooks and capricious crannies on Canada's dearly beloved “pet rock”.

Just remember to keep your eyes peeled for following twittering (and sometimes 'twisted') treasures of these picturesque piffling places.

Colonel Joseph Ballinger Chiles was another earlier settler whom was granted land from General Vallejo in modern day Chiles Valley. In 1861, Charles Krug established first St. Helena Winery. This was followed by founding of Inglenook in 1879 by Captain Gustave Niebaum in Rutherford. These were booming years for Napa Valley Wineries. However, coming decades would see two devastating setbacks.

The first occured during 1880s and 1890s when Phylloxera ravaged vinyards throughout Napa Valley. Phylloxera originated in Europe, and attacks roots of vitis vinifera vines.

The pest was eventually combatted when it was discovered that vitis vinifera cuttings could be grafted onto Phylloxera resistant rootstocks. Unfortunately, an immense amount of damage had already been done to many of best Napa Valley vineyards.

The second debilitating setback occured in 1919, when Prohibition became law of land in United States. Most Napa Valley Wineries did not survive these two massive setbacks. A few weathered Phylloxera and then dealt with Prohibition through two major loopholes.

Sacramental wine was not banned under Prohibition, and some Napa Valley Wineries were able to stay afloat by producing wine for Church. Located in BV Winery weathered Prohibition using this tactic.