Activities
* Hiking (Trail head is 1 ½ miles from guest house)
* Rock Climbing
* Bicycling
* Bowling (10 miles)
* Beach (22 miles to Bodega Bay or 21 miles to Jenner)
* Wine tasting
* Restaurants
* Golf
* Enzyme Baths, Massage and Aromatherapy Facials
* Shopping
* Amusement Parks
* Fishing
* Wildlife Viewing
* Horseback Riding
* Live Theater
* Cinemas
* Sightseeing
* Swimming (Either in our solar heated pool or in the Russian River)
* Kayaking, Boating, Sailing
* Surfing
* Windsurfing
* Shelling
* Antiquing.
LOCAL INFORMATION
WINE TOURING
Sonoma County's location has made it the most perfect place for making
fabulous wines. Visitors can expect a wealth of opportunities to
visit vineyards, stop by wineries and wine tasting rooms ... and to
enjoy the "fruits of our labor" here in one of the most picturesque
wine country regions in the world.
DINING
Explore the characteristic flavors of Sonoma County - from the finest
wines, artisan cheeses and meats to the freshest, seasonal fruits and
vegetables from many of our organic farms. All of this agricultural
diversity is reflected in the many fine restaurants throughout
Sonoma County. You can find the flavors of Sonoma County in a leisurely
gourmet meal at one of our many 4-star restaurants, or in casual
taquerias, cafes, take-out delicatessens and farm stands. Come enjoy
the bounty of Sonoma County.
SHOPPING
Sonoma County boasts a rich range of shops and stores where that
special gift may be found. The choices run from unique, individual
shops with art objects, collectibles, one-of-a-kind clothing and craft
emporium to enclosed malls and factory outlets. Each community in
Sonoma County has its own collection of distinctive shopping
possibilities.
FARM TRAILS
You are never far from a farm when you visit Sonoma County. Outside
our towns and cities you will find farms, market gardens, orchards,
vineyards, pastures, nurseries, and wildlife preserves. You might
find a 1000-acre cattle ranch with a view of the Pacific Ocean or a
small ostrich or llama farm. Take the Farm Trails Guide and Map we
have provided for you and you will find pick-your-own flowers,
pumpkins, berries and apples. You can even cut your own Christmas tree.
HIKING
Whether your preference is for distance, ruggedness, or incline, all
these hiking choices are available throughout Sonoma County. We have
many state and county parks. Just to name a few, you might choose to
hike amongst the oaks of Annadel and Spring Lake Park in eastern Santa
Rosa, or head west and hike in the quiet sanctuary of the giant
redwoods in Armstrong Woods.
CYCLING
Sonoma County has a multitude of bike paths and bike lanes, and they
get daily use by those who choose biking as their preferred
transportation. Our county roads provide fun rides and excellent
training and conditioning for competitive cyclists. Each geographical
area has its own beautiful rides, and there are bike rental shops to
provide all the essentials for a safe ride. Several bike-touring
companies provide everything, including escort, lunch and an itinerary
for your ride.
HORSE RIDING
If horses are more than a recreation for you, bring your own horse and
join a distance ride or take lessons in Armstrong Woods State Park and
rent a horse so you can experience the fun too. Horse-drawn wagons
and carriages might help get you in the rhythm of rural relaxation.
Some wineries use wagons and carriages for tours and picnics for their
guests.
SPA TREATMENTS
Pamper yourself or your loved one with a treatment from one of our
wonderful local spas. Choose from a full day experience to a simple
massage… something to suit anyone. Facials, foot treatments,
manicures/pedicures await you in Sonoma County. Let us suggest a local
spa or private in-room massage therapist.
GOLF
Sonoma County has a variety of golf courses to tempt you. From the
wind swept ocean beauty of Bodega Bay to the Redwoods course on the
Russian River to the world-class courses nestled into the
Mayacamus Mountains, we have something for all levels of play. Lessons
and driving ranges are close at hand. Ask us to help set up a tee
time on a course near by.
THE ARTS
Sonoma County is home to some wonderful museums and galleries. The
Charles M.Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa is a beautiful tribute to the
cartoonist and his medium. Luther Burbank Home and Gardens showcases
the ingenious wonder of plant life. We even have a wild animal park
that allows guests to experience the art of nature from the back of a
safari jeep. Many of our quaint towns have local history museums
highlighting the history and culture of our area. Art galleries
surround our town plazas and the October ARTrails Open Studio Tour is
a must for art lovers. Throughout the year each town hosts a variety
of cultural shows, fairs, and festivals. Take advantage of our rich
local culture.
THEATER
The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts hosts live concerts, stage
productions, and music, including the popular Santa Rosa Symphony at
the facility just north of Santa Rosa. There are local community
theaters in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Healdsburg with
plenty of local talent. The Raven Theater in Healdsburg is host to
many interesting venues from live theater to Celtic music to talent
shows. Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa have movie
theaters for the latest shows.
CONCERTS
Many wineries host concert venues throughout the year, some “under the
stars”. Also scheduled are numerous outdoor concerts associated with
Jazz, Blues and Guitar festivals. Ask your host innkeeper about these
local events. Healdsburg has Tuesday Night on the Plaza free concerts
throughout the summer months…from rock and roll, to swing, to jazz, to
military marching bands. Just drop by with your picnic dinner and
enjoy. Each town has weekend music associated with the local
breweries, pubs, or restaurants. Ask us for the latest schedules.
LUTHER BURBANK ESTATE
Visit the site where the famous horticulturist created new plants.
Visit the beautiful gardens year-round. April-Oct. Enjoy the museum,
gift shop and drop-in tours.
FISHING
There are miles of shoreline for rock fishing and surf fishing and
party boats are available at Bodega Bay as well as at Lake Sonoma. The
Russian River salmon start their annual migration in late September.
By late November the steelhead are running and continue through March.
Spring is the best time to catch catfish. Shad appear in mid-April.
As the days lengthen and the weather warms, bait your hook for bass.
RUSSIAN RIVER
Most travelers fall in love with the Russian River’s meandering course
as it flows past river towns and ancient redwoods to Jenner, where it
empties into the sea. Kayaking, canoeing, swimming, inner tubing,
fishing, rafting and sunbathing are favorite river pastimes. You can
usually spot harbor seals and shy, cow-eyed pinnipeds at the mouth of
the Russian River at Goat Rock State Beach near Jenner.
BOATING
There are many public places to launch boats. Monte Rio beach has a
public boat ramp, and there is public access at Johnson’s Beach in
Guerneville, Forestville River Access, Steelhead Beach in Forestville,
Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach and Cloverdale River Park.
SONOMA COAST
Perhaps Sonoma County’s most defining and well-known geographic
feature is its 58 miles of beautiful, rugged Pacific coastline. The
Sonoma Coast offers some of the best surfing north of Santa Cruz for
the advanced or beginning surfer. Surfing the Sonoma Coast for the
advanced surfer is best July through March and for the beginner year
round surf can be found. Doran Regional Park offers a two-mile stretch
of sandy beach and a great view of Point Reyes. With plenty of space
to spread beach blankets, towels and umbrellas, this is one of the
best family beaches for picnicking, sand castles, or flying kites.
SONOMA COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
JANUARY
Winter Wineland - Russian River
Whale Watching along the Sonoma Coast
Old Time Fiddle Contest & Festival - Cloverdale
Sonoma Valley Olive Festival (Jan-Feb)
FEBRUARY
Citrus Fair - Cloverdale Healdsburg
Romancing the Vine - Santa Rosa
MARCH
Barrel Tasting - Russian River Wine Assoc.
Home and Garden Show - Santa Rosa
Barrel Tasting - Sonoma Valley Wine Country Cycling Classic - Santa Rosa
APRIL
Sonoma Valley Film Festival - Apr 11-15, 2007
Whale Watching along the Sonoma Coast
Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival
Apple Blossom Festival - Sebastopol
Passport to Dry Creek Valley
Historic Homes Walking Tour - Healdsburg
AMA Super Bike Showdown - Infineon Raceway
MAY
Luther Burbank Rose Parade - Santa Rosa
California Outdoor Sports Championships - Infineon Raceway
Blackbart Festival - Cloverdale
Healdsburg Country Fair and Twilight Parade
Memorial Day Weekend Antique Faire - Healdsburg
Fresh Produce and Crafts at Healdsburg Farmers Market, each Saturday
8-12 and Tuesday 3-5
Memorial Day Weekend - Sonoma Jazz
JUNE
Sonoma Marin Fair - Petaluma NASCAR
Wine Country Classic Vintage Car Race - Infineon Raceway
NASCAR Savemart 350 - Infineon Raceway
Vineman Triathlon - Santa Rosa
Healdsburg Jazz Festival
10th annual Art at the Source Open Studio.
Taste of the Valley, Alexander Valley Wine Growers
Healdsburg Lavender Festival
Summer Concert Series in the Park - Tuesdays, Healdsburg
Fresh Produce and Crafts at Local Farmers Market
Ox Roast in Sonoma Plaza
JULY
NHRA Summer Nationals - Infineon Raceway
World Famous Mud Pillow Fighting Championship in Kenwood (July 4th)
Salute to the Arts, Sonoma Plaza
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
Annual Showcase of Wine and Food
Sonoma County Fair
Grand Prix of Sonoma - Infineon Raceway
Antique Fair and Harvest Century Bicycle Tour - Healdsburg
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Fireworks - Healdsburg
Summer Concert Series in the Park - Tuesdays, Healdsburg
Fresh Produce and Crafts at Healdsburg Farmers Market, each Saturday
8-12 and Tuesday 3-5
Fram Autolite Nationals - Infineon Raceway
AUGUST
Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa Fairgrounds (Jul-Aug)
Guitar Festival - Healdsburg
Dixie Jazz Festival - Rohnert Park
Grape to Glass - Russian River Valley
Wine Country Film Festival - Sonoma
Dancin’ in the Street - Healdsburg
Summer Concert Series in the Park - Tuesdays, Healdsburg
Fresh Produce and Crafts at Healdsburg Farmers Market, each Saturday
8-12 and Tuesday 3-5
SEPTEMBER
Russian River Jazz Festival
Labor Day Weekend Antique Fair - Healdsburg
Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction
Street Celebrations - Cloverdale
Beer on the Plaza - Healdsburg
Summer Concert Series in the Park - Tuesdays, Healdsburg (ends Labor Day)
Fresh Produce and Crafts at Healdsburg Farmers Market, each Saturday
8-12 and Tuesday 3-5
Harvest Wine Auction
Sonoma Valley Vintage Festival
OCTOBER
Harvest Fair - Santa Rosa
ARTrails Open Studio Tour
Octoberfest Celebrations - throughout County
Pumpkin Festival - Healdsburg
Fresh Produce and Crafts at Healdsburg Farmers Market, each Saturday
8-12 and Tuesday 3-5
NOVEMBER
Wine and Food Affair - Russian River
Santa's Riverboat Arrival - Petaluma
Victorian Holiday Celebration - Petaluma
Fresh Produce and Crafts at Healdsburg Farmers Market, each Saturday
8-12 and Tuesday 3-5
DECEMBER
Heritage Homes Parlor Tour - Petaluma
Victorian House Tour - Healdsburg
Holiday open houses, teas and festivities throughout the County
First Night Celebration - Santa Rosa
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