GMG Classical Music Forum

The Back Room => The Diner => Topic started by: XB-70 Valkyrie on May 06, 2018, 05:32:35 PM

Title: Sonoma, Marin Counties, wine country, redwoods, beaches, Snoopy etc.
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on May 06, 2018, 05:32:35 PM
Does anyone live in this general area or have any advice for travelers?

We will be going for 10 days or so in July--staying in/near Mill Valley/Sausalito, Guerneville, Jenner/Bodega Bay, and then Half Moon Bay before returning to the horrific, flaming trash pile of Southern California.

We lived in the Bay Area for many years, but never really spent much time in these areas. I am drawn to the natural beauty of the area first and foremost, and secondarily by the wine and food. We are finding some very nice, quiet, secluded spots on VBRO and AirBNB. We always look for cottages or houses, and always try to avoid any type of attached dwelling.

Most of our time will be spent hiking through redwoods (Armstrong Redwoods), beachcombing, exploring the Russian River Valley, with some wine tasting and foodie activities thrown in--to say nothing of browsing book and record stores! We love wine and drink a lot of it, but  are not wine connoisseurs and can only really appreciate a couple of wineries a day (we are not into swilling and spitting). Probably will visit Silver Oak, Rodney Strong, as well as the Charles M. Schulz Museum (Peanuts, SNoopy) in Santa Rosa.

As with many of our vacations (incl. Ireland last year), we are partly motivated to investigate potential areas for retirement (will not stay in SoCal a single femtosecond longer than absolutely necessary). 

Thanks for any recommendations for scenery, hikes, beaches, wineries, book/record stores, restaurants!
Title: Re: Sonoma, Marin Counties, wine country, redwoods, beaches, Snoopy etc.
Post by: Hollywood on May 06, 2018, 10:49:46 PM
I love Half Moon Bay. Unfortunately I haven't been there since the mid 1980s. My ex husband gew up in South San Francisco so whenever we visited his folks there we would always spend a night in this quaint little motel there in Half Moon Bay that was very close to the shore. Damned if I can remember the name of this motel but being lulled to sleep by the waves on the beach were heavenly.

I envy you going on a trip to the Bay Area. I love northern CA even though I am a native SoCal gal. San Francisco is one of my all time favorite cities. I'll never forget the lovely day my ex, his best bud from college and I spent hitting some of the wineries in the Napa Valley. My fav was  Moët were we had yummy baguette sandwiches and champagne. Glad I wasn't the designated driver.  8)

Hope you have a great trip.
Title: Re: Sonoma, Marin Counties, wine country, redwoods, beaches, Snoopy etc.
Post by: bwv 1080 on May 07, 2018, 06:38:58 AM
Healdsburg is nice & has some very good restaurants on the square
Title: Re: Sonoma, Marin Counties, wine country, redwoods, beaches, Snoopy etc.
Post by: Brian on May 07, 2018, 07:04:27 PM
Healdsburg is indeed wonderful with great shops and superb restaurants (look up the Portuguese place and Chalkboard in particular). Of course it depends on your own taste what wines you will like but I especially enjoyed my tastings at small family places like Until, Williamson, Navarro, and Cartograph. Truett Hurst is not my favorite winery but it has a lovely shaded patio and picnic area right on the creek.

Redwoodhikes.com is an outstanding resource! And it's a little north of your target area but goodness, Montgomery Woods State Reserve is the perfect hike. Perfect length and through extraordinary first growth.
Title: Re: Sonoma, Marin Counties, wine country, redwoods, beaches, Snoopy etc.
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on May 11, 2018, 11:40:52 AM
Thanks for the comments. Healdsburg sounds great and is on our list. Will look up the restaurants. The Wine Bible also recommends The Girl and the Fig. Montgomery Woods is likely a destination for another trip, but certainly a great suggestion.

HMB is one of our favorite places on earth! Everything around there is so scenic, relaxing, and peaceful. Huge beaches--desserted! It's glorious.

Drive an hour south to Swanton Berry Farm for the greatest jams, pies, and berries anywhere with picnic area in a great, rustic setting across from the ocean. Five minutes further south takes you to one of our favorite tasting rooms--for Bonny Doon Winery.
Title: Re: Sonoma, Marin Counties, wine country, redwoods, beaches, Snoopy etc.
Post by: Brian on May 13, 2018, 02:27:00 PM
Quote from: XB-70 Valkyrie on May 11, 2018, 11:40:52 AM
Thanks for the comments. Healdsburg sounds great and is on our list. Will look up the restaurants. The Wine Bible also recommends The Girl and the Fig.
I heard great things about The Girl and the Fig so I went and every single seat was filled. Make reservations!