beer Archives - Sonoma Magazine https://www.sonomamag.com/tag/beer/ Things to do in Sonoma County Fri, 01 Aug 2025 22:48:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://d1sve9khgp0cw0.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/smagicon-150x150.png beer Archives - Sonoma Magazine https://www.sonomamag.com/tag/beer/ 32 32 The Best Beer Gardens in Sonoma County https://www.sonomamag.com/the-best-beer-gardens-in-sonoma-county/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:59:39 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=127612 The Block

Summer is for beer gardens. Here are some local favorites if you’re craving an afternoon of brews with your crew.

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The Block

Summer is for beer gardens. Fortunately, Sonoma County has them in abundance, with the Wine Country bonus of excellent beer and top-notch food. Here are some favorites if you’re craving an afternoon of brews with your crew.

Twin Oaks Roadhouse

Twin Oaks beer garden
The fried chicken sandwich at Twin Oaks Roadhouse on Old Redwood Highway in Penngrove. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)

In continuous operation since 1926, this ramshackle-looking roadhouse and watering hole is one of Sonoma County’s best-kept secrets. Owned by HopMonk Tavern, well-known for its beer gardens in Sebastopol, Sonoma, and Novato, Twin Oaks has kept its historic charm while offering stellar fried chicken sandwiches and live entertainment for those who appreciate its charms. (The property is currently listed for sale.) 5745 Old Redwood Highway, Penngrove. 707-795-5118, hopmonk.com/twin-oaks

Lagunitas Taproom

 Lagunitas Brewing Company beer garden
Visitors lounge on the amphitheater lawn before the evening’s concert at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Sink into the trippy scene that is Lagunitas, through and through. The tap room and “beer sanctuary” is a casual spot hidden in the shadows of the brewery complex. There’s great pub grub, a swag-filled gift shop, a small music venue, and the hoppy IPAs that have made them famous. 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 707-284-1020, lagunitas.com

Brewsters Beer Garden

The most beer-garden-y beer garden in Sonoma County. Big enough for an Oktoberfest crowd with loads of picnic tables, live music, plenty of beer (and cocktails), with kids and dogs welcome. Plus, solid eats. 229 Water St., Petaluma. 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com

Brewsters Beer Garden
Brewsters Beer Garden in Petaluma is ready for Oktoberfest on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (Crissy Pascual / Petaluma Argus-Courier)
Old Caz Beer
At Old Caz Beer in Rohnert Park. (Old Caz Beer)

Old Caz

Most breweries are bare-bones places with a funky college-dorm aesthetic and sticky tables — and we like it that way! But Old Caz has upped its game with a swanky new spot with high ceilings, matching chairs, hand-built tables, and usable bathrooms. Wow! The lunchtime bar menu and top-notch food trucks are the cherry on top. Don’t worry, the butt-kicking IPAs keep it real. 1500 Valley House Drive, Suite 110, Rohnert Park. 707-665-6668, oldcaz.com

Russian River Brewing

If there’s a heaven for beer drinkers, it’s at the 85,000-square-foot Russian River brewery in Windsor. Book a guided tour and tasting, then head to the outdoor beer garden where you can choose from roughly 20 signature brews on tap and a full pub menu. The dog- and kid-friendly patio is a great spot to hang out and dream of next year’s release of Pliny the Younger. 700 Mitchell Lane, Windsor. 707-545-2337, russianriverbrewing.com

Amy and Nathan Booth enjoy drinks while taking in the sunset on the patio at Russian River Brewing Company in Windsor. (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)
Amy and Nathan Booth enjoy drinks while taking in the sunset on the patio at Russian River Brewing Company in Windsor. (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)
The Block
The outdoor area of The Block in Petaluma. Photographed on Wednesday, April 17, 2025. (Crissy Pascual/Petaluma Argus-Courier)

The Block

Hidden behind an auto parts store in an industrial part of Petaluma, The Block is a tiny-but-mighty beer garden with nearly 30 taps and a full cocktail menu. Tacos Don Pepe and Jackie Boy’s Barbecue are on a rotating lineup with Fire Slice pizza served six days a week. 20 Grey St., Petaluma. 707-775-6003, theblockpetaluma.com

Tisza Bistro

Tisza Bistro's Beer Garden
At Tisza Bistro’s Beer Garden in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

Though it’s just a handful of stout wooden tables and bistro seats beneath draping twinkle lights and Weihenstephan pennants (Germany’s oldest brewery), Munich is in the air at chef Krisztian Karkus’ German and Central European eatery. Grab a Bavarian pretzel, currywurst, or a Weiner schnitzel sandwich and choose from five German beers on tap, plus cans of Stiegl Radler (grapefruit juice and lager) and malty Korbinian. Prost! 165 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707-291-5193, tiszabistro.com

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Holiday Guests Coming? Here Are 4 Perfect Sonoma County Day Trips https://www.sonomamag.com/best-things-to-do-in-sonoma-county-for-first-time-visitors/ Fri, 22 Nov 2024 23:00:54 +0000 http://www.sonomamag.com/?p=16060

Visitors and locals will love this four-day itinerary featuring some of the best restaurants, wineries and activities Sonoma County has to offer.

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When you live in Sonoma County, you’re never lonely for out-of-town visitors. Family, friends, college roommates, even casual acquaintances are all eager to catch up with you and take in all that the region offers.

Now through New Year’s is high season for house guests, with the number of invading out-of-towners larger than the kids’ gift lists. For local hosts, it can be a challenge deciding where to take restless visitors, especially those on a budget. Farm-to-table restaurants and taquerias are a given. Winery tasting rooms? Natch.

Go any direction in Sonoma County, and you will wind up somewhere intriguing. You’re never far from good food, natural beauty and wine tasting. But with so many choices, we’ve creamed off a few foolproof excursions that will fill up a day and make your guests’ stay in Sonoma County more memorable.

Click through the gallery for a four-day itinerary that includes some not-so-obvious explorations of Sonoma County, guaranteed to please your guests as much as you.

Meg McConahey contributed to this article. 

Take a day trip to Armstrong Woods in Guerneville, Sonoma County
Walk among centuries-old redwoods at Armstrong Woods State Park in Guerneville. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)

Day 1: Into the Armstrong Woods and to the coast

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville is a great place to introduce visitors to the natural superlatives of Sonoma County. Magnificent, 1,200-year-old Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as coastal redwoods, tower in a way that makes humans feel very small and very serene. Redwoods are among the natural wonders of the world and among the planet’s oldest living organisms. And they’re an easy drive from anywhere in the county.

The Armstrong reserve features a 1½-mile, ADA-accessible trail, making this an easy outdoors experience for everyone in your group. Arrive early and with jackets to combat the marine chill. At 7:45 a.m., you’ll find an empty parking lot and the quiet woods, sans Segways and smartphone selfie-taking hordes. By contrast, visitors to Marin’s Muir Woods have to make a reservation.

After an hour among the gentle giants, depart as the parking lot begins to fill. Those arriving have had their breakfast, so now it’s time for yours. Coffee Bazaar in Guerneville provides house-roasted coffee and pastries. Or drive a little farther west, along the Russian River, to Duncans Mills’ Gold Coast Coffee and Bakery.

Luis Algredo bakes fresh pizza at Gold Coast Coffee and Bakery in Duncans Mills on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. (BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat)
Luis Algredo bakes fresh pizza at Gold Coast Coffee and Bakery in Duncans Mills on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. (Beth Schlanker/ The Press Democrat)
PC: The Duncans Mills General Store. 5/18/2003: D1: The Duncans Mills General Store has survived for a century serving its community. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The Duncans Mills General Store has survived for a century serving its community. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Founded in 1877, Duncans Mills is a quaint station on the way to the coast from the river towns, with a charming general store and a depot museum next to where the Northwestern Pacific Railroad once ran. If you still have Christmas shopping to do, then Duncans Mills is a good place to browse. Don’t miss Jim Raidl’s Jim and Willies, a real curiosity shop of quirky antiques and curios with a friendly proprietor.

On the road again, continue west. For some sea air and wide-open ocean views to amaze visitors from land-locked places, stop at the Vista Trail in Jenner at the mouth of the Russian River. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some harbor seals.

After watching waves crash in the fresh sea air, you’ll be ready for the drive south on Highway 1 to Bodega Bay. This is the classic Sonoma Coast scene of crashing waves, and trails along the bluff are accessible to most people. Check out the whimsical wind spinners at Candy & Kites, the colorful array of saltwater taffy at Patrick’s and the Japanese prints at Ren Brown Collection Fine Art Gallery.

Take a day trip to the Sonoma Coast
Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy in Bodega Bay, Wednesday, May 17, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Cinnamon French toast made from Village Bakery brioche topped with butter, fresh whipped cream, organic raspberries and real maple syrup with orange slices, sparkling wine and a cappuccino at Estero Cafe in Valley Ford. (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)
Cinnamon French toast made from Village Bakery brioche topped with butter, fresh whipped cream, organic raspberries and real maple syrup with orange slices, sparkling wine and a cappuccino at Estero Cafe in Valley Ford. (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)

Start heading inland for a hit of Alfred Hitchcock in the tiny town of Bodega. Snap a “The Birds” selfie outside the old Potter School, immortalized in the scene where schoolchildren run screaming and flailing from their classroom. It’s a private residence, so stay on the road. Then swing by the nearby Saint Teresa of Avila Church, also featured in the film.

You’ll be hungry by now. For lunch, consider the Estero Cafe in Valley Ford just a few minutes’ drive away. The restaurant pays homage to local farmers with its hand-lettered chalkboard menus and homestyle food. Its inventive brunches, sandwiches and salads make it one of the county’s top foodie destinations.

Day 2: Healdsburg for the holidays

Start your day by taking in one of the most spectacular gems of Sonoma County — Lake Sonoma. Then head to Healdsburg (a 10-minute drive) for a leisurely breakfast at Costeaux French Bakery.

Avocado Toast with artisan bread, pepitas, hard-boiled eggs, chile flakes, radishes, pickled red onion and pea shoos from chef Jorge Flores at Costeaux Bakery in Healdsburg. Photo taken Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Avocado Toast with artisan bread, pepitas, hard-boiled eggs, chile flakes, radishes, pickled red onion and pea shoos from chef Jorge Flores at Costeaux Bakery in Healdsburg. Photo taken Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Costeaux French Bakery is a frequent winner in baking competitions, and its fresh breads are served in Sonoma restaurants. But not many people know that Costeaux serves great breakfasts and lunches.

After breakfast, let the bookworms and audiophiles in the group browse the fiction, vinyl and CD selection at Levin & Company. Take the stairs to the mezzanine for its collection of local art, jewelry and crafts. Next, visit the antique markets — like Shoffeitt’s Off the Square and Antique Harvest — all within easy walking distance of the plaza.

No Healdsburg visit is complete without a winery stop, or two. Lambert Bridge boasts a tasting room with a large fireplace, making it a cozy place for sipping wines in colder months. The Healdsburg Bubble Bar, nestled in a quaint 1906 Queen Anne Victorian near the plaza, offers a wide assortment of sparkling wines.

Aaron Rosewater, co-owner of Levin & Company, organizes the shelves at his bookstore in Healdsburg on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. (Beth Schlanker/ The Press Democrat)
Aaron Rosewater, co-owner of Levin & Company, organizes the shelves at his bookstore in Healdsburg on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. (Beth Schlanker/ The Press Democrat)
The Bubble Bar tasting room in Healdsburg will focus on champagnes, sparklers, cavas, proseccos and all things bubbles. Photo taken Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The Bubble Bar tasting room in Healdsburg will focus on champagnes, sparklers, cavas, proseccos and all things bubbles. Photo taken Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

As the sun goes down, head to Barndiva for a craft cocktail and dinner, and watch the outdoor lights twinkle over the quirky art on the patio. Don’t miss the eclectic collection of British Cigarette Cards at the Gallery Bar.

Day 3: In search of lost time, and more wine, in Sonoma Valley

Winter is a good time to check out the new museum exhibit in Jack London State Historic Park. Even if it’s too cold or wet to hike, you can take cover in the House of Happy Walls museum dedicated to the great writer and his wife, Charmian.

Right outside the park gate, Benziger Family Winery offers vineyard tram tours that will get you out of the tasting room and among the vines, which have their own sculpted beauty in winter.

Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, Sonoma County
The House of Happy Walls museum at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. (Courtesy Sonoma County Tourism)

Make it an outdoorsy day at Sonoma Botanical Garden, one of Sonoma County’s secret spots. Few travel writers have discovered it, meaning you may have this 20-acre garden of rare Asian plants all to yourself. Easy paths wind past ponds and through dense plantings of trees and shrubs with something of interest in every season. There is a nice gift shop for garden lovers as well as golf cart tours by arrangement for those with mobility problems.

In the town of Sonoma, the walkable square offers places to sip, shop and dine. For celebratory sparkles during the holidays, there’s SIGH Champagne bar. No reservations needed, and they always offer three flights of French, Californian and other tantalizing sparklers. If you have teetotalers or beer drinkers in your party, this is a great tasting room option. They also offer draft beer, regular wine and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as snack-sized bites, both savory and sweet.

Sonoma Plaza offers holiday cheer and attractions for history buffs, from the Sonoma Mission to the barracks and Toscano Hotel, all within two blocks. There’s a big parking lot behind the barracks on First Street East.

Tasca Tasca in Sonoma
Marinated mussels, marinated vegetables, goat stew with fingerling potatoes and fried piri piri potatoes at Tasca Tasca in Sonoma. (Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)

When you’re ready for a bite to eat, consider Tasca Tasca (TT Tapas). Tasca stands for tavern or pub in Portugal. Chef Manuel Azevedo offers updated Portuguese tapas with a fresh Sonoma spin. They’re also open late. Or head down Broadway to HopMonk Tavern for bar bites and beer, washed down with live music on the weekends.

Day 4: Petaluma, Sebastopol and a farm-to-table finale in Forestville

The age of Petaluma, settled in the 1850s, might not impress visitors from Europe, but the downtown’s quaint storefronts, heritage homes and retro memorabilia will make even your English uncle or Swedish aunt melt. But first, start with breakfast at Della Fattoria, one of the country’s finest bread bakers, famous for its Meyer lemon rosemary boule. Try the breakfast toast with ricotta cheese, banana slices, toasted pecans and honey.

Della Breakfast Toast with ricotta cheese, banana slices, toasted pecans, honey and salt at Della Fattoria in Petaluma. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
Della Breakfast Toast with ricotta cheese, banana slices, toasted pecans, honey and salt at Della Fattoria in Petaluma. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
A variety of dishes from Farmstand at Farmhouse Inn in Forestville. (Aubrie Pick)
A variety of dishes from Farmstand at Farmhouse Inn in Forestville. (Aubrie Pick)

Downtown, check out the vintage guitars and mandolins at Tall Toad Music and the 1,800 varieties of heirloom seeds at The Seed Bank, owned by Baker Creek, one of the country’s leading purveyors of heirloom seed.

For the afternoon, get behind the wheel and drive the 17 miles to Sebastopol’s The Barlow. Designed to look like old farm industrial buildings — without the dirt and rust — this marketplace is good for browsing. Watch local makers in action at restaurants, wineries, breweries and cideries, and art, jewelry, glass, crafts, design and clothing studios.

If you want to arrange for a farm-to-table grand finale, you could make reservations at Farmhouse Inn’s upscale but surprisingly low-key Michelin-starred restaurant in Forestville. For a more affordable but still delicious option, Farmhouse Inn’s casual eatery Farmstand serves woodfired dishes and pizza.

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20 Favorite Things to Do by The Russian River https://www.sonomamag.com/things-to-do-russian-river-ca/ https://www.sonomamag.com/things-to-do-russian-river-ca/#disqus_thread Tue, 25 May 2021 20:00:42 +0000 http://www.sonomamag.com/?p=7694

Discover where to stay, play and dine in relaxed Russian River style.

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The pace of the Russian River sets the leisurely tempo of west Sonoma County life. In this laid-back enclave of eccentric cabins, nestled among redwoods and fir-covered hills, you are bound to find your own rhythm. Float down the river with us (and click through the gallery) to discover where to stay, play and dine in relaxed Russian River style.

Getting Here: Access the Russian River area by flying into Santa Rosa’s Charles M. Schultz airport, or drive up Highway 1 from San Francisco. If you’re driving, make a few stops along the coast — Stinson Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay. Do some Birds’ watching in Bodega, then ride up the scenic Bohemian Highway.

Settle In: Make Guerneville the jumping off point for your Russian River expedition — the longtime bohemian refuge of Forestville is just a stone’s throw away, as is the “vacation wonderland” of Monte Rio. Guerneville’s comforting early morning fog, the rolling river and its proximity to the Sonoma Coast make the place a dream destination for those wanting to kick back and get pleasantly lost. Guerneville’s colorful collection of residents, its eclectic variation of visitors and varied array of storefronts reflect the archaeology of the town’s recent history: timber town, then hippie haven, then gay retreat and hip getaway.

Camp in style at AutoCamp, Guerneville: Promising “no-fuss” hospitality, AutoCamp’s mid-century modern glamping site features 24 custom Airstream trailers, ten fully equipped luxury tents and a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired pavilion. Guests can enjoy art installations, bocce courts and other outdoor games, along with speciality bikes, canoes and tennis.

Stay in an eco-friendly oasis at Boon Hotel + Spa, Guerneville: Named after owner Crista Luedtke’s canine companion, Boon offers quintessential Guerneville lodgings — a tasteful blend of old and new. The hotel grounds once housed the local mercury miner community; the hotel has gone through a series of transformations since the 1970s. In 2008, Luedtke created an eco-friendly oasis of minimalist modern cottages that promises to “unclutter your mind and allow your body to rest.”

Get five star treatment with a family feel at Farmhouse Inn, Forestville: Run by brother-and-sister team Catherine and Joe Bartolomei, the Farmhouse Inn offers all the warmth and hospitality of a family-owned B&B while providing the high-end services and amenities of a five star luxury hotel. Located just 8 miles east of Guerneville, the inn houses a Michelin-starred restaurant and offers a variety of accommodations, from high-ceiling barn rooms to bungalow-style heritage rooms.

Camp riverside at Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville: Johnson’s Beach, a Sonoma County summer destination for nearly 100 years, offers a variety of rental accommodations: a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom main lodge overlooking the river, or rustic cabins dating to the 1920s. “Urban camping” at the beach is another popular option.

Relax on the Russian River: If your idea of a river experience is strenuous rafting, you’ve come to the wrong place. The Russian River is best enjoyed by lying lazily back in a canoe, kayak or float tube. Bring a beach blanket and stop to savor the sun at one of the many hidden beaches along the river. For rental river requirements and recommendations, visit Burke’s Canoe Trips in Forestville or King’s Sport and Tackle in Guerneville. Beaches along the Russian River include, in west Sonoma County, Steelhead Beach Regional Park in Forestville, Forestville River Access (Mom’s Beach) and Sunset Beach River Park. In Healdsburg, the Veterans Memorial Beach has lifeguards on duty and picnic areas.

Piknik Town Market: Though Big Bottom Market was sold last year and reopened as Piknik Town Market, new owner Margaret van der Veen assured fans that the Market’s world-famous biscuits are still baked daily. The spot also offers salads, sandwiches, gourmet groceries and picnic provisions, including to-go picnic boxes. 16228 Main St., 707-604-7295, pikniktownmarket.com

Enjoy homemade pastries on the patio at Gold Coast Coffee, Duncans Mills: This cozy coffee shop is located in the historic hamlet Duncans Mills (once a stop on the Northwestern Pacific Railroad to Sausalito). Stop in for a cup of their finest house-roasted coffee and pair it with a homemade pastry baked in the cafe’s wood-fired oven (which also bakes great tasting pizza!) and then enjoy breakfast on the deck.

Breakfast at a hidden gem: Cape Fear Cafe in Duncans Mills is on of “the best hidden gem restaurants” in Sonoma County, according to dining editor Heather Irwin. If you’re craving some California cuisine with southern flair for breakfast, we recommend pairing the Charleston Benedict — grilled shrimp and prosciutto, two poached eggs and lemon Hollandaise — with a classic Mimosa.

Have pies and ice cream at Guerneville Bank Club: The restored Guerneville Bank Club (circa 1921) offers an interesting mix of art shows, handcrafted pies, homemade ice cream and home accessories. The pies are baked at Chile Pies Baking Co. in a variety of flavors: strawberry rhubarb, apricot cherry, or the signature chile apple pie. The ice cream is the work of Nimble & Finn’s: flavors include lavender honeycomb and Meyer lemon olive oil with chocolate chunks.

Pick up picnic provisions at Big Bottom Market, Guerneville: An institution on Guerneville’s Main Street, this market offers a mix of vintage and modern sensibilities. Think gourmet deli meets farmer’s market meets modern day general store — add in owner Crista Luedtke’s “lumberjack chic” signature style and you get the picture. This is your one-stop-shop for picnic provisions: from the vintage basket to locally sourced cheeses, breads, meats, wines and brews.

Sip some Russian River Valley wine: The Russian River Valley is known for cool climate pinot noir and chardonnay — favorite wineries to visit include Gary Farrell Winery in Healdsburg (pictured), Ryme Cellars in Forestville (actress Elizabeth Olsen’s favorite spot) and Hartford Family Winery, also in Forestville. Here are 5 more must-visit wineries between Forestville and Sebastopol.

Sip on a cold one at Stumptown: The real gem at this Guerneville brewery, aside from the great beers, is the expansive outdoor deck, overlooking the Russian River. Spend a sunny Saturday sipping on a beer sampler or the “Donkey Punch,” a refreshing hoppy lager with a kick and a thick body. A great pit stop on the way to the river or the coast.

Enjoy bistro fare, California style, at Boon Eat + Drink, Guerneville: A year after opening Boon Hotel + Spa, Crista Luedtke launched this Guerneville bistro which pairs modern California cuisine with Boon’s pared-down decor and minimalist philosophy. The proof of her success can be seen in the lines that form on the sidewalk outside the restaurant.

Order cannolis at Canneti Roadhouse Italiana, Forestville: Canneti chef Francesco Torre grew up sampling his grandma Fina’s cooking in the Tuscan coastal town of Massa. Like Grandma Fina, Torres puts a lot of love into every plate he prepares; the locally sourced menu showcases food akin to the rustic variety that he enjoyed in his childhood.

Named after Via de Canetti, a winding rural road in Torres’ childhood Tuscany, Canneti’s decor is roadhouse simple, almost industrial: rough brick walls, farmhouse wood tables and chairs. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, and there’s patio in the back for a relaxed meal beneath the trees.

Browse Guerneville Main Street stores (and side streets): Rustic, renovated and retro storefronts line Guerneville’s Main Street and make it an eclectic shopper’s paradise. Start with a visit to Sonoma Nesting Company to pick up some local treasures for your home, then head on to dime store institution 5 & 10 for cheaper “collectibles” and Second’s First for some vintage clothing.

Go foraging through the Forestville Farmers Market: Starting June 1, every Tuesday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., the Forestville Farmer’s Market livens up the sleepy downtown with local produce, artisanal products, baked goods, arts, crafts, drinks, live music and dancing. A nice place to relax and recharge after a day on the river, sipping on a local brew under the oak trees.

See natural pieces of art at Goat Rock State Beach: Just south of the point where the Russian River meets the Pacific, this Sonoma Coast gem offers the kind of scenic beauty that only the powerful forces of nature can create: wild waves crashing against promontories have carved the rocky coastal landscape into abstract shapes and forms. Among these rugged structures are natural arches formed by the force of water eroding weaker strata of the rock formations.

Watch the sunset at River’s End, Jenner: Finally, as a romantic finale to your Russian River retreat, dine in style where the river meets the sea and watch the sun set on the Western horizon. The website URL for River’s End restaurant and inn is, very suitably, ilovesunsets.com.

Stroll among gentle giants: Avoid Muir Woods’ instagramming tourists by experiencing the majesty of the redwoods in Armstrong Woods’ relatively remote location near Guerneville. Magnificent, 1,200-year-old Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as coastal redwoods, tower in a way that makes humans feel very small and very serene.

Watch a Civil War redux at Duncan Mills: Each year in July, hundreds of people gather in the Sonoma summer sun to march in itchy wool uniforms. Touted as the largest event of its kind in Northern California, this Duncan Mills extravaganza allows you to watch an authentic Civil War battle reenactment (on a carefully mown battlefield) while enjoying other great vacation attractions in the area. You’re welcome to put down your musket at any time to pick up some provisions at the onsite hot dog shack.

Don your Stetson at the River Rodeo: If you’d prefer watching cowboys wrestling calfs and riding bulls than soldiers marching in the mud, check out the top notch professional Russian River Rodeo held in Duncan Mills June 20-21.

Rainbow Cattle Co.: “The Rainbow,” as locals call it, has been a Guerneville fixture since the late 1970s. The LGBTQ+ community gathering spot is one of only a few Sonoma County bars that remain open until early morning hours, closing at 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 16220 Main St., 707-869-0206, queersteer.com

Korbel Champagne Cellars: As the only Champagne producers in the Bay Area since the late 1800s, Korbel has earned a reputation in the county for its old world charm and first-class bubbles. The winery’s Champagne even made it to the table at former president Barack Obama’s inaugural luncheon, a Korbel tradition for presidential inaugurations dating back to the 1980s. Korbel offers free walking tours of its historic museum and cellars, which includes a complimentary Champagne tasting. 13250 River Road, 707-824-7000, korbel.com

Dawn Ranch: This classic river resort reopened Memorial Day weekend after a luxury revamp last year, and already this spring it was named in Esquire’s “41 Best New Hotels in North America and Europe 2024.” 16467 Highway 116, 707-869-0656, dawnranch.com

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Chef Dustin Valette’s New Healdsburg Restaurant Coming Into View https://www.sonomamag.com/healdsburg-natives-new-restaurant-coming-into-view/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 19:31:50 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=81305

The three-story space on the Healdsburg Plaza will include an upscale dining room, a bar and an 88-bottle self-serve wine wall on the first floor.

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It takes some imagination (and an architect’s drawing) to fully appreciate the vision Chef Dustin Valette has for his soon-to-be-completed new restaurant concept, The Matheson, but it is certainly coming together in a spectacular way.

From the soaring ceilings that invoke wine-barrel staves to the still-wrapped Mugniani pizza oven and still-under-construction open kitchen where Valette and Ken Tominaga (of Hana Japanese Restaurant) will cook, it is the Healdsburg native’s dream project come to life.

The three-story space on the Healdsburg Plaza will include an upscale dining room, a bar and an 88-bottle self-serve wine wall on the first floor (similar to the Barlow’s Region). A small mezzanine is prime real estate for its view of the dining room. The upper level, Roof 106, is a casual, lounge-y indoor-outdoor area with a second bar, pizza oven and patio.

Though there was some initial push back over the size of The Matheson when it was first proposed, capacity is spread throughout the building, with about 85 seats in the dining room (at 100% capacity) and 42 on the rooftop patio.

But it is the almost childlike glee that Valette expresses about each tiny detail — the Hestan range in Matador red, the hexagonal tiles that match the bee theme upstairs — that makes even a hard-hat tour fun.

Like Valette’s namesake Healdsburg restaurant, The Matheson has a family history as one of the bakery spaces once used by his immigrant great-grandfather.

“We wanted to keep this place and make it live on. This is so much bigger than me. The Matheson is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something bigger than yourself,” Valette said.

With plans to use small artisan producers like Lou Preston, Valette said the space will tell a story.

“This is the evolution of Healdsburg. It’s something we need right now. I hope people will come and get excited about Wine Country again,” he said.

The Matheson, at 106 Matheson St., in Healdsburg, is slated to open in late spring. thematheson.com

Hot Chix Coming to Santa Rosa: The Union Hotel on Mission in Santa Rosa is launching a Nashville-style fried chicken pop-up starting March 1, available for pickup and delivery only.

Owner Daniel Gonnella was inspired to create a California-meets-Tennessee fried chicken sandwich with five levels of heat — mild, medium, hot and Call Yo’ Mama, considered “too hot for the sober gentleman,” according to Gonnella.

They’ll also have chicken tenders, a whole fried chicken, mac and cheese, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, baked beans and cornbread, along with waffle strips with maple-Bourbon dipping sauce (now there’s a breakfast of champions).

How’s the sandwich? You’ll never eat at Chick-fil-A again. Franco American bun, coleslaw, fresh pickles and crispy fried chicken with just a little burn (medium) and a whole lot of sass — mine didn’t make it home. Details at hotchixsantarosa.com

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Bernie Sanders Meme Pops Up All Over Sonoma County https://www.sonomamag.com/bernie-meme-sonoma-county/ Fri, 22 Jan 2021 23:59:23 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=80411

Sonoma County is joining in on the fun by photoshopping the bundled up U.S. senator into all kinds of local scenes.

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A bundled up Bernie Sanders has turned into a meme following the U.S. senator’s appearance at Wednesday’s presidential inauguration. Huddled in a chair and dressed in a thick gray coat from Vermont-based brand Burton and homemade patterned mittens, Sanders looked comfortably snug in the D.C. cold — and the internet loved the look. (The Burton jacket is now sold out – but the company posted on Twitter how to “steal the look”)

“I was just sitting there, trying to keep warm, trying to pay attention to what was going on,” explained the Vermont senator when asked about his reaction to the meme on Late Night.

The much-meme’d mittens, given to Sanders by Jen Ellis, a second-grade teacher in Vermont, have an interesting story. Ellis made the mittens from an old wool sweater and sent them to Sanders after he lost the bid for the Democratic nomination in 2016. She told The Washington Post that she felt honored the senator wore them at the inauguration. “There were people at the inauguration wearing clothing from world-famous designers. Then there was Bernie, wearing my mittens,” she said.

Sonoma County businesses are now joining in on the fun by photoshopping the practically-dressed Sanders into all kinds of scenes and posting these on social media. Click through the above gallery for a few favorites.

If you’d like to make your own version of the Bernie meme, this website edits the senator into any address. You can now also order a sweatshirt with the meme from Sanders’ website. 100% of the proceeds will go toward Meals on Wheels Vermont.

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Weekend Getaway: 12 Things to Do in Healdsburg https://www.sonomamag.com/things-to-do-in-healdsburg/ https://www.sonomamag.com/things-to-do-in-healdsburg/#disqus_thread Wed, 21 Aug 2019 21:00:40 +0000 http://www.sonomamag.com/?p=26108

Healdsburg has been a hot destination for more than 100 years. Here's how to make the most of the city today.

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Weekend Getaway: 12 Things to Do in Petaluma https://www.sonomamag.com/things-to-do-in-petaluma/ https://www.sonomamag.com/things-to-do-in-petaluma/#disqus_thread Fri, 16 Aug 2019 16:00:56 +0000 http://www.sonomamag.com/?p=24027

Once known as the "Egg Capital of the World," Petaluma is all it's cracked up to be.

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Carey Sweet contributed to this article. 

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Russian River and More: Best Sonoma Breweries and Bars for a Sudsy Summer https://www.sonomamag.com/best-sonoma-breweries-and-beer-venues-for-summer/ Tue, 02 Jul 2019 22:00:59 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=43879

Sip on a cold one on a shaded patio or at a lively bar. We’ve lined up a few favorite beer venues for summer fun.

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Summer is kicking into gear in Sonoma County. Time to sip on a cold one on a shaded patio or at a lively bar – we’ve lined up a few favorite beer venues for summer fun. Added bonus: we asked each spot for a summer brew recommendation. Click through the above gallery for details.

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Best Late Night Restaurants in Sonoma County, 2019 https://www.sonomamag.com/places-to-eat-in-sonoma-county-after-9pm/ Thu, 21 Mar 2019 21:00:44 +0000 http://www.sonomamag.com/?p=9287

Sometimes hunger calls after hours. Here's a helping of local spots to satisfy your late-night munchies.

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March 2019. We may not be New York or Los Angeles, where plenty of late-night eats are available until the wee hours. We do, however, have a heaping handful of spots in Sonoma County that stay open until 10p.m. — some even later.

Click through the gallery above for all the details.

As always, call ahead if you’re really starving, because late-night eats aren’t always consistent depending on days of the week and different seasons.

Josephine Clements and Maci Martell contributed to this article. 

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Two Sonoma County Breweries Named Among 100 Best Brewers in the World by RateBeer https://www.sonomamag.com/two-sonoma-county-breweries-named-among-100-best-brewers-in-the-world-by-ratebeer/ https://www.sonomamag.com/two-sonoma-county-breweries-named-among-100-best-brewers-in-the-world-by-ratebeer/#disqus_thread Fri, 01 Feb 2019 19:24:11 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=40748

Sonoma County's craft beer scene has taken yet another step to solidify the area as one of the best places in the world for beer.

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As thousands of beer-lovers from around the world descend on Sonoma County for the annual release of Pliny the Younger, there’s yet another reason to brag about our booming beer scene. Local breweries Russian River Brewing Company (Santa Rosa and Windsor) and Lagunitas (Petaluma) were just named among the top 100 breweries in the world by beer review website RateBeer, coming in at number two and 100 respectively.

The brewery ranking, released since 2001, is based on aggregated online reviews by thousands of beer enthusiasts (RateBeer receives over one million reviews annually). This marks the 12th year that Russian River Brewing Company’s (RRBC) made the top-100 list, and it’s the highest ranking yet for the brewery, beating out their number four position in 2013. Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro, Vermont, took the first spot this year.

“It is a huge honor to be recognized as one of the best breweries in the world after all these years,” shares Natalie Cilzuro, Russian River Brewing Company owner and co-president.

Best known for super hoppy brews, Russian River Brewing Company is considered one of the most trendsetting and cutting edge breweries in the country. Brewmaster and co-owner Vinnie Cilzuro created one of the first commercially brewed Double and Imperial IPAs in the country, including Pliny the Elder, which was named one of the top 100 beers in the world this year by RateBeer alongside the brewery’s Consecration and Supplication ales.

Cilzuro credits RateBeer as having helped made Russian River beers among the most coveted in America, including cult favorite Pliny the Younger.

Russian River Brewing Company has been the only Sonoma County brewery to come in almost annually within the top 10 on the list, amid growing competition from an ever-expanding number of Sonoma County breweries. When the brewery was founded in 1997, there were less than a handful in the area.

“With so many young, popular breweries around,” says Cilzuro, “it is nice to know that we are still relevant to hard-core beer enthusiasts.”

Lagunitas Brewing Company, based in Petaluma and now owned by Heineken, squeezed into the list this year at number 100.

Best known for easy drinking IPA-centric session beers, Lagunitas has ranked in the top 100 every year since the RateBeer awards launched in 2001. The brewery’s highest ranking was in 2003 when they came in on number 39 and 19 in the Best North American Brewers category (now long gone due to the rise of craft beer in the United States).

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