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TEA GARDEN INN 119 West Third St., Cloverdale, CA 95425 707.894.8557; 800.996.8675 Email: cindy@teagardeninn.com |
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Sonoma County and the Sonoma Wine Country Travel Planner Sonoma Valley in the Sonoma Wine Country Sonoma Valley is 17 miles of vineyards and oak-studded hillsides. Cradled between two mountain ranges and bordering San Pablo Bay on the south, the Sonoma valley includes three distinct wine appellations, and more than 40 wineries. Sample Sonoma wine and gourmet food, enjoy fine art, shop at boutiques and indulge in spa treatments in the Sonoma Wine Country. Sonoma, California Sonoma is a picturesque, charming blend of the past and present. A stroll around the Sonoma town square will lead past former Mexican army barracks, 19th century hotels and the pristine Mission San Francisco de Solano, the northern-most and final mission built in California, as well as chic boutiques, top-rated restaurants and galleries. The Sonoma region's rich agricultural heritage lives on through the Sonoma wines and Sonoma County artisan food products including breads, cheeses and olive oils. Celebrating one aspect of the Sonoma valley's bounty, the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival begins in December and runs through the end of February. Glen Ellen, California The charming village of Glen Ellen sits among trees and vineyards with several wineries close to town. Hike the trails at Glen Ellen’s Jack London State Park, which incorporates the ruins of the author's four-story dream house. Bouverie Audobon Preserve and Sugar Loaf State Park offer glimpses of the area's wildlife and stunning mountaintop views. At the north end of the valley, Kenwood is home to well-known wineries, eclectic shops and the muddy Kenwood Pillow Fights held every Fourth of July. Santa Rosa, California Located in the middle is the county's seat, Santa Rosa has a relaxed urban appeal, blending a rural feel with Santa Rosa’s cultural arts, museums, food and wine, shopping and outdoor activities. More than 400 acres of Santa Rosa parks offer quiet respites for picnicking or enjoying outdoor events. There are creekside trails for strolls or opportunities for hiking, peddling, rowing, sailing and fishing in Santa Rosa – Sonoma Wine Country - California. Santa Rosa is full of excellent restaurants, cafés, coffee houses and clubs. Sonoma wine country shopping includes a variety of alternatives, from malls and shopping centers to boutiques and specialty stores along sidewalks or around Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square. Also in Santa Rosa (Sonoma County): "Peanuts" fans will find a little slice of heaven here. The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center gives visitors a peek at original artwork and memorabilia. Next door is Snoopy's Home Ice Arena and Gallery. A bronze sculpture of Charlie Brown and his faithful beagle stands in Historic Railroad Square. Horticulturalist Luther Burbank lived and worked in Sonoma County for more than 50 years; his Santa Rosa home and gardens are open for touring. The Sonoma County Museum, Pacific Coast Air Museum and Sonoma County Museum for the Visual Arts are wonderful places for exploring. The Luther Burbank Center for the Performing Arts offers a full repertory of entertainment including symphony, ballet, popular music and theater. Santa Rosa is the perfect vacation headquarters. Russian River in the Sonoma Wine Country The Russian River resort towns are defined by the river, majestic redwood trees and an eclectic mix of people who celebrate diversity. The Russian River, Sonoma Wine Country towns are full of history and local color abounds all year round. While traveling on River Road, you will discover Rio Nido, meaning "River Nest" in Spanish. This small community is nestled in the canyons among the redwoods. Guerneville, California Guerneville's plaza, shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs, and lodgings in its busy downtown draw people from all walks of life. Annual events include the Russian River Blues and Jazz Festivals, both held on the Russian River, a winter holiday parade of lights on Guerneville’s Main Street and Stumptown Daze. The historic pin-truss bridge now carries only foot traffic over the river. Two miles north of town, Armstrong Redwood State Reserve covers 700 acres of the awe-inspiring trees, many of which are old-growth. Dip into the river at Monte Rio's wide sandy beach, or see a movie in style at the theater in the Quonset hut. Duncans Mills was once the end of the rail line and is now a collection of colorful 19th century-style storefronts housing a general store, a jewelry maker, art galleries, gifts, and restaurants. Side track up the Cazadero Highway to the redwood-thatched village of Cazadero. There's a bakery, a general store, a sawmill, and a neo-Moorish Catholic Church. Western Sonoma County Western Sonoma County encompasses an incredible variety of landscapes. Along the way, several of Sonoma County's most colorful places will delight visitors with a little bit of something for everyone. Sebastopol (Sonoma Wine Country) blends small town charm with a sophisticated country feel. Explore Sebastopol cafés, restaurants, pubs, galleries, health food and new age stores and unique shops featuring everything from clothing, books, housewares, toys, and music. A Sebastopol museum showcases aspects of the area's history. Sebastopol loves music and art. The Plaza summer music series presents free concerts every week. Tour artists' open studios or enjoy art al fresco at the many arts events throughout the year. The Celtic Music Festival is a popular event for folk music lovers. Find Sonoma wine grapes, apples, Christmas trees, pumpkins and organic and specialty produce on the region's farms. Visit Sonoma Wine Country Luther Burbank's Gold Ridge Farm and a butterfly farm. Sebastopol Festivals celebrate the beginning and end of the growing season. Get fresh produce at the farmers' market mid-April through mid-December. Just west of town, the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Trail is an easy walk past abundant wildlife through an important part of our ecology. Take a delightful step back in time in Freestone. Historic buildings, redwoods, vineyards and pastures create a peaceful backdrop. The only Japanese-style enzyme bath in the United States is here, along with an organic bakery and antique shops. Occidental in the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country was once a redwood logging settlement but is home these days to family-style dining at its Italian restaurants, shopping for one-of-a-kind artisan clothing and crafts and quaintly elegant lodgings. The village of Graton has restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world, fun shops and a hard cider pub. A trail for hiking and several wineries are nearby. On the way to or from the coast, stop in rural Valley Ford for hearty meals and antique shopping. Forestville, California Forestville is a small town overflowing with pastoral scenes and family-friendly activities, from spending the day on the Russian River to visiting family-owned farms and Sonoma wineries. Stop in the local Forestville market for Sonoma wine country picnic supplies before renting a canoe and heading downriver on the Russian River. Healdsburg, California In northern Sonoma County, the vineyard-lined valleys open up, creating wide expanses. Sonoma wineries abound and are easily accessible from the area's towns and villages. A stay in Healdsburg will include excellent Sonoma County restaurants and Sonoma wine country lodging. Situated between the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys, Healdsburg is surrounded by more than 70 Sonoma wineries. A beautiful 10-mile drive past vineyards and wineries leads to 2,700 acre Lake Sonoma; hike, boat, water-ski, camp or visit the fish hatchery. Geyserville, California The town of Geyserville, in the Alexander Valley, has a casual Old West feel to it, with buildings dating to the 1800's. Charming lodging, savory dining and a dozen wineries nearby welcome visitors. Cloverdale, California Sonoma County's northern-most town is Cloverdale. Also located in the Alexander Valley, Cloverdale is close to dozens of wineries as well as the redwoods and Lake Sonoma. Just a few blocks from downtown Cloverdale is the county's largest public park on the Russian River. Take a stroll and soak in Cloverdale’s small town flavor; antique shops, multi-cultural events at the Cloverdale Plaza, outdoor cafés, restaurants and several inns all add to Cloverdale’s charm. "At Water's Edge" Sonoma County's coastline is a spectacular 58-mile stretch along the Pacific. Small fishing villages and former logging communities that dot the coast draw visitors westward with gorgeous scenery, excellent restaurants, accommodations and the grandeur of the ocean itself. Several buildings in the tiny village of Bodega, five miles in from the coast, have celebrity status thanks to film director Alfred Hitchcock and photographer Ansel Adams. Visit the historic schoolhouse and church, then stop in the surf or antique shops. Bodega Bay has become a premier destination with accommodations including vacation rentals, hotels, B&Bs and campgrounds. Its marina is home to a thriving commercial fishing fleet as well as charter fishing boats. A golf course offers ocean views from all 18 holes. Jutting out into the ocean, Bodega Head is an excellent place to scan the coast and horizon. Where the Russian River meets the sea, there are several cliffside vantage points in the tiny town of Jenner overlooking Goat Rock Beach and harbor seals who make the beach their home. An inn and a hilltop restaurant offer accommodations with a view. Up the coast, explore the restored early 19th century Russian settlement at Fort Ross. Continue north through the communities of Timber Cove and Stewarts Point on your way to Sea Ranch, a developed vacation area with contemporary rental houses and an 18-hole golf course. At the mouth of the Gualala River, the town of Gualala, ("Wa-la-la") is a mix of old and new, with art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and a wide range of accommodations. Six miles inland, Annapolis sits on a high point of the coastal mountain range and is home to a small family winery, a glass blower; a golden-roofed Buddhist temple is an unexpected sight among the trees.
Sonoma Country Fact Sheet |