I'm planning a vacation this fall to the redwood forest area of California— any suggestions?
Kishiwada It’ll be just my husband and I and we would like to do some hiking and visit a winery in the area. Any suggestions of what hike or winery or where to stay would be great! We’ll be there less than a week and it’ll be in September. Thanks!
on 25 Nov 2013 | Cabins | Comments (2)
2 Responses
Chris H
25 Nov 2013
MARK
25 Nov 2013
As Chris had mentioned above, there are a lot of attractions in Sonoma county as he said. Although personally, I would avoid Guernville. But when you want to drink California’s finest wines, come over the hill to the Napa Valley. There are wineries all over. There is only 1 motel in St. Helena called the El Bonita but I think they have about a 15 year waiting list. There are several motels in Calistoga. Also Napa is 18 miles from St. Helena and is a pretty big town with lots of Motels & hotels. The Napa Valley really isn’t known much for hiking. Although, you could go to the Redwood Petrified Forest off of HWY 29 out of Calistoga. As you drive through the Napa Valley, you will see wineries everywhere. V. Satui is a popular winery in St. Helena. It’s nicely landscaped with picnic tables and you can buy just about anything you might want to eat there for a picnic. Keep in mind, September is typically the hottest month of the year in the valley. So, keep that in mind. Have a great time.
Check out recent articles on Guerneville in the New York Times and Sunset Magazines. It is the home of Korbel Champagne, lies along the Russian River and is bordered by Armstrong Woods State Park where you can hike for miles and enjoy the wonder of towering redwoods of immense girth. September is normally one of the best months of the year here so kayaking and river activities are still in full swing. Within 30 miles you will find at least 50 wineries of note as well as smaller vineyards that are fairly unknown except to locals. It is about 30 minutes drive to the coast where to the south you will find Bodega Bay and great sea food, Tomales Bay with more great sea food and to the north, Fort Bragg and the Mendocino Coast. For lodging, I would suggest a vacation home on the river or a secluded cottage in Monte Rio or Cazadero. If you google Russian River there will be an abundance of web sites to explore. By far the best known with varied inventories/locations is Russian River Getaways. If you prefer a hotel setting, I would recommend Fern Grove. Each cottage is rather unique, well appointed and roomy. The West Sonoma Inn is also nice. To me, Boon’s is a bit out of the way and over-priced although their restaurant, which is in town, is very good. Guerneville is a very liberal town, so you may want to inquire about the percentage of gay clientele before making a reservation if that matters to you. For instance, the R3 Hotel is pretty much 99% gay and mostly male whereas the Highland Resorts is a better mix but it allows nudity. Your choice. Enjoy.